When making a console connection to a Cisco router or switch using HyperTerminal (or a similar terminal program), what is the standard default bit rate (baud rate) that the terminal should be configured to?

Introduction / Context:
Cisco routers and switches are often configured and managed via a console connection, especially when no network connectivity is yet available. Terminal emulation programs such as HyperTerminal, PuTTY or Tera Term are used to connect to the console port. For the connection to work properly, the terminal settings must match the device's console line configuration, including the bit rate (baud rate).

Given Data / Assumptions:

We are using the default console settings on a Cisco device that has not been modified.
We are connecting via a serial console cable using a terminal program.
We need to know the default bit rate for this console connection.

Concept / Approach:
By default, Cisco devices use a console configuration of 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and no flow control (often written as 9600 8N1). Although it is possible to change these settings, the exam and many real world scenarios assume the default. Therefore, configuring HyperTerminal or any other terminal emulator to 9600 bps is standard practice.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Open the terminal emulator and choose the correct COM port for the console cable. Set the bit rate (baud rate) to 9600 bps, which is the Cisco default. Configure 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and no hardware or software flow control. Initiate the connection and press Enter; you should see the device prompt or boot messages if the settings match. Thus, among the options, 9600 bps is the correct default bit rate.

Verification / Alternative check:
Cisco documentation and configuration guides consistently show examples where "line console 0" is configured with speed 9600 by default. Many terminal emulator presets for "Cisco console" also default to 9600 bps. While some environments use higher speeds for specialized needs, the exam expects the commonly used default value.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (2400 bps) and option b (1200 bps) are much slower legacy speeds rarely used for modern Cisco console connections.
Option d (6400 bps) is not a common standard bit rate for console lines.
Option e (19200 bps) is a valid serial speed but not the default used by Cisco consoles.

Common Pitfalls:
An incorrect bit rate setting is a common reason that users see garbled characters or no output at all in their terminal emulator. Always verify that your settings are 9600 8N1 with no flow control when first connecting. If the device has been reconfigured to a different speed, you may need to try other common rates, but 9600 is the correct starting point.

Final Answer:
The standard default bit rate for a Cisco console connection is 9600 bps.