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To connect to a router console port a rollover (read crossover) cable is needed, one end (RJ-45 connector) is connected to the console port of the router and the other to the com port on a pc or laptop using a RJ-45 to DB-9 connector. This is needed because normally PC’s do not come with RJ-45 ports.


FIG 2.6 RJ-45 to DB9 adaptor

Once the connection is made the PC has to be configured to speak to the router. The most common method is to use the hyper terminal programme. It can be found via the accessories menu on windows. If it is not there you may have to install it from the original CD Rom.


FIG 2.7 Start-Programmes-Accessories-Communications-Hyperterminal

Give your new connection a name.


FIG 2.8 Name Your Connection

On the ‘connect using’ box click on the down arrow and choose whichever COM port you have plugged the DB9 adaptor in. You have to try a few different COM ports to find the one logically connected to the router.


FIG 2.9 Choose the COM Port

The default properties have to be changed to:

9600 Bits per second
8 Data bits is the default
Parity none is the default
Stop bits 1 is the default
Flow control must be none


FIG 2.10 Hyperterminal Settings

Turn on the router, it should then boot and if all of the console settings have been configured correctly you should (after a few seconds) see boot up text appear on the screen. If it doesn’t, wait a while longer and then double check your connection settings. If it still doesn’t work try different COM ports.

System Bootstrap, Version 11.0(10c), SOFTWARE
Copyright (c) 1986-1996 by cisco Systems
2500 processor with 14336 Kbytes of main memory

When the router first begins to boot it runs a diagnostic test known as power on self test or POST. If no problems are found the router will then look for its operating system which is stored in flash memory which is also known as electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).

Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) 2500 Software (C2500-IS-L), Version 12.2(4)T1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
TAC Support: http://www.cisco.com/tac
Copyright (c) 1986-2001 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Thu 25-Oct-01 16:33 by ccai
Image text-base: 0x0306740C, data-base: 0x00001000

Once the operating system is pulled from EEPROM into RAM the router then looks into non-volatile RAM or NVRAM to see if a previous configuration is present. If there is no configuration there the router will then boot into set up mode. Set up mode allows you to answer various questions posed by the operating system in order to set the router up for use. You will never use set up mode as a CCNA.

When the router boots you will be presented with a command line interface (CLI). Everything you do with a router will be carried out at a CLI of some sort. If when you are first asked if you want to enter set up mode you enter the word ‘no’ you will be presented with a command prompt and be expected to configure the router yourself.

Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]:
% Please answer 'yes' or 'no'.
Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog? [yes/no]: n

Press RETURN to get started!

Router>

IN THE REAL WORLD: router commands are not case sensitive but stick to lower case. If you are entering a password then the characters ARE case sensitive.

FOR THE EXAM: you will be expected to be able to configure a ‘virtual’ router so make sure you are comfortable with doing this.