38CHAPTER 3: SETTING UP FOR MANAGEMENT

Viewing IP Information via the Console Port

You are now ready to view the automatically allocated IP information using the command line interface.

1Connect your Switch to the network using an Ethernet cable. As soon as a network connection is made the Switch begins the automatic IP configuration process.

The automatic IP configuration process usually completes within one minute.

If there is no response from a DHCP server within 30 seconds, the Auto-IP configuration mechanism attempts to allocate the default IP address 169.254.100.100. If this address is not available, it then allocates an IP address in the range of 169.254.x.y (where x is in the range 1 to 254, and y is in the range 0 to 255).

2The command line interface login sequence begins as soon as the Switch detects a connection to its console port.

If the login prompt does not begin immediately, press Return a few times until it starts.

3At the login and password prompts, enter admin as your user name and press Return at the password prompt. If you have logged on correctly, the top-level menu of the command line interface is displayed as shown in the example in Figure 9.

Figure 9 Example top-level command line interface menu

4At the Select menu option prompt enter the protocol ip interface summary command. At the Select IP interfaces prompt enter all. A summary of the automatically allocated IP information is displayed. Make a note of the Network IP Address.

Page 38
Image 38
3Com 3C172203, 3C17204 manual Viewing IP Information via the Console Port, Example top-level command line interface menu

3C17204, 3C172203 specifications

The 3Com 3C172203 and 3C17204 are part of the 3Com series of networking products that have made significant contributions to local area networks (LANs) and enterprise connectivity. While they may not be as widely recognized today as newer technologies, their features, technologies, and characteristics played an essential role in enhancing network performance and reliability during their peak usage.

One of the defining features of the 3Com 3C172203 and 3C17204 is their support for Ethernet networking, which was pivotal in establishing fast and reliable communication between devices on a network. These products typically supported both 10Base-T and 100Base-TX standards, providing a flexible transition from older networks to faster Ethernet speeds. This backward compatibility ensured that organizations could upgrade their networks incrementally without needing a complete overhaul, thereby preserving their existing investments in infrastructure.

Both models also supported features designed to optimize network performance and provide enhanced management capabilities. For instance, built-in diagnostic features enabled network administrators to troubleshoot connection issues more effectively, thereby reducing downtime. Additionally, these devices incorporated intelligent switching capabilities that could manage data flow efficiently, prioritizing traffic and optimizing available bandwidth to ensure a smooth user experience, even under heavy load.

In terms of physical design, the 3C172203 and 3C17204 were built with a focus on durability. These units often featured robust metal enclosures suitable for various environments, from office spaces to more demanding industrial settings. Furthermore, their compact design allowed for easy integration into existing network setups without requiring significant rack space, making them an attractive option for enterprises looking to maximize their networking capabilities.

Security features were also a consideration in the design of these networking devices. They implemented basic security protocols to safeguard the integrity of data transmitted across the network, ensuring that unauthorized access was minimized and overall network security was enhanced.

In conclusion, the 3Com 3C172203 and 3C17204 represent an era of networking technology characterized by their support for Ethernet standards, intelligent switching capabilities, robust design, and essential management features. These products were integral in facilitating the growth of LANs and laid the groundwork for the advanced networking solutions that followed in the years ahead. While newer technologies have emerged since then, the fundamental principles established by devices like the 3C172203 and 3C17204 continue to influence contemporary networking designs.