2950 - VERY Basic Question

[Guest_imported]

I want to assign an IP address to my 2950 switch in order to utilize the web-based interface. If I do, does this affect the functionality of the switch in anyway? My fear is that this will affect the devices on my network making it necessary for me to set their default gateway to this new switch IP. I am hoping that adding an IP will just make the switch recognized as an IP device on my network.

Sorry for the extreme 'basicness' but I don't want to make this change without being 100% sure...yes, my paranoia level is insanly high.

 

[sobak]

I've assigned IP Addresses to all my main switches in all my offices and have not ran into any problems. Switches run at the Data Link layer of the OSI model. Routing to specific IP Addresses (default gateway) is handled at the Network Layer. You shouldn't have a problem with this. Now if someone can back me up on this I would appreciate it, I'm far from an expert when it comes to network switching.....

david e
*end users are just like computers, some you can work with...others just need a simple reBOOTing to fix their problems.*

 

[Guest_imported]

Thank you for the response. Sounds good too me. I have also been doing some additional homework and it seems as though if I configure the default gateway on the switch, it could help avoid problems.

 

[IPKONFIG]

The default gateway should be the connection to the router. Not the IP address on your switch. Assigning an IP address to the inband management interface on your switch will have no adverse affects on your switch. However, it would be brave to turn on the http functionality on your switch. This is a major security risk and is not recommended by Cisco. But that's up to you. Have fun.

 

[Guest_imported]

Is there any documentation available that supports the notion that there is a security risk in using the web interface and that Cisco does not recommed its use? I believe you, but it would be great if I could point to something to support it. Thanks!

 

[IPKONFIG]

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/ioshttpserverquery-pub.shtml

Here is one for starters. Go to:

http://www.cisco.com

and do a search for http configuration and every link has an advisory about it. Your better off just telneting to the switch in question if you want to configure it.

 

[Guest_imported]

Thanks again!