Chapter 4 Observing System Startup and Performing a Basic Configuration

Starting the System and Observing Initial Conditions

All network interface cables are connected to the port adapters.

A CompactFlash Disk, Flash Disk or Flash memory card is installed in its slot.

Each power cable is connected and secured with the cable-retention clip.

The console terminal is turned on.

You are now ready to start your router. Proceed to the section “Starting the System and Observing Initial Conditions.”

Starting the System and Observing Initial Conditions

After installing your Cisco 7200 VXR router and connecting cables, start the router as follows:

Step 1 At the rear of the router, place the power switch on the power supply in the on () position. Repeat this if a second power supply is installed. The green OK LED on the power supply turns on.

Note When powering on or power off the router, wait 30 seconds before powering it on or powering it off again.

Step 2 Listen for the fans; you should immediately hear them operating.

Step 3 During the boot process, observe the system LEDs. The LEDs on most of the port adapters go on and off in irregular sequence. If the Port Adapter Jacket Card is installed, observe its LEDs. Some may go on, go out, and go on again for a short time. On the I/O controller, the IO power OK LED comes on immediately.

Step 4 Observe the initialization process. When the system boot is complete (a few seconds), the network processing engine or network services engine begins to initialize the port adapters and the I/O controller. During this initialization, the LEDs on each port adapter behave differently (most flash on and off).

The enabled LED on each port adapter goes on when initialization is completed, and the console screen displays a script and system banner similar to the following:

Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software

IOS (tm) 7200 Software (C7200-JS-M), Released Version 12.0(19980705:021501)Copyright(c) 1986-1998 by cisco Systems, Inc.

Compiled Tue 25-Aug-98 14:38 by xxxxx

Image text-base: 0x600088C4, data-base: 0x60FA6000

Step 5 When you start up the router for the first time, the system automatically enters the setup facility, which determines which port adapters are installed and prompts you for configuration information for each one. On the console terminal, after the system displays the system banner and hardware configuration, you will see the following System Configuration Dialog prompt:

--- System Configuration Dialog ---

At any point you may enter a questions mark ‘?’ for help.

Use ctrl-c to abort configuration dialog at any prompt.

Default settings are in square brackets ‘[]’.

continue with configuration dialog? [yes]:

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Cisco Systems 7200 VXR manual Starting the System and Observing Initial Conditions

7200 VXR specifications

The Cisco Systems 7200 VXR Series is a robust and highly scalable modular router designed to meet the demands of service providers and enterprises seeking high-performance solutions for their network infrastructures. Launched as part of the Cisco 7200 series, the VXR (Virtual Extensible Routing) variant enhances capabilities while providing effective support for a wide range of applications, including Internet Protocol (IP) routing, Voice over IP (VoIP), and Virtual Private Network (VPN) configurations.

At the core of the 7200 VXR is its modular design, which enables network administrators to customize the router according to their specific needs. The router supports a variety of interface cards, processing engines, and power supply options, ensuring flexibility for diverse network environments. This modularity facilitates easy upgrades and expansions, making it ideal for growing enterprises and service providers looking to future-proof their networks.

One of the standout features of the Cisco 7200 VXR is its impressive routing performance. It can handle a high level of traffic with low latency, which is critical for bandwidth-intensive applications. The router supports a wide array of routing protocols, including Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Integrated Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS), providing versatility for various network topologies.

The 7200 VXR also incorporates advanced features for enhanced security and reliability. With support for IPsec VPNs, it enables secure data transmission across untrusted networks. The router also includes features like Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing network traffic, ensuring critical applications receive the bandwidth they require even during peak loads.

In terms of scalability, the Cisco 7200 VXR can support hundreds of thousands of routes and MAC addresses, making it suitable for large metropolitan area networks (MANs) as well as enterprise backbone applications. It also provides the capability to support IPv4 and IPv6 networks, preparing organizations for a transition to next-generation internet protocols.

Additional characteristics of the Cisco 7200 VXR include enhanced manageability through the Cisco IOS software, which offers a comprehensive command-line interface and support for network management protocols. The router is also energy-efficient, with options for redundant power supplies that ensure continuous availability and minimal downtime in mission-critical applications.

Overall, the Cisco Systems 7200 VXR represents a powerful solution that combines performance, scalability, and security, making it an excellent choice for organizations looking to enhance their network capabilities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.