Cisco Router Configuration Tutorial
1. What this document covers
There are several methods available for configuring Cisco HYPERLINK "http://pages.swcp.com/~jgentry/topo/cisco.htm" \o "Powered by Text-Enhance" routers. It can be done over the network from a TFTP server. It can be done through the menu interface provided at bootup, and it can be done from the menu interface provided by using the command setup. This tutorial does not cover these methods. It covers configuration from the IOS command-line interface only. Useful for anyone new to Cisco routers, and those studying for CCNA.Note that this tutorial does not cover physically connecting the router to the networks it will be routing for. It covers operating system configuration only.
1.1 Reasons for using the command-line
The main reason for using the command-line interface instead of a menu driven interface is speed. Once you have invested the time to learn the command-line commands, you can perform many operations much more quickly than by using a menu. This is basically true of all command-line vs. menu interfaces. What makes it especially efficient to learn the command-line interface of the Cisco IOS is that it is standard across all Cisco routers. Also, some questions on the CCNA exam require you to know command-line commands.
2. Getting started with Cisco
Initially you will probably configure your router from a terminal. If the router is already configured and at least one port is configured with an IP address, and it has a physical connection to the network, you might be able to telnet to the router and configure it across the network. If it is not already configured, then you will have to directly connect to it with a terminal and a serial cable. With any HYPERLINK "http://pages.swcp.com/~jgentry/topo/cisco.htm" \o "Powered by Text-Enhance" Windows box you can use Hyperterminal to easily connect to the router. Plug a serial cable into a serial (COM) port on the PC and the other end into...