The Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System)

The cisco IOS is what runs cisco routers as well as cisco switches, and it’s allow you to configure the device as well. The cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) is the kernel of cisco routers and most switches. In case you don’t know. A kernel is the most basic level or core of an operating system of a computer responsible for resources allocation, file management and security. Or in plain English it’s the central unit or most important part of a device.

The cisco IOS is a proprietary kernel that provides routing, switching, internetworking, and telecommunication features. The first IOS was first written by William Yeager in 1986, and it enabled network applications. It runs on most cisco routers as well as an ever-increasing number of cisco catalysts switch, like the catalyst 2950/2960 and 3550/3560 series switches.

Here are some of the important things that the cisco router IOS software is responsible for:

·         Carrying network protocols and function

·         Adding security to control access and stop unauthorized network use.

·         Providing scalability for ease of network growth and redundancy

·         Connecting high-speed traffic between devices

·         Supplying network reliability for connecting to network resources

You can access the cisco IOS through the console port of a router, from a modem into the auxiliary (or AUX) port, or even through Telnet. Access to the IOS command line is called an EXEC session. See HOW TO CONNECTTO CISCO ROUTER