4

Using the Switch Console

This chapter describes the following features:

■overview of the switch console (page 4-1)

■starting and ending a console session (page 4-2)

■the Main Menu (page 4-4)

■screen structure and navigation (page 4-6)

■using password security (page 4-9)

■rebooting the switch (page 4-12)

■using the command prompt (page 4-14)

Overview

About the Switch Console. The switch console enables you to use a PC or a terminal to do the following:

■modify the switch’s configuration (see chapter 6)

■configure the switch with an IP address that allows you to manage the switch from an SNMP-based network management station (see chapter 5), through the switch’s web browser interface (see chapter 3), or through Telnet access to the console (see this chapter)

■monitor the switch and its port status (see chapter 7)

■monitor the network activity through the switch (see chapter 7)

■control console security by configuring passwords (see this chapter)

■view the event log and run diagnostics to troubleshoot any switch prob- lems (see chapter 8)

■download new software to the switch (see appendix A)

Switch Console Interaction with the Web Browser Interface. Configuration changes made through the console will overwrite previous changes made through the web browser interface. Similarly, configuration changes made through the web browser interface will overwrite any prior changes made through the console. The console gives you access to all switch configuration parameters; the web browser interface gives you access to a subset of these. Refer to chapter 3, “Using the HP Web Browser Interface” and chapter 6, “Configuring the Switch”.

Console Switch the Using

4-1