PLANET WGS3-24000 - Manual (Page 30)

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3. CONFIGURATION
This chapter explains the methods that you can use to configure management access to the 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 switch gives you the flexibility to access and manage the 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
95/98/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
SNMP Agent y Communicates with switch functions at
the MIB level
y Requires SNMP manager software
y Least visually appealing of all three methods