Introduction
Routers connect different networks. A basic router configuration includes a hostname, secure access settings, interface IP addresses, and verification commands to confirm connectivity.
Configure Initial Router Settings
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
Initial Router Setup Lab
Configure Router Interfaces
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 shutdownto activate the interface
Router Interface Configuration Lab
Configure the Default Gateway on Hosts and Switches
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.