Planet WGS3-2820 [31/528] Management access overview

User’s Manual of WGS3-2820/WGS3-5220

3. CONFIGURATION

This chapter explains the methods that you can use to configure management access to the WGS3 LAYER 3 Switch. It

describes the types of management applications and the communication and management protocols that deliver data between

your management device (work-station or personal computer) and the system. It also contains information about port

connection options.

This chapter covers the following topics:

▫ Management Access Overview

▫ Key Concepts

▫ Key Guidelines for Implementation

▫ Administration Console Access

▫ Web Management Access

▫ SNMP Access

▫ Standards, Protocols, and Related Reading

3.1 Management Access Overview

The WGS3 LAYER 3 Switch gives you the flexibility to access and manage the WGS3 LAYER 3 Switch using any or all of the

following methods:

▫ An administration console

▫ Web browser interface

▫ An external SNMP-based network management application

The administration console and Web browser interface support are embedded in the switch software and are available for

immediate use. Each of these management methods has their own advantages. Table 3-1 compares the three management

methods.

Method Advantages Disadvantages

Console

y No IP address or subnet needed

y Text-based

y Telnet functionality and HyperTerminal

built into Windows 98/NT/2000/ME/XP

operating systems

y Secure

y Must be near switch or use dial-up connection

y Not convenient for remote users

y Modem connection may prove to be unreliable

or slow

Web Browser

y Ideal for configuring the switch remotely

y Compatible with all popular browsers

y Can be accessed from any location

y Most visually appealing

y Security can be compromised (hackers need

only know the IP address and subnet mask)

y May encounter lag times on poor connections