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CHAPTER 5: SWITCH MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
This chapter gives an overview of switch management, including the methods you can use to manage your NETGEAR Model GSM712 Managed
Gigabit Switch. Topics include:
Management Access Overview
SNMP Access
Protocols
Software Upgrade Procedure
Management Access Overview
Your NETGEAR Model GSM712 Managed Gigabit Switch gives you the flexibility to access and manage the switch using any or all of the following
methods:
An administration console
Web browser interface
External SNMP-based network-management application
The administration console and Web browser interface support are embedded in the switch’s firmware and available for immediate use. Each of
these management methods has advantages. Table 5-1 compares the three management methods.
Table 5-1. Comparing Switch Management Methods
Management Method
Advantages
Disadvantages
Administration console
Out-of-band access via direct cable connection
means network bottlenecks, crashes, and downtime
do not slow or prevent access
No IP address or subnet needed
Menu-based
HyperTerminal access to full functionality
(HyperTerminal are built into Microsoft Windows
95/98/NT/2000 operating systems)
Secure – MAKE SURE THE AREA WHERE THE
SWITCH IS INSTALLED IS A SECURE AREA
.
Must be near switch or use dial-up connection
Not convenient for remote users
Not graphical
Web browser
Can be accessed from any location via the switch’s
IP address
Ideal for configuring the switch remotely
Compatible with Internet Explorer and Netscape
Navigator Web browsers
Familiar browser interface
Graphical data available
Most visually appealing
Security can be compromised (hackers need
only know IP address and subnet mask)
May encounter lag times on poor connections
Displaying graphical objects over a browser
interface may slow navigation
SNMP Agent
Communicates with switch functions at the
Management Information Base (MIB) level
Based on open standards
Requires SNMP manager software
Least visually appealing of all three methods
Limited amount of information available
Some settings require calculations
Security can be compromised (hackers need
only know the community name)
For a more detailed discussion of the Administration Console, see chapter 6. For a more detailed discussion of the Web Browser Interface, see
chapter 7.