Basic Router Configuration

Routers connect different networks. A basic router configuration includes a hostname, secure access settings, interface IP addresses, and verification commands to confirm connectivity.

A new router should be configured with identity and security settings before it is placed into regular use.

Common initial settings include:

• Hostname
• Encrypted privileged EXEC password
• Console password
• Remote access settings
• Password encryption
• Login banner
• Saved configuration

Router interfaces must be assigned IP addresses and enabled before they can forward traffic. Each router interface usually belongs to a different network.

A router interface configuration may include:

• Interface selection
• Description
• IPv4 address and subnet mask
• IPv6 address, if used
• no shutdown to activate the interface

End devices need a default gateway so they can reach remote networks. The default gateway address should be the router interface address on the same local network as the host.

A Layer 2 switch used for management also needs a default gateway if it will be managed from another network.