|
|
This chapter provides an overview of the hardware installation and software configuration process for the communication server. The communication server connects terminals, modems, and microcomputers over serial lines to local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs.) The communication server provides network access to terminals, printers, and computers that have no built-in network support.
The communication server is network-compatible with the Cisco System routers, which you can use to extend your network to any size or configuration needed. Additionally, protocol translation capability provides connection service between different hosts and resources running different protocols.
This chapter puts into perspective the tasks you must perform to get your communication server up and functioning with the features you need.
The primary focus of this guide is to describe the setup command facility and its position within the entire installation and configuration process. The setup command facility enables you to start using your communication server quickly and without extensive background knowledge by prompting you for the information required to perform basic configuration procedures.
The setup command facility can be used both at initial system configuration and for changes to the basic configuration at any time. The facility is also a teaching tool that helps you become familiar with the expected command sequence as you step through the configuration process. Because of these unique characteristics, Cisco refers to setup as a command facility rather than simply as a command.
The setup command facility is available on all Cisco Systems internetworking products with Software Release 8.2 or later.
Six phases make up the installation and configuration process. Each phase includes tasks that will help you to use your communication server to meet your networking needs. Figure 1-1 shows the relationship between the phases and the tasks within each phase.
Detailed information for each phase within the installation and configuration process is available either in this guide or other appropriately referenced publications. A brief description of phase 1, Preinstallation, and phase 2, Installing Your Communication Server, immediately follows this figure. These phases are hardware related and are not described in a later section of this guide as are phases 3 through 6. Phases 1 and 2 have been included here for completeness.
Preinstallation refers to tasks you must perform before starting actual system hardware installation. Note that this phase must precede all other phases of the installation and configuration process. The preinstallation tasks are as follows:
Refer to the appropriate hardware installation and maintenance publication for the communication server you have ordered for more detailed information about preinstallation tasks.
After you have performed the preinstallation tasks, you must install the communication server. The installation process does not require you to install appliques, connectors, interface cards, or system cards. The communication server will be preconfigured to your specifications when you order it.
Refer to the appropriate hardware installation and maintenance publication for the communication server you have ordered for more detailed information about installation tasks.
When you complete these two phases you can begin phase 3, Preparing for First-Time Startup, described in Chapter 2 of this guide.
|
|