Networks are made up of many devices. End user devices, such as PCs and laptops, are connected to computer networks through network switches, creating the local network. To send packets beyond the local network, network switches connect to network routers. Other devices on a network include wireless access points and security devices, such as firewalls. Each device is very different in hardware, use, and capability. But in all cases, it is the operating system that enables the hardware to function.
Operating systems are used on virtually all end user and network devices connected to the Internet. End user devices include devices such as smart phones, tablets, PCs, and laptops. Network devices, or intermediary devices, are devices used to transport data across the network and include switches, routers, wireless access points, and firewalls. The operating system on a network device is known as a network operating system.
The Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) is a generic term for the collection of network operating systems used on Cisco networking devices. Cisco IOS is used for most Cisco devices regardless of the type or size of the device.
This chapter will reference a basic network topology, consisting of two switches and two PCs, to demonstrate the use of Cisco IOS.