4/13/2020 Introduction to Networks -Cisco IOS Access

 Introduction to Networks /  2 - Basic Switch and End Device Conguration /  2.1 - Cisco IOS Access

Cisco IOS Access

2.1.1

Operating Systems 

All end devices and network devices require an operating system (OS). As shown in the gure, the
portion of the OS that interacts directly with computer hardware is known as the kernel. The portion
that interfaces with applications and the user is known as the shell. The user can interact with the shell
using a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI).

Shell

Kernel

Hardware

Shell - The user interface that allows users to request specic tasks from the computer. These
requests can be made either through the CLI or GUI interfaces.
Kernel - Communicates between the hardware and software of a computer and manages how
hardware resources are used to meet software requirements.
Hardware - The physical part of a computer including underlying electronics.

When using a CLI, the user interacts directly with the system in a text-based environment by entering
commands on the keyboard at a command prompt, as shown in the example. The system executes the

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command, often providing textual output. The CLI requires very little overhead to operate. However, it
does require that the user have knowledge of the underlying command structure that controls the
system.

analyst@secOps ~]$ ls
Desktop Downloads lab.support.files second_drive
[analyst@secOps ~]$

2.1.2

GUI 

A GUI such as Windows, macOS, Linux KDE, Apple iOS, or Android allows the user to interact with the
system using an environment of graphical icons, menus, and windows. The GUI example in the gure is
more user-friendly and requires less knowledge of the underlying command structure that controls the
system. For this reason, most users rely on GUI environments.

However, GUIs may not always be able to provide all the features available with the CLI. GUIs can also
fail, crash, or simply not operate as specied. For these reasons, network devices are typically
accessed through a CLI. The CLI is less resource intensive and very stable when compared to a GUI.

The family of network operating systems used on many Cisco devices is called the Cisco Internetwork
Operating System (IOS). Cisco IOS is used on many Cisco routers and switches regardless of the type
or size of the device. Each device router or switch type uses a dierent version of Cisco IOS. Other
Cisco operating systems include IOS XE, IOS XR, and NX-OS.

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Note: The operating system on home routers is usually called rmware. The most common method for
conguring a home router is by using a web browser-based GUI.

2.1.3

Purpose of an OS 

Network operating systems are similar to a PC operating system. Through a GUI, a PC operating
system enables a user to do the following:

Use a mouse to make selections and run programs

Enter text and text-based commands
View output on a monitor

A CLI-based network operating system (e.g., the Cisco IOS on a switch or router) enables a network
technician to do the following:

Use a keyboard to run CLI-based network programs

Use a keyboard to enter text and text-based commands
View output on a monitor

Cisco networking devices run particular versions of the Cisco IOS. The IOS version is dependent on the
type of device being used and the required features. While all devices come with a default IOS and
feature set, it is possible to upgrade the IOS version or feature set to obtain additional capabilities.

The gure displays a list of IOS software releases for a Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch.

Cisco Software Download Example

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2.1.4



Access Introduction to Networks
Methods v7.0


A switch will forward trac by default and does not need to be explicitly congured to operate. For
example, two congured hosts connected to the same new switch would be able to communicate.

Regardless of the default behavior of a new switch, all switches should be congured and secured.

Method Description

This is a physical management port that provides out-of-band access to a

Cisco device. Out-of-band access refers to access via a dedicated
management channel that is used for device maintenance purposes only. The
Console advantage of using a console port is that the device is accessible even if no
networking services are congured, such as performing the initial
conguration. A computer running terminal emulation software and a special
console cable to connect to the device are required for a console connection.

SSH is an in-band and recommended method for remotely establishing a

secure CLI connection, through a virtual interface, over a network. Unlike a
console connection, SSH connections require active networking services on
Secure Shell (SSH)
the device, including an active interface congured with an address. Most
versions of Cisco IOS include an SSH server and an SSH client that can be
used to establish SSH sessions with other devices.

Telnet is an insecure, in-band method of remotely establishing a CLI session,

through a virtual interface, over a network. Unlike SSH, Telnet does not
provide a secure, encrypted connection and should only be used in a lab
Telnet
environment. User authentication, passwords, and commands are sent over
the network in plaintext. The best practice is to use SSH instead of Telnet.
Cisco IOS includes both a Telnet server and Telnet client.

Note: Some devices, such as routers, may also support a legacy auxiliary port that was used to
establish a CLI session remotely over a telephone connection using a modem. Similar to a console
connection, the AUX port is out-of-band and does not require networking services to be congured or
available.

2.1.5

Terminal Emulation Programs 

There are several terminal emulation programs you can use to connect to a networking device either by
a serial connection over a console port, or by an SSH/Telnet connection. These programs allow you to

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enhance your productivity by adjusting window sizes, changing font sizes, and changing color
schemes.

Click each program name to see a screen capture of the interface.

PuTTY Tera Term SecureCRT

  

2.1.6

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Check Your Understanding - Cisco IOS Access 

Check your understanding of Cisco IOS Access by choosing the BEST answer to the
 following questions.

1. Which access method would be most appropriate if you were in the equipment room with a new
switch that needs to be congured?

Console

Telnet/SSH

Aux

2. Which access method would be most appropriate if your manager gave you a special cable and
told you to use it to congure the switch?

Console

Telnet/SSH

Aux

3. Which access method would be the most appropriate in-band access to the IOS over a network
connection?

Console

Telnet/SSH

Aux

4. Which access method would be the most appropriate if you call your manager to tell him you
cannot access your router in another city over the internet and he provides you with the
information to access the router through a telephone connection?

Console

Telnet/SSH

Aux

Check Show Me

Reset

 
2.0 2.2
Introduction IOS Navigation

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