{"id":518,"date":"2026-11-02T00:08:59","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T00:08:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/?p=518"},"modified":"2026-11-03T05:20:58","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T05:20:58","slug":"ccna-basic-commands-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/ccna-basic-commands-list\/","title":{"rendered":"CCNA Basic Commands List 2026: Free Downloadable PDF"},"content":{"rendered":"

CCNA Basic Commands List 2026<\/strong>:\u00a0If you are someone who just started learning CCNA to begin your networking career then learning commands is important. No matter whether you\u2019re self learning or through a training institute if you don\u2019t remember basic commands your study is worthless. You may understand IP addressing, switches, routers and VLANs. But you also need to know how to check a device, configure its settings and find network problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cisco\u2019s CCNA commands help you perform these tasks through the Command-Line Interface (CLI). With regular practice you can learn and use them to check interface status, configure IP addresses, create VLANs, verify routing and troubleshoot connectivity issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

At NC Educations<\/a>, we encourage students to practise commands alongside networking concepts. Therefore we have created this article to provide you the CCNA Basic Commands with simple explanations and examples so you can practise them in Cisco Packet Tracer or a suitable lab environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are CCNA Commands?<\/b><\/h2>\n

CCNA commands are instructions used to configure, manage and troubleshoot Cisco networking devices, such as routers and switches. You enter these commands through the Cisco IOS Command-Line Interface (CLI).<\/span><\/p>\n

For example: if you want to check whether a router’s interfaces are working, you can use <\/span>show ip interface brief<\/span>. If you want to configure an IP address on an interface, you need to enter configuration mode and use the appropriate commands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some CCNA commands only display information, while others change the device configuration. You need to understand the difference before practising on real equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Basic Cisco Router and Switch Commands<\/b><\/h2>\n

Basic commands of Cisco start with these commands to understand how to move through the CLI and check a device’s current settings.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Command<\/b><\/td>\nPurpose<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
enable<\/span><\/td>\nEnters privileged EXEC mode.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
configure terminal<\/span><\/td>\nOpens global configuration mode.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
hostname R1<\/span><\/td>\nChanges the device name to R1.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
show running-config<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays the active configuration.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
show startup-config<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays the saved startup configuration.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
show version<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays device and IOS information.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
show ip interface brief<\/span><\/td>\nShows interface IP addresses and status.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
copy running-config startup-config<\/span><\/td>\nSaves the current configuration for the next startup.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Example: Changing the Router Name<\/b><\/h3>\n

Suppose you are practising on a router and want to name it R1. Then you need to enter these commands:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Router> enable<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Router# configure terminal<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Router(config)# hostname R1<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. R1(config)#<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The prompt changes from <\/span>Router<\/span> to <\/span>R1<\/span>. This makes it easier to identify the device when working with multiple routers.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Remember that changes made to the running configuration are not automatically saved to the startup configuration. Use the save command when you want to keep your changes after a restart.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. Cisco Interface and IP Address Commands<\/b><\/h2>\n

    These CCNA Basic Commands are used in interfaces to connect router or switch uses with other devices. You need to know how to check interface status, assign IP addresses and enable an interface when required.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Command<\/b><\/td>\nPurpose<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    show interfaces<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays interface details and statistics.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    show ip interface brief<\/span><\/td>\nProvides a quick view of interface addresses and status.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    interface gigabitEthernet 0\/0<\/span><\/td>\nEnters configuration mode for the specified interface.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0<\/span><\/td>\nAssigns an IPv4 address and subnet mask.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    no shutdown<\/span><\/td>\nEnables an interface administratively.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    shutdown<\/span><\/td>\nAdministratively disables an interface.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    description LAN Connection<\/span><\/td>\nAdds a description to an interface.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Example: Assigning an IP Address to a Router Interface<\/b><\/h3>\n

    You need to assign a router an IP address then you type these below commands:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. R1# configure terminal<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. R1(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0\/0<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. R1(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. R1(config-if)# no shutdown<\/span><\/li>\n
    5. R1(config-if)# end<\/span><\/li>\n
    6. R1# show ip interface brief<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      This example assigns the address <\/span>192.168.1.1\/24<\/span> to the selected interface and enables it administratively.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Note: The interface must also have a working physical connection and a suitable link at the other end to become operational.<\/span><\/p>\n

      3. CCNA Switching and VLAN Commands<\/b><\/h2>\n

      CCNA Basic Commands food VLANs. This helps divide a switched network into separate logical networks. These commands are useful when learning how to create VLANs, assign switch ports and verify their configuration.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Command<\/b><\/td>\nPurpose<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      show mac address-table<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays learned MAC addresses.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      show vlan brief<\/span><\/td>\nLists VLANs and their assigned access ports.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      vlan 10<\/span><\/td>\nCreates VLAN 10 in global configuration mode.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      name SALES<\/span><\/td>\nNames the VLAN SALES.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      interface fastEthernet 0\/1<\/span><\/td>\nSelects the specified switch interface.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      switchport mode access<\/span><\/td>\nConfigures the port as an access port.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      switchport access vlan 10<\/span><\/td>\nAssigns the access port to VLAN 10.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      show interfaces trunk<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays operational trunk interfaces.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      Example: Creating a VLAN and Assigning a Port<\/b><\/h3>\n

      Let\u2019s suppose a company wants to place its sales team in VLAN 10. Then you need to use following command to configure on a suitable Cisco switch:<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Switch# configure terminal<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Switch(config)# vlan 10<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Switch(config-vlan)# name SALES<\/span><\/li>\n
      4. Switch(config-vlan)# exit<\/span><\/li>\n
      5. Switch(config)# interface fastEthernet 0\/1<\/span><\/li>\n
      6. Switch(config-if)# switchport mode access<\/span><\/li>\n
      7. Switch(config-if)# switchport access vlan 10<\/span><\/li>\n
      8. Switch(config-if)# end<\/span><\/li>\n
      9. Switch# show vlan<\/span> brief<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        The selected port is now configured as an access port for VLAN 10. For devices in different VLANs to communicate, you also need suitable Layer 3 routing and any required access-control rules.<\/span><\/p>\n

        4. CCNA Routing Commands<\/b><\/h2>\n

        CCNA basic commands for routing. Routers use routing information to decide where packets should go. These commands help you inspect routes and practise basic static routing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
        Command<\/b><\/td>\nPurpose<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        show ip route<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays the IPv4 routing table.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        ip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.2<\/span><\/td>\nAdds a static route to a destination network.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        show ip protocols<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays information about active routing protocols.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        show ip ospf neighbor<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays discovered OSPF neighbours.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        ping 192.168.1.2<\/span><\/td>\nTests IP reachability to a destination.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        traceroute 192.168.2.1<\/span><\/td>\nHelps identify the Layer 3 path towards a destination.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

        Example: Configuring a Static Route<\/b><\/h3>\n

        Suppose R1 needs to reach network <\/span>192.168.2.0\/24<\/span> through the next-hop router at <\/span>192.168.1.2<\/span>. You will need below commands to use<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. R1# configure terminal<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. R1(config)# ip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.2<\/span><\/li>\n
        3. R1(config)# end<\/span><\/li>\n
        4. R1# show ip route<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          The route tells R1 to forward packets for that destination network towards the specified next hop. The next-hop address must be reachable for the route to work as intended.<\/span><\/p>\n

          5. CCNA Network Troubleshooting Commands<\/b><\/h2>\n

          CCNA Basic Commands for troubleshooting. Network engineers often use troubleshooting commands to find out why a device cannot connect to another device or service.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
          Command<\/b><\/td>\nWhen to use it<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          ping 8.8.8.8<\/span><\/td>\nTests reachability to a public IP address.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          traceroute 8.8.8.8<\/span><\/td>\nChecks the Layer 3 path towards the destination.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          show interfaces status<\/span><\/td>\nChecks switch port status and related information.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          show ip arp<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays IPv4-to-MAC address mappings on supported devices.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          show cdp neighbors<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays directly connected Cisco neighbours.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          show lldp neighbors<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays neighbours discovered through LLDP.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
          show logging<\/span><\/td>\nDisplays system log messages.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

          Example: A Computer Cannot Access the Internet<\/b><\/h3>\n

          Suppose a user reports that their computer cannot access the internet. You should not immediately change the router configuration. First you would check the basic connectivity and configuration.<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Use <\/span>show ip interface brief<\/span> to check the router interfaces.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
          2. Use <\/span>show ip route<\/span> to see whether a suitable route exists.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
          3. Use <\/span>ping<\/span> to test the next-hop address and then the destination.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
          4. Use <\/span>traceroute<\/span> to help identify where the path may be failing.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
          5. Check the computer’s IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and DNS settings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            These checks help you to narrow down the issue. A failed ping alone does not always mean a network is down, because firewalls or devices may block ICMP traffic.<\/span><\/p>\n

            6. Useful Cisco Commands for Saving and Checking Configurations<\/b><\/h2>\n

            Once you finish practising above CCNA Basic Commands then you should know how to verify and save your work.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
            Command<\/b><\/td>\nPurpose<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            show running-config<\/span><\/td>\nChecks the active configuration.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            show startup-config<\/span><\/td>\nChecks the configuration saved for startup.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            copy running-config startup-config<\/span><\/td>\nSaves the current configuration.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            show version<\/span><\/td>\nChecks the device software and hardware details.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            end<\/span><\/td>\nReturns to privileged EXEC mode from configuration mode.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
            exit<\/span><\/td>\nLeaves the current CLI mode or configuration section.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

            Note: Before saving, review the configuration and confirm that the changes are correct. This is especially important when practising on shared equipment or a live network.<\/span><\/p>\n

            How to Practise CCNA Commands?<\/b><\/h3>\n

            As you are already a beginner so reading commands is useful but you learn better when you enter those by yourself. You can start with a small lab containing one router and one switch, then add more devices as your confidence improves.<\/span><\/p>\n

            You can follow these steps:<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Learn how to move between user EXEC, privileged EXEC and configuration modes.<\/span><\/li>\n
            2. Practise assigning IP addresses and checking interface status.<\/span><\/li>\n
            3. Create VLANs and assign switch ports.<\/span><\/li>\n
            4. Configure a static route and verify the routing table.<\/span><\/li>\n
            5. Use ping and traceroute to investigate connectivity problems.<\/span><\/li>\n
            6. Save your configuration and check it again.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Cisco Packet Tracer is a useful starting point for practising many CCNA configurations without needing physical networking equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Learn CCNA Commands with NC Educations<\/b><\/h3>\n

              At NC Educations, our CCNA training combines networking concepts with hands-on lab practice so students can learn how commands work in real situations. Our training includes instructor-led online classes, practical exercises, certification preparation and interview support. You will learn and practice CCNA Basic Commands and advance as well that will help you in your career goal.<\/span><\/p>\n

              If you are preparing for your first networking role then you can explore our<\/span> CCNA 200-301 training course<\/span><\/a> to learn more about the course structure.<\/span><\/p>\n

              The key is to understand what each command does, when to use it and how to verify the result. You can build a stronger foundation for CCNA with regular practice and start your networking career.<\/span><\/p>\n

              FAQs Related to CCNA Basic Commands<\/b><\/h4>\n

              Question: Which CCNA commands should beginners learn first?<\/b><\/p>\n

              Answer<\/b>: As a beginner, you should start with <\/span>enable<\/span>, <\/span>configure terminal<\/span>, <\/span>show running-config<\/span>, <\/span>show ip interface brief<\/span>, <\/span>show ip route<\/span> and <\/span>ping<\/span>. These commands help you navigate the CLI, check configurations and test basic connectivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Question: Can I practise CCNA commands without a physical router?<\/b><\/p>\n

              Answer<\/b>: Yes, you can practice CCNA commands without any physical router using Cisco Packet Tracer. It lets you practise many common router and switch configurations in a simulated network. However, some features and commands may differ from physical equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Question: Which command displays the IP address of router interfaces?<\/b><\/p>\n

              Answer<\/b>: <\/span>show ip interface brief<\/span> command displays the IP address of router interfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Question: Which command saves the Cisco router configuration?<\/b><\/p>\n

              Answer<\/b>: The command saves the Cisco router configuration is <\/span>copy running-config startup-config<\/span> for the next startup.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Question: Are CCNA commands enough to pass the certification exam?<\/b><\/p>\n

              Answer<\/b>: No, commands are not enough to pass the certification exam<\/a>. They are only one part of preparation. You also need to understand networking fundamentals, IP addressing, switching, routing, IP services, security and automation topics included in the applicable exam blueprint.<\/span><\/p>\n

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              CCNA Basic Commands List 2026:\u00a0If you are someone who just started learning CCNA to begin your networking career then learning commands is important. No matter whether you\u2019re self learning or through a training institute if you don\u2019t remember basic commands your study is worthless. You may understand IP addressing, switches, routers and VLANs. But you … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":511,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-518","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cisco-networking"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/518","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=518"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/518\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":530,"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/518\/revisions\/530"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=518"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=518"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nceducations.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=518"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}