CHAPTER 4 - Configuring Cisco Routers

Abstract

Router administrative connections can be made using several methods that include direct connection to the console port, a modem connection made to the auxiliary port, a Telnet connection made to a management interface of the router, a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) connection to the Web interface, or through the Secure Shell (SSH) connection. HyperTerminal is one of the most widely used terminal emulation packages used by Windows user to configure Cisco equipment. HyperTerminal can be used for direct console connections to Cisco equipment or for Telnet access to Cisco equipment. HyperTerminal is very easy to configure. There are three main administrative modes on all Cisco devices that include User Exec mode, Privileged Exec mode, and Global Configuration mode. Each mode offers its own set of features and functions such as User Exec mode is the basic mode, which mostly offers the ability to view device usage and to do some basic troubleshooting. Privileged Exec mode offers escalated privileges, in which sensitive information can be viewed such as device configurations. One can also perform tasks that will change the behavior of a device, like enabling debugging options. Global Configuration mode allows changing the configuration of a device.