MOTD banner CCNA lab

In this MOTD CCNA lab, you have to configure the authorized access notice to inform users that unauthorized access to this device is not allowed.

There is only one device in the lab diagram, which is connected to a PC.

After configuring the MOTD banner, configure VTY lines 0-15 and set the password to "cisco".

The MOTD banner and password are case-sensitive; even a minor difference in them will cause the task to remain incomplete.

After configuring the switch, you have to test the Telnet connection to complete this lab.

The Telnet session tab is given alongside the SW1 console on the CLI.

Lab 08 — Switch MOTD Banner
Unauthorized Access
This interactive lab is exclusively licensed to PacketTracerLab.com and cannot be used on any other domain or offline environment.
Visit PacketTracerLab.com
⚠ Unauthorized use or redistribution is prohibited.
Lab 08
Switch MOTD Banner Configuration
Configure MOTD banner on the switch terminal
Tasks
Set MOTD banner: UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS IS NOT ALLOWED
Enable login on VTY 0–15 (Telnet lines)
Set VTY password → cisco
Verify banner appears on Telnet connect
Commands
banner motd #
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS IS NOT ALLOWED
#  ← delimiter ends the banner

line vty 0 15
password cisco
login
How MOTD Works
banner motd sets a
message shown to every
user on connect — console,
telnet, or SSH.

line vty enables remote
(Telnet) access.

Use the Telnet tab to
test the banner live.
PCConsoleTelnetMGMTSW1
SW1 — Console
Telnet Session
← configure switch first, then test Telnet
Switch>

Setting up an MOTD banner on switches and routers is a common practice because it also works as a legal warning that only authorized access is allowed; hence, many network admins use this message to warn or inform the user that unauthorized access is not allowed.

Although there are several types of banners used by admins, the MOTD banner should be short, as a bigger one will slow down the network device at the beginning.

If the device is handling a heavy load and working in a highly active network, then it can also slow down the network when admins are trying to access the device.

The most common types of banners used are the following:

Security warnings

Legal disclaimers

Authorized access notices

Maintenance announcements

Contact information for network administrators