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Cisco Catalyst 2900 XL Series Switches

Release Notes for the Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL Switches, Release 12.0(5)WC7

Table Of Contents

Release Notes for the Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL Switches, Cisco IOS Release 12.0(5)WC7

Contents

Hardware Requirements

Software Requirements

System Requirements

Browser and Java Plug-In Requirements

Cluster Requirements and Guidelines

Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL Switches

Catalyst 3550 Switches

Catalyst 2950 Switches

Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 Switches

Minimum Cisco IOS Release for Major Features

New Software Feature

Enabling BPDU Filtering

Using the spanning-tree portfast command

Limitations and Restrictions

CMS Restrictions

Important Notes

Open Caveats

Open IOS Caveats

Resolved Caveats

Resolved IOS Caveats in Release 12.0(5)WC7

Resolved CMS Caveats in Release 12.0(5)WC7

Documentation Updates

Corrections to Software Configuration Guide

Correction to Command Reference

Corrections to Catalyst 3500 XL Hardware Installation Guide

Japan

Korea

Hungary

Initial Switch Configuration

Using the Setup Program

Installing the Required Plug-In

Displaying the CMS Access Page

Upgrading the Switch Software

Guidelines for Upgrading Switch Software

Overview of the Switch Upgrade Process

Determining the Switch Software Version

Which Software Files to Download from Cisco.com

Downloading the New Software and TFTP Server Application to Your Management Station

Copying the Current Startup Configuration from the Switch to a PC or Server

Using CMS to Upgrade One or More Switches

Recovering from an Incomplete CMS Software Upgrade

Using the CLI to Upgrade an 8-MB Catalyst 2900 XL Switch

Using the CLI to Upgrade Member Switches

Upgrading Catalyst 2900 XL or Catalyst 3500 XL Member Switches

Related Documentation

Obtaining Documentation

Cisco.com

Documentation CD-ROM

Ordering Documentation

Documentation Feedback

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco.com

Technical Assistance Center

Cisco TAC Website

Cisco TAC Escalation Center

Obtaining Additional Publications and Information


Release Notes for the Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL Switches, Cisco IOS Release 12.0(5)WC7


March 2003

Cisco IOS Release 12.0(5)WC7 runs on the Catalyst 2900 series XL and Catalyst 3500 series XL switches with 8-MB CPU DRAM.


Note This release is not for the Catalyst 2900 LRE XL switches. Do not install this release on the Long-Reach Ethernet (LRE) switches.



Note This release is not for the Catalyst 2900 XL switches with 4-MB CPU DRAM. For information about these switches, refer to Cisco IOS Release 11.2(8.10)SA6 or earlier.


These release notes include important information about this release and any limitations, restrictions, and caveats that apply to it. To verify that these are the correct release notes for your switch:

If you are installing a new switch, refer to the IOS release label on the rear panel of your switch.

If your switch is on and running, use the show version user EXEC command. See the "Determining the Switch Software Version" section.

If you are upgrading to a new release, refer to the software upgrade filename for the IOS version. Before upgrading your switch to this release, read the "Upgrading the Switch Software" section.

You can download the switch software from these sites:

http://www.cisco.com/public/sw-center/sw-lan.shtml
(for registered Cisco.com users with a login password)

http://www.cisco.com/public/sw-center/sw-lan.shtml
(for nonregistered Cisco.com users)

This release is part of a special release of Cisco IOS software that is not released on the same 8-week maintenance cycle that is used for other platforms. As maintenance releases and future releases become available, they will be posted to Cisco.com in the Cisco IOS software area.

Contents

This document has the following sections:

"Hardware Requirements" section

"Software Requirements" section

"Cluster Requirements and Guidelines" section

"Minimum Cisco IOS Release for Major Features" section

"New Software Feature" section

"Limitations and Restrictions" section

"Open Caveats" section

"Resolved Caveats" section

"Important Notes" section

"Documentation Updates" section

"Initial Switch Configuration" section

"Upgrading the Switch Software" section

"Related Documentation" section

"Obtaining Documentation" section

"Obtaining Technical Assistance" section

Hardware Requirements

This release supports the 8-MB Catalyst 2900 XL switches (see Table 1) and Catalyst 3500 XL switches (see Table 2).


Note This release is not for the Catalyst 2900 LRE XL switches. Do not install this release on the Long-Reach Ethernet (LRE) switches.



Note This release is not for the Catalyst 2900 XL 4-MB switches. The 4-MB models are WS-C2908-XL, WS-C2916M-XL, WS-C2924C-XL, and WS-C2924-XL. These switches can only be upgraded up to Release 11.2(8.10)SA6. To be cluster members, these switches must run Release 11.2(8.x)SA6 original edition software. To determine the switch DRAM size, enter the show version user EXEC command.


Table 1 Catalyst 2900 XL Switches with 8-MB CPU DRAM  

Switch
Description

Catalyst 2912MF XL

12 100BASE-FX ports and 2 high-speed expansion slots

Catalyst 2912 XL

12 autosensing 10/100 ports

Catalyst 2924M XL

24 autosensing 10/100 ports and 2 high-speed expansion slots

Catalyst 2924M DC XL

24 autosensing 10/100 ports and 2 high-speed expansion slots (DC power)

Catalyst 2924 XL

24 autosensing 10/100 ports

Catalyst 2924C XL

22 autosensing 10/100 ports and 2 100BASE-FX ports


Table 2 Catalyst 3500 XL Switches

Switch
Description

Catalyst 3508G XL

8 Gigabit module slots

Catalyst 3512 XL

12 autosensing 10/100 ports and 2 Gigabit module slots

Catalyst 3524 XL

24 autosensing 10/100 ports and 2 Gigabit module slots

Catalyst 3524-PWR XL

24 autosensing 10/100 inline-power ports and 2 Gigabit module slots

Catalyst 3548 XL

48 autosensing 10/100 ports and 2 Gigabit module slots


Software Requirements

This section describes the requirements for the system and for the Cluster Management Suite (CMS) software.

System Requirements

These operating systems are supported for CMS management:

Microsoft Windows 95 (Service Pack 1 required)

Microsoft Windows 98, second edition

Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 (Service Pack 3 or higher required)

Microsoft Windows 2000

Solaris 2.5.1 or higher, with the Sun-recommended patch cluster for that operating system and Motif library patch 103461-24

The minimum PC requirement is a Pentium processor running at 233 MHz with 64 MB of DRAM. The minimum UNIX workstation requirement is a Sun Ultra 1 running at 143 MHz with 64 MB of DRAM. Table 3 lists the recommended platforms for using CMS.

Table 3 Recommended Minimum Platform Configuration for Web-Based Management

OS
Processor Speed
DRAM
Number of Colors
Resolution
Font Size

Windows NT 4.01

Pentium 300 MHz

128 MB

65,536

1024 x 768

Small

Solaris 2.5.1

SPARC 333 MHz

128 MB

Most colors for applications

-

Small (3)

1 Service Pack 3 or higher required


Browser and Java Plug-In Requirements

When starting a CMS session, the switch verifies the browser version to ensure that the browser is supported. If the browser is not supported, an error message appears, and the session does not start. Table 4 lists the browsers supported by CMS.

CMS requires the Java plug-ins described in the "Installing the Required Plug-In" section.

Table 4 Browser Requirements

Operating System
Netscape Communicator1
Microsoft Internet Explorer

Windows 95

4.61, 4.7

5.0, or 5.5

Windows 98

-2

5.0, or 5.5

Windows NT 4.0

4.61, 4.7

5.0, or 5.5

Windows 2000

4.61, 4.7

5.0, or 5.5

Solaris 2.5.1 or higher

4.61, 4.7

-3

1 Netscape Communicator version 4.60 and 6.0 are not supported. (CSCdx34982)

2 CMS is not supported on machines running Windows 98 and Netscape Navigator. The workaround is to use Microsoft Internet Explorer if your operating system is Windows 98. (CSCdx4997)

3 Microsoft Internet Explorer is not supported on Solaris 2.5.1 or higher.



Note If you receive an Internet Explorer error message that the page might not display correctly because your security settings prohibit the ActiveX controls, your security settings are set too high. To lower security settings, go to Tools > Internet Options, and select the Security tab. Select the indicated Zone, and move the Security Level for this Zone slider from High to Medium (the default).


To access CMS, follow the procedures in the "Initial Switch Configuration" section.

Cluster Requirements and Guidelines

This section describes the hardware and software requirements for clustering Catalyst desktop switches.

Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL Switches

Some versions of switch software do not support clustering, and other versions do not support some of the features in this release. To ensure that all cluster switches are using the same software level, we recommend that you upgrade all cluster switches to the software release that supports the features that you want.

If you have a cluster with switches that are running different versions of switch software, changes on the latest release might not be reflected on switches running the older versions. For example, if you start Visual Switch Manager (VSM) on a switch running Release 11.2(8)SA6, the windows and functionality can be different from a switch running Release 12.0(5)XU or later.

Table 5 describes the Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL switches supported by this release and shows which switches can be command switches. All switches can function as standalone devices.

All Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL switches running Release 12.0(5.3)WC(1) and later are cluster-capable. All Catalyst 2900 XL modules are supported in cluster configurations.

We recommend that either the command switch has the latest software version installed if there switches in the cluster with older software versions or that all switches in the same platform be upgraded to the latest software version.


Note We strongly recommend that the highest-end, command-capable switch in the cluster be the command switch. If your switch cluster has Catalyst 1900, Catalyst 2820, Catalyst 2900 XL, and Catalyst 3500 XL switches, either the Catalyst 2900 XL or Catalyst 3500 XL should be the command switch.


Table 5 Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL Switches as Cluster Members

Switch
Release 12.0(5.3)WC(1) or higher?
Command Capable?
Member Capable?

Catalyst 2900 XL (4 MB of DRAM)1

No

No

Yes

Catalyst 2900 XL (8 MB of DRAM)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Catalyst 2900 LRE XL (16 MB of DRAM)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Catalyst 3500 XL

Yes

Yes

Yes

1 These switches can act as cluster members if they are running Release 11.2(8.x)SA6 original edition software. They can interoperate with this software release, but they cannot be upgraded to it.


Catalyst 3550 Switches

Catalyst 3550 switches running Release 12.0(4)EA1 or higher can be command and member switches. For more information, refer to the documentation for the Catalyst 3550 switches.


Note We strongly recommend that the highest-end, command-capable switch in the cluster be the command switch. If your switch cluster has a Catalyst 3550 switch, that switch should be the command switch.


Catalyst 2950 Switches

Catalyst 2950 switches running Release 12.0(5)WC(1) or higher can be command and member switches. For more information, refer to the documentation for the Catalyst 2950 switches.


Note We strongly recommend that the highest-end, command-capable switch in the cluster be the command switch. If your switch cluster has Catalyst 2900 XL, Catalyst 2950, and Catalyst 3500 XL switches, the Catalyst 2950 should be the command switch.


Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 Switches

Table 6 lists the Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches and the minimum software release that they require to be cluster members. All Catalyst 2820 modules are supported in cluster configurations. For more information, refer to the documentation for the Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches.


Note We strongly recommend that the highest-end, command-capable switch in the cluster be the command switch. If your switch cluster has Catalyst 1900, Catalyst 2820, Catalyst 2900 XL, and Catalyst 3500 XL switches, either the Catalyst 2900 XL or Catalyst 3500 XL should be the command switch.


Table 6 Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 Switches as Cluster Members 

Switch
Release 9.00 (-EN)
Member Capable?
Command Capable?

Catalyst 1900

Yes

Yes

No

Catalyst 2820

Yes

Yes

No


Minimum Cisco IOS Release for Major Features

Table 7 lists the minimum software release required to support the major features of the Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL switches.

Table 7 Catalyst 2900 XL (including 2900 LRE XL) and Catalyst 3500 XL Features and the Minimum Cisco IOS Release Required  

Feature
Minimum Release Required

Bridge protocol data unit (BPDU) filtering

Release 12.0(5)WC7

Port security MAC address aging

Release 12.0(5)WC5

Bridge protocol data unit (BPDU) guard

Release 12.0(5)WC5

Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS)

Release 12.0(5)WC5

UniDirectional Link Detection (UDLD) recovery

Release 12.0(5)WC5

Support for the Cisco Coarse Wave Division Multiplexing (CWDM) Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) modules

Release 12.0(5)WC5

Enhanced web-based switch management (CMS)

Release 12.0(5)WC3

MAC address notification

Release 12.0(5)WC3

Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) filtering

Release 12.0(5)WC3

Extended cluster member compatibility with the Catalyst 2950 and Catalyst 3550 switches

Release 12.0(5)WC(1)

Multicast VLAN Registration (MVR)

Release 12.0(5)WC(1)

Cross-stack UplinkFast

Release 12.0(5)XW

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)-based autoconfiguration

Release 12.0(5)XW

Support for the single-port 1000BASE-T GBIC module (WS-G5482)

Release 12.0(5)XW

WS-C3524-PWR XL switch with 10/100 inline-power ports

Release 12.0(5)XU

WS-C2924M-XL-EN-DC switch with DC power connector

Release 12.0(5)XU

WS-X2932-XL Catalyst 2900 XL 1-port 1000BASE-T module

Release 12.0(5)XU

Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) for clustering

Release 12.0(5)XU

Extended discovery of cluster candidates up to 7 hops from the command switch

Release 12.0(5)XU

Support for up to 16 switches in a cluster

Release 12.0(5)XU

VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) pruning

Release 12.0(5)XU

Change management Virtual LAN (VLAN) for a cluster

Release 12.0(5)XU

Private VLAN edge support

Release 12.0(5)XU

UDLD for detecting unidirectional links

Release 12.0(5)XU

Extended cluster member functionality for Catalyst 1900 and 2820 switches

Release 12.0(5)XP

Remote monitoring (RMON) support through the command-line interface (CLI) or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

Release 12.0(5)XP

Change management VLAN

Release 12.0(5)XP

Quality of service (QoS) based on IEEE 802.1P class of service (CoS) values

Release 12.0(5)XP

WS-C3548-XL switch with 48 10/100 ports

Release 12.0(5)XP

WS-X2931-XL Catalyst GigaStack GBIC module

Release 12.0(5)XP

Catalyst 3500 series XL switches (except WS-C3548-XL)

Release 11.2(8)SA6

Cluster management

Release 11.2(8)SA6

Terminal Access Control Access System Plus (TACACS+)

Release 11.2(8)SA6 (Enterprise Edition Software)

Network Time Protocol (NTP)

Release 11.2(8)SA6

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) UplinkFast

Release 11.2(8)SA6
(Enterprise Edition Software)

250 VLANs (some models: see the "Limitations and Restrictions" section)

Release 11.2(8)SA6

Catalyst 2900 series XL 1000BASE-X modules

Release 11.2(8)SA5

Catalyst 2900 series XL asynchronous transmission mode (ATM) modules

Release 11.2(8)SA5

IEEE 802.1Q trunking

Release 11.2(8)SA5
(Enterprise Edition Software)

Inter-Switch Link (ISL) trunking

Release 11.2(8)SA4
(Enterprise Edition Software)

VLAN Membership Policy Server (VMPS)

Release 11.2(8)SA4 (Enterprise Edition Software)

8192 media access control (MAC) addresses on modular switches

Release 11.2(8)SA4

Switch Network View stack management

Release 11.2(8)SA3

Web-based switch management

Release 11.2(8)SA

Fast EtherChannel port groups

Release 11.2(8)SA


New Software Feature

This release supports bridge protocol data unit (BPDU) filtering. BPDU filtering prevents ports that are in a Port Fast-operational state from sending or receiving BPDUs. BPDU filtering is described in these sections:

"Enabling BPDU Filtering" section

"Using the spanning-tree portfast command" section

Enabling BPDU Filtering

The BPDU filtering feature can be globally enabled on the switch or can be enabled per interface, but the feature operates with some differences.

At the global level, you can enable BPDU filtering on Port Fast-enabled ports by using the spanning-tree portfast bpdufilter default global configuration command. This command prevents ports that are in a Port Fast-operational state from sending or receiving BPDUs. The ports still send a few BPDUs at link-up before the switch begins to filter outbound BPDUs. You should globally enable BPDU filtering on a switch so that hosts connected to these ports do not receive BPDUs. If a BPDU is received on a Port Fast-enabled port, the port loses its Port Fast-operational status, and BPDU filtering is disabled.

At the interface level, you can enable BPDU filtering on any port without also enabling the Port Fast feature by using the spanning-tree bpdufilter enable interface configuration command. This command prevents the port from sending or receiving BPDUs.


Caution Configure Port Fast only on ports that connect to end stations; otherwise, an accidental topology loop could cause a data packet loop and disrupt switch and network operation.

You can also use the spanning-tree bpdufilter enable interface configuration command to enable BPDU filtering on any port without also enabling the Port Fast feature. This command prevents the port from sending or receiving BPDUs.


Caution Enabling BPDU filtering on an interface is the same as disabling spanning tree on it and can result in spanning-tree loops.

Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to globally enable the BPDU filtering feature:

 
Command
Purpose

Step 1 

configure terminal

Enter global configuration mode.

Step 2 

spanning-tree portfast bpdufilter default

Globally enable BPDU filtering.

By default, BPDU filtering is disabled.

Step 3 

interface interface-id

Enter interface configuration mode, and specify the interface connected to an end station.

Step 4 

spanning-tree portfast

Enable the Port-Fast feature.

Step 5 

end

Return to privileged EXEC mode.

Step 6 

show running-config

Verify your entries.

Step 7 

copy running-config startup-config

(Optional) Save your entries in the configuration file.

To disable BPDU filtering, use the no spanning-tree portfast bpdufilter global configuration command.

You can use the spanning-tree bpdufilter enable interface configuration command to re-enable BPDU filtering.

Using the spanning-tree portfast command

Use the spanning-tree portfast global configuration command to globally enable BPDU filtering on Port Fast-enabled ports, the BPDU guard feature on Port Fast-enabled ports, or the Port Fast feature on all nontrunking ports. The BPDU filtering feature prevents the switch port from sending or receiving BPDUs. The BPDU guard feature puts Port Fast-enabled ports that receive BPDUs in an error-disabled state. Use the no form of this command to return to the default setting.

spanning-tree portfast {bpdufilter default | bpduguard default | default}

no spanning-tree portfast {bpdufilter default | bpduguard default | default}

Syntax Description

bpdufilter default

Globally enable BPDU filtering on Port Fast-enabled ports and prevent the switch port connected to end stations from sending or receiving BPDUs.

bpduguard default

Globally enable the BPDU guard feature on Port Fast-enabled ports and place the ports that receive BPDUs in an error-disabled state.

default

Globally enable the Port Fast feature on all nontrunking ports. When the Port Fast feature is enabled, the port changes directly from a blocking state to a forwarding state without making the intermediate spanning-tree state changes.


Defaults

The BPDU filtering, the BPDU guard, and the Port Fast features are disabled on all ports unless they are individually configured.

Command Modes

Global configuration

Command History

Release
Modification

12.0(5)WC7

This command was first introduced.


Usage Guidelines

Use the spanning-tree portfast bpdufilter default global configuration command to globally enable BPDU filtering on ports that are Port Fast-enabled (the ports are in a Port Fast-operational state). The ports still send a few BPDUs at link-up before the switch begins to filter outbound BPDUs. You should globally enable BPDU filtering on a switch so that hosts connected to switch ports do not receive BPDUs. If a BPDU is received on a Port Fast-enabled port, the port loses its Port Fast-operational status and BPDU filtering is disabled.

You can override the spanning-tree portfast bpdufilter default global configuration command by using the spanning-tree bdpufilter interface configuration command.


Caution Enabling BPDU filtering on an interface is the same as disabling spanning tree on it and can result in spanning-tree loops.

Use the spanning-tree portfast bpduguard default global configuration command to globally enable BPDU guard on ports that are in a Port Fast-operational state. In a valid configuration, Port Fast-enabled ports do not receive BPDUs. Receiving a BPDU on a Port Fast-enabled port signals an invalid configuration, such as the connection of an unauthorized device, and the BPDU guard feature puts the port in the error-disabled state. The BPDU guard feature provides a secure response to invalid configurations because you must manually put the port back in service. Use the BPDU guard feature in a service-provider network to prevent an access port from participating in the spanning tree.

You can override the spanning-tree portfast bpduguard global configuration command by using the spanning-tree bdpuguard interface configuration command.

Use the spanning-tree portfast global configuration command to globally enable the Port Fast feature on all nontrunking ports. Configure Port Fast only on ports that connect to end stations; otherwise, an accidental topology loop could cause a data packet loop and disrupt switch and network operation. A Port Fast-enabled port moves directly to the spanning-tree forwarding state when linkup occurs without waiting for the standard forward-delay time.

You can override the spanning-tree portfast global configuration command by using the spanning-tree portfast interface configuration command. You can use the no spanning-tree portfast global configuration command to disable Port Fast on all ports unless they are individually configured with the spanning-tree portfast interface configuration command.

Examples

This example shows how to globally enable the BPDU filtering feature:

Switch(config)# spanning-tree portfast bpdufilter 

This example shows how to globally enable the BPDU guard feature:

Switch(config)# spanning-tree portfast bpduguard 

This example shows how to globally enable the Port Fast feature on all nontrunking ports:

Switch(config)# spanning-tree portfast 

You can verify your settings by entering the show running-config privileged EXEC command.

Related Commands

Command
Description

show running-config

Displays the current operating configuration. For syntax information, select Cisco IOS Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference for Release 12.1 > Cisco IOS File Management Commands > Configuration File Commands.

spanning-tree bpdufilter

Prevents a port from sending or receiving BPDUs.

spanning-tree bpduguard

Puts a port in the error-disabled state when it receives a BPDU.

spanning-tree portfast (interface configuration)

Enables the Port Fast feature on an interface in all its associated VLANs.


Limitations and Restrictions

You should review this section before you begin working with the switches. Some features might not work as documented, and some features could be affected by recent changes to the switch hardware or software.

All Catalyst 3500 series XL and most Catalyst 2900 series XL switches support a total of 250 VLANs and 64 spanning-tree instances. The Catalyst 2912 XL, 2924 XL, and 2924C XL switches support a total of 64 VLANs and 64 spanning-tree instances. Regardless of the switch model, only 64 spanning-tree instances are supported.

The Cisco RPS 300 Redundant Power System (RPS) supports the Catalyst 3524-PWR XL switch. When the RPS LED on the switch is amber, the RPS is connected but down. However, this might merely mean that the RPS is in standby mode. Press Standby/Active on the RPS to put it into active mode. Refer to the RPS 300 Hardware Installation Guide for more information. You can view the RPS status by using the show rps privileged EXEC command.

When connecting to the Catalyst 3524-PWR XL 10/100 inline-power ports, observe this caution:


Caution A Catalyst 3524-PWR XL 10/100 port needs up to 10 seconds to initially detect, power, and link to a Cisco IP Phone. If you disconnect the Cisco IP Phone before link has been established, you must wait 10 seconds before connecting another network device (other than another Cisco IP phone) to that switch port. Failing to do so can damage that network device.

You can connect the switch to a PC by using the switch console port and the supplied rollover cable and the DB-9 adapter. You need to provide a RJ-45-to-DB-25 female DTE adapter if you want to connect the switch console port to a terminal. You can order a kit (part number ACS-DSBUASYN=) with this RJ-45-to-DB-25 female DTE adapter from Cisco.

Certain combinations of port features create configuration conflicts. Refer to the "Avoiding Configuration Conflicts" section in the "Troubleshooting" chapter of the switch software configuration guide for a table that defines these conflicts.

When you add a VTP client, follow this caution and procedure:


Caution Before adding a VTP client to a VTP domain, always verify that its VTP configuration revision number is lower than the configuration revision number of the other switches in the VTP domain. If necessary, reset the switch configuration revision number to 0. Switches in a VTP domain always use the VLAN configuration of the switch with the highest VTP configuration revision number. If you add a switch that has a revision number higher than the revision number in the VTP domain, it can erase all VLAN information from the VTP server and VTP domain.

Beginning in user EXEC mode, follow these steps to verify and reset the VTP configuration revision number on a switch before adding it to a VTP domain.

 
Command
Purpose

Step 1 

show vtp status

Check the VTP configuration revision number.

If the number is 0, add the switch to the VTP domain.

If the number is greater than 0, follow these steps:

a. Write down the domain name.

b. Write down the configuration revision number.

c. Continue with the next steps to reset the configuration revision number on the switch.

Step 2 

enable

Enter privileged EXEC mode.

Step 3 

vlan database

Enter VLAN database mode.

Step 4 

vtp domain domain-name

Change the domain name from the original one displayed in Step 1 to a new name.

Step 5 

exit

The VLAN information on the switch is updated and the configuration revision number is reset to 0. You return to privileged EXEC mode.

Step 6 

show vtp status

Verify that the configuration revision number has been reset to 0.

Step 7 

vlan database

Enter VLAN database mode.

Step 8 

vtp domain domain-name

Enter the original domain name on the switch.

Step 9 

exit

The VLAN information on the switch is updated, and you return to privileged EXEC mode.

Step 10 

show vtp status

(Optional) Verify that the domain name is the same as in Step 1 and that the configuration revision number is 0.

After resetting the configuration revision number, add the switch to the VTP domain.


Note You can use the vtp transparent vlan database command to disable VTP on the switch and then change its VLAN information without affecting the other switches in the VTP domain. For more information about using vtp transparent mode, refer to the switch software configuration guide.


Host names and Domain Name System (DNS) server names that contain commas on a cluster command switch, member switch, or candidate switch can cause CMS to behave unexpectedly. You can avoid this instability in the interface by not using commas in host names or DNS names. Do not use commas when also entering multiple DNS names in the Device Configuration tab (Administration > IP Addresses) in CMS.

The range of seconds for the span-tree max-age global configuration command is now 6 to 200 seconds. If you had used this command in Release 11.2(8)SA6 or earlier to set a value greater than this range and now upgrade your software to Release 11.2(8.1)SA6 or later, the switch sets this value to the default: 20 seconds for IEEE STP and 10 seconds for IBM STP.

When using the SPAN feature, the monitoring port receives copies of sent and received traffic for all monitored ports. If the monitoring port is 50 percent oversubscribed for a sustained period of time, it will probably become congested. One or more of the ports being monitored might also experience a slowdown.

When using the Software Image Management (SWIM) application in the Resource Manager Essentials (RME) suite of the CiscoWorks2000 product family to perform automated system software and boot loader upgrades, you should note the following:

Catalyst 2900 series XL switches require Release 11.2(8)SA4 or later and RME version 2.1 or 2.2.

Catalyst 3500 series XL switches require Release 11.2(8.1)SA6 or later and RME version 2.2.

CMS Restrictions

These are the Cluster Management Suite (CMS) restrictions for this release:

CMS does not support Netscape Navigator 6.0. The workaround is to use a supported version of Netscape Navigator. (CSCdx34982)

CMS does not work reliably on machines running Windows 98 and Netscape Navigator. The workaround is to use Microsoft Internet Explorer. (CSCdx49978)

If you have a proxy server configured on your web browser, CMS can run slowly and take 2 to 3 minutes to process each command that is entered.

The workaround, if you do not want to disable the proxy server settings on the browser, is to download a browser from a different vendor and use it without the proxy server settings configured to access the CMS.

Important Notes

This section describes important information related to this release.

The cluster setup privileged EXEC command was removed in Release 12.0(5)WC5.

When you are configuring a cascaded stack of Catalyst 3500 XL switches by using a GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) module and want to include more than one VLAN in the stack, be sure to configure all the GigaStack GBIC interfaces as trunk ports by using the switchport mode trunk interface configuration command and to use the same encapsulation method by using the switchport encapsulation {isl | dot1q} interface configuration command. For more information about these commands, refer to the switch command reference.

The MVR threshold feature was removed in Release 12.0(5.3)WC(1). To limit rates, use the port multicast storm control feature instead of the MVR threshold feature.

Open Caveats

These are the open caveats in this release:

"Open IOS Caveats" section

Open IOS Caveats

These are the severity 3 IOS configuration caveats:

CSCdz46753

A switch might not send a coldStart and warmStart SNMP traps when it is reloaded or powered up, depending on the configuration and the topology.

There is no workaround.

CSCdz55568

When trying to find the cam table (show mac) through SNMP, you have to query dot1dTpFdbPort (.1.3.6.1.2.1.17.4.3.1.2), and then based on the results poll dot1dBasePortIfIndex (.1.3.6.1.2.1.17.1.4.1.2). When you issue an snmpwalk dot1dTpFdbPort all interfaces are returned. However, the snmpwalk dot1dBasePortIfIndex displays the physical interfaces only.

The workaround is to do an snmpget dot1dBasePortIfIndex by using the index found from the snmpwalk dot1dTpFdbPort query.

CSCdz73429

A switch that is running in VTP server mode unexpectedly removes VLANs when there is a topology change on another device.

There is no workaround.

CSCdz88374

When a switch is dually uplinked to a core switch (for example, a Catalyst 5000 switch) and each uplink carries up to ten VLANs, each uplink behaves normally for approximately two to three minutes: All ports for all VLANs are in a consistent state, and one port forwards while another is blocked.

After two to three minutes, only one VLAN stops registering the current Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) root. The switch then maximizes its age setting, declares itself a root, and unblocks the blocked port.

There is no workaround.

CSCea00819

When a Catalyst 3548 XL switch is connected to a PIX 515 firewall and devices are not properly configured for VLAN trunking, the switch could reload.

There is no workaround.

CSCde21637

If port is configured for multicast storm control and the multicast traffic reaches the threshold, the port blocks all traffic on the port.

There is no workaround.

Resolved Caveats

These caveats were resolved in this release:

"Resolved IOS Caveats in Release 12.0(5)WC7" section

"Resolved CMS Caveats in Release 12.0(5)WC7" section

Resolved IOS Caveats in Release 12.0(5)WC7

These IOS caveats were resolved in Release 12.0(5)WC7:

CSCdz39954

A switch now sends coldStart and warmStart traps when it is reloaded or powered up, depending on the configuration.

CSCdw48256

When a destination based port group is configured as a (MVR) receiver ports and the hosts subscribe to the multicast traffic through the port group members, you no longer receive duplicated multicast streams from all the port members.

CSCdx32678

This error message is no longer reported in the message log:

Assert failure in ../src-l2-les-common/stp_les_shim.c line 2443

CSCdx42540

This error message no longer appears when a MAC address is changed from one type (secure, static, dynamic) to another:

The same static address could not be assigned to another interface.

CSCdx63694

A link-up trap is now generated when a VLAN interface is shut down and then brought back up by using the shutdown and no shutdown interface configuration commands.

CSCdx82206

Multicast VLAN Registration (MVR) no longer stops properly receiving Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) messages after a VLAN assignment change or a link up or link down event from a dynamic VLAN port.

CSCdx86493

When a Gigabit Ethernet port is configured as an access port, that port no longer forwards incoming 801.Q-tagged VLAN frames.

CSCdx92614

When a Cisco IP Phone is supplied with an external power supply and inline power is enabled for the port connected to the IP phone, the output of the show power inline privileged EXEC command no longer shows "no" under the Phone column.

CSCdy16637

When the connection to the primary server fails, a switch no longer skips the secondary Terminal Access Controller Access Control System (TACACS) server defined in the server list.

CSCdy20322

A buffer leak is no longer caused by Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus (TACACS+) packets in the middle buffer pool.

CSCdy35596

Low-memory conditions no longer occur when high rates of HTTP traffic are sent to a switch.

CSCdy42626

A VLAN Membership Policy Server (VMPS) server no longer sends multiple VMPS requests to a switch when the server and the switch first establish a link.

CSCdy69197

A Gigabit Ethernet link now correctly shuts down when you enter the shutdown interface command.

CSCdy69779

A switch now correctly processes incoming VLAN Query Protocol (VPQ) packets from a VLAN Membership Policy Server (VMPS) server.

CSCdy71667

Rebooting a switch or entering the shutdown and no shutdown interface commands on a Gigastack link between two switches now stops link flap between those links and now stabilizes the link.

CSCdy88935

A loop no longer occurs when two switches are trunked together through a Gigabit interface by 801.Q and you remove the native VLAN from the trunk.

CSCdz04972

When a switch is configured with Port Fast through SNMP, the port begins forwarding immediately.

CSCdz16841

When a trunk port is aging out or deleting an address on a Catalyst 2924C XL switch, this error message is no longer displayed:

Oct 29 11:52:04.844: Assert failure in ../src-malibu/co_addr.c line 2216

CSCdz02913

A switch now logs a message when a self-loop condition is detected. The switch now also displays the self-loopback status when you enter the show interface interface-id switchport privileged EXEC command.

CSCdz39954

A switch might now sends coldStart and warmStart SNMP traps when it is reloaded or powered up, depending on the configuration and the topology.

CSCin18916

When you enter the power inline never interface configuration command for a Cisco IP Phone that is connected to the port on a switch, the phone no longer receives power. The phone is not supplied power even after the switch reloads. In previous releases, the phone would be incorrectly supplied with power after the switch rebooted.

CSCuk34772

The UniDirectional Link Detection (UDLD) protocol now immediately detects a stuck port or a unidirectional link error on the remote end of a port. In previous releases, UDLD did not detect these error conditions for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

CSCdz08471

This error message is no longer randomly displayed:

Sep 11 07:10:08 UTC: %SCHED-3-STUCKMTMR: Sleep with expired managed timer 4D1C44 , time 0x7A32C00A3 (00:00:00 ago). -Process= "IP SNMP", ipl= 6, pid= 61 -Traceback= 1C1E2C 1C2114 649CC 1D0CCC

CSCdz11025

A switch does not respond correctly to the etherHistoryUtilisation object identifier (OID) if the port speed is changed.

CSCdz18267

Traceback messages no longer occur when a multicast VLAN Registration (MVR) port is a dynamic access port and an MVR address is deleted.

CSCdz13910

When Visual Switch Manager is used to configure a switch, the configuration archive on Resource Manager Essentials (RME) now works properly, and the configuration history is registered to the RME database on schedule polling.

CSCdz18267

When an MVR port is a dynamic access port and an MVR address is deleted, a traceback message no longer appears.

CSCdz35564

When a switch is configured as a (VLAN Trunking Protocol) VTP server or VTP client, the switch continues processing Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP), spanning-tree protocol (STP), or VTP control-plane traffic.

CSCdz45265

When a dynamic VLAN port loses connectivity to the VLAN, or when the shutdown and no shutdown interface configuration commands are applied to that port, the port no stops processing packets or remains in the Link Up/Protocol Down state.

CSCdz42687

The counters that are displayed by entering the show interface privileged EXEC command now count symbol errors as part of the input errors counter.

CSCdz47360

When polling the dot3StatsTable for interfaces, the counters no longer show uninitialized random values.

CSCdz86732

Bridge protocol data unit (BPDU) filtering was added in Release 12.0(5)WC7. For more information, see the New Features section on "New Software Feature" section.

CSCdz89542

A switch no longer creates a traceback when the spanning-tree debugging is enabled

CSCin34695

The SNMP agent now returns normal values (0 to 100, as defined in the CISCO-PROCESS-MIB) for these objects:

cpmProcExtUtil5SecRev

cpmProcExtUtil1MinRev

cpmProcExtUtil5MinRev

cpmProcExtUtil5SecRev

cpmProcExtUtil1MinRev

cpmProcExtUtil5MinRev

Resolved CMS Caveats in Release 12.0(5)WC7

These CMS caveats were resolved in Release 12.0(5)WC7:

CSCdx34179

You can change the distribution of EtherChannels from CMS.

CSCdx90717

Port status is now correctly displayed in the Front Panel view.

CSCdy36691

CMS now displays all Cisco IP Phones in a cluster that are connected to Catalyst 3524 XL switches.

CSCdy43965

Link status is now correctly displayed on a Catalyst 3500 XL switch in the Front Panel view.

CSCdy85745

Multiple SPAN instances can now be configured through CMS.

CSCdz08376

You can now disable port security by using the Visual Switch Manager (VSM).

CSCdz74756

When a switch is powered by a Cisco 675 Redundant Power System (RPS), the switch LED in the Front Panel view now correctly shows the LED as blinking amber. In previous releases, the LED was black.

Documentation Updates

This information is now only in the release notes and is no longer in the manuals:

Hardware, software, and cluster requirements

Procedures for initial switch configuration: using the setup program, installing browser plug-ins, and accessing CMS

Procedures for upgrading the switch software

Corrections to Software Configuration Guide

These are corrections for the software configuration guide:

DHCP autoconfiguration does not occur as described in Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL Software Configuration Guide.

When you start the switch, the switch automatically requests configuration information from a DHCP server only if a configuration file is not present on the switch.

DHCP autoconfiguration does not occur under these conditions:

When a configuration file is present and the service config global configuration command is disabled on the switch.

When a configuration file is present and the service config global configuration command is enabled on the switch. In this case, the switch broadcasts TFTP requests for the configuration file.

The software configuration guide incorrectly states that flow control is supported on ports running at 100 Mbps in full-duplex mode. Flow control is supported only on installed, 1000-Mbps module ports.

The Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL documentation does not specify that the Enterprise edition (which requires 8-MB of Flash memory) is required to configure TACACS+.

The VLAN chapter in the Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL Software Configuration Guide does not show how to use the switchport trunk allowed vlan add command. (CSCdw47096)

By default, a trunk port sends to and receives traffic from all VLANs in the VLAN database. If the switch is configured with a number of VLANs and it is connected to Cisco IP Phones through 802.1Q trunk ports, the switch sends spanning-tree BPDUs for all VLANs to all of the phones. This can flood the phones with traffic

Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to configure a VLAN list that allows only voice and data VLANs on the trunk port:

Command
Purpose

configure terminal

Enter global configuration mode.

interface interface_id

Enter interface configuration mode and the port to be added to the VLAN.

switchport mode trunk

Configure VLAN membership mode for trunks.

switchport trunk allowed vlan add vlan-list

Define the voice and data VLANs that are allowed to send and receive on the port.
The vlan-list parameter is a range of VLAN IDs. Separate nonconsecutive VLAN IDs with a comma and no spaces; use a hyphen to designate a range of IDs. Valid IDs are from 2 to 1001.

end

Return to privileged EXEC mode.

show interface interface-id switchport allowed-vlan

Verify your entries.

copy running-config startup-config

Save the configuration.


l

For more information about these commands, refer to the switch command reference.

Correction to Command Reference

The lre rate selection sequence global configuration command was introduced in 12.0(5)WC6. The switch command reference incorrectly states that this command was introduced in 12.0(6)WC6. (CSCea10612)

Corrections to Catalyst 3500 XL Hardware Installation Guide

These corrections are for the Catalyst 3500 XL Hardware Installation Guide:

The Catalyst 3508 XL switch (WS-C3508G-XL) ships with a power rating of 1.5A/0.75A. The back-panel illustration of the Catalyst 3508 XL switch in the Catalyst 3500 Series XL Hardware Installation Guide shows an outdated power rating of 1A/0.5A.

The maximum power consumption of the Catalyst 3548 XL switch (WS-C3548-XL) is 341 Btus per hour. The Catalyst 3500 Series XL Hardware Installation Guide lists an incorrect value of 600 Btus per hour.

These EMC regulatory statements are not included in the Catalyst 3500 Series XL Hardware Installation Guide: (CSCdw94929)

Japan

This is a Class A product based on the standard of the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). If this equipment is used in a domestic environment, radio disturbance may arise. When such trouble occurs, the user may be required to take corrective actions.

Korea

Warning This is a Class A Device and is registered for EMC requirements for industrial use. The seller or buyer should be aware of this. If this type was sold or purchased by mistake, it should be replaced with a residential-use type.


Hungary

This equipment is a Class A product and should be used and installed properly according to the Hungarian EMC Class A requirements (MSZEN55022). Class A equipment is designed for typical commercial establishments for which special conditions of installation and protection distance are used.

Figyelmeztetés a felhasználói kézikönyv számára:
Ez a berendezés "A" osztályú termék, felhasználására és üzembe helyezésére a magyar EMC "A" osztályú követelményeknek (MSZ EN 55022) megfeleloen kerülhet sor, illetve ezen "A" osztályú berendezések csak megfelelo kereskedelmi forrásból származhatnak, amelyek biztosítják a megfelelo speciális üzembe helyezési körülményeket és biztonságos üzemelési távolságok alkalmazását.

Initial Switch Configuration

This section provides these procedures:

"Using the Setup Program" section

"Installing the Required Plug-In" section

"Displaying the CMS Access Page" section

This section assumes that you have already installed the switch and connected devices to it, as described in the switch hardware installation guide.

Using the Setup Program

You can use an automatic setup program to assign switch IP information, host and cluster names, and passwords and to create a default configuration for continued operation. Later, you can use CMS or the command-line interface (CLI) to customize your configuration. To run the setup program, access the switch from the PC terminal that you connected to the console port. For information about connecting a PC or terminal to the switch console port, refer to the switch hardware installation guide.


Note If the switch will be a cluster member, you do not always need to assign IP information or a password, as the switch will be managed through the IP address of the command switch. If you are configuring a command switch or standalone switch, you need to assign IP information. Refer to the switch software configuration guide for more information.


The first time that you access the switch, it runs a setup program that prompts you for IP and other configuration information necessary for the switch to communicate with local routers and the Internet. This information is also required if you plan to use CMS to configure and manage the switch.

You will need the following information from your system administrator:

Switch IP address

___________.___________.___________._________

Subnet mask (netmask)

___________.___________.___________._________

Default gateway (router)

___________.___________.___________._________

Enable secret password

___________________________________________


Use this procedure to create an initial configuration for the switch:


Note Be sure that the rollover cable is connecting a PC serial port to the switch console port. The data characteristics are 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. Use the supplied rollover cable and DB-9 adapter to connect a PC to the switch console port. You need to provide a RJ-45-to-DB-25 female DTE adapter if you want to connect the switch console port to a terminal. You can order a kit (part number ACS-DSBUASYN=) containing that adapter from Cisco. For console port and adapter pinout information, refer to the "Cable and Connector Specifications" appendix in the switch hardware installation guide.


At any point you can enter a question mark for help. Use Ctrl-C to stop the configuration dialog at any prompt. The default settings are in square brackets.


Step 1 Enter Y at the first prompt.

Continue with configuration dialog? [yes/no]: y

Step 2 Enter the switch IP address, and press Return:

Enter IP address: ip_address

Step 3 Enter the subnet mask, and press Return:

Enter IP netmask: ip_netmask

Step 4 Enter Y at the next prompt to specify a default gateway (router):

Would you like to enter a default gateway address? [yes]: y 

Step 5 Enter the IP address of the default gateway, and press Return.

IP address of the default gateway: ip_address


Note Enter a host name for the switch, and press Return.



Note On a command switch, the host name is limited to 28 characters; on a member switch to 31 characters. Do not use -n, where n is a number, as the last character in a host name for any switch.


Step 6 Enter a secret password, and press Return.


Note The password can be from 1 to 25 alphanumeric characters, can start with a number, is case sensitive, allows spaces, but ignores leading spaces.


Enter enable secret: secret_password

Step 7 Enter Y to enter a Telnet password:

Would you like to configure a Telnet password? [yes] y


Note The password can be from 1 to 25 alphanumeric characters, is case sensitive, allows spaces, but ignores leading spaces.


Step 8 Enter the Telnet password, and press Return:

Enter Telnet password: telnet_password

Step 9 Enter Y to configure the switch as the cluster command switch. Enter N to configure it as a member switch or as a standalone switch.


Note If you enter N, the switch appears as a candidate switch in Cluster Builder. In this case, the message in Step 10 is not displayed.


Would you like to enable as a cluster command switch? y

Step 10 Assign a name to the cluster, and press Return.

Enter cluster name: cls_name


Note The cluster name can be 1 to 31 alphanumeric characters, dashes, or underscores.


Step 11 The initial configuration is displayed:

The following configuration command script was created: 
 
ip subnet-zero 
interface VLAN1 
ip address 172.20.153.36 255.255.255.0 
ip default-gateway 172.20.153.01 
hostname host_name 
enable secret 5 $1$M3pS$cXtAlkyR3/6Cn8/ 
line vty 0 15 
password telnet_password 
snmp community private rw 
snmp community public ro 
cluster enable cls_name 
 
end 

Step 12 Verify that the information is correct.

If the information is correct, enter Y at the prompt, and press Return.

If the information is not correct, enter N at the prompt, press Return, and begin again at Step 1.

Use this configuration? [yes/no]: y 


After you complete the setup program, the switch can use the created default configuration. If you want to change this configuration or want to perform other management tasks, use one of these tools:

CMS from your browser (See the "Installing the Required Plug-In" section and the "Displaying the CMS Access Page" section.)

Command-line interface (CLI) (Refer to the switch software configuration guide.)

The switch software configuration guide provides more information about how to set a password to protect the switch against unauthorized Telnet access and how to access the switch if you forget the password.

Installing the Required Plug-In

A Java plug-in is required for the browser to access CMS. Download and install the plug-in before you start CMS. Each platform, Windows and Solaris, supports three plug-in versions. For information on the supported plug-ins, see the "Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 2000 Users" section and the "Solaris Platforms" section.

You can download the recommended plug-ins from this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/java


Note Uninstall older versions of Java plug-ins before installing the Java plug-in.


If the Java applet does not initialize after you have installed the plug-in, open the Java Plug-in Control Panel (Start > Programs > Java Plug-in Control Panel), and verify these settings:

In the Proxies tab, verify that the Use browser settings is checked and that no proxies are enabled.


Note If you are running McAfee VirusScan on Windows 2000 and the plug-in takes a long time to load, you can speed up CMS operation by disabling the VirusScan Internet Filter option, the Download Scan option, or both.

From the Start menu, disable the options by selecting Start > Programs > Network Associates > Virus Scan Console > Configure.

or

From the taskbar, right-click the Virus Shield icon, and in the Quick Enable menu, disable the options by deselecting Internet Filter or Download Scan.


Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 2000 Users

These Java plug-ins are supported on the Windows platform:

Java plug-in 1.3.1

Java plug-in 1.3.0

Java plug-in 1.2.2_05

You can download these plug-ins from this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/java


Note If you start CMS without having installed the required Java plug-in, the browser automatically detects this. If you are using a supported Internet Explorer browser, it automatically downloads and installs the Java plug-in 1.3.1 (default). If you are using a supported Netscape browser, the browser displays a Cisco.com page that contains the Java plug-in and installation instructions. If you are using Windows 2000, Netscape Communicator might not detect the missing Java plug-in.


Solaris Platforms

These Java plug-ins are supported on the Solaris platform:


Caution To avoid performance and compatibility issues, do not use Java plug-ins later than Java plug-in 1.3.1.

Java plug-in 1.3.1

Java plug-in 1.3.0

Java plug-in 1.2.2_07

If you have a SmartNet contract, you can download these plug-ins and instructions from this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/java

To install the Java plug-in, follow the instructions in the README_FIRST.txt file.

If you do not have a SmartNet contract, download the plug-in from this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/java


Note Uninstall older versions of the Java plug-in before installing Java plug-in JRE 1.3.1.


Displaying the CMS Access Page

After the browser is configured, display the CMS access page:


Step 1 Enter the switch IP address and your privilege level in the browser Location field (Netscape Communicator) or Address field (Microsoft Internet Explorer). For example:

http://10.1.126.45:184/level/14/

where 10.1.126.45 is the switch IP address, 184 is the HTTP port, and level/14 is the privilege level. You do not need to enter the HTTP port if the switch is using HTTP port 80 (the default) or enter the privilege level if you have read-write access to the switch (privilege level is 15).

For information about the HTTP port and privilege levels, refer to the switch software configuration guide.

Step 2 When prompted for a username and password, enter only the switch enable password. CMS prompts you a second time for a username and password. Enter only the enable password again.

If you configure a local username and password, make sure you enable it by using the ip http authentication global configuration command. Enter your username and password when prompted.

Step 3 Click Cluster Management Suite.

If you access CMS from a standalone or member switch, Device Manager appears. If you access CMS from a command switch, you can display the Front Panel and Topology views.


For complete information about CMS, refer to the switch software configuration guide.

Upgrading the Switch Software

This section provides topics about upgrading the switch software:

"Guidelines for Upgrading Switch Software" section

"Overview of the Switch Upgrade Process" section

"Determining the Switch Software Version" section

"Which Software Files to Download from Cisco.com" section

"Copying the Current Startup Configuration from the Switch to a PC or Server" section

"Using CMS to Upgrade One or More Switches" section

"Recovering from an Incomplete CMS Software Upgrade" section

"Using the CLI to Upgrade Member Switches" section

"Using the CLI to Upgrade Member Switches" section


Note Before upgrading your switch to Release 12.0(5)WC7, read the "Guidelines for Upgrading Switch Software" section for important information.


Guidelines for Upgrading Switch Software


Note This release is not for the Catalyst 2900 LRE XL switches.


When upgrading the switch software, follow these rules:

To upgrade the switch software, use the CMS procedure described in the "Using CMS to Upgrade One or More Switches" section or use the CLI procedures described in the "Recovering from an Incomplete CMS Software Upgrade" section, "Using the CLI to Upgrade Member Switches" section, or the "Using the CLI to Upgrade Member Switches" section.

If your switch is running Release 11.2(8)SA3, SA4, or SA5 (Catalyst 2900 XL only), we recommend that you upgrade the switch software by using VSM. If you are upgrading a switch running Release 11.2(8)SA6 or later to this release, we recommend that you use Cluster Manager. For CMS instructions for upgrading switch software, refer to the switch software configuration guide or the online help for that release.

When using CMS, you cannot upgrade Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL switches at the same time. However, you can group together and upgrade Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches at the same time.

For Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL switches, enter the image_name.tar filename in the New File Name field. The .tar file contains both the IOS image and the web-management code.

For Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches, enter the image_name.bin filename in the New File Name field. The .bin file contains the software image and the web-management code.

Upgrade Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches last. To function efficiently, these switches need to be rebooted shortly after the upgrade occurs. If you do not click Reboot Cluster in 30 seconds after the upgrade, the Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches automatically reboot.

When using CMS to upgrade multiple switches from the Cisco TFTP server, the Cisco TFTP server application can process multiple requests and sessions. When using CMS to upgrade multiple switches from the Cisco TFTP server, you must first disable the TFTP Show File Transfer Progress and the Enable Logging options to avoid TFTP server failures. If you are performing multiple-switch upgrades with a different TFTP server, it must be capable of managing multiple requests and sessions at the same time.

If you are using VSM to upgrade a specific switch, follow the steps in the "Using CMS to Upgrade One or More Switches" section.

Overview of the Switch Upgrade Process

The software upgrade procedure has these major steps:

Deciding which software files to download from Cisco.com, as described in the "Which Software Files to Download from Cisco.com" section.

Downloading the .tar file from Cisco.com, as described in the "Downloading the New Software and TFTP Server Application to Your Management Station" section. This file contains the IOS image file and the HTML files. From Cisco.com, you can also download a TFTP server application to copy the switch software from your PC to the switch, if necessary.

The tar command extracts the IOS image and the HTML files from the .tar file during the TFTP copy to the switch.

Copying the current startup configuration file, as described in the "Copying the Current Startup Configuration from the Switch to a PC or Server" section.

When you upgrade a switch, the switch continues to operate while the new software is copied to Flash memory. If Flash memory has enough space, the new image is copied to the selected switch but does not replace the running image until you reboot the switch.


Note If a failure occurs during the copy process, you can still reboot your switch by using the old image that is still on the switch.


If Flash memory does not have enough space for two images, your new image is copied over the existing one.


Note If a failure occurs while copying a new image to the switch, and the old image has already been deleted, you will need to use the XMODEM protocol to recover an image for the switch. For more information, refer to the "Recovering from Corrupted Software" section in the "Troubleshooting" chapter of the switch software configuration guide.


Using CMS or the CLI to upgrade the software on your switch or switch cluster:

If you are using CMS to upgrade a switch, follow the steps in the "Using CMS to Upgrade One or More Switches" section.

If you are using the CLI to upgrade a switch, follow the steps in the "Recovering from an Incomplete CMS Software Upgrade" section, the "Recovering from an Incomplete CMS Software Upgrade" section, or the "Using the CLI to Upgrade Member Switches" section.

Features provided by the new software are not available until you reload the switch.

Determining the Switch Software Version

The IOS image is stored as a .bin file in a directory that is named with the IOS release. A subdirectory contains the HTML files needed for web management. The image is stored on the system board Flash device (flash:).

You can use the show version user EXEC command to see the software version that is running on your switch. For example:

3500-239-34> show version
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software 
IOS (tm) C3500xl Software (C3500xl-C3H2S-M), Version 12.0(0.0.2)WC5, RELEASE SOFT)
Copyright (c) 1986-2002 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Tue 14-May-02 12:57 by antonino
Image text-base: 0x00003000, data-base: 0x0034A3B8

You can also use the dir filesystem: privileged EXEC command to see the directory names of other software images that might be stored in Flash memory.


Note You can use CMS to see the software versions that are running on all the switches in a cluster. Launch CMS, and select Reports > Inventory. CMS displays a window that shows the software versions for all the switches in the cluster.


Which Software Files to Download from Cisco.com

New software releases are posted on Cisco.com and are also available through authorized resellers. From Cisco.com, you can also download a TFTP server application to copy the switch software from your PC to the switch.

Table 8 describes the file extensions and what they mean for the upgrade procedure. Table 9 and Table 10 list the software files that you need from Cisco.com.

Table 8 Possible Extensions for IOS Software Files 

Extension
Description

.bin

The IOS image file that you can copy to the switch through TFTP.

.tar

A compacted file from which you can extract files by using the tar privileged EXEC command. The .tar file that you download from Cisco.com contains both the .bin and HTML (required for CMS) files.

Note The CMS files are only available in the .tar file.


Table 9 Catalyst 2900 XL Switch IOS Software Files

Filename
Description

c3500xl-c3h2s-mz.120-5.WC7.bin

IOS image-only file

c3500xl-c3h2s-mz.120-5.WC7.tar

IOS image file and HTML files

Note The CMS files are only available in the .tar file.


Table 10 Catalyst 3500 XL Switch IOS Software Files

Filename
Description

c2900xl-c3h2s-mz.120-5.WC7.bin

IOS image-only file

c2900xl-c3h2s-mz.120-5.WC7.tar

IOS image file and HTML files

Note The CMS files are only available in the .tar file.


Downloading the New Software and TFTP Server Application to Your Management Station

Follow these steps to download the new software and, if necessary, the TFTP server application, from Cisco.com to your management station:


Step 1 Use Table 9 and Table 10 to identify the files that you want to download.

Step 2 Download the files from one of these locations:

If you have a SmartNet support contract, go to one of these URLs, and download the appropriate files:

http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/cat2900XL

http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/cat3500XL

If you do not have a SmartNet contract, go to one of these URLs, and download the appropriate files:

http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/cat2900XL

http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/cat3500XL

Step 3 Use the CLI or CMS to perform a TFTP transfer of the file or files to the switch after you have downloaded the correct files to your PC or workstation.


The readme.txt file describes how to download the TFTP server application. New features provided by the software are not available until you reload the software.

Copying the Current Startup Configuration from the Switch to a PC or Server

When you make changes to a switch configuration, your changes become part of the running configuration. When you enter the command to save those changes to the startup configuration, the switch copies the configuration to the config.text file in Flash memory. To ensure that you can recreate the configuration if a switch fails, you might want to copy the config.text file from the switch to a PC or server.

The following procedure requires a configured TFTP server such as the Cisco TFTP server available on Cisco.com.

Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to copy a switch configuration file to the PC or server that has the TFTP server application:


Step 1 Copy the file in Flash memory to the root directory of the TFTP server:

switch# copy flash:config.text tftp

Step 2 Enter the IP address of the device where the TFTP server resides:

Address or name of remote host []? ip_address

Step 3 Enter the name of the destination file (for example, config.text):

Destination filename [config.text]? yes/no

Step 4 Verify the copy by displaying the contents of the root directory on the PC or server.


Using CMS to Upgrade One or More Switches

You can use the Software Upgrade window in Cluster Manager to upgrade all or some of the switches in a cluster at once. Consider these conditions when doing an upgrade:

When using CMS, you cannot upgrade Catalyst 2900 XL, Catalyst 2900 LRE XL, or Catalyst 3500 XL switches at the same time. However, you can group together and upgrade Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches at the same time.

For Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL switches, enter the image_name.tar filename in the New File Name field. The .tar file contains both the IOS image and the web-management code.

For Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches, enter the image_name.bin filename in the New File Name field. The .bin file contains the switch software image and the web-management code.

Upgrade Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches last. To function efficiently, these switches need to be rebooted shortly after the upgrade occurs. If you do not click Reboot Cluster in 30 seconds after the upgrade, the Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches automatically reboot.

Follow these steps to use CMS to upgrade switch software. Refer to the online help for more details.


Step 1 In Cluster Manager, select System > Software Upgrade to display the Software Upgrade window.

Step 2 Enter the .tar filename (for Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL switches) or the .bin filename (for Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches) that contains the IOS image and the web-management code.

You can enter just the filename or a pathname into the New Image File Names field. You do not need to enter a pathname if the image file is in the directory that you have defined as the TFTP root directory.



Note You can also use Cluster Manager to upgrade a single switch by following the same upgrade procedure.



Note Close your browser after the upgrade process is complete.


On the Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL switches, new images are copied to Flash memory and do not affect operation. The switch checks Flash memory to ensure that there is sufficient space before the upgrade takes place. If there is enough space, the new image is copied to the switch without replacing the old image, and after the new image is completely downloaded, the old one is erased. In this case, you can still reboot your switch by using the old image if a failure occurs during the copy process.

If there is not enough space in Flash memory for the new and old images, the old image is deleted, and the new image is downloaded.

On the Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches, the new image overwrites the current image during the upgrade.


Note If a failure occurs while copying a new image to the switch, and the old image has already been deleted, you need to use the XMODEM protocol to recover an image for the switch. For more information, refer to the "Recovering from Corrupted Software" section in the "Troubleshooting" chapter of the switch software configuration guide.


Recovering from an Incomplete CMS Software Upgrade

An upgrade failure can create multiple copies of IOS images and other files in Flash memory. This would not leave enough space for the HTML files to also be copied to Flash memory; thus, you will not be able to access the switch through CMS.

If a failure occurs, ensure that the image file in Flash memory has the same name as the contents of the boot variable:

See Step 5 and Step 8 in the "Using the CLI to Upgrade an 8-MB Catalyst 2900 XL Switch" section

See Step 4 and Step 10 in the "Using the CLI to Upgrade Member Switches" section

If the contents of the boot variable and the image file name are the same, the switch can reset successfully. If they are different, rename the image file, or reset the boot variable by entering the system boot name global configuration command. The boot variable and the image file name should be the same.

To recover from the incomplete download of the HTML files, log in to the switch, and upgrade the software as described in the "Using the CLI to Upgrade Member Switches" section.

Using the CLI to Upgrade an 8-MB Catalyst 2900 XL Switch


Caution The 4-MB Catalyst 2900 XL switches do not have sufficient memory to be upgraded to this release. The 4-MB models are WS-C2908-XL, WS-C2916M-XL, WS-C2924C-XL, and WS-C2924-XL. These switches must run Release 11.2(8.x)SA6 to be cluster members.

This procedure is for upgrading Catalyst 2900 XL switches with 8 MB of DRAM. You upgrade a switch by extracting the IOS image file and the HTML files from a combined .tar file. You copy the files to the switch from a TFTP server and extract the files by entering the tar privileged EXEC command with these results:

Changes the name of the current image file to the name of the new file that you are copying and replaces the old image file with the new one by using the tar privileged EXEC command.

Disables access to the HTML pages and deletes the existing HTML files before you upgrade the software to avoid a conflict with users accessing the web pages during the software upgrade.

Re-enables access to the HTML pages after the upgrade is complete.

If you are unsure whether your switch has 4 MB or 8 MB of memory, you can verify memory capacity at Step 4.

Follow these steps to upgrade the switch software by using the tar privileged EXEC command to start a TFTP transfer:


Step 1 If your PC or workstation cannot act as a TFTP server, copy the file to a TFTP server to which you have access.

Step 2 Access the CLI by starting a Telnet session or by connecting to the switch console port through the RS-232 connector.

To start a Telnet session on your PC or workstation, enter this command:

server% telnet switch_ip_address

Enter the Telnet password if you are prompted to do so.

Step 3 Enter privileged EXEC mode:

switch> enable 
switch#

Enter a password if you are prompted to do so.

Step 4 Confirm that you have an 8-MB switch:

switch# show version
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software IOS (tm) 
C2900XL Software (C2900XL-HS-M), Version 11.2(8.2)SA6, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-1998 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Mon 23-Nov-98 20:59 by paulines
Image text-base: 0x00003000, data-base: 0x00202144

ROM: Bootstrap program is C2900XL boot loader

2900XL-EN-84.3 uptime is 1 day, 22 hours, 23 minutes
System restarted by power-on
Running default software

cisco WS-C2924-XL (PowerPC403GA) processor (revision 0x11) 
with 8192K/1024K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID 0x0E, with hardware revision 0x01
Last reset from power-on

Processor is running Enterprise Edition Software
24 Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 interface(s)

32K bytes of flash-simulated non-volatile configuration memory.
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:50:80:39:EC:40
Motherboard assembly number: 73-3382-04
Power supply part number: 34-0834-01
Motherboard serial number: FAA02499G7X
Model number: WS-C2924-XL-EN
System serial number: FAA0250U03P
Configuration register is 0xF

Step 5 Display the name of the running (default) image file (BOOT path-list). This example shows the name in italic:

switch# show boot 
BOOT path-list:    flash:current_image 
Config file:       flash:config.text 
Enable Break:      1 
Manual Boot:       no 
HELPER path-list:  
NVRAM/Config file 
buffer size: 32768

If there is no file defined in the BOOT path-list, enter the dir flash: privileged EXEC command to display the contents of Flash memory. For example, the file named c2900XL-c3h2-mz-120-5.3.WC.1.bin is the image file.

c2900XL-c3h2-mz-120-5.3.WC.1.bin
switch# dir flash:
Directory of flash:/

 2  ---x     1644046   Apr 04 1993 15:22:13  c2900XL-c3h2s-mz-120-5.3.WC.1.bin
  4  d--x        6848   Apr 04 1993 15:23:11  html
  6  -rwx          79   Apr 04 1993 15:20:34  env_vars
  5  ---x         106   Apr 04 1993 15:20:36  info
 68  -rwx        1399   May 16 2000 14:43:42  config.text
259  ---x         106   Apr 04 1993 15:23:12  info.ver

3612672 bytes total (940032 bytes free) 

Step 6 Enter global configuration mode:

switch# config terminal 
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.

Step 7 Disable access to the switch HTML pages:

switch(config)# no IP http server

Step 8 If you entered the boot global configuration command with the name of the image file, enter this command to change the image filename to the new name.

switch(config)# boot system flash:new_image

For example:

switch(config)# boot system flash:c2900XL-c3h2s-mz-120-5.3.WC.1.bin

Note If the show boot privileged EXEC command that you entered in Step 5 displays no image name, you do not need to enter this command; the switch automatically finds the correct file to use when it resets.


Step 9 Return to privileged EXEC mode:

switch(config)# end

Step 10 Remove the HTML files:

switch# delete flash:html/* 

Step 11 Press Enter to confirm the deletion of each file. Do not press any other keys during this process.

Step 12 If upgrading from Release 11.2(8)SA5 or earlier, remove the files in the Snmp directory:

switch# delete flash:html/Snmp/*

Make sure the S in Snmp is uppercase.

Press Enter to confirm the deletion of each file. Do not press any other keys during this process.


Caution In the following step, the tar privileged EXEC command copies the combined .tar file that contains both the image and the HTML files. You do not need to copy an HTML.tar file in this procedure.

Step 13 Enter this command to copy the new image and HTML files to the switch Flash memory:

switch# tar /x tftp://server_ip_address/path/filename.tar flash: 
Loading /path/filename.tar from server_ip_address (via VLAN1):!) 
extracting info (111 bytes)
extracting c2900XL-c3h2s-mz-120-5.3.WC.1.bin (1557286 bytes)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
html/ (directory)
extracting html/Detective.html.gz (1139 bytes)!
extracting html/ieGraph.html.gz (553 bytes)
extracting html/DrawGraph.html.gz (787 bytes)!
. . . 

Depending on the TFTP server being used, you might need to enter only one slash (/) after the server_ip_address in the tar privileged command.

Step 14 Enter global configuration mode:

switch# configure terminal 
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z. 

Step 15 Re-enable access to the switch HTTP pages:

switch(config)# IP http server

Step 16 Return to privileged EXEC mode:

switch(config)# end

Step 17 Reload the new software with this command:

switch# reload 
System configuration has been modified. Save? [yes/no]:y 
Proceed with reload? [confirm] 

Step 18 Press Return to confirm the reload.

Your Telnet session ends when the switch resets.

Step 19 After the switch reboots, use Telnet to return to the switch, and enter the show version privileged EXEC command to verify the upgrade procedure. If you have a previously opened browser session to the upgraded switch, close the browser, and restart it to ensure that you are using the latest HTML files.


Using the CLI to Upgrade Member Switches

Because a member switch might not be assigned an IP address, command-line software upgrades through TFTP are managed through the command switch.

This section provides these procedures:

"Upgrading Catalyst 2900 XL or Catalyst 3500 XL Member Switches" section

"Related Documentation" section

Upgrading Catalyst 2900 XL or Catalyst 3500 XL Member Switches

Follow these steps to upgrade the software on a Catalyst 2900 XL or Catalyst 3500 XL member switch:


Step 1 In privileged EXEC mode on the command switch, display information about the cluster members:

switch# show cluster members

From the display, select the number of the member switch that you want to upgrade. The member number is in the SN column of the display. You need this member number for Step 2.

Step 2 Log in to the member switch (for example, member number 1):

switch# rcommand 1

Step 3 Start the TFTP copy function as if you were initiating it from the command switch.

switch-1# tar /x tftp://server_ip_address/path/filename.tar flash:
Source IP address or hostname [server_ip_address]?  
Source filename [path/filename]?  
Destination filename [flash:new_image]?  
Loading /path/filename.bin from server_ip_address (via!) 
[OK - 843975 bytes]

Step 4 Reload the new software with the following command:

switch-1# reload 
System configuration has been modified. Save? [yes/no]:y 
Proceed with reload? [confirm]

Press Enter to start the download.


You lose contact with the switch while it reloads the software. For more information on the rcommand privileged EXEC command, refer to the switch command reference.

Related Documentation

You can order printed copies of documents with a DOC-xxxxxx= number from the Cisco.com sites and from the telephone numbers listed in the "Obtaining Documentation" section.

These publications provide more information about the switches and the switch software:

Catalyst 2900 Series XL and Catalyst 3500 Series XL Software Configuration Guide (order number DOC-786511=)

Catalyst 2900 Series XL and Catalyst 3500 Series XL Command Reference (order number DOC-7812155=)

Cluster Management Suite (CMS) online help (available only from the switch CMS software)

Catalyst 2900 Series XL Hardware Installation Guide (order number DOC-786461=)

Catalyst 3500 Series XL Hardware Installation Guide (order number DOC-786456=)

Catalyst 2900 Series XL Modules Installation Guide (order number DOC-CAT2900-IG=)

Catalyst 2900 Series XL ATM Modules Installation and Configuration Guide (order number DOC-785472=)

1000BASE-T Gigabit Interface Converter Installation Note (not orderable but is available on Cisco.com)

Catalyst GigaStack Gigabit Interface Converter Hardware Installation Guide (order number DOC-786460=)

Installation Note for the CWDM Passive Optical System (not orderable but available on Cisco.com)

Obtaining Documentation

Cisco provides several ways to obtain documentation, technical assistance, and other technical resources. These sections explain how to obtain technical information from Cisco Systems.

Cisco.com

You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/home/home.htm

You can access the Cisco website at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com

International Cisco web sites can be accessed from this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml

Documentation CD-ROM

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a Cisco Documentation CD-ROM package, which may have shipped with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM is updated monthly and may be more current than printed documentation. The CD-ROM package is available as a single unit or through an annual subscription.

Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-ROM (product number DOC-CONDOCCD=) through the online Subscription Store:

http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription

Ordering Documentation

You can find instructions for ordering documentation at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/es_inpck/pdi.htm

You can order Cisco documentation in these ways:

Registered Cisco.com users (Cisco direct customers) can order Cisco product documentation from the Networking Products MarketPlace:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ordering/index.shtml

Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-ROM (Customer Order Number DOC-CONDOCCD=) through the online Subscription Store:

http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription

Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative by calling Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters (California, U.S.A.) at 408 526-7208 or, elsewhere in North America, by calling 800 553-NETS (6387).

Documentation Feedback

You can submit comments electronically on Cisco.com. On the Cisco Documentation home page, click Feedback at the top of the page.

You can e-mail your comments to bug-doc@cisco.com.

You can submit your comments by mail by using the response card behind the front cover of your document or by writing to the following address:

Cisco Systems
Attn: Customer Document Ordering
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883

We appreciate your comments.

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco provides Cisco.com, which includes the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Website, as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can obtain online documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from the Cisco TAC website. Cisco.com registered users have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC website, including TAC tools and utilities.

Cisco.com

Cisco.com offers a suite of interactive, networked services that let you access Cisco information, networking solutions, services, programs, and resources at any time, from anywhere in the world.

Cisco.com provides a broad range of features and services to help you with these tasks:

Streamline business processes and improve productivity

Resolve technical issues with online support

Download and test software packages

Order Cisco learning materials and merchandise

Register for online skill assessment, training, and certification programs

To obtain customized information and service, you can self-register on Cisco.com at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com

Technical Assistance Center

The Cisco TAC is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product, technology, or solution. Two levels of support are available: the Cisco TAC website and the Cisco TAC Escalation Center. The avenue of support that you choose depends on the priority of the problem and the conditions stated in service contracts, when applicable.

We categorize Cisco TAC inquiries according to urgency:

Priority level 4 (P4)—You need information or assistance concerning Cisco product capabilities, product installation, or basic product configuration.

Priority level 3 (P3)—Your network performance is degraded. Network functionality is noticeably impaired, but most business operations continue.

Priority level 2 (P2)—Your production network is severely degraded, affecting significant aspects of business operations. No workaround is available.

Priority level 1 (P1)—Your production network is down, and a critical impact to business operations will occur if service is not restored quickly. No workaround is available.

Cisco TAC Website

You can use the Cisco TAC website to resolve P3 and P4 issues yourself, saving both cost and time. The site provides around-the-clock access to online tools, knowledge bases, and software. To access the Cisco TAC website, go to this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/tac

All customers, partners, and resellers who have a valid Cisco service contract have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC website. Some services on the Cisco TAC website require a Cisco.com login ID and password. If you have a valid service contract but do not have a login ID or password, go to this URL to register:

http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do

If you are a Cisco.com registered user, and you cannot resolve your technical issues by using the Cisco TAC website, you can open a case online at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/index.html

If you have Internet access, we recommend that you open P3 and P4 cases through the Cisco TAC website so that you can describe the situation in your own words and attach any necessary files.

Cisco TAC Escalation Center

The Cisco TAC Escalation Center addresses priority level 1 or priority level 2 issues. These classifications are assigned when severe network degradation significantly impacts business operations. When you contact the TAC Escalation Center with a P1 or P2 problem, a Cisco TAC engineer automatically opens a case.

To obtain a directory of toll-free Cisco TAC telephone numbers for your country, go to this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml

Before calling, please check with your network operations center to determine the level of Cisco support services to which your company is entitled: for example, SMARTnet, SMARTnet Onsite, or Network Supported Accounts (NSA). When you call the center, please have available your service agreement number and your product serial number.

Obtaining Additional Publications and Information

Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various online and printed sources.

The Cisco Product Catalog describes the networking products offered by Cisco Systems as well as ordering and customer support services. Access the Cisco Product Catalog at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_catalog_links_launch.html

Cisco Press publishes a wide range of networking publications. Cisco suggests these titles for new and experienced users: Internetworking Terms and Acronyms Dictionary, Internetworking Technology Handbook, Internetworking Troubleshooting Guide, and the Internetworking Design Guide. For current Cisco Press titles and other information, go to Cisco Press online at this URL:

http://www.ciscopress.com

Packet magazine is the Cisco monthly periodical that provides industry professionals with the latest information about the field of networking. You can access Packet magazine at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/about/ac123/ac114/about_cisco_packet_magazine.html

iQ Magazine is the Cisco monthly periodical that provides business leaders and decision makers with the latest information about the networking industry. You can access iQ Magazine at this URL:

http://business.cisco.com/prod/tree.taf%3fasset_id=44699&public_view=true&kbns=1.html

Internet Protocol Journal is a quarterly journal published by Cisco Systems for engineering professionals involved in the design, development, and operation of public and private internets and intranets. You can access the Internet Protocol Journal at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/about/ac123/ac147/about_cisco_the_internet_protocol_journal.html

Training—Cisco offers world-class networking training, with current offerings in network training listed at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/le31/learning_recommended_training_list.html