Basic Cisco Router Configuration

Preparing the router for configuration

To configure a Cisco router, you need to have a console cable and connect it to your console port on the router. You also need a PC or laptop with serial interface. Next is to boot your PC or laptop and open a terminal session. By default, Microsoft Windows operating systems has an application called Hyperterminal. This is where we will access the router and configure it from the console.

Source: From http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-RJ45-DB9-Cisco-console-cable/

Note: You must connect the console cable from your PC or laptop’s serial interface (the RS-232) going to the router’s console port (the R45-terminated end of the cable)

Source: From http://www-tss.cisco.com/eservice/compass/common/tasks/task_veri_Config_Hyperterminal.htm

Inside the hyperterminal, make sure the following settings are applied:

• Bits per sec:  9600
• Data bits:  8
• Parity:  none
• Stop bits:  1
• Flow control:  none

Your Cisco router must be setup already and is connected to the power source. Once everything is in place, power on the router and established the connection with your created hypterterminal session.

Router’s Boot-up Process

Once the router is powered on, it will undergo a boot-up process.