How to power off the core switch

To safely power off a core switch, save the configuration first, then either use CLI commands to disable power supplies or physically turn off the power.Step 1: Save the ConfigurationBefore powering down, ensure all configuration changes are saved to NVRAM to prevent data loss. On Cisco switches, use the command:CodeCopywrite memory orCodeCopycopy running-config startup-config This ensures the switch will retain its configuration when powered back on .Step 2: Disable Individual Power Supplies (Optional)For switches with multiple power supplies (e.g., Cisco Catalyst 9300 or MDS series), you can turn off each power supply via CLI before cutting power. Example for a standalone Catalyst 9300:CodeCopyconf tpower supply 1 slot a offpower supply 1 slot b off For a stacked switch, repeat for each switch in the stack . Note that disabling power supplies will terminate remote connections.Step 3: Physical Power-OffIf your switch does not support CLI power-off commands or you prefer a manual method, simply turn off the power using the power toggle switches on the back of the switch or unplug the power cords . There is typically no dedicated power button on enterprise switches.Step 4: Consider Network ImpactPowering off a core switch will disrupt network traffic. Plan downtime carefully, notify users, and ensure redundancy if available. For critical environments, consider performing this during maintenance windows.Step 5: Reboot or Power-OnWhen ready to power the switch back on, reconnect the power cords or toggle the power supplies back on. The switch will boot using the saved configuration . By following these steps—saving configuration, optionally disabling power supplies via CLI, and then physically powering off—you can safely shut down a core switch without risking configuration loss or hardware issues.