Where do you start with IOS?

davidrawle · ‎01-21-2008

Sorry if you already read this in WAN...

I install networks for SMBs and we have just got to the end of the Draytek 2800. (it's no longer strong or stable enough for our VoIP and WLAN customers)

I have bought a 877W to trial for possible installation at customers' sites.

My question is... Where do you start to get to grips with Cisco?

SDM doesn't work so I am forced into CLI.

Where in this massive site are the basic documents. I keep running into documents that are full of TLAs that i don't understand and are not explained.

I need the IOS for idiots (who a quite good at networking) page.

Thanks,

David

Brandon Buffin · ‎01-22-2008

David,

Take a look at the IOS Configuration Guide and specifically the Configuration Fundamentals section.

Cisco IOS Release 12.4 Configuration Guides

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/software/ios124/124cg/index.htm

Here are a couple of other places to start:

Cisco IOS Basic Commands

http://www.fantek.org/cisco/wpbascom.htm

Introduction to Cisco IOS Software

http://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=101658&seqNum=2

Hope this helps. If so, please rate the post.

Brandon

Collin Clark · ‎01-30-2008

To add to Brandon's links, this book offers a lot of information and HOW-TO on Cisco equipment running IOS.

http://www.amazon.com/Network-Warrior-Gary-Donahue/dp/0596101511/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201712387&sr=8-3

davidrawle · ‎02-15-2008

Thanks for those... they are all very Cisco-centric rather than network-centric. You have to have an idea what cisco term you are looking for.

http://www.windowsecurity.com/whitepapers/Cisco_IOS_Firewall_Feature_Set_and_ContextBased_Access_Control_.html#xtocid1553159

Is the best I have found so far, in fact the only thing that makes any sense at all - after 4 weeks of trying to get to grips with this box. At least I know know that an ACL is a firewall rule and the inspect is NOT the firewall but the SPI!

I need some doc by someone who has been through the pain of applying well known network terms to cisco-speak.

There is no doubt that the router is strong and reliable. If cisco could get it right, everyone would want one!

David

eleibowitz · ‎02-06-2008

Hi David,

While learning IOS is always helpful, the 877 does work with SDM. You need to be running IOS version 12.3(8)YI or later. This Q&A will tell you everything you need to know to get SDM running.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/routers/ps5318/prod_qas0900aecd800fd11b.html

Hope this helps,

Eliot

davidrawle · ‎02-15-2008

Hi Eliot,

SDM is flakey at best, incomprehensible (esp the wireless and firewall bits) and sometimes locks the router up. Also it doesn't allow setting of QoS (it says it's disabled or something similar)...

Until Cisco get the SDM right, the 800 series is not an end-user product and, because of the inability to self-install, will be out of the price range for most SOHO/SMBs.

I need something like Cisco for my customers who have to have high stability for VoIP. Other customers will stay on other (much cheaper) brands for the moment.