Lab 7.1.3 IOS Image boot

Estimated time: 20 min.

Objectives:

  • Display information about the Cisco IOS Image (software) that is currently running
  • Determine where the IOS is booting from
  • Check the amount of RAM, Flash and NVRAM memory the router has
  • Check the IOS image and Flash for space used and available
  • Document the parts of the IOS image file name
  • Check and document the configuration register settings related to boot method
  • Document a fallback boot sequence

Background:

In this lab you will gather information on the version of IOS software that is currently running on the router. You will also check the configuration register values to see where the router is currently configured to boot from. Use the show flash command to gather information about the flash memory and what files and how much memory is free. You will also document the commands necessary to change the config register setting and the boot system commands necessary to define a fallback boot source sequence in case the IOS image in flash is missing or corrupted.

Tools / Preparation:

Prior to starting this lab you will need to connect a PC workstation (with the HyperTerminal program loaded) to a router using the router's console interface with a roll-over (console) cable. This lab should be done at the router console station. You may want to review Chapter 16 in the Cisco Networking Academy First-Year Companion Guide and review semester 2 online curriculum Chapter 7 prior to starting this lab. Work individually or in teams. Be familiar with the following command:

  • Enable
  • Show running-config
  • Show startup-config
  • Show flash
  • Show version
  • Boot system
  • Config-register
  • Copy

Resources Required:

  • PC with monitor, keyboard, mouse, power cords etc.
  • Windows operating system (Win 95, 98, NT or 2000) installed on PC
  • HyperTerminal program configured for router console connection
  • PC connected to the Router console port with a roll-over cable

Web Site Resources:

Notes:

Step 1 - Login to the router.

Explanation: Connect to the router and login. Enter the password cisco if prompted.

Step 2 - Enter privileged mode.

Task:a. Enter enable at the command prompt.
b. Enter the password of class.
Explanation: You use the enable command to enter privileged EXEC mode

Step 3 - Show information about the backup configuration file.

Task: Enter show startup-config at the router prompt.
Explanation: The router will display information on the backup configuration file stored in NVRAM.

1. Is there any indication of the configuration register setting?


Step 4 - Display IOS version and other important information.

Task: Enter show version command at the router prompt.
Explanation: The router will return information about the IOS that is running in RAM..

2. With the information that the router returns, answer the questions below:

a. What is the IOS version and rev level?

b. What is the name of the system image (IOS) file?

c. Where was the router IOS image booted from?

d. What type of processor (CPU) and how much RAM does this router have?

e. What kind of router (platform type) is this?

f. The router backup configuration file is stored in Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM). How much NVRAM does this router have?

g. The router operating system (IOS) is stored in Flash memory. How much flash memory does this router have?

h. What is the Configuration register set to? What boot type does this setting specify?

3. Assuming the config-register was currently set to 0x2102, write the configuration mode commands to specify that the IOS image should be loaded from:

a. Flash:

b. ROM monitor:

c. ROM:

4. If the router were in ROM monitor mode, what command would manually boot the Cisco IOS software?

Step 5 - Show information about the Flash memory device.

Task: Enter show flash at the router prompt.
Explanation: The router will respond with information about the flash memory and what IOS image file(s) are stored there.

5. Document the following information.

a. How much flash memory is available and used?

b. What is the file that is stored in flash memory?

c. What is the size in bytes of the flash memory?

6. What part of the IOS file name igs-j-l.111-5 identify the following:

a. Platform on which the image runs.

b. Special capabilities.

c. Where the image runs and whether it has been zip compressed.

7. To specify a fallback boot sequence, write the configuration command to specify that the IOS image should be loaded from:

a. Flash:

b. A TFTP server:

c. ROM: Will this be a full IOS image?

8. To ensure that these commands are available for the router to use the next time it is restarted what command would you need to enter next?