Basic Cisco Router Configuration

Basic Cisco Router Configuration

Next is the software setup. In software setup, you need to configure the router to have the proper IP connection scheme such as DNS, IP subnets, etc. to make WAN/LAN connection work.

There are alternatives to configure the router. Some people prefer to use Web-based feature (i.e. SDM) since it "seems" easier to use. Keep in mind that SDM is not always available on any router. Even when SDM is available, there are some features that require non-SDM to configure.

The most straight-forward way to configure the router is to use CLI (Command Line Interface). With CLI, you can configure the equipment to anything you like from basic configuration to the most advanced one.

You need to have the following items to be able to use CLI.

* Cisco console cable kit (cable and adapters)
* PC or laptop running Windows with HyperTerminal program installed (or running any operating system with terminal simulator software installed)

Do you have Cisco console kit? If no, then you could go to your local computer shop to get one. You could also buy one from ebay. Basically what you need is a RS-232 cable with DB-9 or DB-25 (depends on your computer serial port model) on one end to go to your computer serial port, and RJ-45 on another end to go to the router CONSOLE port. If your computer does not have serial port and only has USB port, then you might need a DB9-USB or DB25-USB adapter.

When you already have the CONSOLE cable and you have physical access to the CONSOLE port, then this is the 1st step you need to know.