4-2
Catalyst 2950 and Catalyst 2955 Switch Software Configuration Guide
OL-10101-02
Chapter 4 Assigning the Switch IP Address and Default Gateway
Assigning Switch Information
The boot loader provides access to the flash file system before the operating system is loaded. Normally,
the boot loader is used only to load, uncompress, and launch the operating system. After the boot loader
gives the operating system control of the CPU, the boot loader is not active until the next system reset
or power on.
The boot loader also provides trap-door access into the system if the operating system has problems so
serious that it cannot be used. The trap-door mechanism provides enough access to the system so that if
it is necessary, you can format the flash file system, re-install the operating system software image by
using the XMODEM Protocol, recover from a lost or forgotten password, and finally restart the operating
system. For more information, see the “Recovering from a Software Failure” section on page 31-2, the
“Recovering from Lost or Forgotten Passwords on Non-LRE Catalyst 2950 Switches” section on
page 31-2, the “Recovering from Lost or Forgotten Passwords on Catalyst 2950 LRE Switches” section
on page 31-4, and the “Recovering from Lost or Forgotten Passwords on Catalyst 2955 Switches”
section on page 31-7.
Before you can assign switch information, make sure you have connected a PC or terminal to the console
port, and configured the PC or terminal-emulation software baud rate and character format to match
these of the switch console port:
• Baud rate default is 9600.
• Data bits default is 8.
• Stop bits default is 1.
• Parity settings default is none.
Note If you are using Express Setup, do not connect any devices to the switch before starting Express Setup.
See your switch hardware installation guide for more information.
Note The Catalyst 2955 switches do not support Express Setup.
Assigning Switch Information
You can assign IP information through the switch Express Setup program, through the
command-line-interface (CLI)-based setup program, through a DHCP server, or manually by using the
CLI. If you are an experienced user familiar with the switch configuration steps, manually configure the
switch. Otherwise, use one of the setup programs.
Note The Catalyst 2955 switches do not support Express Setup.
Non-LRE Catalyst 2950 switches running a release prior to Cisco IOS Release 12.1(14)EA1 and
Catalyst 2950 LRE switches running a release prior to Cisco IOS Release 12.1(19)EA1 do not support
Express Setup.
Use the switch Express Setup or CLI-based setup program if you want to be prompted for specific IP
information. With these programs, you can also configure a default gateway, a host name, and a switch
(enable secret) password. You also have the option of assigning a Telnet password (to provide security
during remote management) and enabling Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The