The Basics:
First off, Cisco devices (unlike Linksys or NetGear home routers), do not usually come with any kind of configuration. So configuring a switch or router may be different experience depending on what brand you choose to use but when doing so, the main basics are pretty much the same. To configure the switch, The Cisco serial connection is used through a terminal program like Hyper Terminal, a free program included with the Microsoft Windows Operating System (OS). Hyper Terminal uses the telnet protocol and is used to get access to the command line interface. This is where you create the configuration. So first connect your PC using a serial port to the console port of your router or switch.
User Interface (UI) Console:
After locating the HyperTerminal program by going through Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications > HyperTerminal on your PC, you will be greeted with a window that will prompt you to create a new connection. Do so by typing in whatever it is you want to call your connection. More windows will follow giving you the option to change certain settings. Click OK and a boot up process will begin. Congratulations, HyperTerminal is configured to your device successfully.
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP):
Loops are deadly to a network and the Spanning Tree Protocol’s main purpose is to ensure you do not create loops when you have redundant paths in your network.
VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP):
VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP) reduces administration in a switched network.
Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP):
This protocol is a Cisco proprietary protocol that provides an alternative to STP to control network loops.
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP):
This protocol is a set of network management standards for IP-based internetworks.
Router Command Modes:
To get to User Mode Press ENTER and a password, if required.
To get to Privileged Mode Router> enable
To get back to User Mode Router# disable
To Exit the Router...