CHAPTER
1-1
Catalyst2950 Desktop Switch Software Configuration Guide
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1
Overview
This chapter provides these topics about the Catalyst2950 switch software:
Features, page 1-1
Management Options, page 1-5
Network Configuration Examples, page 1-7
Where to Go Next, page 1-17

Features

The Catalyst 2950 software supports the switches listed in the Purpose section on page xxiii and in the
release notes. This section describes the features supported in this release:
Note Some features require that you have the enhanced software image (EI) installed on your switch. For a
list of the switches that support the EI, see the Purpose section on pagexxiii, or refer to the release
notes for this release.
Ease of Use and Ease of Deployment
Cluster Management Suite (CMS) software for simplifying switch and switch cluste r ma nag eme nt
through a web browser, such as Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, from
anywhere in your intranet
Switch clustering technology used with CMS for
Unified configuration, monitoring, authentication, and software upgrade of multiple switches
(refer to the release notes for a list of eligible cluster members).
Automatic discovery of candidate switches and creation of clusters of up to 16 switches that can
be managed through a single IP address.
Extended discovery of cluster candidates that are not directly co nnected to the command switch.
Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) for command-switch redundancy. The redundant command
switches used for HSRP must have compatible software releases.
Note See the Advantages of Using CMS and Clustering Switches section on page1-6. Refer to t he
release notes for the CMS, cluster hardware, software, and br owser req uire men ts.