How to Use 'Show' Commands in Privileged EXEC Mode: A Beginner’s Guide

 

If you’re new to Cisco networking, one of the first skills you’ll need is mastering Privileged EXEC mode and its powerful ‘show’ commands. These commands allow you to monitor, troubleshoot, and manage Cisco routers and switches effectively.

This beginner-friendly guide will explain:

• What Privileged EXEC mode is
• Why show commands are important
• Essential commands you must know
• Practical tips to get started

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🔹 What is Privileged EXEC Mode?

Cisco devices use different CLI (Command Line Interface) modes:

• User EXEC mode → Limited access (monitoring only).
• Privileged EXEC mode → Full access to advanced commands like show, debug, and configuration commands.

To enter Privileged EXEC mode:

Router> enable

Router#

👉 Notice the prompt changes from > to #.

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🔹 Why Use 'Show' Commands?

The show commands give real-time information about your device. 

They are used to:

• Display current and saved configurations.
• Check interface status and IP addresses.
• Monitor device performance and uptime.
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues with neighbors and ARP tables.

They’re the most essential commands for both beginners and professionals.

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Essential 'Show' Commands for Beginners

Command	Purpose
show running-config	Displays current active configuration (RAM).
show startup-config	Displays saved configuration (NVRAM).
show ip interface brief	Summarizes interfaces, IPs, and status.
show interfaces	Gives detailed interface statistics.
show version	Shows IOS version, uptime, and hardware info.
show vlan brief	(On switches) Lists VLANs configured.
show mac address-table	(On switches) Displays learned MAC addresses.
show arp	Displays ARP table (IP-to-MAC mapping).
show cdp neighbors	Shows directly connected Cisco devices.

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🔹 Example: Checking Interfaces

The most common troubleshooting command is:

Router# show ip interface brief

Sample output:

Interface       IP-Address     OK? Method Status Protocol

Fa0/0           192.168.1.1     YES manual up     up

Fa0/1           unassigned      YES unset  administratively down down

From this output, you can quickly see:

• Which interfaces have IP addresses.
• Whether they’re up (enabled).
• Whether the protocol is working.

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🔹 Quick Tips for Beginners

✅ Use ? after typing show to see available options.

✅ Practice in Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 before working on live devices.

✅ Remember:

• running-config = active, temporary configuration.
• startup-config = saved, permanent configuration.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Learning how to use show commands in Privileged EXEC mode is the foundation of Cisco networking. These commands make it easy to troubleshoot, monitor, and understand how routers and switches operate.

Whether you’re studying for the CCNA certification or just starting your networking career, practicing these commands will build your confidence and skills.

👉 For more tutorials and networking guides, visit FlackBox

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Privileged EXEC mode in Cisco?

Privileged EXEC mode is a higher-level command mode in Cisco IOS that allows administrators to use advanced commands like show, debug, and configuration commands.

2. How do I enter Privileged EXEC mode?

Type enable in User EXEC mode (Router>) to access Privileged EXEC mode (Router#).

3. What is the difference between show running-config and show startup-config?

·       show running-config displays the current active configuration stored in RAM.

·       show startup-config displays the saved configuration in NVRAM, which loads after a reboot.

4. Which show command is best for troubleshooting interfaces?

The show ip interface brief command provides a quick overview of IP addresses, interface status, and protocol status, making it the most useful for troubleshooting.

5. Can I practice Cisco 'show' commands without real devices?

Yes. You can use Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 to simulate routers and switches for practice.