26 CHAPTER 1: GETTING STARTED■ Your DHCP server does not allow you to allocate static IP addresses.(Static IP addresses are necessary to ensure that the switch is alwaysallocated the same IP information.)For most installations, 3Com recommends that you configure the switchIP information manually. This makes management simpler and morereliable as it is not dependent on a DHCP server, and eliminates the risk ofthe IP address changing.To manually enter IP information for your switch, work through the“Manually set the IP Address using the Console Port” on page 27.Using theCommand LineInterface (CLI)You can access the switch through the Console port to manually set theIP address, or to view the IP address that was assigned automatically (forexample, by a DHCP server).For more information about the CLI, refer to the 3Com CLI ReferenceGuide.Connecting to theConsole PortThis section describes how to connect to your switch through theConsole port.Prerequisites■ A workstation with terminal emulation software installed, such asMicrosoft Hyperterminal. This software allows you to communicatewith the switch using the console port directly.■ Documentation supplied with the terminal emulation software.■ The console cable (RJ-45 to DB-9) supplied with your switch.You can find pin-out diagrams for the cable in Appendix C on page 235.
