Chapter 2
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2/14/2015
All Cisco network devices use an operating system otherwise known as an
internetwork operating system or IOS.
CLI Command line interface
Operating system is stored inside the router
RAM Random Access Memory- volatile - Programs, data, and commands are
processed through RAM.
ROM Read Only Memory- Non-volatile bootstrap
Flash Memory is stored in a semi permanent location. It is non-volatile. Info is
copied from flash to RAM (Volatile)
3 ways to access CLI environment:
Consol Almost all programming occurs through the consol. User must be within the
vicinity of the device. The console port is a management port that provides out-of-band access to Cisco
device. Out-of-band access refers to access via a dedicated management channel that is used for device
maintenance purposes only. The advantage of using a console port is that the device is accessible even if
no networking services have been configured, such as when performing an initial configuration of the
networking device. When performing an initial configuration, a computer running terminal emulation
software is connected to the console port of the device using a special cable. Configuration commands for
setting up the switch or router can be entered on the connected computer.
The console port can also be used when the networking services have failed and remote access of the
Cisco IOS device is not possible. If this occurs, a connection to the console can enable a computer to
determine the status of the device. By default, the console conveys the device startup, debugging, and
error messages. After the network technician is connected to the device, the network technician can
perform any configuration commands necessary using the console session.
For many IOS devices, console access does not require any form of security, by default. However, the
console should be configured with passwords to prevent unauthorized device access. In the event that a
password is lost, there is a special set of procedures for bypassing the password and accessing the
device. The device should also be located in a locked room or equipment rack to prevent unauthorized
physical access.
Telnet or SSH Used when you are remote from your devices. Telnet is a
method for remotely establishing a CLI session of a device, through a virtual interface, over a network.
Unlike the console connection, Telnet sessions require active networking services on the device. The
network device must have at least one active interface configured with an Internet address, such as an
IPv4 address. Cisco IOS devices include a Telnet server process that allows users to enter configuration
commands from a Telnet client. In addition to supporting the Telnet server process, the Cisco IOS device
also contains a Telnet client. This allows a network administrator to telnet from the Cisco device CLI to
any other device that supports a Telnet server process.
The Secure Shell (SSH) protocol provides a remote login similar to Telnet, except that it uses more
secure network services. SSH provides stronger password authentication than Telnet and uses encryption
when transporting session data. This keeps the user ID, password, and the details of the management
session private. As a best practice, use SSH instead of Telnet whenever possible.
Most versions of Cisco IOS include an SSH server. In some devices, this service is enabled by default.
Other devices require the SSH server to be enabled manually. IOS devices also include an SSH client
that can be used to establish SSH sessions with other devices.
AUX port - An older way to establish a CLI session remotely is via a telephone dialup
connection using a modem connected to the auxiliary (AUX) port of a router, which is highlighted in the
figure. Similar to the console connection, the AUX method is also an out-of-band connection and does not
require any networking services to be configured or available on the device. In the event that network
services have failed, it may be possible for a remote administrator to access the switch or router over a
telephone line.
The AUX port can also be used locally, like the console port, with a direct connection to a computer
running a terminal emulation program. However, the console port is preferred over the AUX port for
troubleshooting because it displays startup, debugging, and error messages by default.
Terminal Emulators
PuTTY
Tera Term
SecureCRT
HyperTerminal
OS X Terminal
Cisco IOS Modes of operation:
User executive (User EXEC) mode
Privileged executive (Privileged EXEC) mode
Global configuration mode
Other specific configuration modes, such as interface configuration mode
NOC Network Operating Center
