Basic Switch & Router
Configuration
Step-by-Step Guide for Beginner Network Engineers
Prepared by: Senior Network
Engineer
Agenda
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Basic Switch Configuration
• 3. Basic Router Configuration
• 4. Security Best Practices
• 5. Verification & Troubleshooting
• 6. Key Takeaways
Introduction
• Switch = Connects devices within the LAN.
• Router = Connects different networks (LAN to WAN).
• Basic configuration ensures devices can communicate securely.
• Strong foundation for all network engineers.
Basic Switch Configuration
• Set Hostname:
• Switch> enable
• Switch# configure terminal
• Switch(config)# hostname SW1
• Configure Management VLAN:
• SW1(config)# interface vlan 1
• SW1(config-if)# ip address [Link] [Link]
• SW1(config-if)# no shutdown
• Set Default Gateway:
• SW1(config)# ip default-gateway [Link]
Basic Router Configuration
• Set Hostname:
• Router> enable
• Router# configure terminal
• Router(config)# hostname R1
• Configure Interfaces:
• R1(config)# interface g0/0
• R1(config-if)# ip address [Link] [Link]
• R1(config-if)# no shutdown
• Add Static Route:
• R1(config)# ip route [Link] [Link] [Link]
Security Best Practices
• Console Password:
• SW1(config)# line console 0
• SW1(config-line)# password cisco
• SW1(config-line)# login
• Enable Secret:
• SW1(config)# enable secret MyStrongPass
• SSH Remote Access:
• SW1(config)# ip domain-name [Link]
• SW1(config)# crypto key generate rsa
• SW1(config)# ip ssh version 2
• SW1(config)# username admin privilege 15 secret Admin123
Verification & Troubleshooting
• Useful Commands:
• • show running-config
• • show ip interface brief
• • ping <IP>
• • show ip route
• Always verify step-by-step
• Document your configurations
Key Takeaways
• Switches = LAN communication
• Routers = Inter-network communication
• Secure devices with strong passwords & SSH
• Always verify & test
• Basics = Strong foundation for advanced networking
