The supported SSH encryption and authentication methods are listed below.

•Server Host Authentication—Client RSA authenticates the switch in the beginning of every connection

•Key Exchange—RSA

•Encryption:

•AES256-CBC

•AES192-CBC

•AES128-CBC

•3DES-CBC

•3DES

•ARCFOUR

•User Authentication—Local password authentication; Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service (RADIUS) The following SSH clients are supported:

•SSH 3.0.1 for Linux (freeware)

•SecureCRT® 4.1.8 (VanDyke Technologies, Inc.)

•OpenSSH_3.9 for Linux (FC 3)

•FedoraCore 3 for SCP commands

•PuTTY Release 0.58 (Simon Tatham) for Windows

NOTE: The switch implementation of SSH is based on versions 1.5 and 2.0, and supports SSH clients from version 1.0 through version 2.0. SSH clients of other versions are not supported. You may configure the client software to use protocol SSH version 1 or version 2.

By default, SSH service is not enabled on the switch. Once the IP parameters are configured, you can access the command line interface to enable SSH.

To establish an SSH connection with the switch, run the SSH program on the workstation by issuing the ssh command, followed by the user account name and the switch IP address:

>># ssh <user>@<GbE2c Ethernet Blade Switch IP address>

You will then be prompted to enter your password.

NOTE: The first time you run SSH from the workstation, a warning message might appear. At the prompt, enter yes to continue.

Accessing the switch

To enable better switch management and user accountability, the switch provides different levels or classes of user access. Levels of access to the CLI and Web management functions and screens increase as needed to perform various switch management tasks. The three levels of access are:

•User—User interaction with the switch is completely passive; nothing can be changed on the switch. Users may display information that has no security or privacy implications, such as switch statistics and current operational state information.

•Operator—Operators can only effect temporary changes on the switch. These changes will be lost when the switch is rebooted/reset. Operators have access to the switch management features used for daily switch operations. Because any changes an operator makes are undone by a reset of the switch, operators cannot severely impact switch operation, but do have access to the Maintenance menu.

•Administrator—Only administrators can make permanent changes to the switch configuration, changes that are persistent across a reboot/reset of the switch. Administrators can access switch functions to configure and troubleshoot problems on the switch. Because administrators can also make temporary (operator-level) changes as well, they must be aware of the interactions between temporary and permanent changes.

Access to switch functions is controlled through the use of unique usernames and passwords. Once you are connected to the switch via the local console, Telnet, or SSH, you are prompted to enter a password. The password entered determines the access level. The default user names/password for each access level is listed in the following table.

NOTE: It is recommended that you change default switch passwords after initial configuration and as regularly as required under your network security policies. For more information, see the “Setting passwords” section in the “First-time configuration” chapter.

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HP manual Accessing the switch, # ssh user@GbE2c Ethernet Blade Switch IP address
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GbE2c specifications

The HP GbE2c is a high-performance Ethernet Switch designed to meet the increasing demands of data center environments. As a critical component in Hewlett-Packard's networking lineup, the GbE2c provides a seamless blend of speed, reliability, and advanced networking capabilities, making it an essential tool for enterprises aiming to enhance their network infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the HP GbE2c is its support for Gigabit Ethernet, which allows for high-speed data transmission and reduced latency. This switch is designed to support the growing bandwidth needs of modern applications, ensuring that data is transmitted quickly and efficiently across the network. The GbE2c is particularly beneficial for organizations implementing virtualization technologies, as its Gigabit interfaces help in optimizing data flow between virtual machines.

The GbE2c also incorporates advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities. This ensures that it can handle both basic and more complex networking tasks, such as routing traffic between different VLANs and enabling Internet Protocol (IP) addressing. The switch supports various protocols, enabling seamless integration into a wide range of network environments.

Additionally, the HP GbE2c is equipped with a robust management system that allows network administrators to easily configure and monitor network settings. With its user-friendly interface, administrators can gain insights into traffic patterns, performance metrics, and potential issues, helping to maintain optimal network performance.

Power efficiency is another key characteristic of the HP GbE2c. The switch is designed to minimize power consumption without sacrificing performance, making it a more sustainable choice for data centers aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. This energy-efficient design is crucial for enterprises looking to lower operational costs while maintaining a high level of service.

The HP GbE2c also boasts high availability features, including redundant power supplies and failover options, ensuring that the network remains operational even in the event of a component failure. This reliability is critical for businesses that require uninterrupted network access for their daily operations.

In summary, the HP GbE2c Ethernet Switch combines speed, versatility, and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to enhance their networking capabilities. Its robust feature set, advanced management options, and focus on energy efficiency position it as a top-tier solution in the competitive networking landscape. Organizations can rely on the GbE2c to deliver high performance and reliability, thus meeting the demands of today's data-intensive environments.
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