Router Configuration and Modes
Router Configuration Modes
- User Mode:
- Identified by
Router>
prompt. - Command to enter:
enable
(or en
).
- Privilege Mode:
- Identified by
Router#
prompt.
- Configuration Terminal Mode:
- Command to enter:
config t
. - Used for configuring router settings.
- Configuration Interface Mode:
- Enter by specifying an interface (e.g.,
interface fastEthernet 0/0
). - Used to configure specific interfaces.
Configuring a Fast Ethernet Interface
- Enter configuration interface mode:
interface fastEthernet f0/0
. - Assign an IP address with subnet mask:
ip address <ip_address> <subnet_mask>
- Example:
ip address 10.0.0.1 255.0.0.0
- Enable the interface:
no shutdown
.
Default Gateway
- The router's IP address on the LAN.
- Configured on computers to allow them to communicate outside their local network.
- Example:
10.0.0.1
(configured on the router's fast Ethernet interface).
Configuring IP Address on Computer
- Go to desktop.
- Select IP configuration.
- Choose the "Static" tab.
- Enter IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
Router Configuration Methods
- GUI Method:
- Click on "Config" tab.
- Select the interface to configure.
- Set port status to "On".
- Enter IP address and subnet mask.
- Equivalent CLI commands run automatically.
- CLI (Command Line Interface) Method:
- Access CLI.
- When prompted to enter initial configuration dialog, type
no
.
CLI Configuration Steps
- Enter enable mode:
enable
(or en
). - Enter configuration terminal mode:
config t
. - Select the interface:
interface fastEthernet 0/0
. - Assign IP address and subnet mask:
ip address 10.0.0.1 255.0.0.0
.- If an invalid input error occurs, ensure proper spacing in the command.
- Activate the interface:
no shutdown
.
Connectivity Check
- Use the
ping
command to check reachability.- Example:
ping 10.0.0.2
(from the router to the computer).
Router Initial Configuration Dialog
- When the router boots, it asks: "Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog?"
- Answer
no
to configure manually. - Answering
yes
leads to a series of questions that may be unfamiliar.
Command Assistance
- Use the question mark
?
to get help and see available commands.- Example:
interface ?
shows available interface types.
- Occur due to incorrect syntax or incomplete commands.
- Read the error message to identify the problem.
Adding Modules to Routers
- Some routers (e.g., 2620) are modular and require interface cards to be added.
- To add a module:
- Power off the router.
- Drag the desired module (e.g., NM-4A/S) to an available slot.
- Power on the router.
Connecting Two Routers
- Use a serial connection (WAN link).
- Ensure both routers have appropriate serial interface modules installed.
- Routers connect different networks.
- Each interface on a router must have an IP address in a different network.
- Example:
- Router 1:
10.0.0.1
(connected to LAN 10.0.0.0/8), 30.0.0.1
(connected to WAN) - Router 2:
20.0.0.1
(connected to LAN 20.0.0.0/8), 30.0.0.2
(connected to WAN)
Incorrect IP Configuration
- Machines on the same LAN must have IP addresses in the same network.
- Example: If a router's fast Ethernet interface has IP
10.0.0.1
, all computers on that LAN must have IPs like 10.0.0.2
, 10.0.0.3
, etc. - Trying to connect two computers with different network IDs (e.g.,
10.0.0.2
and 20.0.0.2
) directly will not work.
Show Running Config
- In privileged mode, the command
show run
displays the router's current configuration.
Key Takeaways
- Initial configuration dialog.
- Configure at least one computer, one router. Understand each of the modes.
- How to configure it, how to delete the configuration of the routers, where to write the IP address.