Getting Started | 11 |
Chapter 2
Getting Started
The Rapier switch is supplied with default settings which allow it to operate immediately as a switch, without any configuration. Even if this is all you want to use the switch for, you should still gain access to the switch configuration, if only to change the manager password to prevent unauthorised access.
To take advantage of the full range of advanced Layer 2 switching features, the switch configuration must be changed. Layer 3 routing capabilities may also require detailed configuration. The switch has both a Command Line Interface (CLI) and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for configuration and management. Before you can use the GUI, you will need to login to the switch and use its CLI to allocate an IP address.
Simple Switching
If all you want the switch to do is switch traffic on your LAN, you need not perform any configuration. Simply power up the switch and connect devices to the switch ports. Switch learning is enabled by default, and all valid packets will be forwarded (“Layer 2 Switching Process” on page 43).
Command Line Interface
To use the command line interface (CLI) for configuring the switch, the first thing you need to do after physically installing the switch is to start a terminal session to access the switch (see Table 1 and the Rapier Switch Quick Install Guide).
To start a terminal session, do one of the following:
■Connect a
■Connect the COM port of a PC running terminal emulation software such as Windows Terminal or HyperTerminal to the
Rapier Switch Software Release 2.2.1
