Help With HomeLab Switch connections

sagarmistry

Hey guys, new to networking. Studying for CCENT. Just got my switches and routers and working on switch configs right now. Starting from base and have no past background.

So I'm trying to connect two switches via crossover cable. switch one is cisco 3550 and switch two is cisco 2900 XL.

Now I'm following Jeremy of CBTnuggets. and I did the same configs he did to connect two switches. I left cisco 2900 untouched as he did. no configs on fa0/1.

But on switch one fa0/1 I made the following changes:

interface FastEthernet0/1
description TRUNKING PORT
switchport access vlan 50
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk
speed 100
duplex full


Now here's the problem. I did shutdown port and no shutdown to turn it on.
But it doesn't turn on. it goes from administratively down to DOWN.

and on both switches fa0/1 the light doesn't turn on at all. tried working with diff ports same configs so i know ports aren't broken. have wasted whole day trying diff things but no luck. Hopefully someone here can help!

Thank you for you time!!

mikeybinec

ONe thing is your port is either access or trunking. **** the switchport mode access vlan 50. access ports is where you plug in your end user (host). Trunking is connecting to another switch

On the 3550 use the command switchport, then switchport mode trunk

Check status with show int fa0/1 (or whatever the port number is) switchport (sh int fa0/1 sw) and another command is sh int trunk

I'll let a guru take over from here

anuragaks10

I am still learning Cisco, but we can try to troubleshoot together!

You can leave the int Fa0/1 in a separate VLAN (in your case VLAN 50). Although, it may not be 'Best practice' but from functioning point of view, it should work. Check sh int trunk and confirm that the interfaces (on both switches) are in Trunking mode. Also, it might be silly but just double-check the cable connection.

EdTheLad

sagarmistry wrote: »

So I'm trying to connect two switches via crossover cable.

Use a straight cable!

clarson

The 3550 supports either isl or dot1q for trunking encapsulation. you need to specify the encapsulation before you can make the port a trunk. which you did. The same applies to the 2900xl. So, the port on your 2900xl probably isn't trunking.

gorebrush

EdTheLad wrote: »

Use a straight cable!

Technically, aren't you supposed to connect "like devices" over crossovers? I know nobody actually does this because of MDI-X but technically, crossovers between switches are correct, yes?

EdTheLad

Yup, had my logic reversed.

Hondabuff

1st step on new switches no matter what. Then start over.


Switch#erase startup-config
Erasing the nvram filesystem will remove all configuration files! Continue? [confirm]
[OK]
Erase of nvram: complete
%SYS-7-NV_BLOCK_INIT: Initialized the geometry of nvram

Switch#delete vlan.dat
Delete filename [vlan.dat]?
Delete flash:/vlan.dat? [confirm]
%Error deleting flash:/vlan.dat (No such file or directory)



Switch#erase startup-config
Erasing the nvram filesystem will remove all configuration files! Continue? [confirm]
[OK]
Erase of nvram: complete
%SYS-7-NV_BLOCK_INIT: Initialized the geometry of nvram
Switch#reload
Proceed with reload? [confirm]

sagarmistry

Hondabuff wrote: »

1st step on new switches no matter what. Then start over.


Switch#erase startup-config
Erasing the nvram filesystem will remove all configuration files! Continue? [confirm]
[OK]
Erase of nvram: complete
%SYS-7-NV_BLOCK_INIT: Initialized the geometry of nvram

Switch#delete vlan.dat
Delete filename [vlan.dat]?
Delete flash:/vlan.dat? [confirm]
%Error deleting flash:/vlan.dat (No such file or directory)



Switch#erase startup-config
Erasing the nvram filesystem will remove all configuration files! Continue? [confirm]
[OK]
Erase of nvram: complete
%SYS-7-NV_BLOCK_INIT: Initialized the geometry of nvram
Switch#reload
Proceed with reload? [confirm]

Woo. Glad to know so many of you replied.

Ok so taking your advice and just reloaded one of my switch. But the commands remain on my fast ethernet 1 and others i changed.

aren't those erase commands supposed to factory reset the switch ?? This shows me my banner created and asked me for username and pass i created.

sagarmistry

anuragaks10 wrote: »

I am still learning Cisco, but we can try to troubleshoot together!

You can leave the int Fa0/1 in a separate VLAN (in your case VLAN 50). Although, it may not be 'Best practice' but from functioning point of view, it should work. Check sh int trunk and confirm that the interfaces (on both switches) are in Trunking mode. Also, it might be silly but just double-check the cable connection.

Weird thing is when i put that command it won't show me any trunk ports :
SWITCH_3550#sh int trunk


SWITCH_3550#show int
SWITCH_3550#show interfaces trunk
SWITCH_3550#show interfaces trunk


SWITCH_3550#show interfaces trunk ?
module Limit display to interfaces on module
| Output modifiers
<cr>


SWITCH_3550#show interfaces trunk


SWITCH_3550#



but i did change int fa 0/1 as trunk here : This is from my show run config:

spanning-tree mode pvst
spanning-tree extend system-id
!
vlan internal allocation policy ascending
!
ip ssh version 2
!
!
interface FastEthernet0/1
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk
!
interface FastEthernet0/2
switchport mode access
!
interface FastEthernet0/3

any ideas ?

Hondabuff

check to see if the config register is set to 0x2102 under the "show version command"

sagarmistry

Hondabuff wrote: »

check to see if the config register is set to 0x2102 under the "show version command"

on 2900 config register is 0XF

and on 3550 the main switch, config register is 0X10F

Hondabuff

I remember doing this on an old 3550XL switch a long time ago. You had to rename the config.txt file to old then reload. I bought a switch on ebay and it never had the config cleared before. See if this gets you anywhere. Cisco Catalyst Fixed Configuration Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches - Cisco
The switch ended up being a L2 3550 which I didn't know at the time instead of a L3 switch. Ended up throwing $30 I the trash and lesson learned.

sagarmistry

Hondabuff wrote: »

I remember doing this on an old 3550XL switch a long time ago. You had to rename the config.txt file to old then reload. I bought a switch on ebay and it never had the config cleared before. See if this gets you anywhere. Cisco Catalyst Fixed Configuration Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches - Cisco
The switch ended up being a L2 3550 which I didn't know at the time instead of a L3 switch. Ended up throwing $30 I the trash and lesson learned.

So got the solution. The cable I was using was wrong. Dumb of me.


But got a new problem now. lol. I think I deleted the OS of my 2950 switch.

Here's the msg that I get:

switch: boot
Boot process failed...
switch:



switch: boot
Boot process failed...
switch:
switch:
switch:
switch: s
Unknown cmd: s
switch: en
Unknown cmd: en
switch: ?
? -- Present list of available commands
boot -- Load and boot an executable image
cat -- Concatenate (type) file(s)
copy -- Copy a file
delete -- Delete file(s)
dir -- List files in directories
flash_init -- Initialize flash filesystem(s)
format -- Format a filesystem
fsck -- Check filesystem consistency
help -- Present list of available commands
load_helper -- Load and initialize a helper image
memory -- Present memory heap utilization information
mkdir -- Create dir(s)
more -- Concatenate (display) file(s)
rename -- Rename a file
reset -- Reset the system
rmdir -- Delete empty dir(s)
set -- Set or display environment variables
set_param -- Set system parameters in flash
trap -- Cause a software breakpoint to occur
type -- Concatenate (type) file(s)
unset -- Unset one or more environment variables
-- MORE --
version -- Display boot loader version
switch: reset
Are you sure you want to reset the system (y/n)?y
System resetting...




C2950 Boot Loader (C2950-HBOOT-M) Version 12.1(6)EA2c, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Compiled Thu 28-Feb-02 14:59 by antonino
WS-C2950-12 starting...
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:09:e8:c7:9c:c0
Xmodem file system is available.
Initializing Flash...
flashfs[0]: 2 files, 1 directories
flashfs[0]: 0 orphaned files, 0 orphaned directories
flashfs[0]: Total bytes: 7741440
flashfs[0]: Bytes used: 3584
flashfs[0]: Bytes available: 7737856
flashfs[0]: flashfs fsck took 4 seconds.
...done initializing flash.
Boot Sector Filesystem (bs:) installed, fsid: 3
Parameter Block Filesystem (pb:) installed, fsid: 4


The system is unable to boot automatically because there
are no bootable files to boot.


Don't know what to dooo!! help pls!

clarson

get a serial console managemen cable, a terminal emulator that is capable of doing xmodem (such as teraterm), learn how to install an ios using xmodem.
Recovering Catalyst Fixed Configuration Switches from a Corrupted or Missing Image - Cisco

Hondabuff

Ahh the things you learn by having your own lab. If you did indeed delete the IOS out of flash then you will have to google for a new IOS for that switch. Then you will probably have to Xmodem a new IOS onto it through Rommon mode. It's not all lost yet. You have to explain to us about the wrong cable now!

mikeybinec

Hondabuff wrote: »

Ahh the things you learn by having your own lab. If you did indeed delete the IOS out of flash then you will have to google for a new IOS for that switch. Then you will probably have to Xmodem a new IOS onto it through Rommon mode. It's not all lost yet. You have to explain to us about the wrong cable now!

I know I'm off topic here, but that's why I have issues with GNS. You have to obtain an IOS to run the program, and frankly it's not legit to have an IOS that you download from the internet. I have several 2950 IOSs But I would think Cisco would not be happy if I set up an FTP site where folks could get IOSs for legacy equipment.

sagarmistry

clarson wrote: »

get a serial console managemen cable, a terminal emulator that is capable of doing xmodem (such as teraterm), learn how to install an ios using xmodem.
Recovering Catalyst Fixed Configuration Switches from a Corrupted or Missing Image - Cisco

Thank you. Did a bit of searching and found this link which I followed later. I think it's the same as you provided:
Recovering Catalyst Fixed Configuration Switches from a Corrupted or Missing Image - Cisco

sagarmistry

mikeybinec wrote: »

I know I'm off topic here, but that's why I have issues with GNS. You have to obtain an IOS to run the program, and frankly it's not legit to have an IOS that you download from the internet. I have several 2950 IOSs But I would think Cisco would not be happy if I set up an FTP site where folks could get IOSs for legacy equipment.

I just downloaded OS from cisco's website. Just registered and in the download section searched for my switch 2950 and it gives you free OS to download. Hope I'm on the right track.

mikeybinec

I'm stunned.. I was there a couple of weeks ago trying to get an advanceservices ios for an router and it was DENIED!! Congrats!

sagarmistry

Hondabuff wrote: »

Ahh the things you learn by having your own lab. If you did indeed delete the IOS out of flash then you will have to google for a new IOS for that switch. Then you will probably have to Xmodem a new IOS onto it through Rommon mode. It's not all lost yet. You have to explain to us about the wrong cable now!

Haha. I did delete the OS for sure. Just blindly typed the commands. Downloaded the IOS from cisco's website and uploading right now through tera term.

Here's a problem. I tried doing xmodem using xtraputty and i didnt understand what exactly I had to do so it didn't work.

Then I used the copy command in teraterm and then i used the send button to upload the file.

HOWEVER, it didn't ask me for xmodem or anything. but file is uploading right now. cisco's site said it might take up to 2 hours for the process to finish. I'm hoping i did the right thing.

Resets are frustrating. haha. Thanks to all of you guys though.

And regarding the wrong cable! I was brainless to use the straight through cable. I pulled out all my cables in the house and plugged in two switches and kept typing the commands again and again to succeed. Hahah. Wasted the whole day and then was rescued by all you guys! :P

sagarmistry

mikeybinec wrote: »

I'm stunned.. I was there a couple of weeks ago trying to get an advanceservices ios for an router and it was DENIED!! Congrats!

lol. thanks. I just stumbled upon the link. was lucky!

clarson

if you set the baud rate to 115k it will take about 20 minutes. if your doing 9600, get back to it in the morning.
doing xmodem ios install is something you want to know how to do, but not something you want a lot of experience doing.

sagarmistry

clarson wrote: »

if you set the baud rate to 115k it will take about 20 minutes. if your doing 9600, get back to it in the morning.
doing xmodem ios install is something you want to know how to do, but not something you want a lot of experience doing.

I skipped reading that par unfortunately but apparently the transfer is at 41.2 %. So seems like it will be done soon!! Will post the results right after it's done!

sagarmistry

I'm about to give up on this thing and throw it out of the window!


So tried everything to restore the DEVIL but it won't take the freaking OS.
First time process finished all the way to 100% and there were broken letters on the terminal window.

tried pressing enter million times didn't work. then unplugged and plugged back in.

tried the whole process with Putty and it froze half way to transfer and it said the program force closed.

SO unplugged and plugged back in.....

NOW, the problem is when i press enter and type something, it shows random greek letters on the screen. It doesn't make sense.

I have to keep unplugging to get to the switch: prompt and when i put it one command it takes it and from the next command it starts the greek letters again!!!!


sigh! Is there anything to be done on this thing or should I get my hammer?

JeanM

Take a deep breath You are on the right track, this time set the baud rate higher on the switch in rommon, then set it to match in terminal program.

clarson

maybe this will help you
https://supportforums.cisco.com/blog/151336/loading-ios-switch-xmodem

sagarmistry

JeanM wrote: »

Take a deep breath You are on the right track, this time set the baud rate higher on the switch in rommon, then set it to match in terminal program.

Tried that with no luck.
So when i set it high it works.
but then when i press enter the foreign letters starts.
Then I do disconnect and new connection and set the BAUD rate in serial port.

WHen I put the copy xmodem command. and go to transfer>xmodem>send>filename,

A pop up window shows up and the transfer rate won't move. After a while it goes away on its own and when I press enter I'm back to the normal prompt "Switch:"


Any other command only works one time. and then the foreign letters start which makes no sense.

sagarmistry

clarson wrote: »

maybe this will help you
https://supportforums.cisco.com/blog/151336/loading-ios-switch-xmodem

Used the same method but the transfer won't start. Window gets stuck there and goes away. and im back to switch: prompt.

clarson

sounds like the baud rate on your switch and your computer are set different. keep changing the baud on your terminal emulator (teraterm i'm guessing) until your able to get good clear text on the screen.

sagarmistry

clarson wrote: »

sounds like the baud rate on your switch and your computer are set different. keep changing the baud on your terminal emulator (teraterm i'm guessing) until your able to get good clear text on the screen.

That switch is dead to me. lol. I can't even think about it without getting my BP high anymore.

Anyway. Need help with something else!

On cisco 2900 XL switch, How do I delete Vlans?

From the global mode I can't just do no vlan 50. it says

% Invalid input detected at '^' marker.

from where do I delete?

So i searched a bit online and this is what i did:

S2>en
S2#vlan database
S2(vlan): No vlan 50

now it says deleting vlan 50
but when i do show vlan brief,

it shows vlan 50 is there.


S2(vlan)#exit
Error on database apply 38: NV storage failure
Exiting....
S2#
01:16:07: %SW_VLAN-4-IFS_FAILURE: VLAN manager encountered file operation error: call = ifs_open/write / failure
code (errno) = 21 / bytes transfered = 0
-Traceback= 2BFC54 2BFF04 2C82E0 2D13C8 2D6260 1750C8 180CD4 1EB510
S2#show vlan stat
^
% Invalid input detected at '^' marker.


S2#show vlan bri
VLAN Name Status Ports
----

---

---

---

1 default active Fa0/1, Fa0/2, Fa0/3, Fa0/4,
Fa0/5, Fa0/6, Fa0/7, Fa0/8,
Fa0/9, Fa0/10, Fa0/11, Fa0/12
50 Computers active






Any suggestions?