16
Starting and Configuring the Device
When the power is turned on with the local terminal already connected, the device goes through Power
On Self Test (POST). POST runs every time the device is initialized and checks hardware components to
determine if the device is fully operational before completely booting. If a critical problem is detected,
the program flow stops. If POST passes successfully, a valid executable image is loaded into RAM. POST
messages are displayed on the terminal and indicate test success or failure.
The boot process runs less than 45 seconds when in unmanaged mode, and about 90 seconds when in
other modes.
Initial Configuration - Managed Mode
The information and procedures described in this section apply to the device when it is configured as a
Managed Mode switch.
NOTE:
The switch is factory-set by default to Unmanaged Mode.
NOTE:
The initial simple configuration uses the following assumptions:
• The PowerConnect device was never configured before, and is in the same state as when it was received.
• The PowerConnect device booted successfully.
• The console connection is established and the console prompt is displayed on the screen of a VT100 terminal
device. (Press the <Enter> key several times to verify that the prompt displays correctly.)
The initial device configuration can be performed via the web management interface, or through the
Serial port. After initial configuration, the device can be managed either from the Serial port, or remotely
through an interface defined during the initial configuration.
The system prompts you to use the Set-up wizard when the device boots up for the first time in Managed
Mode, or if the configuration file is empty because the device is not configured. The Setup Wizard provides
guidance through the initial device configuration, and gets the device up and running as quickly as possible.
NOTE:
Obtain the following information from your network administrator before configuring the device:
• SNMP Community String and SNMP Management System IP address (optional).
• Username and Password.
• The IP address to be assigned to the VLAN 1 interface through which the device is to be managed (by default,
every external and internal port is a member of the VLAN 1)
• The IP subnet mask for the network
• The default gateway (next hop router) IP address for configuring the default route.
The Setup Wizard guides you through the initial device configuration, and gets the system up and running
as quickly as possible. You can skip using the setup wizard and configure the device manually through the
device CLI mode.
The Setup Wizard configures the following fields.
• SNMP Community String and SNMP Management System IP address (optional)
• Username and Password
• Device IP address