3
Configuring Ethernet interfaces
The Switch Series supports Ethernet interfaces, management Ethernet interfaces, and Console
interfaces.
Your device supports the following types of Ethernet interfaces:
• Layer 2 Ethernet interfaces—Physical Ethernet interfaces operating at the data link layer
(Layer 2) to switch packets.
• Layer 3 Ethernet interfaces—Physical Ethernet interfaces operating at the network layer
(Layer 3) to route packets. You can assign an IP address to a Layer 3 Ethernet interface.
• Layer-configurable Ethernet interfaces—Physical Ethernet interfaces that can be configured
to operate in bridge mode as Layer 2 Ethernet interfaces or in route mode as Layer 3 Ethernet
interfaces.
• Layer 3 Ethernet subinterfaces—Logical interfaces operating at the network layer. You can
assign an IP address to a Layer 3 Ethernet subinterface. On a Layer 3 Ethernet interface, you
can create multiple Layer 3 subinterfaces.
This chapter describes how to configure management Ethernet interfaces and Ethernet interfaces.
Configuring a management Ethernet interface
About management Ethernet interface
A management Ethernet interface uses an RJ-45/LC connector. You can connect the interface to a
PC for software loading and system debugging, or connect it to a remote NMS for remote system
management.
• In standalone mode:
{ When the switch has multiple management Ethernet interfaces, only the management
Ethernet interface on the active MPU processes management traffic.
{ When the management Ethernet interface on the active MPU fails, the management
Ethernet interface on the standby MPU takes over to process management traffic.
{ When the management Ethernet interface on the active MPU recovers, it takes over to
process management traffic again.
• In IRF mode:
{ When an IRF system has multiple management Ethernet interfaces, only the management
Ethernet interface on the global active MPU processes management traffic.
{ When the management Ethernet interface on the global active MPU fails, the management
Ethernet interface on the global standby MPU takes over to process management traffic.
{ When the management Ethernet interface on the global active MPU recovers, it takes over
to process management traffic again.
Configuration procedure
Step Command Remarks
1. Enter system view.
system-view
N/A
2. Enter management
Ethernet interface view.
interface
M-GigabitEthernet
interface-number
N/A
3. (Optional.) Set the
interface description.
description
text
The default setting is
M-GigabitEthernet0/0/0 Interface
.