Tag: cisco configure

How to Configure Cisco Router and Switch, Project 1

Configuring a Cisco network with routers, switches, VLANs, and DHCP can be challenging yet rewarding for network administrators. In this project, we set up multiple VLANs on a router. These VLANs segment different types of network traffic. This approach ensures efficient communication across devices. We used trunking to allow multiple VLANs to communicate between switches.

We also configured DHCP to automatically assign IP addresses to devices. With VLAN 99 dedicated to remote management, network administrators can securely manage network devices via SSH, enhancing security and accessibility. Learning how to configure Cisco routers and switches is essential for this process. This guide will walk you through how to configure the Cisco router and switch, making the task more approachable.

Step 1: Configuring the Router

VLAN Subinterface Configuration
DHCP Configuration for VLANs
Default VLAN Setup for Network Management

Step 2: Configuring Main Switch (Switch 1)

VLAN Creation
Trunk Port Configuration
IP Configuration for Management on VLAN 99

Step 3: Configuring Additional Switches

VLAN Configuration on Switches 2, 3, 4, and 5
Trunking Between Main and Additional Switches
Access Port Configuration for PCs and Device Connections

Step 4: Set Up SSH for Remote

SSH Configuration on Router
SSH Configuration on Switches
User Account Setup and Secure Access

Step 5: Testing and Verification

DHCP IP Allocation Verification
VLAN Connectivity Testing
SSH Access and Remote Management Testing

Here’s a step-by-step guide for configuring this Cisco network topology in Packet Tracer. It includes VLAN creation, IP configuration, trunking, DHCP settings, and SSH setup to meet the project plan requirements. You will learn the best practices on configuring Cisco router and switch throughout these steps.

Step 1: Set Up the Router

Configure VLAN Subinterfaces on the router for inter-VLAN routing:

   Router>enable
   Router# configure terminals
   Router(config)# hostname Howtokh-R
   Howtokh-R(config)# interface gigabitEthernet0/0
   Howtokh-R(config-if)# ip address 172.10.0.1 255.255.254.0
   Howtokh-R(config-if)# no shutdown

   Howtokh-R(config)# interface gigabitEthernet0/0.10
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# encapsulation dot1Q 10
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# ip address 10.10.1.1 255.255.255.0
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)#no shutdown

   Howtokh-R(config)# interface gigabitEthernet0/0.20
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# encapsulation dot1Q 20
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# ip address 10.20.1.1 255.255.255.0
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)#no shutdown

   Howtokh-R(config)# interface gigabitEthernet0/0.30
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# encapsulation dot1Q 30
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# ip address 10.30.1.1 255.255.255.0
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)#no shutdown

   Howtokh-R(config)# interface gigabitEthernet0/0.99
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# encapsulation dot1Q 99
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# ip address 10.99.9.1 255.255.255.0
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)#no shutdown
   Howtokh-R#copy running-config startup-config  (This Command to save all configuration)

Enable DHCP on the router for each VLAN:

   Howtokh-R(config)# ip dhcp pool Default
   Howtokh-R(dhcp-config)# network 172.10.0.0 255.255.254.0
   Howtokh-R(dhcp-config)# default-router 172.10.0.1
   Howtokh-R(config)# dns-server 8.8.8.8

   Howtokh-R(config)# ip dhcp pool VLAN10
   Howtokh-R(dhcp-config)# network 10.10.1.0 255.255.255.0
   Howtokh-R(dhcp-config)# default-router 10.10.1.1

   Howtokh-R(config)# ip dhcp pool VLAN20
   Howtokh-R(dhcp-config)# network 10.20.1.0 255.255.255.0
   Howtokh-R(dhcp-config)# default-router 10.20.1.1

   Howtokh-R(config)# ip dhcp pool VLAN30
   Howtokh-R(dhcp-config)# network 10.30.1.0 255.255.255.0
   Howtokh-R(dhcp-config)# default-router 10.30.1.1

Step 2: Configure Main Switch (Switch 1)

Create VLANs on the main switch:

   Switch1#
   Switch1#configure terminal
   Switch1(config)#hostname Howtokh-Sw1
   Howtokh-Sw1(config)# vlan 10
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-vlan)# name VLAN10
   Howtokh-Sw1(config)# vlan 20
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-vlan)# name VLAN20
   Howtokh-Sw1(config)# vlan 30
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-vlan)# name VLAN30
   Howtokh-Sw1(config)# vlan 99
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-vlan)# name VLAN99

Set up trunk ports connecting to the router and other switches:

   Howtokh-Sw1(config)# interface gigabitEthernet0/1
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,10,20,30,99
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# do wr

   Howtokh-Sw1(config)# interface GigabitEthernet0/2
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,99
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# do wr

   Howtokh-Sw1(config)# interface fastEthernet0/2
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,10,30,99
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# do wr

   Howtokh-Sw1(config)# interface fastEthernet0/3
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,10,20,30,99
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# do wr

   Howtokh-Sw1(config)# interface fastEthernet0/4
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,10,20,30,99
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# do wr

Configure an IP for remote management to (Switch1) (optional for Vlan 99):

   Howtokh-Sw1(config)# interface vlan 99
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# ip address 10.99.9.2 255.255.255.0
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# ip default-gateway 10.99.9.1
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw1(config-if)# do wr

Step 3: Configure Other Switches

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Example for Switch 2:

Create VLANs on Switch 2:

   Switch2#
   Switch2#configure terminal
   Switch2(config)#hostname Howtokh-Sw2   
   Howtokh-Sw2(config)# vlan 1
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-vlan)# name VLAN1
   Howtokh-Sw2(config)# vlan 10
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-vlan)# name VLAN10
   Howtokh-Sw2(config)# vlan 30
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-vlan)# name VLAN30

Configure trunk port for connection to Switch 1:

   Howtokh-Sw2(config)# interface gigabitEthernet0/1
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,10,30,99
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# do wr

Assign Access Ports for PCs:

   Howtokh-Sw2(config)# interface fastEthernet0/1
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport mode access
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport access vlan 10
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# do wr

   Howtokh-Sw2(config)# interface fastEthernet0/2
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport mode access
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport access vlan 10
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# do wr

   Howtokh-Sw2(config)# interface fastEthernet0/3
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport mode access
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport access vlan 10
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# do wr

   Howtokh-Sw2(config)# interface fastEthernet0/4
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport mode access
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport access vlan 30
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# do wr

   Howtokh-Sw2(config)# interface fastEthernet0/5
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport mode access
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# switchport access vlan 1
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-Sw2(config-if)# do wr

Could you repeat similar steps for Switch 3, Switch 4, and Switch 5 with the appropriate VLANs and access ports? This procedure is crucial for understanding how to configure Cisco routers and switches effectively in a complex network setting.

Step 4: Configure SSH on Switches and Router

Enable SSH on the router and main switch for remote access via VLAN 99.

Set hostname, domain name, and generate crypto keys.
Configure SSH user and enable vty lines for SSH access. Example configuration:

   Howtokh-R#
   Howtokh-R(config)#username admin secret cisco
   Howtokh-R(config)#enable secret cisco

   Howtokh-R(config)# line vty 0 4
   Howtokh-R(config-line)# login local
   Howtokh-R(config-line)# transport input ssh
   Howtokh-R(config)#ip ssh version 2
   Howtokh-R(config)# ip domain-name howtokh.com
   Howtokh-R(config)# crypto key generate rsa
Note: bit rate: 512, 1024,...

   Howtokh-R(config)# line con 0
   Howtokh-R(config-line)# password cisco
   Howtokh-R(config-line)# login local
   Howtokh-R(config)# services password-encryption
   Howtokh-R(config)# do wr

Step 5: Test Remote to Router for Connectivity

Ensure PCs are set to receive IP addresses via DHCP.
Verify IP Configuration on each VLAN by using ping commands to ensure connectivity across VLANs and access to the router.
Test SSH access to confirm that SSH can reach devices using VLAN 99.

Remote from Laptop to router with the command: ssh -l admin 10.99.9.1

This setup should enable inter-VLAN routing, and remote management via SSH on VLAN 99. Feel free to let me know if you need additional configurations or troubleshooting tips!

Step 6: Test Remote to Switch-1 for Connectivity

Remote from Laptop to Switch 1 with remote IP address as command: ssh -l admin 10.99.9.2

Suggested Learning for Students

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For students interested in mastering Cisco networking, diving into topics like VLANs, trunking, DHCP configuration, and SSH setup is fundamental. Start by practicing on simulators like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3, allowing you to experiment safely. Additionally, consider exploring:

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) courses, which cover essential networking skills.
Switching and Routing Protocols like OSPF and EIGRP to improve network performance.
Network Security basics, including secure remote access methods and ACLs (Access Control Lists).

Building a solid understanding of these Cisco concepts is essential. This includes learning how to configure a Cisco router and switch. It will prepare you well for real-world network management and troubleshooting. Happy learning!

October 30, 2024

How to Configure Cisco Router and Switch Clients Can Access to VLAN Plan
To configure a Cisco Packet Tracer project where a router connects to a switch with two VLANs (VLAN10 and VLAN20), and each VLAN has its subnet, follow these steps:

Network Design:
1. Router:
- Interface: gi0/0 connected to the switch.
- Sub-interfaces configured for each VLAN with IP addresses for inter-VLAN routing.
1. Switch:
- VLAN10 and VLAN20 created.
- Ports assigned to each VLAN for devices on each subnet.
- The port connected to the router set as a trunk.
Step-by-Step Configuration:

1. Configure VLANs on the Switch
1. Access the Switch CLI:
```
   Switch> enable
   Switch# configure terminal
   Switch(config)#hostname Howtokh-S
```
1. Create VLAN10 and VLAN20:
```
   Howtokh-S(config)# vlan 10
   Howtokh-S(config-vlan)# name VLAN10
   Howtokh-S(config-vlan)# exit

   Howtokh-S(config)# vlan 20
   Howtokh-S(config-vlan)# name VLAN20
   Howtokh-S(config-vlan)# exit
```
Example as below:
1. Assign Ports to VLANs (assuming you have two clients, one for each VLAN):
```
   Howtokh-S(config)# interface fa0/1
   Howtokh-S(config-if)# switchport mode access
   Howtokh-S(config-if)# switchport access vlan 10
   Howtokh-S(config-if)#no shutdown
   Howtokh-S(config-if)#do wr
   Howtokh-S(config-if)# exit

   Howtokh-S(config)# interface fa0/2
   Howtokh-S(config-if)# switchport mode access
   Howtokh-S(config-if)# switchport access vlan 20
   Howtokh-S(config-if)#no shutdown
   Howtokh-S(config-if)#do wr  
   Howtokh-S(config-if)# exit
```
1. Configure Trunk Port on the switch to connect to the router:
```
   Howtokh-S(config)# interface gi0/1
   Howtokh-S(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
   Howtokh-S(config-if)#no shutdown 
   Howtokh-S(config-if)#do wr
   Howtokh-S(config-if)# exit
```
Save all configuration

Howtokh-S#copy running-config startup-config

2. Configure the Router
1. Access the Router CLI:
```
   Router> enable
   Router# configure terminal
   Router(config)#hostname Howtokh-R
```
1. Configure Sub-interfaces for Each VLAN:
- On the router’s gi0/0 interface, create sub-interfaces for VLAN10 and VLAN20. Assign IP addresses to the sub-interfaces. Encapsulate each sub-interface with the appropriate VLAN ID.
```
   Howtokh-R(config)# interface gi0/0.10
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# encapsulation dot1Q 10
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# ip address 10.1.1.1 255.255.255.0
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)#description Vlan10
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# do wr
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# exit

   Howtokh-R(config)# interface gi0/0.20
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# encapsulation dot1Q 20
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# ip address 192.168.0.1 255.255.255.0
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)#description Vlan20
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# do wr
   Howtokh-R(config-subif)# exit
```
1. Enable the Router Interface:
```
   Howtokh-R(config)# interface gi0/0
   Howtokh-R(config-if)# no shutdown
   Howtokh-R(config-if)# exit
```
3. Configure Static IP for Clients
- Connect a PC to fa0/1 for VLAN10 and another PC to fa0/2 for VLAN20.
1. PC in VLAN10: Assign IP Address to PC
- IP Address: 10.1.1.X (e.g., 10.1.1.10)
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
- Default Gateway: 10.1.1.1
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1. PC in VLAN20:
For the PC2 in VLAN20, you can follow steps 1 in VLAN10
- IP Address: 192.168.0.X (e.g., 192.168.0.10)
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
- Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
4. Test Connectivity
- Use the ping command from each PC to test connectivity with its VLAN gateway.
- Ensure PCs in VLAN10 and VLAN20 cannot communicate directly. They should reach the router’s respective sub-interface IP addresses for inter-VLAN routing, if configured.
After assigning the IP Address you should ping test to make sure it working or not

This setup enables clients in VLAN10 and VLAN20 to access their designated networks with static IP addresses. You can now ping as well. Learn more…

Cisco CCNA course duration

For most people, anywhere from 3 to 6 months of dedicated study is realistic. This timeframe allows them to go from zero knowledge to being prepared for the CCNA exam.
- Fast Learner (with some IT experience): ~2-3 months
- Dedicated Beginner (no IT experience): ~4-6 months
- Studying Part-Time (busy schedule): 6+ months
Factors That Influence Your Timeline
1. Prior Experience:
  - No IT background: You’ll need to learn fundamental concepts from scratch, which will take longer. Plan for the 5-6 month range.
  - Some IT/Networking knowledge: If you already understand basic concepts like IP addresses, DHCP, or DNS, you have a head start. You might fit into the 3-4 month range.
  - Experienced but uncertified: If you’ve been working with networks for years, you might just need the credential. In that case, you could be ready in 1-2 months. You only need to brush up on the specifics.
2. Study Time Commitment:
  - Full-Time Student: If you can treat studying like a full-time job, plan to study 6-8 hours a day. This approach allows you to compress the timeline significantly.
  - Working Professional: This is the most common scenario. If you can consistently dedicate 1.5 – 2 hours on weekdays. Dedicate 3-4 hours on weekends. Total approximately 15 hours per week. Then you can achieve the 4-5 month range.
3. Learning Method:
  - Self-Study (Video Courses, Books): This is the most flexible and common path. The pace is entirely up to you.
  - Bootcamps: Intensive, instructor-led bootcamps can cover all the material in 1-2 weeks. However, they require full-time attendance. They are also very expensive. They are best for quickly consolidating knowledge, not necessarily for learning from zero.
  - Formal Education: A college course might spread this material over a full semester (3-4 months).
Realistic 5-Month Study Plan

This plan assumes you’re studying 15-20 hours per week.
- Month 1: Networking Fundamentals
  - Topics: TCP/IP and OSI models, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting, network media (cables, Wi-Fi).
  - Focus: Master subnetting. This is the most critical foundational skill. Don’t move on until you can do it quickly.
- Month 2: Network Access & IP Connectivity
  - Topics: Ethernet, VLANs, STP, basic router and switch configuration.
  - Focus: Get hands-on experience with the CLI. Use a simulator like Cisco Packet Tracer (free!) or a virtual lab.
- Month 3: IP Services & Security Fundamentals
  - Topics: DHCP, DNS, NTP, ACLs (Access Control Lists), NAT (Network Address Translation).
  - Focus: Understand how these services work together in a network.
- Month 4: Automation and Programmability
  - Topics: Network management, SDN (Software-Defined Networking), APIs, REST, configuration management tools.
  - Focus: Don’t be intimidated by this section. You don’t need to be a programmer; you need to understand the concepts.
- Month 5: Review, Practice, and Exam Prep
  - Activities: Take numerous practice exams (from Boson, Pearson, etc.), review your weak areas, lab relentlessly to solidify configurations and troubleshooting skills.
  - Focus: Troubleshooting. The modern CCNA exam heavily tests your ability to figure out what’s wrong in a network.
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Crucial Advice for Success
- Get Hands-On: Reading and watching videos is not enough. You must lab. Cisco Packet Tracer is free and perfect for the CCNA. Build networks, break them, and fix them.
- Use Multiple Resources: Don’t rely on just one book or video series. Different instructors explain things in different ways. Popular choices include:
  - Video Courses: Neil Anderson (CBT Nuggets), Jeremy’s IT Lab (free on YouTube), Keith Barker.
  - Books: Official Cert Guide by Wendell Odom.
  - Practice Exams: Boson ExSim is considered the gold standard.
- Understand, Don’t Memorize: The CCNA exam tests your ability to apply concepts, not just recall facts. If you understand the “why,” you can answer any question.
Set a goal of 4-6 months. Create a consistent study schedule. Get plenty of hands-on practice. You will be well on your way to earning your CCNA. Good luck
October 30, 2024
What is Cisco?
Cisco Systems, Inc. is a global leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, founded in 1984 and headquartered in San Jose, California. Cisco initially focused on providing routers for local area networks (LANs). The company has now expanded its product portfolio to include a wide array of networking hardware, software, and services. These offerings range from enterprise-grade routers and switches to advanced security solutions, cloud services, and collaboration tools like Webex.

Cisco is particularly well-known for its commitment to innovation and development, continuously shaping the future of networking and digital communication. As a prominent player in the IT industry, Cisco’s products are indispensable for network professionals. They are also crucial for students and organizations aiming to establish robust and secure network infrastructures.

Why Cisco Matters
Cisco’s influence extends far beyond its product offerings. It plays a crucial role in shaping networking standards. The company also impacts practices across the globe. The company is dedicated to advancing education and skills development. This is achieved through initiatives such as the Cisco Networking Academy. The academy provides training programs for individuals seeking to build careers in IT and networking.

Cisco certifications are highly regarded in the industry. They include CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional). They serve as benchmarks for networking knowledge and expertise.

As a pioneer in the networking domain, Cisco remains at the forefront of technological advancements. Cisco continuously adapts to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike. Whether you are a student aspiring to enter the field of IT, Cisco provides numerous resources. If you are a seasoned professional aiming to expand your skills, Cisco can assist you. The company offers opportunities to support your journey.

With a strong community and comprehensive training programs, Cisco empowers individuals and organizations to succeed in an increasingly connected world. Feel free to share your experiences, questions, or insights about Cisco in the comments below! Learn more…

Overall Summary CISCO DESIGNED Business PoE

The Cisco CBS220-24P-4G is a well-rounded, “smart” managed PoE switch. It is designed for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that need more control than an unmanaged switch offers. However, they don’t require the full complexity of an enterprise-grade device. It hits a sweet spot between power, features, and ease of use.

Key Advantages (The Pros)
1. Power over Ethernet (PoE): This is a major selling point.
  - 24 PoE Ports: You can power a large number of devices directly from the switch. These include VoIP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras. Wi-Fi 6/6E APs often need PoE+. You can even power some monitors.
  - 195W Total Budget: This is adequate for a typical SMB deployment. However, you must do some power planning. For example, if you have 24 devices each drawing the max for standard PoE (15.4W), you’d need ~370W. You must ensure your high-power devices, like PTZ cameras, don’t exceed the 195W limit. This also applies to certain APs that use PoE+.
2. Ease of Use & Management:
  - Cisco Business Dashboard: This is a huge pro for multi-device setups. You can manage a network of these switches. It also includes other Cisco Business devices, from a single, simple cloud-based interface. This simplifies setup, monitoring, and firmware updates dramatically.
  - Mobile App & On-Box UI: Offers multiple ways to configure the switch. This feature makes it accessible for users with different skill levels.
3. Security Features: It includes robust security for its class:
  - 802.1X: This is a enterprise-grade feature. It allows you to authenticate devices and users before granting them network access. This is crucial for securing networks with personal devices or guest access.
  - ACLs (Access Control Lists): Let you create rules to control traffic flow (e.g., block a specific device from accessing the accounting server).
  - DoS Protection: Helps keep the network running during a malicious attack.
4. Design and Form Factor:
  - Compact and Elegant: It’s designed to be placed on a shelf or in an open area. It is not just locked in a hot, noisy wiring closet. This is perfect for retail stores, classrooms, or open-plan offices.
  - Fanless Operation (in this model): This is a critical feature. No moving parts means it is completely silent, which is essential for any environment where people are working.
5. Reliability and Support:
  - Cisco Brand: You’re buying from a known leader in networking, which generally means build quality and reliability.
  - 3-Year Warranty: A strong warranty that provides peace of mind.
Potential Limitations (The Cons)
1. PoE Power Budget: As mentioned, 195W is on the lower side for a 24-port PoE switch. It’s a constraint you must design around. If you plan to run many power-hungry devices (e.g., 10+ PoE+ devices drawing 30W each), you will quickly run out of power. Calculate your power requirements carefully before buying.
2. “Smart” vs. “Managed”: This is a “smart” switch. This means it has a web interface and good features, but it lacks some deeper capabilities of a fully managed switch (like Cisco’s Catalyst line), such as:
  - Advanced routing protocols (it has static routing only).
  - More granular traffic shaping and advanced SNMP features.
  - CLI (Command Line Interface) access is limited compared to enterprise models.
3. The 1G SFP Uplinks: The four SFP ports are 1 Gigabit. This is fine for most SMB applications. However, modern higher-end switches are moving toward 10G SFP+ uplinks for faster aggregation and backbone connections. If you have a very fast internal network, you might face a bottleneck in the future. The same applies if you have a multi-gigabit internet connection.
Who Is This Switch Ideal For?
- Small to Medium Businesses: Offices, clinics, law firms that need reliable wired connectivity and PoE.
- Schools & Classrooms: To power VoIP phones, APs, and teacher computers quietly.
- Retail Stores: For point-of-sale systems, cameras, and Wi-Fi, with a clean look.
- Light-to-Moderate PoE Deployments: A mix of IP phones, a handful of access points, and a few security cameras.
Who Should Consider Something Else?
- High-PoE Demand Environments: If you need to power more than ~6-8 high-power PoE+ devices, get a switch with a 370W+ power budget. Make sure the switch meets the power requirements. This includes devices like advanced PTZ cameras, thin clients, or extensive AP setups.
- Large Enterprises: Networks that require advanced features need a fully managed Catalyst switch. Those requiring CLI-heavy management also benefit from it. Integration with complex network management systems would be better served by this type of switch.
- Future-Proofing for 10G: Consider your need for 10G uplinks to your server or core switch. Think about this requirement within the device’s lifespan. Look for a model with SFP+ ports.
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Product Overview:
- SIMPLE: Intuitive on-box UI, mobile app and Cisco Business Dashboard simplifies network operations and automates lifecycle management
- SECURITY: Integrated with IEEE 802.1X to control access to your network, Denial-of- Service (DoS) attack prevention increases network uptime during an attack, while Access Control Lists (ACLs) protect the network from unauthorized users
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Elegant and compact design, ideal for installation outside of wiring closet such as retail stores, open plan offices, and classrooms
- ENERGY EFFICIENT: Optimizes power usage to lower operational cost. Compliant with IEEE802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet. Fanless in select models
- PEACE OF MIND: 3-year limited hardware warranty with return-to-factory replacement and one-year technical support
Final Verdict

The Cisco CBS220-24P-4G is an excellent choice for its target market. It excels in ease of management. It operates silently. It provides solid security. These strengths make it a standout in the SMB “smart switch” segment.

Just be absolutely sure that the 195W PoE budget is sufficient for your current and planned devices. If it is, this switch is a highly recommended, reliable, and user-friendly solution.
October 27, 2024
How to configure a basic Cisco switch on Cisco Packet Tracer
Configuring a Cisco switch is a foundational skill in networking, essential for both beginners and seasoned IT professionals. Cisco Packet Tracer provides a user-friendly environment in which to practice these configurations without needing physical equipment. This guide shows you how to configure a basic Cisco switch on Cisco Packet Tracer.

It walks you through the basic steps, including hostname setup, IP configuration, and secure access management. Whether you’re preparing for exams, setting up a lab, or just exploring network management, this guide will be invaluable. It helps you get hands-on experience with essential Cisco switch configurations.

1. Open Cisco Packet Tracer
- Open Cisco Packet Tracer and create a new project to configure a basic Cisco switch.
2. Add a Cisco Switch
- In the left-hand menu, select Switches.
- Drag a Cisco 2911 Switch (or another type if needed) into the workspace on Cisco Packet Tracer.
3. Connect Devices (Optional)
- Connect the switch to other devices like PCs using Copper Straight-Through cables.
4. Access the Switch CLI
- Click on the switch to open it, then go to the CLI (Command Line Interface) tab.
5. Enter Privileged EXEC Mode
- Type enable to enter privileged EXEC mode.
- The prompt changes from Switch> to Switch#, a key step in how to configure a basic Cisco switch.
6. Enter Global Configuration Mode
- Type configure terminal or conf t.
- The prompt changes to Switch(config)#.
7. Basic Configuration

a. Set a Hostname
```
   hostname howtokh
```
Replace how to get started with the desired name.

b. Configure Management Interface (VLAN 1)

Assign an IP address to VLAN 1 for management access on Cisco Packet Tracer.
```
   interface vlan 1
   ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0
   no shutdown
```
Replace 192.168.1.2 and 255.255.255.0 with the appropriate IP address and subnet mask for your network.

c. Set Default Gateway (for remote management)
```
   ip default-gateway 192.168.1.1
```
Replace 192.168.1.1 with the IP address of your network’s default gateway.

d. Configure Passwords (Optional)

To set up passwords for security on how to configure a Cisco switch:
- Console Password: line console 0 password YourPassword login
- Enable Password:
  shell enable secret YourSecretPassword
e. Configure SSH for Remote Access (Optional)

To configure SSH access, first create a domain name and crypto key for the switch configuration.
```
   ip domain-name yourdomain.com
   crypto key generate rsa
```
- When prompted, specify key modulus size (usually 1024 or 2048). Then configure user authentication.
```
   username admin secret YourPassword
   line vty 0 4
   login local
   transport input ssh
```
8. Save Configuration
- Type end to exit configuration mode, then:
```
   write memory
```
This saves the configuration to startup configuration, so it persists after reboot.

9. Verify Configuration
- Use show running-config to check the current configuration.
- Test connectivity by pinging from connected devices or using SSH, as you configure switch settings in Cisco Packet Tracer.
With these steps, you’ve completed how to configure a basic Cisco switch in Cisco Packet Tracer. This configuration enables basic management and access features, ideal for lab practice or network simulations.

You can follow the steps with this planned test. Continue once you have assigned an IP address on the Router interface. This is needed for the default gateways 192.1681.1/24 and on PC 192.168.1.3/24
1. Turn on Switch ports Fa/01 and Fa/02
2. Add default Gateways on the Router

3. Add IP address to PC 192.168.1.3/24

With these simple steps, you’re on your way to mastering switch configuration basics. You are learning to configure a Cisco switch in Cisco Packet Tracer. From initial access to secure management settings, you now have a functional switch ready for practical application and testing.

This setup provides a strong foundation for more complex network topologies and real-world network management scenarios. Keep exploring and building on this knowledge to deepen your skills in Cisco networking! drop your comments if you any problem.

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October 27, 2024