Cisco Catalyst 9200L Series switches, commonly referred to as Cisco C9200L, are part of the Catalyst 9000 family. These switches are designed to offer enterprise-level solutions at a more affordable price. With advanced security features, automation capabilities, and enhanced scalability, the C9200L series stands as a reliable backbone for growing network infrastructures. This article explores how to configure the Cisco C9200L switch, covering everything from initial setup to advanced features.

1. Introduction to Cisco C9200L Series Switches

The Cisco C9200L Series switches are Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches designed for mid-sized enterprises. They offer essential features such as enhanced security, flexible management options, and seamless integration into existing networks. These switches support a variety of configurations that allow network administrators to fine-tune them based on specific needs.

Key features of Cisco C9200L include:

• Modular uplinks

• Support for Cisco DNA (Digital Network Architecture)

• Enhanced security through encryption, threat detection, and segmentation

• High availability with redundant power supplies and fans

2. Understanding the Cisco C9200L Hardware Components

Before diving into the configuration process, it’s essential to understand the hardware components of the C9200L switch. Each part plays a role in the switch’s performance and management capabilities.

Important hardware components include:

• Uplinks:The C9200L series offers modular uplink ports supporting1G, 10G, and 25G speeds.

• Stacking Ports:These switches can stack up to eight units, providing high scalability and redundancy.

• Power Supply:Each switch comes with an internal, field-replaceable power supply, ensuring operational flexibility.

• Fan Tray:The fan tray is replaceable, maintaining airflow and cooling efficiency within the switch.

3. Initial Setup: Accessing the Cisco C9200L Switch

After unboxing and physically connecting the Cisco C9200L switch, the first step is to access the switch for initial configuration. There are multiple ways to do this, but using the console port is the most common method for new deployments.

Steps to access the switch:

1. Connect via Console:Use a console cable to connect your PC or laptop to the switch’s console port.

2. Terminal Emulator Software:Use a terminal emulator like PuTTY or Tera Term. Set the terminal to the following parameters:

   • Baud rate:9600

   • Data bits:8

   • Parity:None

   • Stop bits: 1

   • Flow control:None

3. Power Up the Switch:Turn on the switch. As it boots, you will see output on the terminal emulator.

4. Enter Initial Configuration Dialog:When prompted, enterNoto skip the initial configuration wizard and proceed to manual configuration.

4. Basic Cisco C9200L Switch Configuration

Once the switch is powered up and accessible via the console, it’s time to proceed with basic configuration tasks. This includes setting a hostname, configuring IP addresses, and securing the switch.

4.1 Configuring the Hostname

Setting a unique hostname helps in identifying the switch, especially in large networks.

Switch>  enable

Switch#  configure terminal

Switch(config)#  hostname C9200L-Switch

C9200L-Switch(config)#

4.2 Configuring Management Interface (VLAN 1)

The default VLAN (VLAN 1) is used for management purposes. Assign an IP address to the management interface so the switch can be accessed over the network.

C9200L-Switch(config)#  interface vlan 1

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  no shutdown

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  exit

4.3 Configuring Default Gateway

Setting the default gateway is crucial so the switch can communicate with devices outside its local network.

C9200L-Switch(config)#  ip default-gateway 192.168.1.1

5. Securing the Cisco C9200L Switch

Security is one of the most critical aspects of network management. Cisco switches offer several ways to secure access and prevent unauthorized configuration changes.

5.1 Configuring Console and VTY Passwords

Setting passwords for console and VTY (remote access) lines ensures that only authorized personnel can make changes to the switch.

C9200L-Switch(config)#  line console 0

C9200L-Switch(config-line)#  password ConsolePassword

C9200L-Switch(config-line)#  login

C9200L-Switch(config-line)#  exit

C9200L-Switch(config)#  line vty 0 4

C9200L-Switch(config-line)#  password VTYPassword

C9200L-Switch(config-line)#  login

C9200L-Switch(config-line)#  exit

5.2 Configuring Enable Password

The enable password protects privileged EXEC mode.

C9200L-Switch(config)#  enable secret EnableSecretPassword

5.3 Enabling SSH for Secure Remote Access

Secure Shell (SSH) allows for encrypted remote management of the switch. First, generate cryptographic keys, and then enable SSH.

C9200L-Switch(config)#  crypto key generate rsa modulus 1024

C9200L-Switch(config)#  ip domain-name mydomain.com

C9200L-Switch(config)#  username admin privilege 15 secret AdminPassword

C9200L-Switch(config)#  line vty 0 4

C9200L-Switch(config-line)#  transport input ssh

C9200L-Switch(config-line)#  login local

C9200L-Switch(config-line)#  exit

C9200L-Switch(config)#  ip ssh version 2

6. VLAN Configuration

Virtual LANs (VLANs) segment a network, improving both performance and security. In most enterprise environments, VLANs are configured to separate different types of traffic.

6.1 Creating and Assigning VLANs

Let’s create a VLAN and assign it to an interface.

C9200L-Switch(config)#  vlan 10

C9200L-Switch(config-vlan)#  name Sales

C9200L-Switch(config-vlan)#  exit

C9200L-Switch(config)#  interface gigabitEthernet 1/0/1

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  switchport mode access

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  switchport access vlan 10

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  exit

6.2 Configuring Trunk Ports

Trunk ports allow VLAN traffic to pass between switches. Here’s how to configure a port as a trunk.

C9200L-Switch(config)#  interface gigabitEthernet 1/0/24

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  switchport mode trunk

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  exit

7. Configuring Port Security

Port security restricts devices that can connect to the network through the switch. This is particularly useful for preventing unauthorized access.

7.1 Enabling Port Security on an Interface

To enable port security on an interface and limit it to a single MAC address:

C9200L-Switch(config)#  interface gigabitEthernet 1/0/2

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  switchport mode access

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  switchport port-security

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  switchport port-security maximum 1

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  switchport port-security violation restrict

C9200L-Switch(config-if)#  switchport port-security mac-address sticky

This configuration locks the first MAC address that connects to the port, and if another device tries to connect, the port will restrict access.

8. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Configuration

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is crucial for preventing loops in the network, which can cause network disruptions. The C9200L switch supports multiple instances of STP.

8.1 Enabling Rapid PVST+

Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (Rapid PVST+) is a Cisco-proprietary enhancement of STP.

C9200L-Switch(config)#  spanning-tree mode rapid-pvst

9. Quality of Service (QoS) Configuration

Quality of Service (QoS) ensures that critical network traffic, such as voice or video, gets priority over less important traffic.

9.1 Enabling QoS

C9200L-Switch(config)#  qos

10. Saving the Configuration

After making all necessary changes, it's vital to save the configuration to ensure the switch retains the settings after a reboot.

C9200L-Switch#  write memory

11. Troubleshooting Cisco C9200L Switches

Even with the best configurations, issues may arise. Cisco provides several commands to help diagnose and troubleshoot common network problems.

11.1 Basic Troubleshooting Commands

• Show Running Configuration:

C9200L-Switch#  show running-config

• Show IP Interface Brief:

C9200L-Switch#  show ip interface brief

• Show Spanning Tree:

C9200L-Switch#  show spanning-tree

Conclusion

Configuring the Cisco C9200L switch is an essential task for network administrators aiming to maximize performance, security, and reliability. From initial setup to advanced configurations such as VLANs, SSH access, and STP, the Cisco C9200L provides powerful features that cater to both small and large enterprise networks. By following best practices in securing and managing the switch, you can ensure a robust and scalable network infrastructure.

Cisco C9200L Switches

Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series

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