Drag and Drop Question Drag and drop the tools from the left onto the corresponding primary functions on the right. Answer:

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Cisco Router Boot Sequence - Explanation

This question maps the Cisco router boot process in the correct chronological order. Each step depends on the previous one completing successfully.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Performs power-on self-test (POST)

• Why first: When power is applied, the CPU immediately executes POST from ROM. It verifies that hardware components (CPU, RAM, interfaces) are functional before any software runs. Nothing else can proceed if hardware is faulty.
• Common mistake: Thinking POST and bootstrap happen simultaneously - POST always comes first.

2. Loads and runs bootstrap code (firmware)

• Why second: After POST passes, the bootstrap program (stored in ROM) is loaded. Its sole job is to act as a minimal loader - it doesn't run IOS, it just knows how to find IOS. Think of it as the BIOS of the router.
• Common mistake: Confusing bootstrap with IOS itself. Bootstrap is firmware; IOS is the full operating system. Bootstrap is always present in ROM; IOS is loaded from flash/TFTP/etc.

3. Finds and loads the Cisco IOS software

• Why third: The bootstrap program locates IOS (typically in flash memory, or via TFTP if configured) and loads it into RAM. The router cannot do anything useful without IOS.
• Common mistake: Assuming IOS loads directly without bootstrap. Bootstrap is the necessary intermediary.

4. Finds and loads the configuration

• Why fourth: Once IOS is running in RAM, it looks for the startup configuration (in NVRAM by default, or via TFTP). This file tells IOS how to behave - interfaces, routing protocols, passwords, etc.
• Common mistake: Thinking configuration loads before IOS. IOS must be present to interpret the configuration - a config file is meaningless without the OS.

5. Runs the configured Cisco IOS software

• Why last: With IOS loaded and the configuration applied, the router enters normal operation. This is the functional state where routing, switching, and management occur.
• Common mistake: Treating this as a separate "run" phase distinct from step 3 - the distinction is important: step 3 loads IOS into memory, step 5 is IOS actively running with its configuration applied.

Memory Aid

Poor Boys Invent Clever Routes POST → Bootstrap → IOS → Config → Run

Each stage hands off to the next - skip one and the router cannot proceed to the next phase.

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