Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.07.14
What initial configuration tasks should always be performed on a new Cisco router?
Set the hostname → secure access with passwords (enable secret, console, VTY) → add a login banner → encrypt passwords → save to startup-config.
Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# hostname R1
R1(config)# enable secret class
R1(config)# line console 0
R1(config-line)# password cisco
R1(config-line)# login
R1(config-line)# exit
R1(config)# line vty 0 4
R1(config-line)# password cisco
R1(config-line)# login
R1(config-line)# exit
R1(config)# service password-encryption
R1(config)# banner motd $ Authorized Access Only! $
R1(config)# end
R1# copy running-config startup-config
Configuration checklist:
| Task | Why |
|---|---|
| Set hostname | Distinguish from other devices in the network |
| Enable secret | Secure privileged EXEC mode access (MD5 (Message Digest 5) hashed) |
| Console password | Secure physical console access |
| VTY (Virtual Teletype) passwords | Secure remote access (Telnet/SSH (Secure Shell)) |
service password-encryption |
Encrypt plaintext passwords in the config file (weak Type 7, but better than nothing) |
| Banner MOTD (Message of the Day) | Legal notice warning against unauthorized access |
| Save config | Persist changes to NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) |
Tip: Routers and switches share the same basic IOS command structure — these steps are nearly identical on both.
Go deeper:
Cisco IOS (Wikipedia) — the EXEC/config command modes and privilege levels these hostname/secret/line commands move through.