network [classful-network]
Enables RIP routing on a classful network, causing the router to advertise and learn routes for that network via RIP updates.
network [classful-network]When to Use This Command
- Enabling RIP on a directly connected classful network to participate in dynamic routing.
- Adding a new network to an existing RIP configuration to propagate its routes.
- Configuring RIP on a stub network to advertise its local subnet to upstream routers.
- Re-enabling RIP on a network after removing it with 'no network' command.
Command Examples
Enabling RIP on a Classful Network
network 192.168.1.0Router(config-router)# network 192.168.1.0 Router(config-router)#
The command is entered without any output confirmation. It enables RIP on the classful network 192.168.1.0, which includes all interfaces with an IP address in that range.
Enabling RIP on Multiple Networks
network 10.0.0.0
network 172.16.0.0Router(config-router)# network 10.0.0.0 Router(config-router)# network 172.16.0.0 Router(config-router)#
Multiple network statements can be added. Each enables RIP on the respective classful network. The router will advertise and learn routes for all subnets within these classful networks.
Understanding the Output
The 'network' command does not produce any immediate output. It silently adds the specified classful network to the RIP process. To verify, use 'show ip protocols' or 'show run | section router rip'. In 'show ip protocols', look for 'Routing for Networks:' listing the classful networks. In 'show run', the network statements appear under 'router rip'. A missing network means RIP is not active on that network. Ensure the network is classful (e.g., 192.168.1.0, not 192.168.1.128) and that interfaces have IP addresses within that range.
CCNA Exam Tips
CCNA exam expects you to know that the 'network' command uses classful networks only; using a subnet mask is invalid.
Remember that RIP version 1 is classful and does not support VLSM; the network command must match the classful boundary.
The 'network' command enables RIP on all interfaces belonging to that classful network; you cannot selectively enable RIP on a single interface.
In RIP version 2, the network command still uses classful networks, but VLSM is supported via subnet masks in updates.
Common Mistakes
Using a subnet mask with the network command (e.g., 'network 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255') — this is invalid and will be rejected.
Forgetting to enter router configuration mode before issuing the command, resulting in 'Invalid input detected'.
Typing a host address instead of a network address (e.g., 'network 192.168.1.1') — this will be interpreted as the classful network 192.168.1.0, but it's better practice to use the network address.
Related Commands
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