Overview

This chapter provides an overview of the hardware installation and software configuration process. This chapter puts into perspective the tasks you must perform to get your router 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 Cisco router 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.

Installation and Configuration Process

Six phases make up the installation and configuration process. Each phase includes tasks that will help you to use your Cisco router 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 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.

Figure 1-1: Installation and Configuration Process

Preinstallation

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:

• Planning the server site. Some of the items you should consider are site environment, cabling requirements of planned connections, modular wiring system requirements, and tools and equipment
  requirements.

• Familiarizing yourself with general safety precautions and specific requirements for working on electrical equipment.

• Learning ESD prevention procedures when removing and replacing cards.

• Unpacking your system. Verify that you have received all that you have ordered and that shipping damage has not occurred.

Refer to the appropriate hardware installation and maintenance publication for the router you have ordered for more detailed information about
preinstallation tasks.

Installing Your Server

After you have performed the preinstallation tasks you must install the server components. For the A-type, M, and C chassis, you install by
performing the following tasks:

• Installing connectors and appliques

• Installing interface and system cards

• If necessary, testing for problems with system memory and CPU after you power up

For the IGS, Cisco 3000 and Cisco 4000 chassis, you install by performing the following tasks:

• Attaching cables

• If necessary, installing new system software EPROMs

• If necessary, upgrading memory

Refer to the appropriate hardware installation and maintenance publication for the router you have ordered for more detailed information about server installation tasks.

When you complete these two phases you can begin phase 3, Preparing for First-Time Startup, described in the "Preparing for First-Time Startup" chapter of this guide.