What are EXEC commands?

EXEC commands refer to a set of commands that can be executed in networking devices like Cisco routers and switches. Specifically, these commands can be used in both User EXEC mode and Enable EXEC mode.

User EXEC mode is the initial mode that allows basic monitoring commands, while Enable EXEC mode gives access to more advanced commands that allow for configuration and management of the device. Since EXEC commands are designed to let users interact with the device at different levels of access, their availability in both modes is essential for various administrative tasks.

The ability to access EXEC commands in different modes assists network engineers in performing monitoring, troubleshooting, and some configuration tasks without needing to switch contexts constantly. This flexibility is crucial when quickly diagnosing issues or verifying configurations.