Configure the core switch device

To configure a core switch, you need to set up console access, assign a hostname, configure passwords, enable management IP, and define VLANs and interfaces.

Step 1: Access the Switch

Connect to the switch using a console cable and a terminal emulator like PuTTY or Tera Term. If the switch already has an IP address and SSH enabled, you can log in remotely via SSH. Once connected, enter Privileged EXEC mode by typing enable at the prompt.

Step 2: Set Hostname

Assign a meaningful hostname to identify the switch in your network:

Switch> enableSwitch# configure terminalSwitch(config)# hostname Core-Switch

This helps distinguish the device in multi-switch environments and supports a consistent naming convention.

Step 3: Configure Passwords

Set a strong enable secret password for privileged access:

Core-Switch(config)# enable secret your_password_here

Configure console access password to prevent unauthorized local access:

Core-Switch(config)# line con 0Core-Switch(config-line)# password console_password_hereCore-Switch(config-line)# login

Optionally, configure VTY lines for Telnet or SSH access:

Core-Switch(config)# line vty 0 4Core-Switch(config-line)# password vty_password_hereCore-Switch(config-line)# login

Step 4: Assign Management IP

Assign an IP address to the management VLAN to enable remote management:

Core-Switch(config)# interface vlan 1Core-Switch(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.10 255.255.255.0Core-Switch(config-if)# no shutdown

Ensure the default gateway is set for remote access:

Core-Switch(config)# ip default-gateway 192.168.1.1

Step 5: Configure VLANs

Create VLANs to segment network traffic:

Core-Switch(config)# vlan 10Core-Switch(config-vlan)# name SalesCore-Switch(config-vlan)# exitCore-Switch(config)# vlan 20Core-Switch(config-vlan)# name EngineeringCore-Switch(config-vlan)# exit

Assign interfaces to VLANs:

Core-Switch(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/1Core-Switch(config-if)# switchport mode accessCore-Switch(config-if)# switchport access vlan 10Core-Switch(config-if)# exit

For trunk ports carrying multiple VLANs:

Core-Switch(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/24Core-Switch(config-if)# switchport mode trunkCore-Switch(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20

Step 6: Enable Security and Management Features

• Enable SSH for secure remote access.
• Configure SNMP for monitoring.
• Optionally, set up VTP to manage VLANs across multiple switches.

Step 7: Save Configuration

After completing the configuration, save it to prevent loss on reboot:

Core-Switch# write memory

or

Core-Switch# copy running-config startup-config

Step 8: Verify Configuration

Check VLANs, interfaces, and IP settings:

Core-Switch# show vlan briefCore-Switch# show ip interface briefCore-Switch# show running-config

Following these steps ensures your core switch is secure, manageable, and optimized for network traffic while providing a foundation for further advanced configurations like QoS, port security, and redundancy protocols .