Cisco IOS interface

Catalyst switch platforms have had a number of different operating systems and user interfaces. Over the years Cisco has made great strides in converting the interface on nearly every Catalyst platform to that of the IOS familiar to Cisco users on routing platforms. Unlike the Catalyst software, various modes are navigated to execute specific commands.

Here is an example of how switch port 3 might be enabled on an Access layer switch using the IOS and how its status is verified after configuration. Compare how the IOS is navigated here to the previous example of performing the same function in the Catalyst software.

Example: Using IOS Commands

Switch# config terminal
Switch(config)#interface fastethernet 0/3
Switch(config-if)#no shut
Switch(config-if)#end
Switch# show interface fastethernet 0/3

Configuration Interface Available on Various Catalyst Platforms
Some widely used Catalyst switch platforms that support the IOS interface are 2950, 3500, 3700, 4500*, 6500*, 8500. (*These platforms have an option to use the IOS or Catalyst software for Layer 2 configuration.)

The Catalyst software interface exists on several modular Catalyst platforms including: 4000, 4500, 5500, 6000 and 6500.

For example on the Catalyst 6500 you have the option of using the Catalyst software, Catalyst software + IOS or IOS software functionality.

The IOS interface is used across a wide variety of Catalyst switch platforms, particularly the fixed and stackable switches, and is therefore the interface assumed through the remainder of this courseware. Labs may provide direction on the use of specific Catalyst software commands depending on the equipment provided.

Lab Activity

e-Lab Activity: Getting Started with Catalyst Switches

In this lab, the student will configure and test Access, Distribution, and Core switches for basic connectivity in a campus environment.

Lab Activity

Lab Exercise 1: Catalyst 2950T and 3550 Series Basic Setup

Configure a Cisco Catalyst 2950T or 3550 series Ethernet switch for the first time using the command-line interface (CLI) mode.

Lab Activity

Lab Exercise 2: Catalyst 2950T and 3550 Configuration and IOS Files

Upload and download configuration files and the IOS System Image files.

Lab Activity

Lab Exercise 3: Catalyst 2950T and 3550 Series Password Recovery

Recover passwords while retaining configurations for the Cisco Catalyst 2950T and 3550 series of Ethernet switches.

Lab Activity

Lab Exercise 4: Introduction to Fluke Network Inspector

This lab is a tutorial demonstrating how to use the Network Inspector (NI) from Fluke Network to discover and analyze network devices in a broadcast domain.

Lab Activity

Lab Exercise 5: Introduction to Fluke Protocol Expert

This lab is a tutorial demonstrating how to use the Fluke Network OptiView Protocol Expert (PE) to analyze network traffic.