It/242 Configuring Switches and Routers

Configuring Switches and Routers

Student's Name

IT/242

June XX, 2XXX

Instructors Name

Configuring Switches and Routers

Router Configuration

There are a few things that you should take into consideration when configuring a router or a switch. The first of which is the environment that the router or switch will be placed in. The room in which the router/switch will be placed should be kept at a temperature of around "32oF - 104oF (Regan, 2004)." The second factor is the power source that will be powering the router/switch. The router/switch should be connected to an outlet capable of generating "between 100-240 VAC and 50-60 Hertz (Regan, 2004)" of continuous power. Additional wiring in and around the router/switch is yet another factor. Wiring should be kept at a suitable distance away from the router/switch. This insures that no outside interference can occur. Over and above the prior factors, you must at all times leave a fair amount of space around the router/switch to allow for proper flow of air around the router/switch, prevent the collection of dust, and practice safety measures to prevent damage to the system.

Router Command Modes

No two routers are setup in the same manner; however, the command modes they use are pretty much alike. The main mode you will see is known as user exec mode; this mode permits the ordinary user to observe the settings and configuration of the router, but does not allow them to make any modifications. The next mode is the privileged exec mode. This is the mode that is entered using the enable command at a user exec prompt. This command puts the router into a privileged user mode, permitting and administrator to change the settings of the router. Another mode known as ROMMON mode can be utilized at boot time and permits a user to finish configuration should the router not have an operating system. Last but not least, setup mode can be utilized if no startup configuration exists.

Routing Protocols

1. BGP, or border gateway protocol, is an interdomain routing protocol. BGP allows routers to swap routing information amongst independent systems.

2. MGBP, or multiprotocol border gateway protocol, is an improved variant of BGP that additionally collects and transmits information concerning routers, both reachable and unreachable.

3. RIP, or routing information protocol, is a distance-vector protocol which utilizes hop count as its metric. RIP is an interior gateway protocol used for routing