Configure Switch Refresh Utility

Switch Refresh Utility Overview

The Switch Refresh Utility feature facilitates the migration of older switch models to newer ones with minimal disruption in Cisco Emergency Responder. This utility enables the saving of old switch model configuration details, which can then be uploaded to the new switch configuration after its discovery within Cisco Emergency Responder.

Key functionalities introduced by this feature include:

• Save Switch Config: This function, accessed via the Save Switch Port Configuration page, allows users to select and save the switch configuration details of an older switch into a CSV data file within their Cisco Emergency Responder system. The CSV file can be downloaded, reviewed, and modified as needed.
• Upload Switch Config: The Upload Switch Configuration page enables the uploading of a previously saved switch CSV file to a new switch after it has been physically replaced and discovered in Cisco Emergency Responder.

The Save Switch Config or Upload Switch Config functionalities are primarily intended for scenarios where the IP address of the old and new switches remain the same. If the new switch has a different IP address, an export switch functionality on the Switch Port Page should be performed instead. The data saved by Save Switch Config may encompass assigned ERL Name, Switch IP Address, IfName, Location, Port Name, Switch HostName, Port Identifier, Port Description, and Index details.

For more detailed information regarding the Save Switch Config and Upload Switch Config configuration pages, refer to the respective sections on Save Switch Port Configuration and Upload Switch Port Configuration. Details of all saved CSV data files can also be viewed in the File Management Utility page.

Note: It is recommended to replace a minimal number of switches at a time when using the switch refresh utility. For large networks, up to 50 switches can be replaced simultaneously.

Save Switch Configuration

Use the Switch Port Details page to save the switch port configuration details.

Procedure

1. From Cisco ER Administration, navigate to ERL Membership > Switch Ports to view the list of switches.
2. In the Switch Port Search Parameters, click Find.
3. Select the IP address of the switches that are to be refreshed.
4. Click Save Switch Config. The Save Switch Port Configuration page will be displayed.
5. From the Select Save Config Format drop-down list, choose the CSV format.
6. In the Enter Save Config File name option, enter the desired name for the file.
7. Click Save Config to create and save the file.
8. Use the Download drop-down menu to select a file and download a copy to your local system.

Physical Refresh of Switch and Full Discovery in Emergency Responder

During a maintenance window, physically replace the older switch with a new one. After the physical replacement, perform a full discovery on Cisco Emergency Responder.

Procedure

1. To initiate full discovery (phone tracking), select Phone Tracking > Run Switch-Port & Phone Update.
2. Navigate to ERL Membership > Switch Ports. Check the timestamp in the Switch Port Details page, which indicates when full discovery is complete.
3. Verify the new switch details and then proceed with the Upload Switch Config functionality.

Upload Switch Configuration

After uploading the CSV file, the current configuration data will be overwritten, and the saved ERL, Port, Location, and IP Address details will be applied to the new switch.

Note: The saved switch configuration details will be uploaded to the respective ports on the new switch. Any differential ports must be assigned manually by the administrator.

Before you begin

Ensure that a full discovery has been run so that the new switch information is updated in the system.

Procedure

1. From Cisco ER Administration, navigate to ERL Membership > Switch Ports to view the list of new switches added.
2. Click Upload Switch Config. The Upload Switch Port Configuration page will be displayed.
3. From the Select Upload config File Format drop-down list, choose the CSV format.
4. From the Select File to Upload Config drop-down list, select the file to be uploaded.
5. Click Upload. The status of the upload can be viewed in the Status box.