Introduction:
These are the two types of EtherSwitch modules available for Cisco ISRs:
EtherSwitch Service Module (ES)—ES modules have their own processors, switching engines, software and flash memory that run independent of the host router resources. After the ES module is installed in the router, you can console into the ES module from the host router. Then you can create VLANs, configure VLANs, spanning tree, and Virtual Terminal Protocol (VTP) from the ES module.
EtherSwitch Network Module (ESW)—ESW modules are configured by Router IOS. These modules do not run separate software. It is integrated into the host router IOS. You can create VLANs, configure VLANs, spanning tree, and VTP from the host router. The router stores the VLAN database file (vlan.dat) in the flash.
Cisco EtherSwitch Network Modules:
Configuration Example:
You can verify your card installed or module being using "show inventory" command
R1#sh invntory
NAME: "2691 chassis", DESCR: "2691 chassis"
PID: , VID: 0.1, SN: XXXXXXXXXXX
NAME: "16 Port 10BaseT/100BaseTX EtherSwitch on Slot 1", DESCR: "16 Port 10BaseT/100BaseTX EtherSwitch"
PID: NM-16ESW= , VID: 1.0, SN: XXXXXXXXXXX
You can assign an IP address to this type of module using two ways:
1) You can directly assign IP address to the interface.By default these interface are L2 so you need to put "no switchport" command to make it L3.
R1#conf t
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
R1(config)#int fa1/1
R1(config-if)# no switchport
R1(config-if)# ip address 1.1.1.1 255.255.255.0
R1(config-if)#end
R1#
2) You can create VLAN and then assign interface to the interface as shown below.
R1#conf t
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
R1(config)#interface Vlan2
R1(config-if)# ip address 1.1.1.1 255.255.255.0
R1(config-if)#exit
R1(config)#vlan 2
R1(config-vlan)#name cisco
R1(config-vlan)#exit
R1(config)#int fa1/1
R1(config-if)#switchport mode access
R1(config-if)#switchport access vlan 2
R1(config-if)#end
R1#
The router stores the VLAN database file (vlan.dat) in the flash.
R1#sh flash:
System CompactFlash directory:
File Length Name/status
1 660 vlan.dat
[724 bytes used, 16776488 available, 16777212 total]
16384K bytes of ATA System CompactFlash (Read/Write)
Also See:
Cisco EtherSwitch Modules for the Integrated Services Routers
Cisco EtherSwitch Modules Comparison
