United States
Q
What is a Cisco Router?
A
A Cisco Router is a network device that forwards data packets between LANs, WANs, and the Internet using Cisco’s proprietary hardware, software and security features to ensure high performance and reliability.
Q
How do I configure a Cisco Router for the first time?
A
Connect via console or SSH, enter global configuration mode (configure terminal), set a hostname, secure passwords, assign IP addresses to interfaces, enable routing protocols, then save with write memory.
Q
Which Cisco Router model is best for small businesses?
A
The Cisco ISR 1000 Series balances performance, scalability and affordability for small offices, offering integrated security, WAN connectivity and cloud-managed options in a compact form factor.
Q
How do I secure my Cisco Router against cyber threats?
A
Enable strong passwords, deploy Cisco IOS Firewall and Access Control Lists, implement SSH for management, configure DHCP snooping and Unicast Reverse Path Forwarding, and keep IOS up to date.
Q
What is Cisco IOS and why is it important?
A
Cisco IOS is the operating system running on Cisco Routers that provides routing, switching, security and network services; it’s essential for feature support, stability and software updates.
Q
How do I update the firmware on a Cisco Router?
A
Download the correct IOS image from Cisco’s website, transfer it to the router via TFTP/FTP/SCP, verify the image with show boot, set the boot variable, then reload to apply the new firmware.
Q
What is the difference between Cisco ISR and ASR routers?
A
ISR (Integrated Services Routers) serve branch offices with integrated services like security and voice, while ASR (Aggregation Services Routers) deliver high-throughput, carrier-grade performance at scale.
Q
How many devices can a Cisco Router support?
A
Device capacity depends on the model: entry-level ISR 1000 supports up to hundreds of endpoints, midrange ISR 4000 up to thousands, and ASR platforms scale to tens of thousands of sessions.
Q
How do I reset a Cisco Router to factory defaults?
A
Power cycle the router, press the Mode button during boot to enter ROMMON, use the confreg command to reset config register to 0x2142, reload, then erase startup-config and reload again.
Q
What are Cisco Router licensing requirements?
A
Cisco routers use feature-based licensing on IOS-XE: Base for core routing, Security for firewall/VPN, AppX for advanced services and DNA Advantage for SD-WAN, activated via Smart Licensing.
Q
How do I monitor performance on a Cisco Router?
A
Use built-in tools: show interfaces, show processes cpu, NetFlow for traffic analysis, SNMP for remote monitoring, and Cisco Prime or DNA Center for centralized performance dashboards.
Q
Can I use third-party modules with a Cisco Router?
A
Cisco only supports approved Network Interface Modules (NIM) and Service Modules; third-party hardware may void warranty and interoperability is not guaranteed.
Q
How do I troubleshoot connectivity issues on a Cisco Router?
A
Start with ping and traceroute to verify reachability, use show ip route and show ip interface brief for routing/interface status, check logs (show logging), then isolate with debug commands.
Q
What warranty and support options are available for Cisco Routers?
A
Cisco provides a limited lifetime warranty on hardware, plus multiple support tiers (SMARTnet) offering 24/7 access to software updates, technical support and advanced hardware replacement.
Q
How does Cisco SD-WAN integrate with Cisco Routers?
A
Cisco SD-WAN runs as a software overlay on ISR and ASR routers, using vEdge or IOS-XE controllers to manage secure, policy-driven WAN connectivity with central orchestration.
Q
How do I optimize QoS on a Cisco Router?
A
Define traffic classes with class-map, create QoS policies (policy-map) to shape or prioritize packets, apply them to interfaces with service-policy, and verify with show policy-map interface.
