Catalyst Operating System (COS)

The COS uses a basic command-line interpreter as the user interface for configuration and management.
The COS runs on the Network Management Processor of Catalyst 4000, 5000, and 6000 series switches.
The command-line interface (CLI) can be accessed through the console port or by Telnet.
The COS CLI has two basic modes for configuration and management user mode and privileged mode.
The COS is not case-sensitive and allows for command abbreviations.
Help and editing features enhance the COS and make using the operating system easier.
Syntax and usage prompts help the user deal with syntax errors.
The COS has default settings for most of the parameters on the switch. These settings allow for the simplification of basic configuration.