This chapter explains the methods that you can use to configure management access to the Switch. It
describes the types of management applications and the communication and management protocols that
deliver data between your management device (work-station or personal computer) and the system. It
also contains information about port connection options.
This chapter covers the following topics:
Management Access Overview
Key Concepts
Key Guidelines for Implementation
Administration Console Access
Web Management Access
SNMP Access
Standards, Protocols, and Related Reading
3.1 Management Access Overview
The Switch gives you the flexibility to access and manage the Switch using any or all of the following
methods:
An administration console
Web browser interface
An external SNMP-based network management application
The administration console and Web browser interface support are embedded in the Switch software and
are available for immediate use. Each of these management methods has their own advantages. Table
3-1 compares the three management methods.
Method
Advantages
‧No IP address or subnet needed
Console
‧Text-based
‧Telnet functionality and HyperTerminal
built into Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP
operating systems
‧Secure
‧Ideal for configuring the switch remotely
Web
‧Compatible with all popular browsers
Browser
‧Can be accessed from any location
3. CONFIGURATION
Disadvantages
‧Must be near switch or use dial-up
connection
‧Not convenient for remote users
‧Modem connection may prove to be
unreliable or slow
‧Security can be compromised
(hackers need only know the IP address
and subnet mask)