Introduction

A common management and configuration framework is the goal of any good network equipment provider. Cisco Systems has achieved this goal in commendable fashion. The Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) provides a breadth of features, which facilitates a uniform configuration and management platform across nearly its entire line of routing and switching products. One of Cisco s goals for its routing and switching products has been to unify the core services provided by its IOS to create a standard look and feel for its product lines. The Command Line Interface (CLI), which is used to enter configuration and management commands, has been standardized in recent years and has been emulated by other networking vendors due to its effective structure.

The IOS is not unlike any other operating system. Its purpose is to transform the otherwise lifeless collection of electronics within the particular piece of network equipment into a useable, intelligent device. Operating systems such as MS-DOS, UNIX, VMS, NT, and Windows 2000 perform a similar function for mid-range and personal computers. The function of the Cisco IOS is much different from that of a PC operating system but not any more difficult to learn. At first glance, however, configuring a Cisco networking product s IOS through the CLI seems quite intimidating. There are complex sets of commands that require intricate syntax to perform even the simplest tasks. The daunting nature of the large command set and complex syntax is offset by the consistency of command syntax and integrated help features. Gaining...