No Documentation for IOS 12.2-55EX2 & Cisco C2960CG

[jeffhochberg]

I just purchased a Cisco C2960CG Compact Series switch (WS-C2960G-8-TC-L) and have yet to receive my SmartNet contract info, so I cannot open a TAC case yet.

This is the first piece of hardware I have purchased from Cisco that did not come with a console cable, a documentation CD, or any sort of getting started guide.  I can deal without the GSG and the console cable, however it is very un-Cisco-like to ship new hardware without these things.

Regardless, I have searched high-and-low on the Cisco support site for the IOS Command Reference Guide, or any documentation for IOS 12.2-55(EX2) and am unable to find anything.  There is the Hardware Installation Guide and the Getting Started Guides as well as the Releae Notes for this version of IOS, yet no in-depth documentation for this specific version of IOS.

Am I missing something completely obvious here?

[Tarquin Joseph · Accepted solution]

Hi Jeffrey,

These switches use the same configuration guide as the big brothers (2960 and 2960S).  It states so in the "Getting Started Guide" (p. 22).  Here it is for your reference:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960c_3560c/hardware/quick/guide/all_languages/2960c_3560c_gsg_eng.pdf

It is very strange not to get the console cable (especially since the documentation says it comes in the box).  Cisco, like most hardware manufacturers, seem to provide he majority of their documentation online. I suppose the assumption is that a network immediately implies some form if Internet access.

[jeffhochberg]

Thank you very much for your response!  I did go thru and look at the documentation you referenced in your reply and was indeed able to find what I was looking for.

Thank you very much for pointing me in the right direction!

-Jeff

[amikat]

Hi,

I am sorry to say that the "Getting started guide" for your switch (Switch model WS-C2960CG-8TC-L ) clearly indicates that both the console and USB cables are "Orderable items on all Catalyst 2960-C switches", ie. these can be ordered (specified when placing an order) but do not come automatically any more. In "previous" switch model type WS-C2960G-8TC-L indeed the console cable came automatically. Will you please check with your Cisco supplier.

Best regards,

Antonin

[jeffhochberg]

Thank you for your response Antonin.  This is the first time I have purchased a switch from Cisco where the cables were ioptional.  I won't continue to make a big deal about it, but when you spend $700 for a small switch, the least Cisco can provide would be a cable to configure it.  I can only imagine how much the SKU for a console cable and/or USB cable would be!  LOL

[amikat]

Hi,

I have made similar experience just recently with a bunch of 2960S switches. Quite a bit change since times I purchased first Cisco router (IGS) almost 20 years ago: that one was accompanied with a heavy box of books of full Cisco documentation.

Keep smiling,

Antonin