Basic Switching
Concept
and Configuration
Group 1
Topics
• Understanding switches and their role in LANs
• Basic switch setup (hostname, interface configuration,
passwords)
• Verifying connectivity using commands
Understanding
switches and their role
in LANs
What is a Network Switches ?
• A network switch is a fundamental device in computer
networking that connects multiple devices like computers,
printers, and servers within a local area network (LAN).
Think of it as a highly efficient traffic controller that ensures
data gets to the right destination without unnecessary
detours
Advantages of switches
• Operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model (Data Link Layer),
though some advanced switches also function at Layer 3
(Network Layer) for routing capabilities
• Bandwidth Optimization - Each port on the switch has its
own bandwidth, so multiple devices can communicate
simultaneously without interference.
• Improved Security - Since data is sent only to the intended
device, it minimizes the risk of leak of data.
Roles of switches in LANs
• Device Connectivity - inks multiple devices such as
computers, printers, servers within the same LAN, allowing
them to communicate directly.
• Data Forwarding - When a device sends data, the switch
reads the MAC address of the destination and forwards the data
only to the correct device, not to all devices like a hub would.
• Traffic Segmentation - It creates temporary, dedicated
communication paths between devices, reducing collisions and
improving speed ( e. g. VLANs).
Basic Switch Setup
Hostname, Interface Configuration, and Passwords
Hostname Configuration
The hostname is the name of the switch used to identify it on
the network.
Example Command:
Switch> enable
Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# hostname OKC-SW1
Interface Configuration
Refers to the physical ports of the switch where cables are
connected.
Example Command:
Switch(config)# interface vlan 1
Switch(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0
Switch(config-if)# no shutdown
Password Configuration
Protects the switch from unauthorized access
Example Command:
Switch(config)# line console 0
Switch(config-line)# password cafe123
Switch(config-line)# login
Switch(config)# enable secret admin123
Switch(config)# line vty 0 4
Switch(config-line)# password remote123
Switch(config-line)# login
Summary of Basic Switch Setup
• Hostname – Gives identity to the switch.
• Interface Configuration – Enables communication within the
network.
• Passwords – Protects device from unauthorized access.
• Basic commands help ensure organized, secure, and efficient
network management.
Verifying connectivity
using commands
ping
Tests basic connectivity to another
device.
Command :
Switch>enable
Switch#ping 192.168.1.1
show interface status
• Displays the status of all switch ports (connected, not
connected, speed, duplex)
Command :
Switch>enable
Switch#show interface status
show ip interface brief
Summarizes IP addresses and interface status great for spotting
downed ports quickly.
Command :
Switch>enable
Switch#show ip interface brief
show vlan brief
Lists VLANs and associated ports useful for verifying correct
VLAN assignments.
Command :
Switch>enable
Switch#show vlan brief
Thank you for
listening!!
