Cisco Systems CCNA 2 manual Cisco IOS software features, Operation of Cisco IOS software

Students should be able to identify the router prompts. The user mode prompt is Router>. The privileged mode prompt is Router#.

2.1.4 Cisco IOS software features

Cisco IOS devices have three operating environments:

•ROM monitor

•Boot ROM

•Cisco IOS

ROM monitor is used to recover from system failures and recover a lost password. Boot ROM is used to modify the Cisco IOS image in flash. There is a limited subset of features in this mode. Normal operation of a router requires the full Cisco IOS image. Discuss the three operating environments. Students should be able to identify these environments. Students must be familiar with the IOS to control the router. Cisco technology is in the IOS, not in the hardware.

2.1.5 Operation of Cisco IOS software

There are numerous IOS images for different Cisco device models. Each devise uses a similar basic command structure for configuration. The configuration and troubleshooting skills acquired on a specific device will apply to a variety of products.

The naming convention for the different Cisco IOS Releases contains three parts:

•The platform on which the image runs

•The special capabilities and feature sets supported in the image

•Where the image runs and whether it has been zipped or compressed

One of the major constraints for the use of a new IOS image is compatibility with the router flash and RAM memory.

The students should also understand that the same IOS is used on the smallest to the largest Cisco products. This will assure students that the skills they develop on small Cisco routers can be applied to larger routers and switches.

Show students various naming conventions and identify the three parts of the naming convention. For example, in cpa25-cg-1, cpa25 is the Cisco Pro 2500 Router, cg is the feature capability such as communication server, remote-access server, or ISDN, and the 1 is the run location or compressed status.

Explain that it is important to install and maintain various IOS versions, especially newer versions with advanced features. Encourage the students to conduct research online at www.cisco.com for more information on how to obtain various IOS images.

20 - 238 CCNA 2: Routers and Routing Basics v3.1 Instructor Guide – Module 2 Copyright ♥ 2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.