How to Configure Two Cisco Routers to Connect

Ethernet cable for connecting routers

Routers direct information flow in a network. A router determines the destination for the information that enters it, as well the quickest path to that destination. However, as smaller networks are connected together, more and more routers are needed. It is thus important to be able to connect routers together.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• 2 Cisco routers
• Serial cable
• Console cable
• Hyper Terminal software

Instructions

Connecting the Routers

1. Connect the serial cable to the Serial 0 port of Router 1 and the Serial 0 port of Router 2.

2. Connect the console cable from the COM port of the computer to the CON port of Router 1.

3. Turn both routers on.

4. Connect to Router 1 using the Hyper Terminal software.

Configuring Router 1

1. Press "Enter" to get started (It may be necessary to enter a password here).

2. Type "enable" to enter the "privileged exec" mode (It may be necessary to enter a password here).

3. Type "config t" to enter the "global configuration" mode.

4. Type "line ser 0"; then "ip address 10.1.2.1 255.255.255.0"; then "no shutdown".

5. Type "twice" to return to "privileged exec" mode, then type "copy run start" to save the configuration.

Configuring Router 2

1. Disconnect the console cable from Router 2 and connect it to the CON port of Router 2.

2. Press "Enter" in the Hyper Terminal software to enter the router, entering any passwords necessary.

3. Type "enable"; then "config t"; then "line ser 0" to enter the router's Serial 0 connection.

4. Type "ip address 10.1.2.2 255.255.255.0", then "no shutdown".

5. Type "end twice", then type "copy run start" to save the configuration.

Tips & Warnings

• To verify the configuration, use the "ping" command.

References

• Lammle, Todd. CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide. Wiley Publishing, Indianapolis, IN. 2007