> | Lab 3.2.2 Router user interface modes - Overview Estimated time: 20 min. Objectives: To identify the six basic and two optional router modes To become familiar with the router prompt for each mode Use several commands that will enter specific modes Background: When using router operating systems such as Cisco IOS, you will have to know each of the different user modes a router has and what each one of them is for. Memorizing every command in all of the user modes would be time consuming and pointless. Try to develop an understanding of what commands and functions are available with each of the modes. There are six main modes available with most routers: 1. User EXEC Mode 2. Privileged EXEC Mode (also known as Enable Mode) 3. Global Configuration Mode 4. Router Configuration Mode 5. Interface Configuration Mode 6. Sub-interface Configuration Mode In this lab you will work with the six most common modes listed above. Two other modes that are used less frequently are RXBoot mode and Setup mode. RXBoot is a maintenance mode that can be used for password recovery. Setup mode presents an interactive prompted dialog at the console that helps a new user create a first-time basic configuration. Both RXBoot and Setup modes will be covered in later labs. You can determine which mode you are in by looking at the prompt. Each of the modes will have a different prompt. Depending on which mode you are in, certain commands may or may not be available. You can always type a question mark ? to see what commands you can use. The most common mistake made when working at the command line is to enter a command and get an error because you are in the wrong configuration mode. You need to be familiar with each mode and how to get in and out of each mode. Tools / Preparation: Prior to starting the lab you will need to connect a PC (with the HyperTerminal program loaded) to a router using the router's console interface with a roll-over (console) cable. Work individually or in teams. Before beginning this lab you may want to read the Networking Academy First Year Companion Guide, Chapter 12 and 15. You should also review On-line Chapter 3. Resources Required: PC with monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cords, etc. Windows operating system (Win 95, 98, NT or 2000) installed on PC HyperTerminal PE program configured for router console access PC connected to the Router console port with a roll-over cable Websites Sites Required: Routing basics General information on routers 2500 series routers IP routing protocol IOS command summary Notes: For this lab, you and your group should try and discover what each of the modes are and what each of them do. Be sure to take note of what the prompts on the router look like in each of the modes. For example, when in interface config mode, the prompt is: Router(config-if)# (where router is the name of the router you are working with) 1. Match the different router modes with their appropriate prompts (For example: 1-A, 2-B, etc). Fill in the table by writing out the correct prompt selecting from the list of choices provided below:
> Mode Description | .Mode Prompts
> 1. User EXEC Mode | .
> 2. Privileged EXEC Mode. | .
> 3. Global configuration mode. | .
> 4. Router configuration mode4 |
> 5. Interface configuration mode |
> A. Router # B. Router > C. Router (config-if) # D. Router (config-router) # E. Router (config) # 2. Match the different router modes with their functionality. Fill in the table by writing letter of the correct choice provided below:
> Mode Description | .Mode Prompts
> 1. User EXEC Mode | .
> 2. Privileged EXEC Mode. | .
> 3. Global configuration mode. | .
> 4. Router configuration mode4 |
> 5. Interface configuration mode |
> A. Detailed examination of router, debugging and testing. Remote access. B. Setting of IP addresses and subnet masks. C. Simple configuration commands. D. Limited examination of router. Remote access. E. Routing protocols. 3. From the prompt shown below, write a command that will allow you to enter the mode listed:
> Desired Mode | Current Prompt | Command | Explanation
> Privileged EXEC Mode | Router > |  |
> Global Config Mode | Router # |  |
> Interface Config Mode | Router (config.)# |  |
> Router Config Mode | Router (config.)# |  |
> Router Modes Diagram Exercise In the space provided or in your Engineering Journal, draw a hierarchical diagram of the various router modes listed in the background section of the lab. At the top of the hierarchy you should have the initial router mode that comes up when you boot up the device. The bottom should have more specific modes. If two or more modes have equal priority choose any order.
Reflection: In your journal, describe what general function the following modes serve: 1. Config Interface: 2. Enable mode: Also answer the following: 1. What did you learn from this lab? 2. Where/when did you have difficulties? 3. How did you overcome them? 4. How can you apply what you learned in this lab toward future labs?