Problem
Create a VLAN with an IP address on a switch so it can be remotely managed via telnet/SSH
tl;dr
conf t
vlan 42
name switch-management
int vlan 42
description switch-management
ip address 172.16.1.1 255.255.0.0
Solution
To be able to SSH into a switch, you need to assign it a management interface. On level 2 switches (with no routing capability), such as the good old Catalyst 2950's, this is done through a VLAN. However, keep in mind that if your VLAN is not routed, the host you are connecting from must be on the same subnet/VLAN as the management interface to be accessible.
First, create a new VLAN:
conf t
vlan 42
name switch-management
Then assign the VLAN interface an IP:
int vlan 42
description switch-management
ip address 172.16.1.1 255.255.0.0
no shut
This will now allow any host on the 172.16.1.1 /16 subnet (aka VLAN 42), such as the network manager's computer, to connect to the switch via telnet or SSH:
telnet 172.16.1.1
ssh 172.16.1.1
Input methods have to be allowed on virtual terminal lines (vty 0 4) for this to work.
Save your changes
Make sure to exit configuration mode and write your changes.
end
wr