Starting SDM

Cisco SDM usually is stored in the router flash memory. However, it can also be stored on a local PC. To launch Cisco SDM, use the HTTPS protocol, and enter the router's IP address into a web browser window. For instance, to access router R1, enter the IP address  https://198.162.10.1 and the launch page for Cisco SDM appears

Initial SDM  Web Page

SDM Launch Page

The http:// prefix can be used if SSL is unavailable. When the username and password dialog box appears (not shown), enter a username and password for the privileged ( privilege level 15 ) account on the router. After the launch page appears, a signed Cisco   SDM Java applet appears; it must remain open while Cisco SDM is running. Because it is a signed Cisco SDM Java applet, you may be prompted to accept a certificate.

Cisco SDM Home Page Overview

The SDM Home Page displays the router model; the total amount of memory; the versions of flash, IOS, and SDM; the hardware installed; and a summary of some security features, such as firewall status and the number of active VPN connections.

Specifically, it provides basic information about the router hardware, software, and configuration:

• Menu bar: The top of the screen has a typical menu bar with file, edit, view, tools, and help menus.
• Tool bar: Below the menu bar are the SDM wizards and modes you can select.
• Router information:  The current mode is displayed on the left side , under the tool bar.
• Configuration overview:  Summarizes the configuration settings. To view the running configuration, click the View Running Config  button, located at the top right of this section.

The About Your Router section is the area of the Cisco SDM home page that shows basic information about the router hardware and software. It includes the following elements:

• Host Name section displays the router's configured hostname, which in this example is R1
• Hardware section displays the router model number , the available and total amounts of RAM, and the amount of flash memory available.
• Software section describes the Cisco IOS software and Cisco SDM versions running on the routers
• Features Availability bar is located across the bottom of the About Your Router tab. It displays the features available in the Cisco IOS image that the router is using. If the indicator beside each feature is green, the feature is available. If the indicator is red, the feature is unavailable. Check marks show that the feature is configured on the router.