How to Optimize Cisco Catalyst C9200L-24T-4G-E for Small to Medium Enterprises

The cisco c9200l-24t-4g-e is a versatile switch designed to meet the needs of small to medium enterprises (SMEs). To ensure that your organization maximizes its investment in this networking solution, it's essential to implement optimization strategies. This blog outlines key steps to optimize the Catalyst C9200L-24T-4G-E for SMEs.

1. Initial Setup and Configuration


1.1 Physical Connections

Begin by ensuring that all physical connections are secure. Connect the power supply and Ethernet cables to the appropriate ports on the switch.
1.2 Console Access


  • Accessing the Switch: Use a console cable to connect to the switch's console port. Use terminal emulation software (like PuTTY or Tera Term) to access the command line interface.

















Setup Step Description
Physical Connections Ensure all cables are properly connected
Console Access Connect to the switch for initial setup

2. Basic Configuration


2.1 Set Hostname and Management IP

Assign a unique hostname and configure the management IP address for remote access.

bash

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Switch> enable

Switch# configure terminal

Switch(config)# hostname MyC9200L

Switch(config)# interface vlan 1

Switch(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0

Switch(config-if)# no shutdown

 
2.2 Save Configuration


  • Persist Changes: After configuration, save the changes to ensure they persist after a reboot.


bash

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Switch# write memory

 















Basic Configuration Step Description
Set Hostname Assign a unique hostname for identification
Management IP Configuration Enable remote access to the switch

3. VLAN Configuration


3.1 Create and Assign VLANs

Create VLANs to segment your network based on departments or functions. For example, create VLANs for Sales and IT.

bash

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Switch(config)# vlan 10

Switch(config-vlan)# name Sales

Switch(config)# vlan 20

Switch(config-vlan)# name IT

Switch(config)# interface range fa0/1 - 24

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

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

 















VLAN Configuration Step Description
Create VLANs Define VLANs for different departments
Assign Ports to VLANs Connect switch ports to the appropriate VLANs

4. Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation


4.1 Configure QoS Policies

Implement QoS to prioritize critical traffic, ensuring that essential applications perform optimally.

bash

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Switch(config)# class-map match-any Voice

Switch(config-cmap)# match ip dscp ef

Switch(config-cmap)# exit

Switch(config)# policy-map QoS

Switch(config-pmap)# class Voice

Switch(config-pmap-c)# priority

Switch(config-pmap-c)# exit

 











QoS Configuration Step Description
Configure QoS Policies Prioritize critical traffic

5. Security Configuration


5.1 Enable SSH Access

Secure the switch by enabling SSH for remote management.

bash

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

Switch(config)# copyright key generate rsa

Switch(config)# username admin privilege 15 secret your_password

Switch(config)# line vty 0 15

Switch(config-line)# login local

Switch(config-line)# transport input ssh

 
5.2 Configure Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Create ACLs to restrict access to the management interface.

bash

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Switch(config)# access-list 100 permit ip any host 192.168.1.2

Switch(config)# line vty 0 15

Switch(config-line)# access-class 100 in

 















Security Configuration Step Description
Enable SSH Access Secure remote management
Configure ACLs Restrict access to the management interface

6. Performance Monitoring


6.1 Set Up SNMP

Enable Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for monitoring switch performance.

bash

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Switch(config)# snmp-server community public RO

 
6.2 Utilize Cisco DNA Center


  • Real-Time Monitoring: Integrate with Cisco DNA Center for real-time performance monitoring and management.

















Performance Monitoring Step Description
Set Up SNMP Enable SNMP for performance tracking
Utilize Cisco DNA Center Real-time monitoring and management

Conclusion


Optimizing the Cisco Catalyst C9200L-24T-4G-E for small to medium enterprises involves careful configuration, VLAN management, QoS implementation, security setup, and performance monitoring. By following these steps, organizations can maximize their investment in the Catalyst C9200L-24T-4G-E and ensure a reliable and efficient network infrastructure.

Ormsystems delivers global IT solutions for businesses and public institutions. Purchase Cisco routers, Cisco switches, and a variety of other IT products through our services.

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