A quick tutorial on how to configure a console password on Cisco routers and switches. A console password is asked for only when connecting to the Cisco device via console port so you will NOT be asked for this password when connecting to your Cisco router/switch via telnet or SSH.

Enter the following commands for configuring a console password

Router>enable
Router#configure terminal
Router(config)#line console 0
Router(config-line)#password consolepw
Router(config-line)#login
Router(config-line)#exit
Router(config)#service password-encryption

Replace the word consolepw with your preferred password. The service password-encryption command stores the password in encrypted format. Yuo can use these commands for configuring a console password on a Cisco switch too.

I wanted to start from the basics as this is the first article under the category Networking. A Tutorial on How to Configure Cisco Routers and Switches for Telnet Access. Lets start with some info about the Telnet protocol – Telnet uses port 23, this protocol is used for remote administration of devices through commands. Take note that Telnet sends commands as plaintext over the network so don’t use telnet this unless you’re on a testing environment or 101% sure your network is safe from intruders.Continue Reading…