router rip
Enters RIP router configuration mode to enable and configure the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) on a Cisco router.
router ripWhen to Use This Command
- Enable RIP on a router to exchange routing information with neighboring RIP-enabled routers in a small to medium-sized network.
- Configure RIP version 2 to support classless routing, VLSM, and authentication.
- Redistribute static routes or connected networks into RIP to propagate them across the network.
- Disable RIP on a specific interface using the passive-interface command to prevent unnecessary routing updates.
Command Examples
Basic RIP Configuration with Network Statements
router rip
version 2
network 192.168.1.0
network 10.0.0.0
no auto-summaryrouter rip version 2 network 192.168.1.0 network 10.0.0.0 no auto-summary
The 'router rip' command enters RIP configuration mode. 'version 2' sets RIP to use RIPv2. 'network 192.168.1.0' enables RIP on interfaces in that subnet. 'network 10.0.0.0' enables RIP on interfaces in that subnet. 'no auto-summary' disables automatic summarization at classful boundaries, allowing VLSM.
RIP Configuration with Passive Interface
router rip
version 2
network 192.168.1.0
passive-interface gigabitethernet0/1
no auto-summaryrouter rip version 2 network 192.168.1.0 passive-interface gigabitethernet0/1 no auto-summary
The 'passive-interface gigabitethernet0/1' command prevents RIP updates from being sent out that interface, while still allowing the router to receive updates on that interface. This is useful for interfaces connected to end devices or networks where you don't want to send routing updates.
Understanding the Output
The 'router rip' command itself does not produce output; it enters a configuration mode. The output shown in examples is the configuration commands as typed. To verify RIP configuration, use 'show ip protocols' or 'show run | section router rip'. The 'show ip protocols' output displays RIP version, networks, passive interfaces, and timers. Key fields include 'Routing Protocol is RIP' confirming RIP is enabled, 'Outgoing update filter list for all interfaces' showing filters, 'Default version control' indicating version, 'Routing for Networks' listing advertised networks, 'Routing Information Sources' showing neighbors, and 'Distance' (default 120). A good configuration shows all intended networks listed and neighbors appearing. Watch for missing networks or incorrect version.
CCNA Exam Tips
Remember that 'router rip' is entered in global configuration mode, not interface mode.
CCNA exam often tests the difference between RIPv1 (classful, no VLSM) and RIPv2 (classless, supports VLSM and authentication).
The 'no auto-summary' command is critical for RIPv2 to advertise subnets; without it, RIPv2 behaves like RIPv1.
Passive interfaces are a common exam topic: they prevent sending updates but still receive them.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting to use 'version 2' and relying on default RIPv1, which does not support VLSM.
Omitting 'no auto-summary', causing subnets to be summarized at classful boundaries.
Applying 'network' statements with incorrect wildcard masks or classful boundaries instead of exact subnets.
Related Commands
show ip protocols
Displays the current state of all IP routing protocols running on the router, including timers, filters, and network advertisements.
show ip route
Displays the current IP routing table on a Cisco router, used to verify routes, check next-hop addresses, and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
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