In order to configure or check the status of a switch, connect a computer to the switch in order to establish a communication session. Use a rollover cable to connect the console port on the back of the switch to a COM port on the back of the computer.

Start HyperTerminal on the computer. A dialog window will be displayed. The connection must first be named when initially configuring the HyperTerminal communication with the switch. Select the COM port to which the switch is connected using the pull-down menu, and click the OK button. A second dialog window will be displayed. Set up the parameters as shown, and click the OK button.

Plug the switch into a wall outlet. The initial bootup output from the switch should be displayed on the HyperTerminal screen. This output shows information about the switch, details about POST status, and data about the switch hardware.

After the switch has booted and completed POST, prompts for the System Configuration dialog are presented. The switch may be configured manually with or without the assistance of the System Configuration dialog. The System Configuration dialog on the switch is simpler than that on a router.