Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

In a Cisco router, what does the command 'enable' do?

1. Promotes a user to privileged EXEC mode

2. Initiates the configuration mode

3. Starts the debugging process

4. Changes the device hostname

The correct answer is: Promotes a user to privileged EXEC mode

The command 'enable' in a Cisco router is used to switch the user from user EXEC mode to privileged EXEC mode. This is a crucial aspect of Cisco device management because privileged EXEC mode grants users access to more advanced commands and configurations that are not accessible in the user EXEC mode. In user EXEC mode, the user is limited to basic monitoring commands that do not allow for configuration changes or detailed information access. By using the 'enable' command, the router prompts for an optional password, and upon successful entry, the user can access a broader range of commands, including those that are necessary to modify system settings and troubleshoot issues. The significance of this command lies in its role in establishing the permission level necessary for effective network management, which is vital for maintaining and configuring network devices.