22 Starting and Configuring the SwitchBooting the SwitchWhen the power is turned on, the switch goes through a power-on self-test(POST). POST runs every time the switch is initialized and checks hardwarecomponents to determine if the switch is fully operational before completelybooting. If POST detects a critical problem, the program flow stops. If POSTpasses successfully, valid firmware is loaded into RAM. POST messages aredisplayed on the terminal and indicate test success or failure. The bootprocess runs for approximately 60 seconds.With local terminal connected, you can invoke the Boot menu after the firstpart of the POST is completed. From the Boot menu, you can performconfiguration tasks such as resetting the system to factory defaults, activatingthe backup image, or recovering a password. For more information about theBoot menu functions, see the CLI Reference Guide.Performing the Initial ConfigurationThe initial configuration procedure is based on the following assumptions:• The N4000 Series switch was never configured before and is in the samestate as when you received it.• The N4000 Series switch booted successfully.• The console connection was established, and the Dell Easy Setup Wizardprompt appears on the screen of a VT100 terminal or terminal equivalent.The initial switch configuration is performed through the console port. Afterthe initial configuration, you can manage the switch from the already-connected console port or through a remote connection.NOTE: The switch is not configured with a default user name, password, or IPaddress.Before setting up the initial configuration of the switch, obtain the followinginformation from your network administrator:• The IP address to be assigned to the out-of-band (OOB) interface fordevice management.• The IP subnet mask for the OOB interface.• The IP address of the OOB interface default gateway.
