| 2.1 |  | Operating Cisco IOS Software |
| 2.1.1 |  | The purpose of Cisco IOS Software |

| As with a computer, a router or switch cannot function without an operating system. Cisco calls its operating system the Cisco Internetwork Operating System or Cisco IOS. It is the embedded software architecture in all of the Cisco routers and is also the operating system of the Catalyst switches. Without an operating system, the hardware does not have any capabilities. The Cisco IOS provides the following network services: Basic routing and switching functions Reliable and secure access to networked resources Network scalability
| Web Links Cisco IOSŪ Software Overview http://www.cisco.com/warp/ public/732/