Cisco IOS Essentials

Focusing on what you need to know to get what you want from your Cisco router and its operating system, Cisco IOS Essentials will get new users up to speed in a hurry. After a brief introduction to the science of linking networks together, Albritton explains how to do the initial configuration of a Cisco 2520 router. (He uses the 2500 series, running IOS 11.x, in all his examples.) Through the book's intelligent guidance, you'll get instructions on plugging in cables and on IOS, its command set, and configuration management subsequent to initial setup. (Configuration coverage includes DNS configuration, backup operations, and security.)

IP configuration components are explored, including subnetting and the operation of the Cisco Discovery Protocol. You'll also find good coverage of dynamic routing over IP networks (with RIP, OSPF and IGRP, and EIGRP). --David Wall