Downloading Cisco Network Assistant

Cisco Network Assistant is a software program that you download from Cisco.com and run on your PC. It offers advanced options for configuring and monitoring multiple devices, including switches, switch clusters, switch stacks, routers, and access points. Network Assistant is free—there is no charge to download, install, or use it.

Follow these steps:

1.Go to this Web address: http://www.cisco.com/go/NetworkAssistant.

You must be a registered Cisco.com user, but you need no other access privileges.

2.Find the Network Assistant installer.

3.Download the Network Assistant installer, and run it. (You can run it directly from the Web if your browser offers this choice.)

4.When you run the installer, follow the displayed instructions. In the final panel, click Finish to complete the Network Assistant installation.

Refer to the Network Assistant online help and the getting started guide for more information.

Command-Line Interface

You can enter Cisco IOS commands and parameters through the CLI. Access the CLI by connecting your PC directly to the switch console port or to the Ethernet management port.

Using the switch console port:

Follow these steps:

1.Connect the supplied RJ-45-to DB-9 adapter cable to the standard 9-pin serial port on the PC. Connect the other end of the cable to the console port on the switch.

2.Start a terminal-emulation program on the PC.

3.Configure the PC terminal emulation software for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no flow control.

4.Use the CLI to enter commands to configure the switch. See the software configuration guide and the command reference for more information.