Switch Manager

Fabric services

Fabric services security includes SNMP and In-band management.

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is the protocol governing network management and monitoring of network devices. SNMP security consists of a read community string and a write community string, which are basically the passwords that control read and write access to the switch. The read community string (“public”) and write community string (“private”) are set at the factory defaults and should be changed if SNMP is enabled using the Network Properties dialog box. If SNMP is enabled (default) and the read and write community strings have not been changed from their defaults, you risk unwanted access to the switch. See “Enabling SNMP configuration” on page 36 for more information. SNMP is enabled by default.

In-band management is the ability to manage switches across inter-switch links using Switch Manager, SNMP, management server. The switch comes from the factory with in-band management enabled. If you disable in-band management on a particular switch, you can no longer communicate with that switch by means other than a direct Ethernet or serial connection. See “Enabling In-band Management” on page 36 for more information. In-band management in not supported at this time.

Enabling SNMP configuration

1.Open the faceplate display, and then select Switch > Network Properties. The Network Properties dialog box is displayed.

2.Select SNMP Enabled in the SNMP Configuration area.

3.Click OK.

Enabling In-band Management

1.Open the faceplate display, and then select Switch > Switch Properties. The Switch Properties dialog box is displayed.

2.Select In-band Management Enable.

3.Click OK.

Managing the fabric database

A fabric database contains the set of fabrics that you have added during a Switch Manager session. Initially, if you do not open an existing fabric or fabric view file, the Switch Manager application opens with an empty fabric database.

Adding a fabric

To add a fabric to the database:

1. Select Fabric > Add Fabric. The Add a New Fabric dialog box is displayed (Figure 12).