Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
On a Cisco router, running-config is the configuration currently active in memory; startup-config is the saved configuration used when the router starts. They can differ. After making a change you want to keep, copy the running configuration to the startup configuration.
Before entering commands: check the router and your access
This walkthrough is an illustrative starting point for an existing Cisco router, not a universal configuration. Cisco IOS and IOS XE commands depend on the router family and software release, and interface names differ by model. Confirm the commands and interface identifiers in the guide for your exact device before applying them. On a production router, first check the change plan and how you will retain access if the change interrupts connectivity.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The example below is based on Cisco documentation for an ASR 900 Ethernet interface. Its interface name and IPv4 address are examples only; use values appropriate to your network and device.
Basic CLI sequence
enablemoves from user EXEC to privileged EXEC mode if your credentials and access permit it.configure terminalenters global configuration mode.- Set a hostname if desired, then select the interface you intend to configure. Interface-specific commands belong in interface configuration mode.
- Enter the interface settings, then use
endto return to privileged EXEC mode. - Inspect the active configuration and interface parameters. Save the configuration only after confirming the changes.
Router> enable
Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# hostname Branch-Router
Branch-Router(config)# interface gigabitethernet 0/0/1
Branch-Router(config-if)# ip address 192.168.50.1 255.255.255.0
Branch-Router(config-if)# no shutdown
Branch-Router(config-if)# end
Branch-Router# show running-config
Branch-Router# show ip interface
Branch-Router# copy running-config startup-configCisco’s ASR 900 Ethernet interface example demonstrates selecting an Ethernet interface, assigning an IPv4 address and mask, enabling the interface, and saving. The address, mask, and interface identifier in the block above are not recommendations for another router.
#1 Best Overall
Understand the command modes
The Cisco CLI has command modes. Commands such as show are used in EXEC mode to inspect the device; configuration commands are entered after moving to the appropriate configuration context. For example, after configure terminal, interface gigabitethernet 0/0/1 selects an interface and changes the prompt to interface configuration mode. See Cisco’s IOS command-line interface guide.
Set a hostname
The global configuration command hostname name assigns the router’s system name, which Cisco says appears at the CLI prompt. In the example, hostname Branch-Router changes the prompt accordingly. See Cisco’s IOS XE 17.x basic system management guide.
Rank #2
- Aggregate Throughput: 100 Mbps to 300 Mbps
- Total onboard WAN or LAN 10/100/1000 ports: 3
- RJ-45-based ports: 2
- SFP-based ports: 2
- Enhanced service-module (SM-X) slot: 1
Configure an interface
Choose the correct interface for the task before entering interface-level settings. The example assigns 192.168.50.1 with mask 255.255.255.0, then uses no shutdown to enable the interface. Those values and the interface name must be adapted to the actual network and router. Cisco’s IOS XE IPv4 addressing guide documents interface IPv4 configuration and show ip interface for viewing interface IP parameters.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Verify what is active and what is saved
show running-configdisplays the current active configuration.show startup-configdisplays the configuration saved for startup.show ip interfacedisplays interface IP parameters.
Cisco describes running configuration files as containing “the current configuration of the software.” The running configuration is active, while the startup configuration is used during system startup. The two can differ if changes have been made but not saved. Consult Cisco’s configuration-file guide for details.
Rank #3
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Features 2 RJ45 10/100/1000 LAN/WAN ports for high-speed network connectivity and flexible deployment options
- Enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Card Slots: Equipped with 2 EHWIC slots for modular expansion and customization of network services
- Security Feature Set: Includes SEC feature set with embedded hardware encryption acceleration and advanced security services for comprehensive network protection
- Doublewide EWIC Slot: Provides 1 doublewide EWIC slot that occupies both standard EHWIC slots when used, offering flexibility for high-density interface requirements
- USB Connectivity: Includes 1 USB port for external storage, configuration management, and additional connectivity options
Save changes you want to keep
From privileged EXEC mode, enter copy running-config startup-config to copy the active configuration to the startup configuration. Unsaved running changes may not persist through a reboot. The storage location and boot behavior can depend on the platform’s configuration, so check the specific router guide rather than assuming every model stores or loads files identically.
Optional global setting: disable domain lookup
Cisco’s basic router configuration guide for the 4000 Series ISR lists no ip domain-lookup, which disables translation attempts for unfamiliar words. It is an optional convenience, not a required setup command; verify that it suits the target release and operating environment before using it. See the Cisco 4000 Series ISR basic router configuration guide.
Rank #4
- Enjoy the benefits of Wireless-N in your home--ideal for wireless Internet usage and home office productivity
- Connect your computers, wireless printers, smartphones, and other wireless devices at up to 300 Mbps of transfer speed
- Use four Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports to directly connect wired devices
Why your commands or interface names may differ
The title does not identify a router model or software release, so no single interface identifier or complete command set can be treated as universal. Cisco publishes separate instructions for different product families, including the 4000 Series ISRs and 8100 Series Secure Routers. Match the guide to the device and release you are configuring, particularly for interface naming and startup configuration behavior.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
