Getting Started Guide 23Booting the SwitchWhen the power is turned on with the local terminal already connected, theswitch goes through a power-on self-test (POST). POST runs every time theswitch is initialized and checks hardware components to determine if theswitch is fully operational before completely booting. If POST detects acritical problem, the program flow stops. If POST passes successfully, validfirmware is loaded into RAM. POST messages are displayed on the terminaland indicate test success or failure. The boot process runs for approximately60 seconds.You can invoke the Boot menu after the first part of the POST is completed.From the Boot menu, you can perform configuration tasks such as resettingthe system to factory defaults, activating the backup image, or recovering apassword. For more information about the Boot menu functions, see the CLIReference Guide.Performing the Initial ConfigurationThe initial configuration procedure is based on the following assumptions:• The PowerConnect switch was never configured before and is in the samestate as when you received it.• The PowerConnect 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 remotely through an interface defined during theinitial configuration.NOTE: The switch is not configured with a default user name, password,or IP address.Before setting up the initial configuration of the switch, obtain the followinginformation from your network administrator:• The IP address to be assigned to the management interface.• The IP subnet mask for the network.• The IP address of the management interface default gateway.These settings are necessary to allow the remote management of the switchthrough Telnet (Telnet client) or HTTP (Web browser).
