Cisco Systems® announces a Cisco IOS® Software update for the Cisco® Catalyst® 3550, 2955, 2950, 2950-LRE, and 2940 Series Intelligent Ethernet switches. This new release advances Cisco leadership in providing secure, reliable, and easily managed LAN switching solutions.
This Product Bulletin describes the content and delivery information concerning Cisco IOS Software Release 12.1(20)EA1. For more information about the Cisco IOS Software release process, see Product Bulletin #537.
Cisco continues its commitment to providing industry-leading usability with the following changes.
Smart Ports, which first shipped in Cisco IOS Software Release 12.1(19)EA1, have been enhanced to include several default connection types that use Cisco recommended configuration settings. These default types can be quickly and easily assigned to ports using Cluster Management Suite (CMS), the embedded network management tool included with every fixed configuration switch.
CMS now supports the configuration of Auto-MDIX (medium-dependent interface crossover), which allows different types of cables to connect networking devices. CMS can enable or disable this feature.
The CMS plug-in is a simple installation program that configures the management station with the correct run-time software to support CMS. In addition to existing support on Microsoft Windows platforms, CMS plug-in is supported on Sun Microsystems Solaris operating system.
NEW FEATURES IN CISCO IOS RELEASE 12.1(20)EA1
The following figures provide a detailed overview of features that will be delivered in the initial release of Cisco IOS Software Release 12.1(20)EA1. Table 1 details new features in Cisco IOS Software Release 12.1(20)EA1. Table 2 describes the new features in Cisco Cluster Management Suite (CMS) Software. Table 3 provides a listing of products supported with this release.
Table 1. Cisco IOS Software Release 12.1(20)EA1 New Features
Cisco IOS Software 12.1(20)EA1 Feature
Cisco Catalyst 3550-Enhanced Multilayer Image
Cisco Catalyst 3550-Standard Multilayer Image
Cisco Catalyst 2950-EI, 2950-LRE, & 2955
Cisco Catalyst2950-SI
Cisco Catalyst 2940
Smart Ports Enhancements
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Table 2. New Features in Cisco Cluster Management Suite (CMS) Software
Feature
Description
Auto-MDIX
Enable or disable support for Auto-MDIX
Smart Ports
Assign Cisco recommended configuration to a switch port for a variety of connection types
CMS Plug-in for Solaris
A simple installer program that configures the management station with the correct run-time software
Due to export restrictions on strong cryptography software, a separate image is required for the cryptographic features (Secure Shell [SSH] Protocol, Simple Network Management Protocol [SNMP] v3, and Kerberos). These software images can be downloaded from the same locations shown above.
Figure 1 displays the recommended migration path for Cisco IOS Software Release 12.1(20)EA1 functions relative to the 12.1 and 12.1E releases. For more information about the Cisco IOS Software release process, see Product Bulletin #537.
