Cisco Router config alternatives to Cisco SDM (i.e. no Java required)

As an IT administrator, the most important asset you have is your network. It is essential that you maintain a secure and reliable network environment to ensure that your business operations run smoothly. As a result, you need to be familiar with the tools and techniques available to configure and manage your Cisco routers.

One of the most popular tools used to configure and manage Cisco routers is the Cisco Security Device Manager (SDM). While SDM is an effective tool to manage Cisco routers, it requires the use of Java, which can be an issue for some users. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to SDM that can be used to configure and manage Cisco routers without needing Java.

The first alternative to SDM is Cisco's Command Line Interface (CLI). This is an interface that allows administrators to configure and manage their Cisco routers directly from the command line. It is a powerful tool that allows users to quickly and easily configure and manage many of the features of their Cisco routers. The CLI also allows users to configure their routers from a remote location, which is a great feature for larger networks.

Another alternative to SDM is the Cisco Configuration Professional (CCP). This is a graphical user interface that allows administrators to configure their Cisco routers without having to use the command line. CCP has a number of features that make managing and configuring Cisco routers easier, including wizards that help users set up their routers, the ability to save configurations, and a variety of troubleshooting tools.

Another tool that can be used to configure and manage Cisco routers is Cisco Network Assistant (CNA). This is a free tool from Cisco that provides a graphical user interface for configuring and managing Cisco routers. CNA includes a number of features, including the ability to easily monitor the status of multiple routers, the ability to configure and manage multiple routers at the same time, and a variety of troubleshooting tools.

Finally, some users may also choose to use a third-party tool to configure and manage their Cisco routers. Third-party tools typically offer a graphical user interface and may include additional features such as the ability to access the router remotely, or to automatically back up configurations.

In conclusion, while Cisco SDM is a popular tool for configuring and managing Cisco routers, there are several alternatives that can be used without having to use Java. These include the Command Line Interface, the Cisco Configuration Professional, Cisco Network Assistant, and third-party tools. Each of these options offers different features and benefits, and can be used to configure and manage Cisco routers quickly and easily.