ICND1 lab setup

[Trev1964]

I just started studying for the CCNA a month or so ago and I have been trying to connect two Cisco 3750 switches to two Cisco 877W routers. Can someone help me with the cable connections? I know this might seem trivial, but I cannot seem to get the lab components to communicate with each other. I have connected my PC with a Cat6 cable directly to a LAN port on the router that I would like to use as the main access point (I think that is correct), but I get no response when I ping the IP address that I gave the router. 

[Trev1964]

Thank you again!!

[Trev1964]

Shouldn't a router be able to perform level 3 functions from a fa port? Also, should I start a new thread to get more information on setting up the lab?

Thank you again!

[Dean Romanelli]

Hi Trev,

Some routers have built-in layer 2 switchports, like is the case here.  Other routers like the Cisco 1841 only have two built-in fast ethernet ports, an ingress and an egress, but they are both layer 3 routed ports.  Think of the Cisco 877 fast ethernet ports as a switch module card you install into a router, only that it is permanently installed in the Cisco 877.  The ATM port in this particular model is the layer 3 port.  The Cisco 871 is an almost identical model, but instead of an ATM port it has one layer 3 router port (fa4) and the same 4 layer 2 switchports as you have on your 877 (0,1,2,3). You can still route for the switchports, but the routing is done for the subnets you assign to the vlan interfaces, and the ports you tag those vlans to are considered members of that network.

You can ask more questions if you like or you can create new posts.  If you can though, please select the answer that was most helpful to your original question in this thread and mark it as "the correct answer" so the thread can move to resolved state.

[Trev1964]

Do you think that the equipment that I have will allow me to carry on to the CCNP? Or would you suggest another router or switch to add to what I already have? 

[Dean Romanelli]

Hi Trev,

For CCNP you would likely want to upgrade you lab equipment when the time comes, but you've got a long while before you need to worry about that.  We have to recertify our CCNP's every three years.  It depends what you want to do.  If you just want to practice commands and configs, then I would recommend one layer 3 Cisco switch with IP Services license level so that you have access to most routing and switching commands all in one device. Layer 3 switches look like traditional switches but they also act as routers if you enable that functionality on them (ip routing command in global config, and no switchport command under individual interface config to turn layer 2 switchports into layer 3 routed ports).  However, if you want to practice passing actual routing and switching data from device to device, seeing the different route types in the routing tables, routing adjacencies/neighborships/peers, I would recommend building a lab.

Attached is a picture of my CCNP test lab that I practice on in my basement for a couple months before I recertify my CCNP when it's due. Half of it is "decommissioned-but-still-working"gear I've amassed over the past 10 years in the business, but the other half I bought specifically for CCNP practice purposes. However, you could certainly build a smaller lab that is useful. The silver switch and the green one below it in the picture are layer 3 switches I had referenced above. As you can see, they look just like a regular layer 2 switch.

That said, I wouldn't even pay the CCNP any mind right now. The CCNA will be more than enough to keep you busy for years if you are just starting out, and I would recommend at least a few years of on-the-job experience in a focused networking role before you even consider looking into CCNP.

One suggestion I might make about your current ICND1/CCNA lab gear though is I would consider replacing the Cisco 877 router.  The layer 3 interface on that router is ATM, which is an older technology that isn't really delved into very much in the CCNA coursework. I think you would get more use out of the very similar Cisco 871, which replaces the layer 3 ATM port with a layer 3 Ethernet port because then you could connect it to other layer 3 ports (if you had two 871 routers, for example) to practice OSPF/EIGRP adjacency/neighboring (for example), both of which are core routing coursework for CCNA. There are other Cisco routers that are good choices as well, such as the 1841, but that one only has layer 3 ports on it.

[Trev1964]

Would it matter if I bought a 871 and an 1841?

[Trev1964]

For some reason, I cannot seem to ping from one device to another? I tried again to ping from my computer to the 877 router, but no luck. I have the computer connected to the router with a cat5 straight cable, so I assume it should work?  

[Dean Romanelli]

Did you power off your lab equipment yesterday after you were finished practicing? If so, did you make sure you first saved your config with the "write memory" command?  If not, the changes you made yesterday where you enabled the Ethernet ports have reverted back to shutdown state and you will need to issue a no shutdown on each port that has a cable connected in it currently to restore connectivity.  Cisco devices lose any config changes you may have made once they lose power unless you've saved the config with the above command before removing power.

[Trev1964]

I entered a wr command at the enable (privilege level), which I think should save everything I did to start up. Is that correct? 

[Dean Romanelli]

Yes, that should be fine.

Please do a show run and paste the output again if you would.

Also do a show version and confirm your config register is set to 0x2102.

[Trev1964]

Trevr1>show versio
Cisco IOS Software, C870 Software (C870-ADVSECURITYK9-M), Version 12.4(15)T9, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc5)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2009 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 29-Apr-09 05:52 by prod_rel_team

ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 12.3(8r)YI4, RELEASE SOFTWARE

Trevr1 uptime is 3 minutes
System returned to ROM by power-on
System image file is "flash:c870-advsecurityk9-mz.124-15.T9.bin"

This product contains cryptographic features and is subject to United
States and local country laws governing import, export, transfer and
use. Delivery of Cisco cryptographic products does not imply
third-party authority to import, export, distribute or use encryption.
Importers, exporters, distributors and users are responsible for
compliance with U.S. and local country laws. By using this product you
agree to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If you are unable
to comply with U.S. and local laws, return this product immediately.

A summary of U.S. laws governing Cisco cryptographic products may be found at:
http://www.cisco.com/wwl/export/crypto/tool/stqrg.html

If you require further assistance please contact us by sending email to
export@cisco.com.

Cisco 877W (MPC8272) processor (revision 0x400) with 118784K/12288K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FCZ1334C2P7
MPC8272 CPU Rev: Part Number 0xC, Mask Number 0x10
4 FastEthernet interfaces
1 ATM interface
1 802.11 Radio
128K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
28672K bytes of processor board System flash (Intel Strataflash)

Configuration register is 0x2102

[Trev1964]

Both of these posts represent the output from one router. I think the config register for the second router is set to 0x2142. I did try to reset it back to 0x2102, but I got distracted. Is it imperative that I set to 0x2102?

I might add, I am still not able to ping from one device to the next and I think that is because I did not connect the switches and routers with the proper cables. I just received the crossover cable that I ordered, I now realized that I will not need it until I am connecting the two routers to one another. Is it possible to connect the switches in a serial configuration with straight cat5 cables? Do I even need a crossover cable if I do not connect like devices? I realize that there is much more involved, but I hope you can give me an idea on what cable goes where. 

Current configuration : 1210 bytes
!
version 12.4
no service pad
service timestamps debug datetime msec
service timestamps log datetime msec
no service password-encryption
!
hostname Trevr1
!
boot-start-marker
boot-end-marker
!
enable secret 5 $1$O1IK$MAGmjSNlZMf24GEUcDpDW1
enable password john1
!
no aaa new-model
!
!
dot11 syslog
no ip routing
no ip cef
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
archive
log config
hidekeys
!
!
!
!
!
interface ATM0
no ip address
no ip route-cache
shutdown
no atm ilmi-keepalive
dsl operating-mode auto
!
interface FastEthernet0
shutdown
no cdp enable
!
interface FastEthernet1
shutdown
no cdp enable
!
interface FastEthernet2
shutdown
no cdp enable
!
interface FastEthernet3
shutdown
no cdp enable
!
interface Dot11Radio0
no ip address
no ip route-cache
shutdown
speed basic-1.0 basic-2.0 basic-5.5 6.0 9.0 basic-11.0 12.0 18.0 24.0 36.0 48.0 54.0
station-role root
no cdp enable
!
interface Vlan1
no ip address
no ip route-cache
!
ip forward-protocol nd
!
no ip http server
no ip http secure-server
!
!
!
!
control-plane
!
!
line con 0
exec-timeout 0 0
no modem enable
line aux 0
line vty 0 4
password 
login
!
scheduler max-task-time 5000
no process cpu extended
no process cpu autoprofile hog
end

[Trev1964]

Here is info from a (show ip int brief) from the router that I configured with your instructions. Since other configurations were not working so well on this router, I decided to continue with my reading to see if I could get a better understanding what I was doing wrong.

Interface IP-Address OK? Method Status Protocol
FastEthernet0 unassigned YES unset up down
FastEthernet1 unassigned YES unset up up
FastEthernet2 unassigned YES unset up down
FastEthernet3 unassigned YES unset up down
Dot11Radio0 unassigned YES NVRAM administratively down down
ATM0 unassigned YES unset administratively down down
Vlan1 192.168.178.5 YES NVRAM up up
Loopback0 10.1.1.4 YES NVRAM up up

[Trev1964]

Somehow this router's config register is set to 0x701 and I have no idea why. I set it to 0x2142 to reset the password. 

Trev-router2>show vers
Cisco IOS Software, C870 Software (C870-ADVSECURITYK9-M), Version 12.4(15)T9, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc5)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2009 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 29-Apr-09 05:52 by prod_rel_team

ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 12.3(8r)YI4, RELEASE SOFTWARE

Trev-router2 uptime is 7 minutes
System returned to ROM by power-on
System image file is "flash:c870-advsecurityk9-mz.124-15.T9.bin"

This product contains cryptographic features and is subject to United
States and local country laws governing import, export, transfer and
use. Delivery of Cisco cryptographic products does not imply
third-party authority to import, export, distribute or use encryption.
Importers, exporters, distributors and users are responsible for
compliance with U.S. and local country laws. By using this product you
agree to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If you are unable
to comply with U.S. and local laws, return this product immediately.

A summary of U.S. laws governing Cisco cryptographic products may be found at:
http://www.cisco.com/wwl/export/crypto/tool/stqrg.html

If you require further assistance please contact us by sending email to
export@cisco.com.

Cisco 877W (MPC8272) processor (revision 0x400) with 118784K/12288K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FCZ1338C0ME
MPC8272 CPU Rev: Part Number 0xC, Mask Number 0x10
4 FastEthernet interfaces
1 ATM interface
1 802.11 Radio
128K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
28672K bytes of processor board System flash (Intel Strataflash)

Configuration register is 0x701

[Trev1964]

Now I am trying to set up ssh, but I cannot apply a ip address to the fa1/0/1 port?

Trevsw1#show ssh
%No SSHv1 server connections running.
%No SSHv2 server connections running.
Trevsw1#show ssh
%No SSHv1 server connections running.
%No SSHv2 server connections running.
Trevsw1#conf t
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Trevsw1(config)#ssh ver
Trevsw1(config)#exit
Trevsw1#
*Mar 1 00:20:52.947: %SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from console by consolessh ver
Trevsw1#ssh ver
% No user specified nor available for SSH client
Trevsw1#conf t
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Trevsw1(config)#cry
Trevsw1(config)#crypto ?
ca Certification authority
engine Crypto Engine Config Menu
key Long term key operations
pki Public Key components

Trevsw1(config)#hostname Trevsw1
Trevsw1(config)#ip do
Trevsw1(config)#ip domain-n
Trevsw1(config)#ip domain-name Trevlab.com
Trevsw1(config)#cryp
Trevsw1(config)#crypto ke
Trevsw1(config)#crypto key gen
Trevsw1(config)#crypto key generate rs
Trevsw1(config)#crypto key generate rsa
% You already have RSA keys defined named Trevsw1.Trevlab.com.
% Do you really want to replace them? [yes/no]: n
Trevsw1(config)#do show ip int brief
Interface IP-Address OK? Method Status Protocol
Vlan1 10.1.1.1 YES NVRAM up down
FastEthernet1/0/1 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/2 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/3 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/4 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/5 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/6 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/7 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/8 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/9 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/10 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/11 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/12 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/13 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/14 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/15 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/16 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/17 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/18 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/19 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/20 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/21 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/22 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/23 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/24 unassigned YES unset down down
GigabitEthernet1/0/1 unassigned YES unset down down
GigabitEthernet1/0/2 unassigned YES unset down down
Trevsw1(config)#int
Trevsw1(config)#interface fa1/0/1
Trevsw1(config-if)#ip add
Trevsw1(config-if)#ip address 172.16.0.1 255.255.0.0
^
% Invalid input detected at '^' marker.

Trevsw1(config-if)#exit
Trevsw1(config)#inter
Trevsw1(config)#interface fa1/0/24
Trevsw1(config-if)#ip add
Trevsw1(config-if)#ip address 172.16.0.1 255.255.255.0
^
% Invalid input detected at '^' marker.

Trevsw1(config-if)#no shut
Trevsw1(config-if)#do show ip int brief
Interface IP-Address OK? Method Status Protocol
Vlan1 10.1.1.1 YES NVRAM up down
FastEthernet1/0/1 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/2 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/3 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/4 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/5 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/6 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/7 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/8 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/9 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/10 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/11 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/12 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/13 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/14 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/15 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/16 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/17 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/18 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/19 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/20 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/21 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/22 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/23 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/24 unassigned YES unset down down
GigabitEthernet1/0/1 unassigned YES unset down down
GigabitEthernet1/0/2 unassigned YES unset down down
Trevsw1(config-if)#exit
Trevsw1(config)#inter
Trevsw1(config)#interface fa1/0/1
Trevsw1(config-if)#no shut
Trevsw1(config-if)#do show ip int brief
Interface IP-Address OK? Method Status Protocol
Vlan1 10.1.1.1 YES NVRAM up down
FastEthernet1/0/1 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/2 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/3 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/4 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/5 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/6 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/7 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/8 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/9 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/10 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/11 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/12 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/13 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/14 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/15 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/16 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/17 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/18 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/19 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/20 unassigned YES unset down down
FastEthernet1/0/21