Login messages on Cisco IOS You want administrators to see a custom login message before they access the router. Which IOS command creates this message banner of the day?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: banner motd

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Displaying a legal notice or operational reminder at login is a common security and compliance practice on network devices. Cisco IOS supports several banners, including message of the day (MOTD), login, and exec banners. The most frequently used for general pre-login notices is the MOTD banner.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Administrators connect via console, SSH, or Telnet.
  • We want a message to appear before authentication prompts.
  • We are using classic IOS syntax in global configuration mode.


Concept / Approach:

The command banner motd defines a message of the day banner. After typing the command, IOS prompts for a delimiting character, then you type the banner text, and end with the same delimiter. The MOTD banner is displayed to all users before they log in, making it suitable for legal disclaimers and system-wide announcements.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Enter global configuration mode.Type: banner motd #Enter your message lines and close with the delimiter #Verify by initiating a new login session to see the banner.


Verification / Alternative check:

You can also configure banner login to display a message immediately before the username/password prompt; however, the exam-standard choice for general pre-login messaging is the MOTD banner.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • message banner motd / banner message motd / message motd: invalid IOS command formats.
  • banner login motd: mixes two different banner types; not valid syntax.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Forgetting to terminate the banner text with the chosen delimiter, leaving the terminal stuck in banner input mode.
  • Using special characters in the banner that may be interpreted by terminals; test the banner in your environment.


Final Answer:

banner motd

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