02
  • It Is Just an Operating System!

    Objectives

    Describe the command structure of Cisco IOS software

    In this activity, you will recognize that text commands used in command line interfaces are intentionally chosen from spoken language. Text commands are often abbreviated, or otherwise simplified in their syntax, to keep the resulting command set concise. They may be grouped into context modes that simplify their usage. Configuring a device using written commands is similar to giving out short orders verbally. The commands are executed by the operating system and the actual process is performed by the device.

    Background/Scenario

    Imagine that you are employed as an engineer for a car manufacturing company. The company is currently working on a new car model. This model will have selected functions that can be controlled by the driver giving specific voice commands.
    You must design the set of commands used by this voice-activated control system.
    The functions of the car that can be controlled by voice commands are:
    Lights
    Wipers
    Radio
    Telephone set
    Air conditioning
    Ignition
    Your task is to devise a simple set of spoken commands that will be used to control these systems and identify how they are going to be executed.

    Required Resources

    Paper and pencils or pens, or computer

    Reflection

    1. How can devising a set of voice commands assist in operating a vehicle? How could these same commands be used on a computer or network operating system?

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  • Tutor Me!

    Objectives

    Configure initial settings on a network device using the Cisco IOS software.

    In this activity, you will use and reinforce your knowledge of the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) command-line interface (CLI) by explaining it to other students. You will look for different ways to explain the meaning of individual commands. You will also find the optimal grouping of commands to be used when configuring a device to minimize the necessary count of mode changes.

    Background/Scenario

    (Students will work in pairs. Packet Tracer is required to be used with this activity.)
    Assume that a new colleague has asked you for an orientation to the Cisco IOS CLI. This colleague has never worked with Cisco devices before.
    You explain the basic CLI commands and structure, because you want your colleague to understand that the CLI is a simple, yet powerful, command language that can be easily understood and navigated.
    Use Packet Tracer and one of the activities available in this chapter as a simple network model (for example, Lab Activity 2.3.3.5 LAB – Configuring a Switch Management Address). Focus on these areas:
    While the commands are technical, do they resemble any statements from plain English?
    How is the set of commands organized into subgroups or modes? How does an administrator know which mode he or she is currently using?
    What are the individual commands to configure the basic settings of a Cisco device? How would you explain this command in laymen’s terms? Use parallels to real life whenever appropriate.
    Suggest how to group different commands together according to their modes so that a minimum number of moves between modes will be needed.

    Required Resources

    Packet Tracer
    Any simple network model activity available from Chapter 2

    Reflection

    1. After completing Chapter 2, do you feel as though you have a concrete understanding of what the Cisco IOS does and how it operates? What were some of the difficulties you encountered when explaining the basic CLI commands and structure to your colleague? If you were the “new colleague,” what would be some of the difficulties that you would have learning the basic CLI commands and structure?
    2. Answer the following questions, and discuss your answers with the entire class:
    a) While the commands are technical, do they resemble any statements from plain English?
    b) How is the set of commands organized into subgroups or modes? How does an administrator know which mode he or she is currently using?
    c) What are the individual commands to configure the basic settings of a Cisco device? How would you explain this command in laymen’s terms? Use parallels to real life whenever appropriate.
    d) With the help of your colleague, try to suggest how to group different commands together according

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  • Packet Tracer - Navigating the IOS

    Objectives

    Part 1: Basic Connections, Accessing the CLI and Exploring Help
    Part 2: Exploring EXEC Modes
    Part 3: Setting the Clock

    Background

    In this activity, you will practice skills necessary for navigating the Cisco IOS, including different user access modes, various configuration modes, and common commands you use on a regular basis. You also practice accessing the context-sensitive Help by configuring the clock command.

    Download PDF Version of Packet Tracer - Navigating the IOS Instructions
    Download Navigating the IOS Packet Tracer File

    Packet Tracer - Configuring Initial Switch Settings

    Objectives

    Part 1: Verify the Default Switch Configuration
    Part 2: Configure a Basic Switch Configuration
    Part 3: Configure a MOTD Banner
    Part 4: Save Configuration Files to NVRAM
    Part 5: Configure S2

    Background

    In this activity, you will perform basic switch configurations. You will secure access to the command-line interface (CLI) and console ports using encrypted and plain text passwords. You will also learn how to configure messages for users logging into the switch. These banners are also used to warn unauthorized users that access is prohibited.

    Download PDF Version of Packet Tracer - Configuring Initial Switch Settings Instructions
    Download Configuring Initial Switch Settings Packet Tracer File

    Packet Tracer - Implement Basic Connectivity

    Objectives

    Part 1: Perform a Basic Configuration on S1 and S2
    Part 2: Configure the PCs
    Part 3: Configure the Switch Management Interface

    Background

    In this activity you will first perform basic switch configurations. Then you will implement basic connectivity by configuring IP addressing on switches and PCs. When the IP addressing configuration is complete, you will use various show commands to verify configurations and use the ping command to verify basic connectivity between devices.

    Download PDF Version of Packet Tracer - Implement Basic Connectivity Instructions
    Download Implement Basic Connectivity Packet Tracer File