basic configuration 887

[dougy]

Firstly, I have many years experience with unix servers but absolutely no knowledge, training, qualifications or expertise with Cisco.

The present task involves configuring an 887, ideally using CCP.  That 'should' be relatively straightforward as I can connect and login to the 887 using a console cable even though I have little idea what to do then. Given my lack of knowledge regarding command line configuration of these things, I suggest CCP is indicated. Official documentation is hopelessly inadequate for non Cisco experts and only serves to confuse. CCP runs OK but cannot discover the 887, presumably because its looking for a non-existent IP address. A number of non-official websites mention issues like certain versions of Java, Flash, Windows firewall issues etc, but I've yet to see anything about these in official documentation.That said, the fact that I have CCP installed and running suggests that I've successfully circumvented the Java, Flash, Windows firewall etc etc issues. Since official documentation isn't as helpful as I'd like, I've resorted to non-official sources, however a major issue I've encountered with the numerous YouTube videos about CCP is that the presenter is either unintelligible or talks at around the speed of light and omits more critical points than is included.

I have made multiple attempts to configure an IP address on an 887 LAN port but that just returns an error message to the effect that the port is part of a Vlan. Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be any explanation regarding how to proceed and even a few supposedly Cisco experts advised me they are just as much in the dark as I am. It has been suggested that Cisco made significant changes in recent routers and has yet to properly document how to deal with the changes.

One would logically assume that if Cisco elected to offer CCP, then it would ensure that all information needed to use it would be supplied. Is there a simple, step by step, even pedantic explanation (that includes ALL essential steps) regarding what is required to get CCP communicating with the 887 ?? Doing Cisco courses isn't on the agenda as I simply do not have the time required to do something I'll probably never use again. I would engage a qualified expert to handle the immediate issue if it wasn't for the fact that those I've spoken to all claim ignorance of current Cisco systems.

[dougy]

OK, that was a major breakthrough !!!!!! FastEthernet0 is now up up and I can ping the thing :)  :)  :)

Next trick is to see if CCP is happy

No such luck, but maybe its only a password issue

Tried Router(config)#username admin privilege 15 password cisco and created a new community entry but CCP still cannot discover the 887

Error log says connection could not be established. Either device is not reachable or the HTTP service is not enabled on the device.

I recall reading about the HTTP issue, looking for that again now

Hmmm.... this seems to involve a command performance. Is there a straightforward solution ?

[dougy]

Found the following after a bit of googling

Router(config)# ip http secure-server

Router(config)# ip http authentication local

It actually works and is infinitely more straightforward than the hopelessly complicated and misleading official information. I'm getting the distinct impression that one cannot take Cisco documentation seriously. I expected a lot better from a company that presents itself as the leader of high-end networking technology.If it wasn't for the invaluable comments provided by forum folk, I never would have made any headway.

[dougy]

Once again the answer was found by googling and Cisco official sources proved completely useless. The Java runtime is absolutely critical. I did have the latest version but CCP will only work if the ancient 1.6.11 version is used and finding it isn't particularly easy. Cisco's refusal to keep up with the times means that not only must the PC running CCP have its firewall disabled but it must also have a neanderthal era version of java. That isn't nearly good enough fro Cisco. At least I can now do all the configuration I want without needing to learn umpty-zillion IOS witchcraft incantations. Thanks greatly to those kind souls who contributed words of wisdom

[dougy]

Questions

Firstly, is there something needed to be done to connect Vlan1 to the FastEthernet ports 0 - 3 ?

Secondly, exactly what username / password is CCP expecting ?

Thirdly, what are the commands to assign usernames / passwords acceptable and recognized to CCP ?

Fourthly, given that the 887 'appears' to have an IP address, what other possible reasons could there be why I cannot ping the 887 and why CCP cannot discover it ?

[dougy]

First error in Cisco documentation

There is no cpconfig-880.cfg file in flash, so I don't have the option to copy that to nvram

In Step 3

Second error in Cisco documentation

Router>config terminal (as per official documentation) returns % Invalid input detected at '^' marker

When I use the enable command before 'config terminal', I get Router#(config)#

In Step 6

Third error in Cisco documentation

Router (config-if)# ip address 10.10.10.1 255.255.255.248 returns

% IP addresses may not be configured on L2 links

Clearly without an IP address, there is no way known CCP will connect

Note there is nary a mention of messing with L2 / Vlan. Evidently there are some critical steps missing from official Cisco documentation. Question is how to fix something critically important that Cisco didn't mention.

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

the official docs can be misleading...

I would do the following: save the config I sent you as a .cfg file, use tftp to copy it to the flash of the router, and from there to the NVRAM of the router. That will give you most of the config except for the IP addressing which might need to be changed according to your situation...

[dougy]

I can save the config as a .cfg file

tftp is something I haven't used in several lifetimes but can probably figure it out in time

copy flash to nvram is fine

I'll attack that config file first, then work on the tftp bit

Do you perceive any major issues with the L2 / Vlan stuff ??

[dougy]

Just a thought .... I still need some kind of IP connection for tftp to work

Since I appear to have big time problems with IP addresses, how is tftp supposed to work ?

[dougy]

OK, those links are ones I found earlier but didn't consider the first relevant at the time, although in light of information you contributed, they are something I'll revisit. I'd like to know whether or not I have Configuration Express but in the absence of an SKU, I really have no idea how to tell.

The first link is about the Configuration Express tool however I don't know whether or not it is installed on my 887. There is a table that mentions SKU numbers but I can't find an SKU number on the 887, the original box or the accompanying paperwork (and I did look several times)

The second link is a document I've attempted to follow but which led me to the L2 / Vlan problem from which I cannot yet find an escape.

The third link certainly provides a different and initially apparently helpful insight although I note that the section 'Entering the Configuration Commands manually' in Step 6 of the Quick Start Guide advises the reader to use

Router(config)# int FastEthernet0

Router(config-if)# ip address 10.10.10.1 255.255.255.248

Router(config-if)# no shutdown

Router(config-if)# exit

That doesn't work like it should, resulting in an error message complaining about wrong characters even though there is nothing visibly amiss. I tried resetting the device several times but every time I got stuck at this point.

[dougy]

Apparently I can download CCP 3.3, will check and see if it changes anything

[dougy]

Appears the latest version of CCP is 2.8, anything later is the Express that needs to be installed in the router