This lab focuses on the initial setup of the Cisco 1841 ISR. If a Cisco 1841 ISR is not available, you can use another router  model. The information in this lab applies to other routers. A Cisco ISR combines routing and switching functions, security, voice, and LAN and WAN connectivity into a single device, which makes it appropriate for small-sized to medium-sized businesses and for ISP-managed customers.

Some steps in this lab are normally only performed once during initial setup. These steps are indicated as optional.

The following resources are required :

Note : this Step is optional and is required only if the router is being set up for the first time. Read through it to become familiar with the process.

a.    Position the router chassis to allow unrestricted air  flow for chassis cooling. Keep at least 1inch  ( 2.5 4 c m ) of clear space beside the cooling inlet and exhaust vents. CAUTION: Do not place any items that weigh more than 10 pounds (4.5  kilograms)  on top of the chassis, and do not stack routers on top of each other.

b.    Connect the chassis to a reliable earth ground using a ring terminal and size 14AWG (2 mm ) wire using these step :

NOTE: Your instructor should inform you where a reliable earth ground is

1.    Strip one end of the ground wire to expose approximately 3/4 inch ( 20mm ) of conductor.

2.    Crimp the 14AWG (2 mm ) green ground wire to a UL Listed / CS A certified ring terminal using a crimping tool that is recommended by the ring terminal manufacturer. The ring terminal provided on the back panel of the Cisco 1841 ISR router is suitable for a Number 6 grounding screw.

3.    Attach the ring terminal to the chassis as shown in the figure below. Use a Number 2 Phillips screw driver and the screw that is supplied with the ring terminal and tighten the screw

4.    Connect the other end of the ground wire to a suitable earth ground that the instructor indicates.

NOTE: This step is optional and is required only if the router is being set up for the first time. To avoid wear on the memory card and ejector mechanism, do not actually perform this step. Read through it to become familiar with the process.

a.    Attach a grounding strap to your wrist to avoid electro shock damage to the card. Seat the external Compact Flash memory card properly into the slot. This step depends on the type of router. Not all routers have flash cards.

b.    If  the router has a Compact Flash memory card, check that the ejector mechanism is fully seated. Theejector button is next to the Compact Flash memory card.

c.    Connect the power cable to the ISR and to the power outlet.

a.    Move the power switch on the back of the ISR to the ON position. During this step, the LEDs on the chassis turn on and off, not necessarily at the same time. The LED  activity depends on what is installed in  the ISR .

b.    Observe the startup messages as they appear in the terminal emulation  program window. While these messages are appearing, do not press any keys  on the keyboard. Pressing a key interrupts the router start up process. Some examples of start up messages displayed are the amount of main memory installed and the image type of the Cisco IOS software that the computer is using. Can you find these example start up  messages in the following figure?

a.    Is  there anything about this procedure that is risky?

b.    Why do the router cover, all modules, and cover plates need to be installed?

c.    How many routers can you safely stack on top of each other ?

2)      1

3)      2

4)      3