This guide is based on a walkthrough video on how to interact with a Cisco switch using Cisco Packet Tracer and real devices. It covers the basics of switch boot-up, user/privileged modes, configuring a hostname, and understanding MAC address table learning.

• Cisco devices run an OS called Cisco IOS or IOS XE.

• It is NOT the same as Apple iOS.

• Switches boot and may prompt: Would you like to enter the initial configuration dialog?

  • Recommended: Type no

• Legacy: Console cable from COM port to switch.

• Modern: USB-to-COM adapter or micro USB.

• Use PuTTY to connect via serial (e.g. COM8).

?               # Shows available commands
TAB             # Autocompletes command
UP Arrow        # Recall last command

enable          # Move from user to privileged mode
disable         # Back to user mode
configure terminal  # Enter global config mode
end             # Exit to privileged mode
exit            # Exit a session or mode

show version                # Display IOS version and uptime
show mac address-table      # View MAC address learning table

• Switches learn MAC addresses dynamically when devices send traffic.

• Command:

show mac address-table

Vlan    Mac Address       Type        Ports
----    -----------       --------    -----
   1    0011.2233.4455    DYNAMIC     Gi1/1
   1    00aa.bbcc.ddee    DYNAMIC     Gi1/3

• DYNAMIC means the MAC was learned when traffic was detected.

• Ports correspond to physical switch interfaces (e.g. GigabitEthernet1/1).

• If a device moves ports, the switch removes the old MAC entry and learns the new one.

erase startup-config     # Erases configuration
reload                   # Reboots the switch

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) can delay port activity for ~30 seconds.

• MAC address entries timeout after inactivity.

• Use ipconfig /all on Windows to verify MAC address.

• Use Packet Tracer for practice; real switches have more commands.

1. Boot the switch → Say No to initial config dialog.

2. Enter CLI → Press Enter.

3. Enter privileged mode:

   enable
   

4. Enter global config mode:

   configure terminal
   

5. Set hostname:

   hostname S1
   

6. Exit and save config:

   end
   write memory
   

7. View MAC address table after devices communicate:

   show mac address-table
   

• CLI: Command Line Interface

• IOS: Internetwork Operating System

• MAC Table / CAM Table: Mapping of MAC addresses to switch ports

• Spanning Tree Protocol: Prevents loops in switch topology

The best way to learn networking is to build and break small labs. Use Packet Tracer or physical equipment to reinforce CLI skills and core concepts like MAC address learning. Repetition and hands-on practice are key to success.

📦 Repo maintained by: [Your GitHub Handle Here]
🎓 Based on video lesson by: David Bombal or similar resource