| Overview

Configuring a router to perform complex internetworking tasks can be challenging. However, the beginning procedures for configuring a router are not difficult at all. If these procedures and the steps for moving between the various modes of the router are practiced, the more complex configurations will be much less daunting. This module introduces the basic configuration modes of the router and provides opportunities to practice simple configurations. A clear, easy to understand router configuration that is backed up regularly should be a goal of all network administrators. The Cisco IOS provides the administrator several tools to add information to the configuration file for documentation purposes. Just as a competent programmer provides documentation for each programming step, a network administrator must provide as much information as possible in the event that another person must assume responsibility for the network. Students completing this module should be able to: Name a router Set passwords Examine show commands Configure a serial interface Configure an Ethernet interface Execute changes to a router Save changes to a router Configure an interface description Configure a message-of-the-day banner Configure host tables Understand the importance of backups and documentation