3.1 Initial Connectivity to the Switch
3.1.1 Cabling the switch block

Before beginning switch configuration, you must establish physical connectivity between the switch and a workstation. There are two types of cable connections used to manage the switch. The first type is through the console port. The second type is via the Ethernet port. The console port is used to initially configure the switch, and the port itself normally does not require configuration. In order to access the switch via the Ethernet port, the switch must be assigned an IP address.

When connecting the switch's Ethernet ports to Ethernet-compatible servers, routers, or workstations, use a straight-through Category 5 cable. When connecting the switch to another switch, you must use a crossover cable.