Chapter 2 Switch Installation

Powering the Switch and Connecting Devices

The switch 10/100 and 10/100/1000 port default setting is autonegotiate. If the attached device does not support autonegotiation, you can explicitly set the speed and duplex parameters. After connecting the cable, the port LED turns green when both the switch and the connected device have established a link.

Connecting to the 10/100 Inline Power Ports

You can connect the Catalyst 3550-24PWR switch to a Cisco IP Phone through a straight-through, twisted four-pair Category 5 cable. The rear panel of the Cisco IP Phone might have more than one RJ-45 connector. Use the LAN-to-phone connector to connect the IP phone to the Catalyst 3550-24PWR switch.

You can configure the 10/100 ports on the Catalyst 3550-24PWR switch to either automatically provide inline power when a Cisco IP Phone or a Cisco Aironet Access Point is connected or to never provide inline power even if an IP phone or an access point is connected. The default setting is Auto.

Warning Voltages that present a shock hazard can exist on inline power circuits if interconnections are made

by using uninsulated exposed metal contacts, conductors, or terminals. Avoid using such interconnection methods unless the exposed metal parts are in a restricted access location and users and service people who are authorized to access the location are made aware of the hazard. A restricted access area can be accessed only through the use of a special tool, lock and key, or other means of security. Statement 1072

Caution It takes a Catalyst 3550-24PWR 10/100 port up to 10 seconds to initially detect, power up, and link to a Cisco IP Phone. If you disconnect the Cisco IP Phone before link is established, you must wait 10 seconds before connecting another network device (other than another IP phone) to that switch port. Failure to do so can result in damage to that network device.

You also can connect the Cisco IP Phone or Cisco Aironet Access Point to a Catalyst 3550-24PWR 10/100 port and to an AC power source for redundant power. The power source to which the external device is first connected becomes its primary power source, and the second power source is its backup. If the primary source fails, the second power source becomes the primary power source to the device. During the power transfer, the device might reboot or reestablish link with the switch.

For information about Cisco IP Phones and Cisco Aironet Access Points, see the documentation that came with your IP phone or access point.

Connecting to 100BASE-FX Ports

Caution To prevent ESD damage, follow your normal board and component handling procedures when connecting to the 100BASE-FX ports.

The 100BASE-FX ports operate only at 100 Mbps and support both full- and half-duplex mode. The half-duplex mode is the default setting. Autonegotiation is not supported.

To connect to a 100BASE-FX port, remove the rubber plug from the port and the rubber cap from the MT-RJ patch cable. Store for future use. Insert the cable in the port, and insert the other cable end in an SC or ST connector on the target device. The port LED turns green when both the switch and the connected device have established a link.

Catalyst 3550 Switch Hardware Installation Guide

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Cisco Systems 3550 manual Connecting to the 10/100 Inline Power Ports, Connecting to 100BASE-FX Ports
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3550 specifications

Cisco Systems 3550 is a series of enterprise-class multilayer switches that have gained popularity in both enterprise and service provider networks. Introduced in the early 2000s, the 3550 series was designed to meet the increasing demand for advanced networking capabilities, including Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, making it suitable for various network environments.

A standout feature of the Cisco 3550 is its support for advanced Layer 3 switching capabilities. This means it can perform routing functions similar to traditional routers while maintaining the speed and efficiency of a switch. The 3550 facilitates IP routing, enabling enhanced communication among different subnets without the need for additional routing devices.

The Cisco 3550 series is equipped with a range of ports, typically providing up to 48 Ethernet 10/100 ports and optional Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring scalability and flexibility in various network designs. The switches support Power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing the delivery of electrical power through Ethernet cables to connected devices, such as IP phones and wireless access points, streamlining installations and reducing cable management complexity.

Quality of Service (QoS) is another essential feature of the Cisco 3550. The switch supports advanced QoS mechanisms, which provide the ability to prioritize traffic. This is crucial in environments where bandwidth is limited, as it ensures that time-sensitive applications, like VoIP and video conferencing, receive sufficient bandwidth to function optimally.

In terms of security, the Cisco 3550 includes features such as access control lists (ACLs), port security, and VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). These features help in segmenting network traffic and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information, thereby enhancing network security.

The Cisco 3550 is highly regarded for its robustness and reliability, making it a suitable choice for various organizations looking to maintain high availability in their networking environments. Its management capabilities include support for Cisco's IOS software, which offers a command-line interface for configuration, as well as options for SNMP and web-based management tools.

Overall, the Cisco Systems 3550 series is well-regarded for its multilayer switching capabilities, comprehensive feature set, and versatility in meeting the diverse needs of modern networking, making it a favored solution for businesses aiming to build efficient and secure network infrastructures.
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