System Management Configuration Guide for Cisco 8000 Series Routers, Cisco IOS XR Releases

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System Management Configuration Guide for Cisco 8000 Series Routers, Cisco IOS XR Releases

Configure the physical and virtual terminals

Updated: June 12, 2026

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Use this task to modify the terminal attributes for the console and default line templates.

Change attributes and access methods for both physical (console) and virtual (default) terminal lines.

Physical and virtual terminals control device access for administrative users. Modifying their attributes enables you to set security and connectivity options.

Procedure

	1.	Modify the console line template.
	2.	Override the terminal settings for the default line template.
	3.	Create or modify vty pools.
	4.	Monitor terminal sessions.

Modify the console line template

Change console line behaviors such as timeouts and allowed protocols to enhance manageability and security.

Modify the console line template when you need to adjust session-related parameters for users who access the device via the console port. This may include setting session limits, timeouts, or specifying permitted transport protocols.

Procedure

	1.	Access the console line configuration Example: `Router#configure Router(config)#line console`
	2.	Set the exec timeout to unlimited. Example: `Router(config-line)#exec-timeout 0 0`
	3.	Define the escape character as hexadecimal 0x5a. Example: `Router(config-line)#escape-character 0x5a`
	4.	Set the session limit to 10 Example: `Router(config-line)#session-limit 10`
	5.	Set the disconnect character to hexadecimal 0x59. Example: `Router(config-line)#disconnect-character 0x59`
	6.	Set the session timeout value to 100. Example: `Router(config-line)#session-timeout 100`
	7.	Allow only Telnet for input and output connections. Example: `Router(config-line)#transport input telnet Router(config-line)#transport output telnet Router(config-line)#commit`
	8.	Verify the updated console line template settings. Example: `Router#show line console location 0/0/CPU0`

The console line template is updated with the specified settings, applying the new attributes for future console sessions.

Override the terminal settings for the default line template

Modify the default terminal session parameters for all lines using the default template.

Perform this configuration to ensure your router sessions remain active and display the preferred amount of information.

Procedure

	1.	Access the default line template. Example: `Router#configure Router(config)#line default`
	2.	Set the exec timeout to unlimited. Example: `Router(config-line)#exec-timeout 0 0`
	3.	Set the terminal width. Example: `Router(config-line)#width 512`
	4.	Set the terminal length. Example: `Router(config-line)#length 512 Router(config-line)#commit`

The default line template now has custom terminal settings applied for all new sessions.

Create or modify vty pools

Configure or change vty pools to control telnet server access on the device.

vty pools determine how many concurrent telnet sessions your router can accept and allow you to set line templates for session characteristics.

Before you begin

Enable the telnet server by entering global configuration mode and using the appropriate command.

Procedure

Enable and specify the maximum number of telnet servers (up to 100).

Example:

Router#configure
Router(config)#telnet ipv4 server max-servers 10
                        Router#(config) 
                        line template 1
                        Router#(config-line) 
                        exit
                        Router#(config) 
                        vty-pool default 0 5 line-template default
                        Router#(config) 
                        commit

(Optional) Create a line template to define line settings:

Example:

Router(config)#line template 1
Router(config-line)#exit

Create or modify the vty pool and attach the line template.

Example:

Router(config)#vty-pool default 0 5 line-template default
Router(config)#commit

The router applies your configured vty pool settings, enforcing telnet server limits and session characteristics.

Monitor terminal sessions

Monitor connected users and terminals to troubleshoot access issues or review session parameters on the router.

Monitoring terminal sessions helps network administrators verify which users are currently connected, review session attributes, and ensure proper operation of terminal lines.

Procedure

	1.	Display the terminal parameters of terminal lines. Example: `Router#show line`
	2.	Display the terminal attribute settings for the current terminal line Example: `Router#show terminal`
	3.	Displays information about the active lines on the router. Example: `Router#show users`

Shows all users currently connected to the router and their session source.

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