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Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switch Software Configuration Guide
OL-8603-09
Chapter 9 Configuring Switch-Based Authentication
Protecting Access to Privileged EXEC Commands
Configuring Username and Password Pairs
You can configure username and password pairs, which are locally stored on the switch. These pairs are
assigned to lines or ports and authenticate each user before that user can access the switch. If you have
defined privilege levels, you can also assign a specific privilege level (with associated rights and
privileges) to each username and password pair.
Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to establish a username-based authentication
system that requests a login username and a password:
To disable username authentication for a specific user, use the no username name global configuration
command. To disable password checking and allow connections without a password, use the no login
line configuration command.
Command Purpose
Step 1
configure terminal Enter global configuration mode.
Step 2
username name [privilege level]
{password encryption-type password}
Enter the username, privilege level, and password for each user.
• For name, specify the user ID as one word. Spaces and quotation
marks are not allowed.
• (Optional) For level, specify the privilege level the user has after
gaining access. The range is 0 to 15. Level 15 gives privileged EXEC
mode access. Level 1 gives user EXEC mode access.
• For encryption-type, enter 0 to specify that an unencrypted password
will follow. Enter 7 to specify that a hidden password will follow.
• For password, specify the password the user must enter to gain access
to the switch. The password must be from 1 to 25 characters, can
contain embedded spaces, and must be the last option specified in the
username command.
Step 3
line console 0
or
line vty 0 15
Enter line configuration mode, and configure the console port (line 0) or
the VTY lines (line 0 to 15).
Step 4
login local Enable local password checking at login time. Authentication is based on
the username specified in Step 2.
Step 5
end Return to privileged EXEC mode.
Step 6
show running-config Verify your entries.
Step 7
copy running-config startup-config (Optional) Save your entries in the configuration file.