You can connect a Cisco switch and router via 802.1q trunking. This configuration is known as a router-on-a-stick.

The ability to telnet into a Cisco switch greatly simplifies remote administration of the device. This tech-recipe describes enabling telnet logins and password protecting them.

Switches maintain a database of MAC addresses, both manually configured (static) and dynamically learned entries. During troubleshooting, it may be helpful to investigate the entries in the MAC table.

Cisco devices allow password protection of console access. This tech-recipe describes configuring the use of a password to protect the console of a Cisco switch.

This tech-recipe provides instructions for SPAN and RSPAN configuration. SPAN mirrors a port within the same switch, while RSPAN mirrors a port in a remote switch.

The following recipe contains one method to protect against the addition of unauthorized switches to a Cisco Catalyst. This refers to the 6500 series, but it may be available on other platforms as well.

The following contains configuration notes for newer catalyst switches and switch modules.