To set the interval that the EXEC command interpreter waits until user input is detected, use the exec-timeout line configuration command. In other words, exec-timeout sets the amount of time that a Cisco device will allow a user to be idle before terminating their connection.

EXEC Timeout - Part 1

EXEC Timeout - Part 2

EXEC Timeout Lab - Part 1

EXEC Timeout Lab - Part 2

The Quick and Dirty

The EXEC timeout is a basic Cisco IOS setting that you will need to be aware of when configuring your Cisco device to allow user access.  By setting the EXEC timeout, you’re telling the Cisco device to automatically disconnect users on a line once they have been idle for the duration of the EXEC timeout value.  This feature is configured on a line-by-line basis and allows the Cisco device to automatically clear lines so that they are available to other users.  It also acts as a simple security mechanism so that an unattended terminal session can timeout before it becomes an open doorway to creative network reconfiguration.

Command and Configuration References

Managing Connections, Menus, and System Banners

exec-timeout

show terminal

show line

Additional Resources

Quiz (Registered Users Only)

Lab link

Slides (PDF)

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