Router-Switch Tech Journal

  How to Enable SSH on a Cisco Switch (Step-by-Step + Fixes) Secure remote access is a basic requirement for managing Cisco switches. SSH replaces Telnet by encrypting login credentials and management traffic. This guide shows how to enable SSH correctly —and what to check if it doesn’t work. Step 1: Configure Hostname and Domain hostname SW1 ip domain-name example.local Step 2: Create a Local User username admin privilege 15 secret YourPassword enable secret YourEnablePassword Step 3: Generate RSA Keys crypto key generate rsa modulus 2048 Step 4: Enable SSH v2 ip ssh version 2 Step 5: Restrict VTY to SSH line vty 0 15 login local transport input ssh Step 6: Ensure Management IP Exists interface vlan 1 ip address 192.168.1.10 255.255.255.0 no shutdown Common Issues SSH not working No management IP VLAN interface down Connection refused VTY not set to SSH Telnet still enabled RSA key errors Missing hostname/domain How to Test ssh -l admin 192 .1...

How to Reset a Cisco Catalyst 9300 Switch (CLI, ROMMON & Safe Recovery Guide) Resetting a Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch is a standard operation in enterprise environments, but it is also one of the most commonly misused procedures. A wrong reset method can lead to configuration loss, boot issues, or unnecessary downtime. This guide explains how to safely reset a Cisco 9300 switch, recover access when locked out, and properly load a new configuration in real production environments. 1. When Should You Reset a Cisco 9300? Before executing any reset command, you should first confirm whether a full reset is actually required. Common scenarios include: Redeploying the switch in a new environment Cleaning corrupted or legacy configurations Recovering from lost administrative access Preparing the device for resale or decommission In many cases, a full factory reset is unnecessary if the goal is only configuration cleanup. 2. Cisco 9300 Factory Reset Using CLI (Recommended Method) If you sti...

Cisco 2960 Password Recovery Without Losing Configuration (Step-by-Step Guide) The Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series is a widely deployed Layer 2 access switch used in enterprise, campus, and branch networks. Despite its stability and long lifecycle, one of the most common operational issues network engineers face is a forgotten enable password. This guide explains how to perform Cisco 2960 password recovery without losing the existing configuration , along with troubleshooting cases and best practices. Overview: How Cisco 2960 Password Recovery Works Password recovery on the Cisco 2960 series is based on a simple principle: The switch loads its startup configuration file ( config.text ) during boot. By temporarily bypassing this file, you can access the system without authentication, then restore the configuration afterward. This method applies to most models in the 2960 family , including 2960, 2960S, 2960X, and 2960XR. Requirements Before You Start Ensure the following before beginning: Ph...

How to Handle Hardware Price Increases in 2026 (Smart IT Procurement Guide) Hardware price increases in 2026 are no longer a short-term issue. From servers and storage to memory and networking equipment, IT buyers are facing: Higher costs Unstable pricing Longer lead times If you're planning infrastructure upgrades, adapting your procurement strategy is now essential. Why Hardware Prices Are Increasing in 2026 1. AI Infrastructure Demand AI data centers are consuming large volumes of: DRAM NAND storage High-performance components This reduces supply for traditional enterprise IT environments. 2. Rapid Price Changes Across Components Memory prices are rising quickly Storage costs continue to increase Vendors are adjusting server pricing more frequently 3. Procurement Is Becoming More Complex Quotes expire faster than before Lead times are less predictable Availability varies across suppliers A recent discussion highlights how common this has become: https://www.reddit.com/r/NetworkG...

ADSL vs VDSL vs Fiber: Which Broadband Is Best in 2026? When choosing a broadband connection, ADSL, VDSL , and fiber are the three most common options. Each offers different speeds, performance levels, and suitability depending on your needs. In this guide, we break down the key differences and help you choose the right option for home or business use. What Is ADSL? ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is one of the earliest broadband technologies. It uses existing copper telephone lines to deliver internet access. Key features: Download speed up to 24 Mbps Upload speed typically 1–3 Mbps Works over long distances (up to ~5 km) Lower cost and widely available ADSL is suitable for basic internet use such as web browsing, email, and light video streaming. What Is VDSL? VDSL (Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line) is an upgraded version of ADSL. It also uses copper lines but operates at higher frequencies to deliver faster speeds. Key features: Download speed up to 50–100 Mbps U...