Cisco N9396Y12C-SE1 NX-OS Mode Switch Hardware Installation Guide

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Create the initial switch configuration

Updated: January 22, 2026

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Overview

Steps to create an initial switch configuration.

Before you begin

  • A console device must be connected with the switch.

  • The switch must be connected to a power source.

  • Determine the IP address and the netmask that is needed for the Management (Mgmt0) interface.

Procedure

1.

Power up the switch by connecting each installed power supply to an AC circuit.

If you are using the input-source (n+n) power mode, connect half of the power supplies to one AC circuit. Connect the other half of the power supplies to another AC circuit.

The input and output LEDs on each power supply light up (green) when the power supply units are sending power to the switch. The software asks you to specify a password to use with the switch.
2.

Enter a new password for this switch.

The software checks the security strength of your password. It rejects your password if it does not meet these guidelines:

  • At least eight characters.

  • Minimizes or avoids the use of consecutive characters (such as "abcd").

  • Minimizes or avoids repeating characters (such as "aaabbb").

  • Does not contain recognizable words from the dictionary.

  • Does not contain proper names.

  • Contains both uppercase and lowercase characters.

  • Contains numbers and letters.

Examples of strong passwords are:

  • If2CoM18

  • 2004AsdfLkj30

  • Cb1955S21

Note

Clear text passwords cannot include the dollar sign ($) special character.

Tip

If a password is trivial (such as a short, easy-to-decipher password), the software will reject your password configuration. Configure a strong password as explained in this step. Passwords are case-sensitive.

When you enter a strong password, the software asks you to confirm the password.
3.

Enter the same password again.

If you enter the same password, the software accepts the password and begins asking a series of configuration questions.
4.

Until you are asked for an IP address, enter the default configuration for each question.

Repeat this step for each question until you are asked for the Mgmt0 IPv4 address.
5.

Enter the IP address for the management interface.

The software asks for the Mgmt0 IPv4 netmask.
6.

Enter a network mask for the management interface.

The software asks if you need to edit the configuration.
7.

Enter no to not edit the configuration.

The software asks if you need to save the configuration.
8.

Enter yes to save the configuration.

What to do next

Set up the management interface for each supervisor module on the switch.