In this article, we will discuss the different ways you can exit configuration mode in Cisco IOS. By default, you can only exit configuration mode two ways:
By executing the commit command, which will execute configured changes and save them to the router’s running configuration file
By executing the end command, which will execute configured changes but not save them to the router’s running configuration file
There are a few more ways to exit configuration mode that can be very useful shortcuts. By knowing these shortcuts, you can quickly and efficiently transition from global configuration mode to privileged exec mode.
ctrl-N
In Cisco IOS, you can navigate between different configuration modes and to different commands within those configuration modes. To do this, you use navigation keys, also called shortcut keys.
The most common shortcut key is ctrl-N. This goes to the next command in the current mode. For example, if you are in global configuration mode and then enter ctrl-N, it will go to the next command in global configuration mode.
If you are in privileged exec mode and then enter ctrl-N, it will take you back to global configuration mode where you can make more changes before leaving privileged exec mode. This is very helpful so that you do not have to continuously re-enter commands or re-enter the same command multiple times.
Knowing how to use these shortcut keys can significantly improve your efficiency when working with Cisco IOS.
terminal mode
When in global configuration mode, you can go directly to privileged exec mode by pressing enter twice. This is a quick way to change your running configuration.
You can also exit configuration mode by pressing ctrl+z and then enter, which will take you to priv exec mode.
These are very useful when you are in a situation where you need to make quick changes. If you are in config mode and need to exit, entering ctrl+c will not work- you have to type in ‘yes’ then press enter to accept the change and exit config mode.
esc+z
This shortcut key is very popular among seasoned vets. Esc is the universal command to exit anything, so using Esc with the z key to exit Global Configuration Mode and automatically enter Privileged Exec Mode is very efficient.
Esc+z is a little more subtle than just hitting z alone, too. If someone was trying to take over your device and they were in Global Configuration Mode, they would have to hit z to enter Privileged Exec Mode, and it would not work.
Only someone with proper authorization could use this trick to bypass them. It is a pretty sneaky shortcut key, which makes it even more attractive to some people.
esc+N
Esc is the key typically found in the upper-left corner of your keyboard that looks like a square. When you are in configuration mode, or global configuration mode as it is also called, you can go straight to privileged exec mode by pressing the esc key and then the N key.
Some switches require you to first enter into global configuration mode before entering privileged exec mode. In this case, the Esc+N shortcut will not work. You must first configure the device and then enter into privileged exec mode.
It is important to know that this shortcut only works once you have entered into global configuration mode. If you try to enter privileged exec mode directly from other modes, such as interface configuration mode, it will not work. You must be in global configuration mode first.
/
Another shortcut key used by many users is to exit configuration mode. By default, this is configured as which again, many users are familiar with.
This shortcut key is used by both console and telnet users to exit configuration mode. By pressing this key, the device reverts to privileged exec mode where you can enter commands such as show command and configure terminal.
You can revert to global configuration mode by entering in a configure command but this is not very common. Most users only use the shortcut key to exit configuration mode.
It is very important to note that you cannot re-enter privileged exec mode unless you first enter in the command in global configuration mode. This is for your safety so that you do not accidentally enter in a config terminal command that takes you out of the interface control system. automatically enters you into privileged exec mode.
/resetconfig>
This command takes you directly to Privileged Exec mode without requiring you to make any changes or verify them. This is a very short-lived command as it resets the configuration of the device!
As the name implies, this command resets the device configuration. It is typically used when you need to restart the device for some reason, but want to prevent it from starting in normal configuration mode and instead start it in Privileged Exec mode.
This can be done by using the /resetconfig command in Global Configuration mode. After doing this, the device will reboot and start up in Privileged Exec mode without any other steps required.
The /resetconfig command is a privileged-execmodeonly keyword. You can’t complete this action in global configuration mode.
Does Cisco remember your login ID?
Yes, Cisco does remember your login ID. In fact, it remembers your login ID for the rest of your career, and possibly beyond! Once you log in to the device for the first time using your Cisco credentials, it stores that information in its configuration.
The device uses this information whenever you perform a debug command, or when you attempt to execute privileged exec mode commands. It also checks to see if the credentials are valid before executing the command.
Since it is possible to log into a device using incorrect credentials, it is also possible to put in place security measures to check if they are valid before allowing access.
Changing your login ID is an easy way to protect yourself and ensure that nobody has access to your network unless they are actually authorized.
What is the shortcut key for launch configuration mode?
The launch configuration mode shortcut key is ‘l’. This can be a very useful shortcut key to know, as it allows you to quickly enter launch configuration mode from global configuration mode.
You can enter this command any time you want to launch a device or software instance. It is especially useful before downloading software onto the device, as you will be able to quickly test if the device is properly configured.
Having this knowledge early on will help you quickly identify any issues with the device and its configuration before it is launched. After it has been launched, it may be more difficult to go back and fix things.
This is just one of the many shortcut keys that can help you become more efficient in your day-to-day tasks.
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