User’s Manual of WGSD-1022/WGSD-8000

3. CONFIGURATION

This chapter explains the methods that you can use to configure management access to the switch. It describes the types of management applications and the communication and management protocols that deliver data between your management device (work-station or personal computer) and the system. It also contains information about port connection options.

This chapter covers the following topics:

ƒManagement Access Overview

ƒKey Concepts

ƒKey Guidelines for Implementation

ƒAdministration Console Access

ƒWeb Management Access

ƒSNMP Access

ƒStandards, Protocols, and Related Reading

3.1Management Access Overview

The switch gives you the flexibility to access and manage the switch using any or all of the following methods:

ƒAn administration console

ƒWeb browser interface

ƒAn external SNMP-based network management application

The administration console and Web browser interface support are embedded in the switch software and are available for immediate use. Each of these management methods has their own advantages. Table 3-1 compares the three management methods.

Method

Advantages

Disadvantages

Console

No IP address or subnet needed

Must be near switch or use dial-up connection

 

Text-based

Not convenient for remote users

 

Telnet functionality and HyperTerminal built into

Modem connection may prove to be unreliable

 

Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP operating

or slow

 

systems

 

 

Secure

 

 

 

 

Web

Ideal for configuring the switch remotely

Security can be compromised (hackers need

Browser

Compatible with all popular browsers

only know the IP address and subnet mask)

 

Can be accessed from any location

May encounter lag times on poor connections

 

Most visually appealing

 

 

 

 

SNMP

Communicates with switch functions at the MIB

Requires SNMP manager software

Agent

level

Least visually appealing of all three methods

 

Based on open standards

Some settings require calculations

 

 

 

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