|  | 1.4 | Routing Protocol
| 1.4.1 | Dynamic routing operations
The success of dynamic routing depends on two basic router functions: Maintenance of a routing table Timely distribution of knowledge-in the form of routing updates-to other routers Dynamic routing relies on a routing protocol to share knowledge. A routing protocol defines the set of rules used by a router when it communicates with neighboring routers. For example, a routing protocol describes: How updates are sent What knowledge is contained in these updates When to send this knowledge How to locate recipients of the updates
| Interactive Lab Activity (Flash, 604 kB)
| In this router lab activity, you will get the opportunity to do step by step configuration of Router A (lab_A) in the lab topology. Try to complete the entire lab without your notes or journal. However, if you do not know a step, and have used the curriculum, your notes, and your journal to try to figure it out, you may use the "Run Demo" button, which will show you the configuration sequence in red letters. Note that this sequence of configuration steps is only one of many correct sequences. How does this Activity differ from a real router? Follow the steps EXACTLY in order as they are presented. In a real router, and in an upcoming activity, you can enter the commands in many different, but correct sequences. In this activity, we "guide you" a little more. There is no context sensitive help "?" Remember that it is not enough to configure the ip address on an interface, you must also issue a "no shutdown" command. You must use exit; CONTROL-Z does not work This lab requires the COMPLETE IOS command and not the abbreviations that you will certainly use after you have learned a basic set of IOS commands. For example, to enter global configuration mode, you must type "configure terminal" , however, once you are experienced with routers, "config t" will be fine. After you type a command, hit ENTER. You will either be allowed to continue to the next step or it will give you an error message, which may give you a hint to help you to correct the error. If this fails, you should then use the "Run Demo" When asked to configure the console port, the correct sequence is "line console 0", then "login", then "password cisco." If you had been asked to configure telnet, the command sequence is "line vty 0 4", then "login", then "password cisco."

| Interactive Lab Activity (Flash, 412 kB)

In this online lab activity you will configure router Lab-A from the standard Semester 2 topology. You must perform this configuration from the command line by yourself without the use of any notes, only the network topology. You may use the router help facility (?) but remember only a certain limited set of IOS commands will actually be available. Your goal will be to configure the router correctly as quickly as possible. This activity is meant to be practice for the actual hands-on router lab while other students are using all the routers. Remember, there is no substitute for using real routers.

There are a few things to note. First, while the commands may be entered in a wide variety of orders, there are certain IOS commands, which must precede others. For example, you must type config t before configuration commands can be entered; and you must type exit (CTRL-Z will not work in this activity) to go back to a different mode. The only way to edit a line before hitting ENTER is to backspace (the other normal IOS editing options are not functional). Finally, while a few common abbreviations have been accepted, most IOS commands must be typed completely.

Good Luck!