Basic Router Configuration Using Cisco Packet Tracer
These notes are written so you can teach directly from them.
Introduction to Router Configuration
A router is a Layer 3 device that:
Connects different networks
Routes packets between networks
Uses IP addresses to make forwarding decisions
In CCNA 1, router configuration focuses on:
Accessing the router
Entering configuration mode
Assigning IP addresses to interfaces
Activating interfaces
Securing the router
Verifying connectivity
Saving configuration
Opening Cisco Packet Tracer
Step 1:
Open Cisco Packet Tracer
Step 2:
Ensure you are in Real-Time Mode (bottom right corner)
Building the Network Topology
We will create a simple network:
PC0 ---- Router ---- PC1
Step 1: Add Devices
Add Router:
1. Click Network Devices
2. Click Routers
3. Select 2911 Router
4. Drag it to workspace
Add PCs:
1. Click End Devices
2. Select PC
3. Drag TWO PCs
You should now see:
Router0
PC0
PC1
Connecting Devices
Step 1:
Click Connections (⚡ lightning icon)
Step 2:
Select Copper Straight-Through Cable
Step 3:
Connect PC0 FastEthernet0 → Router FastEthernet0/0
Connect PC1 FastEthernet0 → Router FastEthernet0/1
Wait 20–30 seconds for interfaces to initialize.
Accessing the Router CLI
Step 1:
Click Router0
Step 2:
Click CLI tab
Step 3:
Press ENTER
You will see:
Router>
This is called:
User EXEC Mode
Understanding Router Modes
Cisco routers have different modes:
Mode Symbol Purpose
User EXEC Router> Basic commands
Privileged EXEC Router# Advanced commands
Global Config Router(config)# Configure device
Interface Config Router(config-if)# Configure interfaces
Entering Privileged Mode
Type:
Router> enable
Now you see:
Router#
This is Privileged EXEC Mode.
Entering Global Configuration Mode
Type:
Router# configure terminal
Output:
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Now you see:
Router(config)#
Changing the Hostname
Changing hostname helps identify the device.
Type:
Router(config)# hostname R1
Now prompt changes to:
R1(config)#
Configuring Router Interfaces
A router must have IP addresses on its interfaces.
Configure Interface FastEthernet0/0
Type:
R1(config)# interface fastethernet0/0
Now you see:
R1(config-if)#
Assign IP address:
R1(config-if)# ip address [Link] [Link]
Activate interface:
R1(config-if)# no shutdown
Expected output:
%LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface FastEthernet0/0, changed state to up
Exit interface mode:
R1(config-if)# exit
Configure Interface FastEthernet0/1
Type:
R1(config)# interface fastethernet0/1
R1(config-if)# ip address [Link] [Link]
R1(config-if)# no shutdown
Expected output:
%LINK-5-CHANGED: Interface FastEthernet0/1, changed state to up
Exit:
R1(config-if)# exit
Configure End Devices
Now configure PCs.
PC0 Configuration
Click PC0 → Desktop → IP Configuration
Enter:
IP Address: [Link]
Subnet Mask: [Link]
Default Gateway: [Link]
PC1 Configuration
Click PC1 → Desktop → IP Configuration
Enter:
IP Address: [Link]
Subnet Mask: [Link]
Default Gateway: [Link]
Verifying Router Configuration
Go back to Router CLI.
Type:
R1# show ip interface brief
Expected output:
Interface IP-Address OK? Method Status Protocol
FastEthernet0/0 [Link] YES manual up up
FastEthernet0/1 [Link] YES manual up up
If you see up/up, interface is working.
If you see administratively down, you forgot no shutdown.
Testing Connectivity
From PC0
Go to:
PC0 → Desktop → Command Prompt
Type:
ping [Link]
Expected result:
Reply from [Link]: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=127
4 replies = SUCCESS ✅
Securing the Router
Set Console Password
R1(config)# line console 0
R1(config-line)# password cisco
R1(config-line)# login
R1(config-line)# exit
Set Enable Secret Password
R1(config)# enable secret class
Encrypt Passwords
R1(config)# service password-encryption
Set MOTD Banner
R1(config)# banner motd $
Unauthorized Access Prohibited!
$
Saving Configuration
If you do not save, configuration is lost after restart.
Type:
R1# copy running-config startup-config
Press ENTER.
You will see:
[OK]
Now configuration is saved permanently.
Basic Troubleshooting Commands
Command Purpose
show ip interface brief Check interface status
show running-config View current config
show ip route View routing table
ping Test connectivity