Cisco IOS in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference for IOS on IP Networks

By James Boney

Book Overview

Cisco routers are everywhere that networks are. They come in all sizes, from inexpensive units for homes and small offices to equipment costing well over $100,000 and capable of routing at gigabit speeds. A fixture in today's networks, Cisco claims roughly 70% of the router market, producing high-end switches, hubs, and other network hardware. One unifying thread runs through the product line: virtually all of Cisco's products run the Internetwork Operating System, or IOS.

If you work with Cisco routers, it's likely that you deal with Cisco's IOS software--an extremely powerful and complex operating system, with an equally complex configuration language. With a cryptic command-line interface and thousands of commands--some of which mean different things in different situations--it doesn't have a reputation for being user-friendly.

Fortunately, there's help. This second edition of Cisco IOS in a Nutshell consolidates the most important commands and features of IOS into a single, well-organized volume that you'll find refreshingly user-friendly.

This handy, two-part reference covers IOS configuration for the TCP/IP protocol family. The first section includes chapters on the user interface, configuring lines and interfaces, access lists, routing protocols, and dial-on-demand routing and security. A brief, example-filled tutorial shows you how to accomplish common tasks.

The second part is a classic O'Reilly quick reference to all the commands for working with TCP/IP and the lower-level protocols on which it relies. Brief descriptions and lists of options help you zero in on the commands you for the task at hand. Updated to cover Cisco IOS Software Major Release 12.3, this second edition includes lots of examples of the most common configuration steps for the routers themselves. It's a timely guide that any network administrator will come to rely on.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0596008694
• ISBN13: 9780596008697
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Length: 796 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

If you work with Cisco equipment, ALWAYS keep this near!

First of all, I love O'Reilly's "Nutshell" books. They are very concise, and they keep the specifics handy for those experienced in the subject matter. IOS in a Nutshell is no different. I use this book every day, and it was crucial for a variety of scripts I've created for use in the workplace. Specifically, this helps in every IP networking scenario, from Frame Relay and ATM, to DDR and access lists. This is great! It's my one stop shop for command-line answers. It also briefly explains each subject so that you get a basic understanding of what you'll be configuring. This is great for seasoned administrators and those just starting to study for the CCNA. Hands on is the key, and this book helps you to do just that.

Excellent Reference

Cisco IOS in a Nutshell is a good book for Cisco students and admininstrators alike. It is a good reference to keep by your router if you need to get the gist of certain commands. Mr. Boney does a good job explaining Cisco technologies.

"As Good As It Gets"

Can't say anything more, the other reviewers have covered everything. A Must have book for the field and covers an aweful lot for 592 pages. Very Happy!

Yes, this IS another Nutshell MUST_HAVE!

IF you do any IOS commands and ever want to lookup details quickly, you'll LOVE this book. Also, IF you're learninganything from your 1st "conf t" to advanced BGP, You'll find the tutorial part of this book (first third) SUPERBLY clear.This book is SOOOO great, even for a beginner, that I just ordered 4 more copies for friends! This might even be the only Cisco book you need. (Note: NO mention of switches, STP, VLAN, etc.)

Right by my side - making it easier to configure the router.

One thing I have discovered over the past 12 years is that it is impossible to remember every command associated with a particular operating system, this includes routers. That's why I have this book on my desk to help me out remembering the syntax for the configuration files. This 590 page must have reference book starts off with the loading of the image and configuration files which included setting up the router and the Line commands needs for this. Then author gives you the commands for the configuration of the line interfaces as the next topic discussed. From there you find commands for configuration of Frame Relay, ATM, Access Lists, and Queues as the next set of topics, followed up with Interior Routing Protocols like RIP, IGRP, EIGRP and OSPF being tackled. Moving on BGP and SNMP, DDR, HSRP, NAT, security and troubleshooting rounds out the topics. While this book is written to any exam specifications you may it very useful for most if not all Cisco certification exams. Finally the book has over 300 pages devoted to the commands and there breakdown to give you the where to use, description and examples of the code. About the only thing left out was the entire book in e-book format or formatted for the palm. Overall this is one book I will have with for a very long time - well done!!!