1-6
Catalyst2950 Desktop Switch Software Configuration Guide
78-11380-05
Chapter1 Overview
Management Options
Management Interface Options
You can configure and monitor individual switches and switch clusters by using these interfaces:
•CMS—CMS is a graphical user interface that can be launched fr om a nywhere in yo ur net work
through a web browser such as Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Expl ore r. CMS is
already installed on the switch. Using CMS, you can configure and mon itor a st anda lon e swit ch, a
specific cluster member, or an entire switch cluster. You can also display network topologies to
gather link information and display switch images to modify switch and port level settings.
For more information about CMS, see Chapter 3, “Getting Started with CMS.”
•CLI—The switch IOS CLI software is enhanced to support desktop-switching features. You can
configure and monitor the switch and switch cluster members from the CLI. You can access the CLI
either by connecting your management station directly to the switch console po rt or by using Telnet
from a remote management station.
For more information about the CLI, see Chapter2, “Using the Command-Line Inter face. ”
•IE2100—Cisco Intelligence Engine 2100 Series Configuration Registrar is a network management
device that works with embedded CNS Agents in the switch software. You can automate initial
configurations and configuration updates by generating switch-specific con figurat ion ch anges ,
sending them to the switch, executing the configuration change, and logging the results.
For more information about IE2100, see Chapter 5, “Configuring IE2100 CNS Agents.”
•SNMP—SNMP provides a means to monitor and control the switch and switch cluster members.
You can manage switch configuration settings, performance, and security and collect stat ist ics by
using SNMP management applications such as CiscoWorks2000 LAN Management Suite (LMS)
and HP OpenView.
You can manage the switch from an SNMP-compatible management station that is running
platforms such as HP OpenView or SunNet Manager. The switch supports a comprehensive set of
MIB extensions and four RMON groups.
For more information about using SNMP, see the Chapter23, “Configuring SNMP.”
Advantages of Using CMS and Clustering Switches
Using CMS and switch clusters can simplify and minimize your configuration and monitoring tasks. You
can use Cisco switch clustering technology to manage up to 16 interconnected and supported Catalyst
switches through one IP address as if they were a single entity. This can conserve IP addresses if you
have a limited number of them. CMS is the easiest interface to use and makes switch and switch cluster
management accessible to authorized users from any PC on your network.
By using switch clusters and CMS, you can:
•Manage and monitor interconnected Catalyst switches (refer to the release notes for a list of
supported switches), regardless of their geographic proximity and interconnection me dia, including
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Fast EtherChannel, Cisco GigaStack Gigabit Int erfac e Co nverter (GBIC),
Gigabit Ethernet, and Gigabit EtherChannel connections.
•Accomplish multiple configuration tasks from a single CMS window without needing to remember
CLI commands to accomplish specific tasks.