You can view an access switch's configuration by connecting via console or SSH and using Cisco CLI commands like show running-config and show vlan brief.

Accessing the Switch

1. Connect to the switch using a console cable or SSH if the switch has an IP address configured for management .
2. Launch a terminal emulator such as PuTTY and select the appropriate serial connection (usually 9600 baud for console access), .
3. Enter privileged EXEC mode by typing enable at the prompt. If a password is configured, you will be prompted to enter it .

Viewing Configurations

• Running Configuration: Shows the current active configuration in RAM. Use the command:

  show running-config

  This displays interface settings, VLAN assignments, port security, and other active configurations .

• Startup Configuration: Shows the configuration stored in NVRAM that the switch loads on reboot. Use:

  show startup-config

  This helps verify what settings will persist after a restart .

• VLAN Information: To see VLANs and their assigned ports:

  show vlan brief

  This lists all VLANs, their IDs, names, and which interfaces belong to each VLAN .

• Interface Status: To check the status and capabilities of a specific interface:

  show interface statusshow interface capabilities

  This provides information on whether the port is up, its speed, duplex, and trunking support .

• VTP Status: If using VLAN Trunking Protocol, check the domain and revision number:

  show vtp status

  This ensures VLAN updates are synchronized correctly across switches .

Additional Tips

• Privilege EXEC Mode: Protect this mode with a password to prevent unauthorized access .
• Saving Changes: If you make changes, save the running configuration to startup configuration using:

  copy running-config startup-config Otherwise, changes will be lost after a reboot .

• Port Security: You can verify MAC address restrictions on access ports with:

  show port-security interface This helps ensure only authorized devices can connect . By following these steps, you can effectively view and verify the configuration of an access switch, including VLANs, interface settings, and security parameters.