Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

Diagnosing Problems

Switch Connections

Bad or Damaged Cable

Always examine the cable for marginal damage or failure. A cable might be just good enough to connect at the physical layer, but it could corrupt packets as a result of subtle damage to the wiring or connectors. You can identify this situation because the port has many packet errors or the port constantly flaps (loses and regains link).

Exchange the copper or fiber-optic cable with a known good cable.

Look for broken or missing pins on cable connectors.

Rule out any bad patch panel connections or media convertors between the source and destination. If possible, bypass the patch panel or eliminate media convertors (fiber-optic-to-copper).

Try the cable in another port to see if the problem follows the cable.

For Catalyst 3850 switch StackWise cable, remove and inspect the cable and StackWise port for bent pins or damaged connectors. If the StackWise cable is bad, replace it with a known good cable.

Ethernet and Fiber Cables

Make sure that you have the correct cable:

For Ethernet, use Category 3 copper cable for 10 Mbps UTP connections. Use either Category 5, Category 5e, or Category 6 UTP for 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Mbps connections.

Verify that you have the correct fiber-optic cable for the distance (100 meters or less) and port type. Make sure that the connected device ports match and use the same type encoding, optical frequency, and fiber type. For more information about cabling, see the “SFP and SFP+ Module Cable Specifications” section on page B-5.

Determine if a copper crossover cable was used when a straight-through was required, or the reverse. Enable auto-MDIX on the switch, or replace the cable. See Table 2-2for recommended Ethernet cables.

Link Status

Verify that both sides have a link. A broken wire or a shut-down port can cause one side to show a link even though the other side does not have a link.

A port LED that is on does not guarantee that the cable is functional. It might have encountered physical stress, causing it to function at a marginal level. If the port LED does not turn on:

Connect the cable from the switch to a known good device.

Make sure that both ends of the cable are connected to the correct ports.

Verify that both devices have power.

Verify that you are using the correct cable type. See Appendix B, “Connector and Cable Specifications” for more information.

Look for loose connections. Sometimes a cable appears to be seated but is not. Disconnect the cable and then reconnect it.

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Cisco Systems C3850NM210G, WSC385024TS Switch Connections, Bad or Damaged Cable, Ethernet and Fiber Cables, Link Status

C3850NM41G, C3850NM210G, WSC385024TS specifications

Cisco Systems is a global leader in networking and telecommunications hardware, and its Catalyst series of switches are widely recognized for their innovation, reliability, and performance. Among the numerous models available, the Cisco WSC385024TS, C3850NM41G, and C3850NM210G stand out for their advanced features and capabilities tailored to meet the needs of modern enterprises.

The Cisco WSC385024TS is a stackable switch that offers 24 ports, and it is built on Cisco's IOS XE software. It is designed for high-density environments, making it ideal for organizations that require robust connectivity and scalability. This model supports advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features and facilitates intelligent traffic management through Quality of Service (QoS). One of its standout features is the ability to stack up to nine switches together, enabling centralized management and increased fault tolerance. The WSC385024TS also integrates security features such as 802.1X authentication and access control lists, which are essential for maintaining a secure network infrastructure.

The C3850NM41G is a versatile switch that comes with 41 Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it suitable for environments that demand high-speed connectivity. This model supports Cisco's innovative StackWise-480 technology, which provides increased bandwidth and reliable inter-switch communication. Additionally, it features Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, allowing it to deliver power to connected devices such as IP phones and wireless access points, thereby simplifying cabling and reducing the need for additional power sources. The C3850NM41G is also equipped with built-in automatic fault detection and recovery, enhancing the overall resilience of the network.

Lastly, the C3850NM210G model offers 210 Gbps of switching capacity, making it ideal for data-intensive applications. This switch combines performance with security, supporting various security protocols such as Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) snooping to protect against malicious activity. With its modular design, the C3850NM210G allows for easy upgrades and expansions, facilitating adaptive network growth.

In summary, the Cisco WSC385024TS, C3850NM41G, and C3850NM210G switches provide advanced features, robust performance, and high scalability, making them ideal choices for businesses aiming to enhance their network infrastructure while supporting cutting-edge technologies. Whether for small businesses or large enterprises, these models exemplify Cisco's commitment to delivering high-quality networking solutions that adapt to the evolving demands of today's digital landscape.