IP address for a switch

[cko015]

I have a router connected to a switch and am unsure if I have to assign a specific IP address to my switch interface to the router. I have my hosts all on this switch on the same VLAN.

So does a switch need an IP address too?

[Antoniov. · Accepted solution]

Switch doesn't require IP address to work but if you want to manage it (e.g. setup, see statistics), you must supply a IP address.

Antonio Vigliotti

[cko015]

By manage do you mean login without using the console port?

thanks!

[Les Ligetfalvy]

Yes, I'm sure that is what he meant. Most switches can be managed by Telnet, SSH, WebAgent, and/or Procurve Manager (Plus).

Unless the switch is setup as a Layer 3 routing switch, it really does not need an IP to function.

[Marco_168]

Hi Kerilyn!

As Antoniov said before the question is whether you want to manage the device, meaning:

* access via Telnet (not only via console cable)
* SNMP querying (port status, traffik information) etc.

The mere switching functionality happens on layer 2 anyways so no need for IP.

Ciao,

Marco

[Antoniov.]

Yes, I confirm;
you can set port, switch, view statistics, etc. You do it via console port or else via network. To manage switch via network you must supply IP address.
Don't forget, if you set IP address, you MUST set password to avoid any unsafe condition.

Antonio Vigliotti