What are two characteristics of RAM on a Cisco device? (Choose two.)
a. RAM provides nonvolatile storage.
b. The configuration that is actively running on the device is stored in RAM.
c. The contents of RAM are lost during a power cycle.
d. RAM is a component in Cisco switches but not in Cisco routers.
e. RAM is able to store multiple versions of IOS and configuration files.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answers are:
b. The configuration that is actively running on the device is stored in RAM.
c. The contents of RAM are lost during a power cycle.
Explanation:
RAM (Random Access Memory) is a crucial component of any Cisco device, including both routers and switches. Its primary purpose is to temporarily store data that the device needs to access quickly while it is powered on.
- The configuration that is actively running on the device is stored in RAM (Option b):
- Cisco devices use RAM to store the running configuration, which contains the settings and parameters that the device is actively using. This configuration is loaded into RAM when the device is powered on and is used to control the device’s operations. It is not stored permanently and must be saved to the startup configuration (stored in NVRAM) if changes are to persist after a reboot.
- This makes RAM essential for the normal operation of the device because, without it, the device cannot function based on its configuration settings.
- The contents of RAM are lost during a power cycle (Option c):
- One key characteristic of RAM is that it is volatile memory. This means that when the device loses power (such as during a reboot or power outage), all data stored in RAM is erased. This includes the running configuration and any other temporary data or processes. This is in contrast to non-volatile storage (like NVRAM or flash memory), which retains its contents even after the device is powered off.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- a. RAM provides nonvolatile storage:
- This is incorrect. RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses its data when power is removed. Nonvolatile memory, such as NVRAM or flash, is used for storing configurations that need to persist across reboots.
- d. RAM is a component in Cisco switches but not in Cisco routers:
- This statement is false. Both Cisco routers and switches use RAM for similar purposes, including storing the running configuration, routing tables, and buffers for network traffic. Therefore, RAM is present in both types of devices.
- e. RAM is able to store multiple versions of IOS and configuration files:
- This is incorrect. RAM is not used to store multiple versions of the IOS (Internetwork Operating System) or configuration files. Flash memory is typically used for storing the IOS and configuration files. RAM is used for running configurations and temporary processes, not for long-term storage.
In summary, RAM in Cisco devices is used for temporarily storing the running configuration and active processes, and its contents are erased during a power cycle.