The Lazy Networker

A basic Cisco switch configuration involves initial setup tasks like setting the hostname, securing access, configuring management IP, and saving the configuration. Here are the main steps and key commands for a standard, unconfigured Cisco switch.

Basic Configuration Steps

Connect to the Switch

• Connect via console cable using a terminal emulator (like PuTTY) with settings: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.

Enter Privileged EXEC Mode

Switch> enable

• Moves from user mode to privileged (admin) mode.

Enter Global Configuration Mode

Switch# config t

• Allows access to configuration commands.

Set Hostname

Switch(config)# hostname SWITCH_NAME

• Changes the device’s name for identification.

Set Management IP Address

Switch(config)# interface vlan 1
Switch(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0
Switch(config-if)# no shutdown
Switch(config-if)# exit
Switch(config)# ip default-gateway 192.168.1.1

• Assigns an IP for access via Telnet/SSH and sets the gateway for remote management.

Set Console and Enable Passwords

Switch(config)# line con 0
Switch(config-line)# password YOUR_PASS
Switch(config-line)# login
Switch(config-line)# exit

Switch(config)# enable secret ENABLE_PASS

• Adds security for console and privileged access.

Configure Banner Message (Optional)

Switch(config)# banner motd #Unauthorized access prohibited#

• Displays a warning on login.

Save Configuration

Switch# copy running-config startup-config

• Writes the config to memory, so it persists after reboot.

Key Points

• Use the show run command to verify current configuration.
• Always save your configuration after any change.
• You can further configure VLANs, trunk/access ports, and add remote management (SSH/Telnet) as needed.