Table Of Contents
Using the Command-Line Interface
Product Overview
This chapter provides a functional overview of the Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch 3030, also referred to as the switch module or switch. The switch module is a 16-port Ethernet switch that can be installed in the Dell Modular Server Chassis to aggregate network traffic from the internal server blades. The Dell Modular Server Chassis—also referred to as the server chassis—is a system that supports up to ten server modules and up to four Ethernet switch modules. The switch module is installed in one of the chassis I/O module bays on the rear panel of the server chassis.
You can connect the uplink ports to other devices such as switches, routers, Cisco Wireless Access Point workstations, Cisco IP phones, or other networking equipment. You can also connect standalone servers or PCs to those ports.
These topics are included:
Features
The 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch can be deployed as a backbone switch, aggregating 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T Ethernet traffic from other network devices. Refer to the switch software configuration guide for examples showing how you might deploy the switch in your network.
These are the switch features:
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10 internal Gigabit Ethernet 1000BASE-X ports
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Note
Front Panel Description
Ten of the ports on the 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch are internal 1000BASE-X ports that connect to the server chassis through the backplane. Figure 1-1 shows the console port, the two external 10/100/1000BASE-T copper ports, and the four external SFP module uplink ports that support 1000BASE-SX and 10/100/1000BASE-T copper. Only Cisco SFP modules are supported on the switch.
Figure 1-1 The Cisco Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module
Switch module
Gigabit Ethernet port LEDs
Console port
SFP module ports
Console port LED
SFP module port LEDs
System Status/ID LED
Release latch
External Gigabit Ethernet ports
Each port has an LED associated with it. The Dell Remote Access Controller/Modular Chassis (DRAC/MC) management board controls the System Status/ID LED.
Switch Console Port
You can connect the switch to a PC by means of the console port and an RJ-45-to-DB-9 female cable. If you want to connect the switch console port to a terminal, you need to provide an RJ-45-to-DB-25 female DTE adapter. You can order a kit (part number ACS-DSBUASYN=) containing that adapter from Cisco. For console port and adapter pinout information, see the "Connector and Cable Specifications" section.
For information on the server chassis DRAC/MC console port, see the server chassis documentation.
10/100/1000 Ports
The two copper Ethernet ports operate at 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps and support autonegotiation and full-duplex operation. When set for autonegotiation, the port senses the speed and duplex settings of the attached device and advertises its own capabilities. If the connected device also supports autonegotiation, the switch port negotiates the best connection (that is, the fastest line speed that both devices support and full-duplex transmission if the attached device supports it) and configures itself accordingly. In all cases, the attached device must be within 328 feet (100 meters).
You can disable autonegotiation for the two 10/100/1000BASE-T ports by using the Cisco IOS command-line interface (CLI). For more information, see the command reference and the software configuration guide for the switch.
The ten internal downlink ports are 1000BASE-X with no negotiation for speed.
Note
When connecting the switch to workstations, servers, routers, and Cisco IP Phones, be sure that the cable is a straight-through cable. When you connect the switch to switches or hubs, use a crossover cable. When you use a straight-through or crossover cable for 1000BASE-T connections, be sure to use a twisted four-pair, Category 5 cable for proper operation. Pinouts for the cables are described in "Connector and Cable Specifications."
Note
The auto-MDIX feature is enabled by default. For configuration information for this feature, refer to the switch software configuration guide or the switch command reference.
SFP Module Slots
The switch uses Gigabit Ethernet SFP modules to establish fiber-optic connections. These transceiver modules are field-replaceable, providing the uplink interfaces when inserted in an SFP module slot. You can use the SFP modules for Gigabit uplink connections to other switches. You use fiber-optic cables with LC or MT-RJ connectors to connect to a fiber-optic SFP module. You use Category 5 cable with RJ-45 connectors to connect to a copper SFP module.
The four external SFP module ports operate at 1000 Mbps when fiber-optic SFP modules are installed and operate at 10/100/1000 Mbps when copper SFP modules are installed. Autonegotation is supported on copper SPF modules, but not on fiber-optic SFP modules.
See the release notes for the latest information about which SFP module types are supported.
For more information about the SFP modules, refer to your SFP module documentation.
LEDs
The switch has eight LEDs including an LED for each external port, one LED for the console port, and one LED used by server chassis management board (see Figure 1-1). You can use the switch LEDs to monitor switch activity and performance. Graphical representations of the LEDs described in this section are visible in the device manager.
System Status/ID LED
The System Status/ID LED is controlled by the server DRAC/MC and shows whether the system is receiving power and functioning properly. Table 1-1 lists the LED colors and their meanings.
The chassis controls its own cooling and temperature. The DRAC/MC temperature sensor monitors the temperature of any modules that are installed in the chassis. The DRAC/MC also controls the chassis fan speed. The switch does not have its own fan.
Console Port LEDs
The console port LED is either green or amber and displays information about the console port. Table 1-3 describes the console port LED colors and their meanings.
Port LEDs
The port LEDs display information about each individual port. The port LEDs are green and/or amber. Table 1-3 describes the port LED colors and their meanings.
Table 1-3 Meaning of Port LED Colors
Off
No link established
Solid green
Link established but no activity
Blinking green
Traffic on an established link
Solid amber
Port disabled, either error or STP1 disabled
Alternating green and amber
Link fault
1 STP = Spanning Tree Protocol
Rear Panel Description
The switch module connects to the server chassis through the backplane connector on the switch rear panel. See Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2 Switch Rear Panel
Note
Power Connectors
The DRAC/MC controls power to the switch module. After the DRAC/MC detects the presence of the switch module, it moves the switch module to the full power state. The switch software is not involved in power control functions.
Management Options
This section describes management options for the switch module:
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Using the Device Manager
The simplest way to manage the switch is by using the device manager that is in the switch memory. This is an easy-to-use web interface that offers quick configuration and monitoring. You can access the device manager through a web browser from anywhere in your network.
The device manager dashboard is shown in Figure 1-3.
Figure 1-3 Device Manager Dashboard
Follow these steps to access the device manager:
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Using the Command-Line Interface
The switch CLI) is based on Cisco IOS software and enhanced to support desktop-switching features. You can fully configure and monitor the switch from the CLI. You can access the CLI either by connecting your management station directly to the switch console port or by using Telnet from a remote management station. Refer to the switch module command reference on Cisco.com for more information.
For quick setup instructions that use the CLI, go to "Configuring the Switch with the CLI-Based Setup Program."
Using SNMP
You can use SNMP management applications such as CiscoWorks. You also can manage the switch from an SNMP-compatible workstation that is running platforms such as SunNet Manager.
Network Configurations
Refer to the switch software configuration guide on Cisco.com for an explanation of network configuration concepts. The software configuration guide also provides examples of network configurations that use the switch to create dedicated network segments that are interconnected through Gigabit Ethernet connections.
