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Ep 02: Switch Hostname & Running Config

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Switch Hostname & Running Config​

In this episode, we focus on entering Privileged EXEC mode, entering Global Configuration mode, setting the hostname, returning to Privileged EXEC mode, and verifying the running configuration according to the official CCNA 200-301 certification blueprint.

Learning Objectives​

  1. Enter global configuration mode
  2. Set the hostname
  3. Return to Privileged EXEC mode
  4. Verify the configuration

Enter global configuration mode​

When you first connect to a Cisco switch, you will start in User EXEC mode. You can identify User EXEC mode by the > at the end of the prompt.

The switch will initially display something similar to:

Switch>

To make configuration changes to the switch, we first need to enter Privileged EXEC mode. To do this, type enable or en for short into the CLI.

Switch> enable
Switch#

After you type that command you will notice that the CLI changes from a > to a #. The # means you are in Privileged EXEC mode.

From Privileged EXEC mode, type configure terminal or conf t for short to enter Global Configuration mode.

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)#

You may notice that the CLI now shows (config) which allows you to easily see that you are in Global Configuration mode.

📌

Key Concept To Remember For The CCNA

You must be in Privileged EXEC mode before you can enter Global Configuration mode. The > prompt represents User EXEC mode, while the # prompt represents Privileged EXEC mode.

Set the hostname​

The company standard requires every network device to have a descriptive hostname. In this scenario, the new switch is being prepared for the branch office rack, so we will give the switch the hostname Branch-SW1.

In Global Configuration mode, type hostname Branch-SW1.

Switch(config)# hostname Branch-SW1
Branch-SW1(config)#

After you type the command, you will immediately notice that the CLI prompt changes to Branch-SW1(config)#. This confirms that the hostname has been changed.

📌

Do not Forget!

Using descriptive hostnames makes network devices easier to identify and manage. The hostname is also displayed in the CLI prompt, making it easier to determine which device you are currently configuring.

Return to Privileged EXEC Mode​

After setting the hostname, we can return to Privileged EXEC mode. The end command takes us directly out of Global Configuration mode and back to Privileged EXEC mode.

Branch-SW1(config)# end
Branch-SW1#

You can also type exit to leave Global Configuration mode.

Branch-SW1(config)# exit
Branch-SW1#

Notice that the (config) portion of the prompt is gone. The # means that we are back in Privileged EXEC mode.

Verify the configuration​

After making a configuration change, it is important to verify that the change was applied correctly. The show running-config command displays the active configuration currently being used by the switch.

Branch-SW1# show running-config

When reviewing the output, look for the hostname command near the beginning of the configuration.

!
hostname Branch-SW1
!

Seeing hostname Branch-SW1 in the running configuration confirms that the hostname has been successfully applied to the active configuration.

📌

Key Concept To Remember For The CCNA

The running configuration is stored in RAM and contains the configuration currently being used by the device. Changes made to the running configuration are active immediately, but they will be lost if the switch is reloaded unless the configuration is saved to the startup configuration.

⚠️

Always verify that configuration changes are committed to NVRAM using one of the following options:
1: copy running-config startup-config
2: do wr
3. wr

Follow The Rest Of The Series Here​

CCNA Master Guide

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