Logging In to the Web-based Interface

To access the switch with the web-based interface, you must know the IP address that the switch is using. The default configuration of the switch is to use its factory default IP address of 192.168.1.254 until it has obtained an IP address from a DHCP server.

NOTE     If you are managing the switch through a network connection and the switch IP address is changed, either by a DHCP server or manually, your access to the switch will be lost. You must enter the new IP address that the switch is using into your browser to use the web-based interface. If you are managing the switch through a console port connection, the link is retained.

To configure the switch using the web-based interface:

  1. Power on the computer and your switch.
  2. Connect the computer to the switch.

    3. You can connect to the same IP subnet as the switch by connecting them directly with an Ethernet cable, or by connecting to the same LAN where the switch is located through other switches. You can also connect your computer to the switch from another IP subnet through one or more IP routers.

  3. Locate the IP address of the switch.
    1. The switch can be accessed and managed by Cisco network tools and services including the Cisco FindIT Network Discovery Utility which enables you to automatically discover all supported Cisco devices in the same local network segment as your computer. You can get a snapshot view of each device or launch the product configuration utility to view and configure the settings. For more information about FindIT, see www.cisco.com/go/findit.
    2. Locate the IP address assigned by your DHCP server by accessing your router or DHCP server; see your DHCP server instructions for information. Make sure that your DHCP server is running and can be reached.
  4. Set up the IP configuration on your computer.
    • If the switch is using the default static IP address of 192.168.1.254, you must choose an IP address in the range of 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.253 that is not already in use.
    • If the IP addresses will be assigned by DHCP, make sure that your DHCP server is running and can be reached from the switch and the computer. You may need to disconnect and reconnect the devices for them to discover their new IP addresses from the DHCP server.

    NOTE     Details on how to change the IP address on your computer depend upon the type of architecture and operating system that you are using. Use your computers local Help and Support functionality and search for “IP Addressing.”

  5. Open a web browser window. If you are prompted to install an Active-X plug-in when connecting to the switch, follow the prompts to accept the plug-in.
  6. Enter the IP address of the switch that you are configuring in the address bar on the browser, and then press Enter. For example, http://192.168.1.254.
  7. When the login page appears, choose the language that you prefer to use in the web-based interface and enter the username and password.

    8. The default username is cisco and the default password is cisco. Both username and password are case sensitive.

  8. Click Log In.

    9. The first time that you log in with the default username and password, you are required to enter a new password. The Change Password page opens.