About This Guide

Document Objectives

This publication is designed to help you install, configure, and manage the Catalyst Stack and its related equipment.

Audience

This publication is designed for a Catalyst installer who should be familiar with electronic devices and wiring practices. For system configuration, knowledge of the Catalyst system software is also required. Users of this manual might also include network administrators and other people responsible for setting up and maintaining the Catalyst Stack.

Summary of Contents

Following are the chapters and appendixes included in this publication:

• Chapter 1, "Catalyst 3200 Theory of Operation and Specifications," gives an explanation of how the Catalyst 3200 improves network performance. This chapter also contains the physical specifications for Catalyst Stack equipment.

• Chapter 2, "Catalyst 3200 Stack Theory of Operation," gives an explanation of how the Catalyst 3200 combines to form a Catalyst Stack.

• Chapter 3, "Preparing for Installation," includes safety recommendations, tools and equipment, site requirements, an installation checklist, console and auxiliary port cable connection considerations, network connection considerations, and instructions for inspecting the contents of the shipping container.

• Chapter 4, "Installation," gives an installation overview and provides instructions for desktop and rack mount installation, and making external connections.

• Chapter 5, "Expansion Components Installation and Configuration," is an explanation of all of the expansion modules that are available for the Catalyst 3200.

• Chapter 6, "Connecting a Network Management Console," explains how to connect the Catalyst 3200 Stack to your network and how to set up the console for various configurations.

• Chapter 7, "Console Configuration," discusses how to set up, test, and modify the configuration of the Catalyst 3200 using the console configuration menus.

• Chapter 8, "Monitoring the Network With Out-of-Band Management," explains how to monitor the network, using out-of-band management from the console .

• Chapter 9, "Monitoring Port Activity with Application Software," explains how to monitor a port on the Catalyst 3200 using SwitchProbe Switched Port Analyzer, RMON Application and from a Network Management System (NMS) using the CiscoView application or any other application that supports SNMP.

• Chapter 10, "Troubleshooting," includes basic troubleshooting information if you have problems installing or maintaining the Catalyst Stack.

• Appendix A, "Cables," contains pinout information for the Catalyst Stack and expansion modules.

• Appendix B, "Translated Safety Warnings," provides translations, in several languages, for the safety warnings used in this manual.

Document Conventions

This publication uses the following conventions to convey instructions and information:

Command descriptions use these conventions:

• Commands and keywords are in CAPITAL LETTERS.

• Arguments for which you supply values are shown in angle brackets (<>).

• Elements in square brackets ([ ]) are optional.

• Alternative or optional keywords are grouped in square brackets ([ ]) and separated by a vertical bar (|).

Notes, cautions, and warnings use the following conventions and symbols:

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Note Means reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to materials not contained in this manual.

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Caution  Means reader be careful. In this situation, you might do something that could result in equipment damage or loss of data.

Warning Means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and standard practices for preventing accidents.