Cisco Systems CCNA 2 manual Configuring host tables, Configuration backup and documentation

Ask students the following questions:

•What is a host name is associated with?

•Can each unique IP address have a host name associated with it?

3.2.7Configuring host tables

This is a simple process. Students need to understand that the host table provides local host resolution.

3.2.8 Configuration backup and documentation

The configuration of network devices determines the behavior of a network. The following tasks are used to manage device configurations:

•List and compare configuration files on devices

•Store configuration files on network servers

•Perform software installations and upgrades

Configuration files should be stored as backup files. Configuration files can be stored on a network server, on a TFTP server, or on a disk that is stored in a safe place. Configuration backup files and documentation should be stored in a safe place in case there is a need to recover these files later.

For example, the startup-configuration of a router can be stored in another place such as on a network server or on a TFTP server as a backup. If the router goes down, the stored file could be placed back on the router. This would minimize the down time.

Configuration management is an important aspect of network management. The backups of the configurations should be current and maintained in multiple locations. These backups should be available for maintenance and troubleshooting, but protected from unauthorized access. Configurations can be used by hackers to gain useful information about a network infrastructure.

Ask students the following questions:

•What is the purpose of configuration backup and documentation?

•Where can the configuration files be stored?

•What would minimize the down time of a router?

3.2.9Backing up configuration files

A current copy of the configuration can be stored on a TFTP server. The copy running- config tftp command can be used to store the current configuration on a network TFTP server. A router can be configured by loading the configuration file stored on one of the network servers. The configuration of a router can also be saved to a disk or hard drive by

36 - 238 CCNA 2: Routers and Routing Basics v3.1 Instructor Guide – Module 3 Copyright ♥ 2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.