Connecting the Switch to the Network

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You need to connect the following ports when connecting the switch to the network:

• Console port—A direct local management connection used to initially configure the switch

• Management ports—An online management connection

• Uplink and downlink ports—Connections to hosts and servers

Caution

When running power and data cables in overhead or subfloor cable trays, we strongly recommend that you locate power cables and other potential noise sources as far away as practical from network cabling that terminates on Cisco equipment. In situations where long parallel cable runs cannot be separated by at least 3.3 feet (1 meter), we recommend that you shield any potential noise sources by housing them in a grounded metallic conduit.

When preparing your site for network connections to your switch, consider the following for each type of interface and gather all the required equipment before connecting the ports:

• Cabling required for each interface type

• Distance limitations for each signal type

• Additional interface equipment required

You can connect the switch to a console to perform the following functions:

• Configuring the switch using the CLI

• Monitoring network statistics and errors

• Configuring SNMP agent parameters

• Downloading software updates

Note	We recommend that you use this port to create a local management connection to set the IP address and other initial configuration settings before connecting the switch to the network for the first time.

The console port on the switch is an RS-232 port with an RJ-45 interface. This is an asynchronous (async) serial port; any device connected to this port must be capable of asynchronous transmission.

Caution

The console port can be used to connect to a modem. If you do not connect it to a modem, connect it either before powering the switch on or after the switch has completed the boot process.

To create a management connection to the switch, you must connect a management port on the switch to an external hub, switch, or router.

After you perform the initial configuration for the switch and create a management connection, you are ready to connect the interface ports on the switch to other devices. Depending on the types of interface ports on the switch, you will need to use interface cables with QSFP+, SFP+, or SFP transceivers or RJ-45 connectors to connect the switch to other devices.

The transceivers used with many fiber-optic cables come separated from their cables. To prevent damage to the fiber-optic cables and their transceivers, we recommend that you keep these transceivers disconnected from their fiber-optic cables when installing the transceiver in the I/O module. Before removing a transceiver for a fiber-optic cable, you must remove the cable from the transceiver.

To maximize the effectiveness and life of your transceivers and optical cables, do the following:

• Wear an ESD-preventative wrist strap that is connected to an earth ground whenever handling transceivers. The switch is typically grounded during installation and provides an ESD port to which you can connect your wrist strap.

• Do not remove and insert a transceiver more often than is necessary. Repeated removals and insertions can shorten its useful life.

• Keep the transceivers and fiber-optic cables clean and dust free to maintain high signal accuracy and to prevent damage to the connectors. Attenuation (loss of light) is increased by contamination and should be kept below 0.35 dB.

• Clean these parts before installation to prevent dust from scratching the fiber-optic cable ends.

• Clean the connectors regularly; the required frequency of cleaning depends upon the environment. In addition, clean connectors if they are exposed to dust or accidentally touched. Both wet and dry cleaning techniques can be effective; refer to your site's fiber-optic connection cleaning procedures.

• Do not touch the ends of connectors. Touching the ends can leave fingerprints and cause other contamination.

• Inspect routinely for dust and damage. If you suspect damage, clean and then inspect fiber ends under a microscope to determine if damage has occurred.

Warning

Statement 1051—Laser Radiation Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from disconnected fibers or connectors. Do not stare into beams or view directly with optical instruments.