CCNA Networking · Quick Reference

Module 2 — Basic Switch & End Device Configuration Cheat Sheet

CCNA Networking

In one line: IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is the operating system that runs on Cisco routers and switches. Just like Windows runs on your PC, IOS runs on Cisco hardware — it provides ...

Key Ideas

1Cisco IOS Overview. IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is the operating system that runs on Cisco routers and switches. Just like Windows runs on your PC, IOS runs on Cisco hardware — it...

2IOS Command Modes. Cisco IOS uses a hierarchical command structure. You must be in the correct mode to run a command — you cannot configure a hostname from User EXEC mode, for example. E...

3IOS Command Structure & Help. Every IOS command follows a consistent syntax: command [keyword] {argument}. Keywords are predefined text words (like show, interface, ip). Arguments are values you su...

4Basic Device Configuration. Every Cisco device should have a hostname (descriptive name that appears in the prompt and logs), secure passwords on all access methods, a banner MOTD (legal warning ...

5Saving Configurations. Cisco devices have two critical configuration files. The running-config is the active configuration stored in RAM — it takes effect immediately but is lost if the devi...

Code Examples

Switch>                              ! User EXEC — limited commands
Switch> enable                       ! Enter Privileged EXEC
Switch#                              ! Now in Privileged EXEC
Switch# configure terminal          ! Enter Global Config...

Switch# ?                            ! List all available commands in this mode
Switch# sh?                          ! Commands beginning with "sh"
  show
Switch# show ?                       ! All keywords for the show command
  interfaces       Interf...

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# hostname SW1                    ! Set device name
SW1(config)#                                     ! Prompt changes immediately
SW1(config)# enable secret Cisco123            ! Encrypted privileged password (MD5...