> | Lab 2.2.2 Routers - Overview Estimated time: 20 min. Objectives: Determine the model number of a Cisco router and what physical interfaces (ports) it has. Identify the cables attached to the router and what they connect to. Check and/or modify HyperTerminal configuration parameters. Connect to the router as its console using the PC and HyperTerminal program. Determine the IOS version and file name. Determine the CPU type, amount of RAM, NVRAM and Flash memory. Background: In this lab you will examine a Cisco router to gather information about its physical characteristics and begin to relate Cisco router products to their function. You will determine the model number and features of a specific Cisco router including which interfaces are present and to which cabling and devices they are connected. A router is basically a dedicated microcomputer that has a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an operating system (Cisco IOS), and RAM and ROM inside. Routers do not have disk drives, keyboards or monitors. One of the ways to configure or program the router is to connect directly to it with a PC or a dumb terminal. The PC provides a monitor and keyboard for the router which is referred to as its "console". The PC becomes the console which allows you to enter commands and communicate directly with the router. In this lab, you will work with a PC workstation using the Windows HyperTerminal (terminal emulation) program to act as a console to the router and you will configure the proper PC serial port settings in order to connect to and communicate with it. Tools / Preparation: Prior to starting the lab, the teacher or lab assistant will need to check that a router is available and that a PC workstation is connected as a console with HyperTerminal installed and properly configured to access the router. The router should be exposed with all sides clearly visible so that all physical connections and cables can be inspected. Work in teams of 2 or more. Before beginning this lab you may want to review Chapters 3 and 4 in the Cisco Networking Academy First-Year Companion Guide and Semester 2 On-line Chapter 2. The following resources will be required: Windows PC w/ HyperTerminal installed and configured to access the router Cisco Router (16xx or 25xx model) Console Cable (Roll-Over) connecting the PC serial port to the router console port CAT 5 Ethernet Cable attached to an Ethernet port Ethernet hub or switch WAN Cable attached to a Serial port Web Site Resources: Routing basics General information on routers 2500 series routers 1600 series routers Terms and acronyms IP routing protocol IOS command summary Notes: Step 1 - Examine the router. 1. What is the model number? 2. Do you see a console port? (Y/N) What port is it connected to on the console terminal (PC workstation)? 3. What type of cable is the console cable, and is it a roll-over, cross-connect or straight-through cable? Step 2 - Record all of the interfaces (or port connectors) on the router and, any cable attached. Explanation: If the port has a cable attached, identify the cable type, connector, and the device attached to the other end. (If a port does not have a cable you should be able to identify the connector type that would be used) 5. Fill in the following table.
> Router Interface/ Port Identifier | Cable type/ Connector | Device and port to which cable is connected
> Step 3 - Review the workstation's 'HyperTerminal' configuration. Explanation: Click on Start/Programs/Accessories/Communications, and then HyperTerminal. Right Click on the icon that is defined for console access to the Cisco Router and then click Properties. The icon may be named Cisco.ht or something similar. If one does not exist you can create it using the settings shown in the answers to the worksheet. On the Properties screen, click the Phone Number Tab and then click the on the Configure button. 6. Fill in the following table with the information indicated.
> Configuration Option | Current Setting(s)
> COM Port |
> Bits per second |
> Data bits |
> Parity |
> Stop Bits |
> Flow control |
Step 4 - Display IOS version and other important information related to RAM, NVRAM and Flash memory with the show version command Task: Connect to the console port on the router and enter the show version command. Explanation: The router will return information about the IOS and memory. 7. What is the IOS version? 8. What is the name of the system image (IOS) file? 9. From where was the router IOS image booted? 10. What type of processor (CPU) and how much RAM does this router have? 11. How many Ethernet interfaces does this router have? 12. How many Serial interfaces? 13. The router backup configuration file is stored in Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM). How much NVRAM does this router have? 14. The router operating system (IOS) is stored in Flash memory. How much flash memory does this router have?