banner motd # [message] #
The 'banner motd' command configures a Message of the Day (MOTD) banner that displays upon login to the router, used to display legal warnings, system information, or welcome messages.
banner motd # [message] #When to Use This Command
- Displaying a legal disclaimer warning unauthorized access is prohibited
- Providing system maintenance notices or scheduled downtime information
- Showing contact information for network administrators
- Displaying a welcome message with company policy reminders
Command Examples
Basic MOTD Banner with Legal Warning
banner motd #
Unauthorized access prohibited.
All activity is monitored.
#Router# configure terminal Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z. Router(config)# banner motd # Enter TEXT message. End with the character '#'. Unauthorized access prohibited. All activity is monitored. # Router(config)# exit Router# *Mar 1 00:05:23.123: %SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from console by console Router# exit Router con0 is now available Press RETURN to get started. Unauthorized access prohibited. All activity is monitored. Router>
The command enters multiline input mode after typing 'banner motd #'. The '#' character is the delimiter. The message is entered, and the delimiter is repeated to end input. The banner appears after the user presses RETURN at the login prompt.
MOTD Banner with System Maintenance Notice
banner motd @
System maintenance scheduled for Sunday 2:00 AM.
Please save your work.
@Router(config)# banner motd @ Enter TEXT message. End with the character '@'. System maintenance scheduled for Sunday 2:00 AM. Please save your work. @ Router(config)# end Router# *Mar 1 00:10:45.678: %SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from console by console Router# exit Router con0 is now available Press RETURN to get started. System maintenance scheduled for Sunday 2:00 AM. Please save your work. Router>
Using '@' as delimiter. The banner displays the maintenance notice. The output shows the configuration process and the resulting banner when reconnecting.
Understanding the Output
The banner motd command itself does not produce a persistent output; instead, it configures a message that appears when a user connects to the router via console, Telnet, or SSH. After configuration, the banner is displayed after the 'Press RETURN to get started.' prompt. The banner text is exactly as entered, including line breaks. To verify the configured banner, use 'show running-config | include banner motd' which displays the banner motd line. A missing banner indicates no MOTD is set. Ensure the delimiter character does not appear in the message text to avoid premature termination.
CCNA Exam Tips
Remember that the delimiter character must not appear in the message; otherwise, the banner will be truncated.
The banner motd is displayed before the login prompt, while banner login appears after login but before the EXEC prompt.
On the CCNA exam, you may be asked to configure a banner with a specific message; ensure you enter the correct global configuration mode.
Know that the banner can be removed with 'no banner motd'.
Common Mistakes
Using a delimiter character that appears in the message text, causing the banner to end prematurely.
Forgetting to exit configuration mode or save the configuration with 'copy running-config startup-config'.
Typing the banner command incorrectly, such as 'banner motd #' without the delimiter, which enters a prompt expecting the delimiter.
Related Commands
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