PLANET WGSD-1022 - Manual (Page 25)

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:
ƒ Management Access Overview
ƒ Key Concepts
ƒ Key Guidelines for Implementation
ƒ Administration Console Access
ƒ Web Management Access
ƒ SNMP Access
ƒ 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:
ƒ An administration console
ƒ Web browser interface
ƒ 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 ‧No IP address or subnet needed
‧Text-based
‧Telnet functionality and HyperTerminal
built into Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP
operating systems
‧Secure
‧Must be near switch or use dial-up
connection
‧Not convenient for remote users
‧Modem connection may prove to be
unreliable or slow
Web
Browser
‧Ideal for configuring the switch remotely
‧Compatible with all popular browsers
‧Can be accessed from any location
‧Security can be compromised
(hackers need only know the IP address
and subnet mask)