Nortel 4548GT Questions

[papac0rn]

Hi all,

I used to work on Nortel switches many years ago but drifted to the dark side (Cisco).  I purchased a Nortel 4548GT off of Ebay for my home lab.  I've got it in place and running but was wondering are these switches sold in a layer 2 and layer 3 flavor?  From what I read it appeared the switch would do some ip routing but that command is not valid in my 4548gt.  I see the switch is in operation mode: Switch.  Is there another mode for routing?  I'll post a sys-info below.

I know this switch is fairly old is it possible to get a support contract and upgrade it or is it not worth it?  I know a while back there used to be a FTP that I had the firmware's available to download.  I can't find it anymore. 

Thanks in advance for your advice.

CORE(config)#show sys-info
Operation Mode:        Switch
MAC Address:           00-1C-9C-44-38-00
PoE Module FW:         4.0.0
Reset Count:           19
Last Reset Type:       Power Cycle
Power Status:          Primary Power
Autotopology:          Enabled
Pluggable Port 45:     None
Pluggable Port 46:     None
Pluggable Port 47:     None
Pluggable Port 48:     None
Base Unit Selection:   Base unit using rear-panel switch
sysDescr:              Ethernet Routing Switch 4548GT-PWR   
                       HW:01       FW:5.1.0.7   SW:v5.1.1.005
                       Mfg Date:20070601    HW Dev:     
Serial #:              LBNNTMJL1701FT
sysObjectID:           1.3.6.1.4.1.45.3.71.2
sysUpTime:             0 days, 08:25:50
sysNtpTime:            SNTP not synchronized.
sysServices:           3

[Paul L]

the 4500 series switch are still purchasable. 
and with a software support contract you can get software for it.

if you want to turn on routing you can use the commands
CONF T
IP ROUTING.

this will enable local forwarding and RIP.
OSPF will require a license.

[papac0rn]

When I type conf t
and ip routing I get a carat at the R for routing.

CORE#config t
Enter configuration commands, one per line.  End with CNTL/Z.
CORE(config)#ip routing
                         ^
% Invalid input detected at '^' marker.

If I do ip ? I get the following choices:

CORE(config)#ip ?
Global IP configuration subcommands
  address          set switch/stack ip address
  arp-inspection   Enable ARP inspection
  bootp            Config BOOTP services
  default-gateway  Specify default gateway (if not routing IP)
  dhcp-snooping    Enable DHCP snooping
  domain-name      Configure DNS domain name
  name-server      Configure DNS server IP addresses
CORE(config)#ip

Ip routing isn't a choice.  Any other ideas?

Thanks.

[Paul L]

Mmmmmm. I wonder is your code is too old. 

I forget when Local forwarding was added as a feature.

[papac0rn]

Thanks Paul that would make sense to me.

Another question.  If I add support to this and buy the Nortel Fastlane service.  I see that one version of service says NBD parts does that include tech support do I need to buy the tech support agreement for support also?  Just afraid if I upgrade and toast it I will be without a switch.

Thanks,

[Paul L]

just remember, its now AVAYA that owns this product line.  Nortel went bankrupt.
and Avaya, like Nortel is partner driven. YOu will need to find an Avaya data partner to purchase software support.  G4300 is the part number.  Hardare and software is G6300.

as well, all stackables have lifetime warranty. The only issue you will have is that you are not the original owners of the switch because you purchased the switch from the grey market. (eBay).

call an Avaya partner and see if they can help you.

http://www.avaya.com/ca-en/partner-locator/

[papac0rn]

Thanks Paul.  I was able to get in contact with a partner and have setup firmware support.  I am wondering what will be the process to upgrade it from 5.1.1.005 to 5.6.4.  I can download the 5.6.4.  From what I am reading in the release notes it appears I need to load the diagnostic file first and then can load the 5.6.4 image file.  Do I need to do anything with licensing?  I don't believe there is a license on my switch today but I think I read somewhere I'll need to get a new license file?

Thanks,

[Paul L]

you are correct.

You upgrade the DIAG(Firmware), then the Image(Software)
you don't need to worry about the license. The switch will run with base features without issue. These switches are not like Cisco devices. They will be pretty feature rich without a license.  The only big thing the license will give you us OSPF.

As well, you should be able to upgrade to 5.7.X. its been available for a while now.

[papac0rn]

Thanks Paul.  I took the plunge this morning to 5.6.4 and will move to 5.7 today sometime.  Wow its incredible the features and options they have added to the switch.

[Paul L]

the ERS4000 is an awesome switch.

the web interface is nice as well.  try to access the switch via HTTP