Command modes

Describes how to use various common command modes of the Cisco IOS software.

Command modes

Shows examples of the prompts displayed.
Command mode Command
User Exec

When you log in to the CLI, you are in User Exec mode. Contains only a limited subset of commands.

 Router>
Privileged Exec

You can have access to all commands in this mode. Typically, require a password. Use the enable command. Your prompt changes to Router#.

 
Router> enable
Password <password>
Router#
Global configuration

Enter the configure terminal privileged EXEC command to enter global configuration mode. Your prompt changes to Router(config)#.

 
Router# configure terminal
Router(config)#
Note: Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CTRL+Z or Exit command.
Interface configuration
From global configuration mode, specify an interface by using an interface command. Your prompt changes to Router(config_if)#.
Note: Enter ? to display what you must enter next on the command line.
 
Router(config)# interface serial ?
<0-6> Serial interface number
Router(config)# interface serial 4 ?
/
Router(config)# interface serial 4/ ?
<0-3> Serial interface number
Router(config)# interface serial 4/0
Router(config-if)#
ROM monitor mode

ROM monitor mode is a separate mode that is used when the Cisco IOS software cannot load properly. From privileged EXEC mode, use the reload EXEC command. Your prompt changes to rommon #>.

 
Router# reload
>