5-15
Cisco ASA 5500 Series Configuration Guide using the CLI
Chapter5 Configuring Multiple Context Mode
Configuring Multiple Contexts
Step3 Configure interfaces in the system execution space. See Chapter6, “Starting Interface Configuration
(ASA 5510 and Higher).”
Step4 Configure security contexts. See the “Configuring a Security Context” section on page 5-18.
Step5 (Optional) Automatically assign MAC addresses to context interfaces. See the “Automatically Assigning
MAC Addresses to Context Interfaces” section on page 5-22.
Step6 Complete interface configuration in the context. See Chapter8, “Completing Interface Configuration
(Routed Mode),” or Chapter9, “Completing Interface Configuration (Transparent Mode).”
Enabling or Disabling Multiple Context Mode
Your ASA might already be configured for multiple security contexts depending on how you ordered it
from Cisco. If you are upgrading, however, you might need to convert from single mode to multiple
mode by following the procedures in this section.
This section includes the following topics:
•Enabling Multiple Context Mode, page 5-15
•Restoring Single Context Mode, page5-16

Enabling Multiple Context Mode

When you convert from single mode to multiple mode, the ASA converts the running configuration into
two files: a new startup configuration that comprises the system configuration, and admin.cfg that
comprises the admin context (in the root directory of the internal flash memory). The original running
configuration is saved as old_running.cfg (in the root directory of the internal flash memory). The
original startup configuration is not saved. The ASA automatically adds an entry for the admin context
to the system configuration with the name “admin.”
Prerequisites
•When you convert from single mode to multiple mode, the ASA converts the running configuration
into two files. The original startup configuration is not saved, so if it differs from the running
configuration, you should back it up before proceeding.
•The context mode (single or multiple) is not stored in the configuration file, even though it does
endure reboots. If you need to copy your configuration to another device, set the mode on the new
device to match.
Detailed Steps
Command Purpose
mode multiple
Example:
hostname(config)# mode multiple
Changes to multiple context mode. You are prompted to reboot the ASA.