Quick and easy guide to configuring your Cisco router.
Why should I learn the command line interface ?
There are many ways to configure a router. We cover configuration from the IOS (Internetwork Operating System) command line interface. This is the fastest and the most powerful way to configure a router. IOS commands are a must and very useful if you are thinking of doing any Cisco exams like CCNA/CCNP/CCIE. Once you learn the basic commands, they can be used on most of Cisco routers running IOS.
How to connect to the Cisco router
When you buy a new router you will always configure it from the terminal. You directly connect to the router with a terminal and a serial cable (roll over cable). With a Windows PC you can use Hyperterminal to connect to the router. Plug a serial cable into a serial (COM) port on the PC and the other end into the console port on the Cisco router. Start Hyperterminal, tell it which COM port to use and click OK. Set the speed of the connection to 9600 baud (remember 8-N-1) and click OK. If the router is not on, turn it on.
You need to hit the Enter key to see the prompt from the router. If the router is not configured the prompt will look like this:
Router>
even if it says something like
Gandalf >
don't worry this can be changed very easily :)
If you have just turned on the router, after it boots it will ask you if you wish to begin initial configuration. Say no. If you say yes, it will put you in the menu interface. If you have already started the auto install, press ctrl+c to break out of that !
Disclaimer
This document is to help you configure Cisco routers. We do not guarantee the accuracy of information in this document. Use at your own risk. The author will not be liable for any damages that occur as a result of using this document.