How to configure a console port password on Cisco Router

Follow the steps discussed in this guide to configure a console port password on the Cisco Router. In this example, a password is configured for users attempting to use the console. For related guides on Cisco, see: How to configure a username and secret on Cisco Switch and Router, how to wipe configuration off an interface on a Cisco router, how to Reset a Cisco 3650 Catalyst Switch, and how to change the default RDP port in Windows.

Configure a console port password on the Cisco Router

From the privileged EXEC or “enable” prompt, enter configuration mode and then switch to line configuration mode using the following commands as shown below.

Note: The prompts change to reflect the current mode.

router#configure terminal
Enter configuration commands, one per line.  End with CNTL/Z.
router(config)#line con 0
router(config-line)#

To set up the password, and enable password checking at login, please follow the steps below.

router(config-line)#password xxxxxx
router(config-line)#login
Exit configuration mode.
router(config-line)#end
router#
%SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from the console by console
Note: Do not save configuration changes to line con 0 until your ability to log in has been verified.

Note: This is actually not the best way to secure the console port. This is because the password assigned here will show up in plain text. Also, you can view the password from the running configuration etc.

Also, see How to manage automatic login on Ubuntu Linux, how to Update Cisco ASA software, and how to Enable or disable Norton silent mode on Mac.

FAQ relating to the Cisco Router

What is Class of Service (CoS)?

Class of Service (CoS) is a way of managing traffic over a network by assigning a priority over other kinds of traffic. It is used to assign priority levels to Ethernet frame headers of network traffic. Is only applicable to trunked links. By differentiating traffic, CoS allows preferred data packets to be policed and prioritized for transmission. In the event that the network experiences issues such as congestion or delay. You can map CoS priority settings to the traffic forwarding queue on a router.

What is DHCP Option 82?

The DHCP relay is a feature included in the router. It allows DHCP communication between hosts and remote DHCP servers that are not on the same network. Option 82 is a DHCP relay agent information option that allows a DHCP relay agent to include information about itself when forwarding client-originated DHCP packets to a DHCP server. The DHCP server can use this information to implement IP addressing or other parameter-assignment policies. Its thorough identification of the connection adds security to the DHCP process.

I hope you found this blog post on how to configure a console port password on Cisco Router helpful. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment section.