Nortel BES50 losing configuration

[pat2006]

Hi folks.

I've just started using the Nortel BES50 for the first time. After several tries, I got the box configured how I want it - nothing fancy, just 1 VLAN. The problem is, the switch works fine until I power cycle it. After that the configuration disappears. Even the default IP no longer works. I have no choice but to reset to factory default using the reset button.

Did I miss something? After every config I made sure to hit "Submit" button. So why is the config disappearing?

I noticed that there are 2 startup files.. A startup1 and startup-config. I didn't change any setting. It was set to use the startup-config file.

Any suggestions would be appreciate.

Thanks.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[HungryHouse]

Either the NVRAM, or the bootcode that points to the config is brokem somewhere...either way, your switch appears to be defective and should be eligible for a warranty return if still covered.

Go back to the place where you bought it and see if the reseller or Nortel themselves can get you a replacement.

-HH

Real trouble call:
Customer: "I have a huge problem. A friend has put a screensaver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears!"

 

[pat2006]

Thanks HungryHouse. I'll try another unit. Wouldn't it be ironic if the very first BES50 switch I use was defective.

If I have the same problem with another switch then I know it has to be something I'm doing wrong.

I'll let you know.

 

[HungryHouse]

I've used/had run-ins withabout (6)BES50s and none have had this problem. Consider it as isolated incident.
-DK

Real trouble call:
Customer: "I have a huge problem. A friend has put a screensaver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears!"

 

[pat2006]

I tried another switch and same result. I realise that it's not that the switch is losing the config, but the management IP stops functioning. If I configure the switch and keep VLAN 1 as the management VLAN, I could reset the switch with no problem. However, I start running into problems if I try to change the management VLAN to another VLAN I defined. I've changed the PVIDs to match the VLAN I want to be management. I tried all ports being untagged members of both VLANs, then just members of the management VLAN etc. Nothing seems to work.

I am accustomed doing this on the ES460/470 switches with no problem. I usually remove all ports from the default VLAN (which is a Nortel recommendation. I don't understand why nothing seems to work when I try to change the management VLAN on the BES50.

What I'm I missing? I'm sure it's something obvious, but it escapes me right now.

Why didn't they put a serial port on these switches? Even the smallest Cisco's have a management port.

 

[HungryHouse]

I have never tried to change the management VLAN on the BES50, so can't say there. Although it is a good recommendation to change it to something other than 1, its not paramount...if the switch functions for management on VLAN1, then I would leave it be at that site.
Because they're the small business series, they weren't designed with serial ports on purpose. Most just use those in a plug-n-play capacity anyway.

You're right on with the 460/470 series which are higher end.


Real trouble call:
Customer: "I have a huge problem. A friend has put a screensaver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears!"