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Configuring Cisco Routers and Switches

The Cisco ISR and Catalyst networking devices are industrial and commercial networking devices. The period of working in the network is at least 10 years, so setting up Cisco devices such ISR, Catalyst, Aironet Series requires a highly qualified engineer. Specialists of this level are highly valued for their fundamental knowledge in the field of building networks, extensive practical experience in building and administering networks, special knowledge in the field of Cisco technological functions that improve the manageability, stability and reliability of the network.

Cisco ISR, Catalyst, Aironet complexity

Configuring a Cisco router or Cisco switch as an industrial-grade device is a more difficult task, in contrast to working with home-type devices, where maximum simplicity and a minimum set of configurable parameters are required. To ensure high-quality configuration, the engineer must have a large amount of knowledge in the field of switching, routing, as well as related areas of IT, including security, IP-telephony, and other higher-level applications. Traditionally, the router is configured through the command line. All specialists who have completed special training courses learn how to program devices using Cisco IOS commands. Cisco is actively working to simplify the configuration of routers and switches. However, this does not mean that a person with a superficial knowledge of networking technology can configure the router. The list of functions of ISR and Catalyst devices is growing, algorithms of work are becoming more complicated - they become not just routers, but integrated devices, including those with multiple security and traffic control functions - including technologies such as, for example, NBAR, IP SLA service function, IP remote access SEC, Cisco IOS Firewall, which includes Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), an advanced Context-Based Access Control (CBAC) technology, and many others. Professional configuration of a Cisco router provides LAN devices with secure access to the public Internet network, protection from external threats, switches provide speed, physical layer security, and network monitoring. During the configuration process, the system engineer sequentially configures each of the router subsystems, controlling the process at each stage.

Additional network functionality

Cisco routers are unique in that they are "combines" that include not only routing functions, but also VPN servers, firewall, IP-PBX, WIFI controller, network managed switch, application server. This is why configuring Cisco ISR series routers very often involves configuring advanced features such as Cisco Call Manager Express, functionality that turns a router into a business-grade IP telephone exchange. In this case, the router configuration includes not only the functions related to the routing of IP packets, but also all the accompanying functions of IP telephony - setting up extensions, telephone lines, voice menu, SIP trunks, etc. Correct configuration should be done to ensure the security of the corporate network from external attacks, failures, provide all functions to users, create remote access, and integrate video. Additional functionality allows you to simplify the network infrastructure, saves resources, electricity, and reduces operating costs.

Setting methods

Configuring a Cisco router can be done both locally, at the location of the device, and remotely. When the router is initially configured remotely, it must be connected to a PC that has access to the Internet using a console cable. On the computer, you need to activate one of the remote access systems, such as RDP, TeamViewer, RADMIN, etc. After that, transfer the right to control the computer to the installer, who will thus perform the first 3 setup steps, which will allow you to configure the device directly remotely in the future.

Console cable

When configuring the router locally, a CAB-CONSOLE-RJ45 cable is connected to the console port, which transfers commands from the PC to the router. There is also a CAB-CONSOLE-USB console cable that connects via the USB interface.

WEB interface

Each Cisco ISR has an integrated system that allows you to configure the basic parameters of the device using a graphical WEB interface. It is a graphical interface that builds the Cisco IOS command set. This system speeds up and simplifies setup, and is designed for high-level professionals.

What aspects are mainly touched upon when setting up Cisco?

Using OSI model basics during configuration, the engineer achieves a correct and systemic configuration file that ensures that the device operates 100% in accordance with the customer's needs. Fine tuning provides work without failures, performance of all necessary functions, convenience and safety of work. By consistently performing each stage, testing all aspects of the lower level, it is ensured that multi-stage errors are eliminated, which lead to significant labor costs when analyzing and changing troubleshooting.

Stage 1. Physical connection and configuration of interface parameters

This stage includes configuring physical interfaces - port speed, duplex, flow control, creating EtherChannel, creating 802.1Q sub-interfaces using tagging and VLANs in the network. This first stage, which necessarily includes the preparation of documentation, ensures further ease of use of the device. At the level of physical configuration and verification of network connections, a competent engineer determines the correct functioning of the channel-forming equipment, cables, connections.

Stage 2. Configuring interface addressing

The second most important, but quite simple stage in execution, at which the IP addresses of the router are registered. The local interface and the global interfaces of the router are being configured. The control provides verification of the connection with the operators' networks using icmp echo requests, the connectivity of the local network segments with the central router. After completing this step, the router is connected to all border networks, connected to local network devices and is ready to perform its functions. Without completing this stage 100%, it makes no sense to move on to higher-level settings or additional functions, because if there is no connection of devices at the 3rd level, there is no way to check the settings above.

Stage 3. Advanced routing features

configuring routing, including static and dynamic routing;
configuring the automation of DHCP address allocation, including the creation of dynamic pools, static bindings;
configuring NAT address translation - dynamic and static port forwarding rules;
configuring secure access, including an access list for physical interfaces and a list for virtual ports;
users, authorization, privileged mode.

Stage 4. 3+ Layer configuration features

Configuring CME IP telephony settings, IP SLA rules, etc.

Our Cisco configuration and Support Services

With its own engineering staff, partnership with the manufacturer, practical experience, VTK SVYAZ offers its customers professional customization services for all types of Cisco devices.


The cost

We carry out configuration work both remotely (with such a technical feasibility and need), and with an onsite engineer.

  • Onsite specialist over Czech Republic - 3500 CZK (with VAT) per visit, +1450 CZK (with VAT) per hour
  • Onsite specialist over Germany - 200 EURO (no VAT) per visit, +55 EURO (no VAT) per hour

Payment can be made in cash or by the bank transfer.

For a preliminary calculation of the cost of configuring Cisco equipment please send a technical assignment to sales@vtkt.eu, indicate whether an engineer is required to visit the site. Based on your assignment, we will calculate the full cost for you. We will be glad to cooperate with you.