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Cisco 3825 Mobile Wireless Edge Router Software Configuration Guide
OL-15667-03
Chapter 2 Cisco IOS Software Basics
Understanding Command Modes
Understanding Command Modes
The Cisco IOS user interface is used in various command modes. Ea ch command mode permits you to
configure different components on your router. The commands available at any given time depend on
which command mode you are in. Entering a question mark (?) at a prompt displays a list of commands
available for that command mode. Table 2-1 lists the most common command modes.
Timesaver Each command mode restricts you to a subset of commands. If you have trouble entering a command,
check the prompt and enter the question mark (?) to see a list of available comman ds. You might be in
the wrong command mode or be using an incorrect syntax.
In the following example, notice how the prompt changes after each command to indicate a new
command mode:
Router> enable
Password:
<enable password>
Router# configure terminal
Router (config)# interface serial 0/0/0
Router (config-if)# line 0
Router (config-line)# controller t1 0
Router (config-controller)# exit
Router (config)# exit
Router#
%SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from console by console
The last message is normal and does not indicate an error. Press Return to get the Router# prompt.
Note You can press Ctrl-Z in any mode to immediately return to enable mode (Router#), instead of entering
exit, which returns you to the previous mode.
Tab l e 2-1 Common Command Modes
Command Mode Access Method
Router Prompt
Displayed Exit Method
User EXEC Log in. Router> Use the logout command.
Privileged EXEC From user EXEC mode,
enter the enable
command.
Router# To exit to user EXEC
mode, use the disable,
exit, or logout command.
Global configuration From the privileged
EXEC mode, enter the
configure terminal
command.
Router (config)# To exit to privileged
EXEC mode, use the exit
or end command, or press
Ctrl-Z.
Interface configuration From the global
configuration mode,
enter the interface type
number command, such
as interface serial
0/0/0.
Router (config-if)# To exit to global
configuration mode, use
the exit command.
To exit directly to
privileged EXEC mode,
press Ctrl-Z.