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.
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
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.