Step-by-Step Guide Which is the Command to Configure a Banner to Be Displayed When Connecting to a Switch?

Introduction

Configuring a banner on a Cisco switch is an essential part of network administration. A banner serves as a message displayed to users when they connect to the switch. It can be used for legal notices, security warnings, or general information about the network. Banners play a crucial role in informing users about the acceptable use of the device and warning unauthorized individuals against accessing the system.

Cisco switches provide multiple types of banners, including the Message of the Day (MOTD) banner, Login banner, and Exec banner. Each serves a different purpose and can be customized based on the administrator’s needs. In this article, we will discuss the command used to configure a banner on a switch, its importance, and the step-by-step process of implementing it.

DumpsQueen Official Website brings you this detailed guide to help you master Cisco networking configurations and commands.

Understanding Banner Configuration on a Cisco Switch

When users connect to a Cisco switch, a banner message can be displayed before they log in. This message can include security warnings, company policies, or a simple welcome text. The primary reason for configuring a banner is to provide important information before users access the network.

Cisco offers three main types of banners:

MOTD (Message of the Day) Banner – Displayed before login and commonly used for general messages.
Login Banner – Shown before the login prompt and typically used for legal disclaimers.
Exec Banner – Appears after a successful login and is useful for administrative notifications.

Command to Configure a Banner on a Cisco Switch

The most commonly used banner type is the Message of the Day (MOTD) banner. The command to configure it is:

Switch(config)# banner motd # Welcome to DumpsQueen Network! Unauthorized access is prohibited. #

Explanation of the Command

banner motd – This command initiates the configuration of a Message of the Day (MOTD) banner.
# – The delimiter, used to mark the CCNP Enterprise Certification start and end of the message. Any unique character can be used as a delimiter, but it should not be included in the message itself.
Welcome to DumpsQueen Network! Unauthorized access is prohibited. – This is the actual banner message displayed when someone connects to the switch.

Configuring Different Types of Banners

While the MOTD banner is widely used, network administrators may also configure login and exec banners based on their requirements.

Setting Up a Login Banner

A login banner appears before the login credentials are entered. It is commonly used for security warnings or legal notices. To configure a login banner, use the following command:

Switch(config)# banner login # Unauthorized access is a criminal offense. Proceed only if authorized. #

Setting Up an Exec Banner

An exec banner is displayed after the user successfully logs in. This banner is useful for displaying additional administrative messages or system information. To configure an exec banner, use:

Switch(config)# banner exec # Welcome to DumpsQueen Network Admin Console. #

Step-by-Step Process to Configure a Banner on a Cisco Switch

Accessing the Switch

To configure a banner, first, establish a connection to the Cisco switch using a console cable, SSH, or Telnet. Once connected, enter privileged EXEC mode:

Switch> enable

Then, enter global configuration mode:

Switch# configure terminal

Implementing the Banner Command

Once in global configuration mode, enter the command for the desired banner type. For an MOTD banner:

Switch(config)# banner motd # Access to this system is restricted. Unauthorized users will be prosecuted. #

For a login banner:

Switch(config)# banner login # Only authorized personnel are allowed. #

For an exec banner:

Switch(config)# banner exec # This system is monitored. #

Saving the Configuration

After configuring the banner, it is important to save the settings to prevent them from being lost after a reboot. Use the following command to save the configuration:

Switch# write memory

Alternatively, use:

Switch# copy running-config startup-config

Verifying the Configuration

To ensure the banner has been configured correctly, exit the session and reconnect to the switch. The banner should appear before the login prompt.

Troubleshooting Banner Configuration Issues

Banner Not Displaying

If the banner does not appear when connecting to the switch, consider the following:

Check if the delimiter symbol is correctly placed and not used within the message.
Verify that the command syntax is correct.
Ensure that the configuration was saved properly using write memory.

Syntax Errors

If an error occurs while entering the command, ensure the correct syntax is used and that the delimiter does not interfere with the message.

Configuration Not Saving

If the banner disappears after rebooting the switch, the configuration was not saved. Run write memory or copy running-config startup-config to store the settings permanently.

Conclusion

Configuring a banner on a Cisco switch is an important aspect of network security and administration. Banners inform users of network policies, legal disclaimers, and security warnings. The banner motd, banner login, and banner exec commands allow administrators to create custom messages that enhance security and provide essential information to users. By following the correct configuration steps and saving the settings, administrators can ensure that banners are effectively implemented and persist through device reboots.