IBM RackSwitch G8000, Application Manual

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© Copyright IBM Corp. 2011
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Chapter 1. Switch Administration
Your RackSwitch G8000 (G8000) is ready to perform basic switching functions right
out of the box. Some of the more advanced features, however, require some
administrative configuration before they can be used effectively.
The extensive IBM Networking OS switching software included in the G8000
provides a variety of options for accessing the switch to perform configuration, and
to view switch information and statistics.
This chapter discusses the various methods that can be used to administer the
switch.
Administration Interfaces
IBM N/OS provides a variety of user-interfaces for administration. These interfaces
vary in character and in the methods used to access them: some are text-based,
and some are graphical; some are available by default, and some require
configuration; some can be accessed by local connection to the switch, and others
are accessed remotely using various client applications. For example,
administration can be performed using any of the following:
•
A built-in, text-based command-line interface and menu system for access via
serial-port connection or an optional Telnet or SSH session
• The built-in Browser-Based Interface (BBI) available using a standard
web-browser
• SNMP support for access through network management software such as IBM
Director or HP OpenView
The specific interface chosen for an administrative session depends on user
preferences, as well as the switch configuration and the available client tools.
In all cases, administration requires that the switch hardware is properly installed
and turned on. (see the RackSwitch G8000 Installation Guide ).
Command Line Interface
The N/OS Command Line Interface (CLI) provides a simple, direct method for
switch administration. Using a basic terminal, you are presented with an organized
hierarchy of menus, each with logically-related sub-menus and commands. These
allow you to view detailed information and statistics about the switch, and to perform
any necessary configuration and switch software maintenance. For example:
[Main Menu]
info - Information Menu
stats - Statistics Menu
cfg - Configuration Menu
oper - Operations Command Menu
boot - Boot Options Menu
maint - Maintenance Menu
diff - Show pending config changes
[global command]
apply - Apply pending config changes [global command]
save - Save updated config to FLASH [global command]
revert - Revert pending or applied changes [global command]
exit - Exit [global command, always available]
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