Providing the switch public key to clients
When an SSH client contacts the switch for the first time, the client will challenge the connection unless you have already copied the key into the client's "known host" file. Copying the switch key in this way reduces the chance that an unauthorized device can pose as the switch to learn your access passwords. The most secure way to acquire the switch public key for distribution to clients is to use a direct, serial connection between the switch and a management device (laptop, PC, or UNIX workstation), as described below.
The public key generated by the switch consists of three parts, separated by one blank space each:
A direct serial connection from a management station to the switch.
A terminal application such as HyperTerminal