Trying to use a previously owned switch

[DCAMP]

Hello,

I recently got a cisco catalyst 2900 XL switch, and I'm trying to configure it. I got it used with no guarantee that it was working, so I'm thinking there may be a problem with it.

When I plug it into my network, it continually shows messages like the following

00:20:55: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface FastEthernet0/1, changed state to up
00:22:56: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface FastEthernet0/1, changed state to down
00:20:59: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface FastEthernet0/1, changed state to up
00:21:00: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface FastEthernet0/1, changed state to down

This happens constantly on any port I try, and I'm not sure what to do. To the best of my knowledge I've set the switch up for a very basic configuration, and I don't know what to even look for. Any suggestions??

 

[ADB100]

You probably want to wipe the configuration off in case that is the problem. If you don't know the password:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products...ducts_password_recovery09186a0080094184.shtml

This is a link to the password recovery procedure for the 2900XL/3500XL.

Andy

 

[DCAMP]

Thanks, I've tried this already, and it is still doing the same thing.

 

[ADB100]

What happens if you just plug a PC in?
When you say you plug it into your network what do you mean? connect it to another switch, connect it to a router etc?
If you are connecting it to another switch do you know the STP topology of the network and the configuration of this other switch?

Andy

 

[DCAMP]

Oh sorry about the confusion there, this happens when I plug a PC into the switch. I know the NIC on the PC is good, and I know the cable I'm connecting it with is good, so I'm assuming it's something with the switch.

 

[vipergg]

You say you know the cable is good but the question is are you using the correct one ? ARe you sure it's a straight thru cable ? Either you have a connection or you don't which is a layer 1 issue and not a switch issue , what you pasted so far indicates the switch is ok . Do you get a link light on the switch and on your pc nic card ?? Also make sure the switch port and nic card are set for auto for speed and duplex .

 

[bskp]

Actually had this happen just last week. One of our 2950's would fail to work after about a minute or so. When consoled in I saw the interfaces going up and down like you did. Ended up replacing the switch with a 3550.

 

[DCAMP]

Yeah, I'm thinking the switch will need to be replaced. Kind of a shame, I never was able to use it. I suppose I'd need a service contract from Cisco to get this replaced too?

 

[friedmanj]

Try a newer IOS down loaded from the Cisco site. See if that fixes the problem before you chuck the switch.