Cisco Router Components

Question 1

Bootstrap

Answer 1

the bootstrap is used to bring a router up during initialization. It boots the router up and then loads the IOS

Question 2

POST (power-on self-test)

Answer 2

the POST is used to check the basic functionality of the router hardware and determines which interfaces are present

Question 3

ROM monitor (ROMMON)

Answer 3

used for manufacturing, testing, and troubleshooting, as well as running a mini-IOS when the IOS in flash fails to load

Question 4

Mini-IOS

Answer 4

Called the RXBOOT or bootloader by Cisco, the mini-IOS is a small IOS in ROM that can bring up an interface and load a Cisco IOS into flash memory. The mini-IOS can also perform a few other maintenance operations

Question 5

RAM (random access memory)

Answer 5

Used to hold packet buffers, ARP cache, routing tables, and also the software and data structures that allow the router to function. Running-config is stored in RAM, and most routers expand the IOS from flash into RAM upon boot

Question 6

ROM (read-only memory

Answer 6

Used to start and maintain the router. Holds the POST and the bootstrap program as well as the mini-IOS

Question 7

Flash Memory

Answer 7

Stores the Cisco IOS by default. Flash memory is not erased when the router is reloaded

Question 8

NVRAM (novolatile RAM)

Answer 8

Used to hold the router and switch confiuration. NVRAM is not erased when the router or switch is reloaded. The configuration register is stored in NVRAM

Question 9

configuration register

Answer 9

Used to control how the router boots up. Value can be found in a sh ver and default is set to 0x2102.