Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch CLI Software Configuration Guide, NX-OS 4.0(1a)N1 (OL-16597-01, January 2009)

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Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch CLI Software Configuration Guide
OL-16597-01
Chapter 3 Configuring the Switch
Initial Configuration
Before you can configure a switch, follow these steps:
Step 1 Verify the following physical connections for the new Cisco Nexus 5000 Series switch:
• The console port is physically connected to a computer terminal (or terminal server).
• The management Ethernet port (mgmt0) is connected to an external hub, switch, or router.
Refer to the Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Hardware Installation Guide (for the required product) for more
information.
Tip Save the host ID information for future use (for example, to enable licensed features). The host
ID information is provided in the Proof of Purchase document that accompanies the switch.
Step 2 Verify that the default console port parameters are identical to those of the computer terminal (or
terminal server) attached to the switch console port:
• 9600 baud
• 8 data bits
• No parity
• 1 stop bit
Initial Setup
The first time that you access a switch in the Cisco Nexus 5000 Series, it runs a setup program that
prompts you for the IP address and other configuration information necessary for the switch to
communicate over the Ethernet interface. This information is required to configure and manage the
switch.
Note The IP address can only be configured from the CLI. When the switch powers up for the first time, you
should assign the IP address. After you perform this step, the Cisco MDS 9000 Family Fabric Manager
can reach the switch through the console port.
Preparing to Configure the Switch
Before you configure Cisco Nexus 5000 Series switch for the first time, you need the following
information:
• Administrator password.
Note If a password is weak (short, easy-to-decipher), your password configuration is rejected. Be sure
to configure a strong password.
• If you are using an IPv4 address for the management interface, you need the following information:
– IPv4 subnet mask for the switch’s management interface.
– IPv4 address of the default gateway (optional).