Set Interface Speed, Duplex and Description on a Cisco Switch / Router

Set Interface Speed, Duplex and Description on a Cisco Switch / Router

By Default, Cisco Switch Ports are set to auto negotiate. This means that the Cisco Switch / Router will agree on a speed determined by the line conditions with the end device. This works great for workstations and other end user devices as it gives freedom and flexibility without the admin needing to hard set speeds at both ends.

However, for key ports such as those to servers, other switches or routers, its often best to hard code in the speed and duplex, as well as provide a description to provide an explanation of what the port is used for.

In this example we will set the speed, duplex and a description on interface fast ethernet 0/3 .

The first step is to enter the configuration prompt for that switchport:

enable

config t

interface fa 0/3

From here, you can edit the configuration of the port.

To set the description, you use the description  command -  e.g description domain controller. Next, to set the Speed you use the speed command - e.g. speed 1000 . Finally, you set the duplex  with the duplex  command - e.g. Duplex Full .

This Article can also be found on our sister site DizzyIT.com at : http://dizzyit.com/2013/03/29/set-interface-speed-duplex-description-cisco-switch-router/