Member Avatar for himanjim

I have got three PCs connected to internet through a router via switch. IP addresses are allocated to the computers via DHCP. I do have router access password but I can't access configuration mode of the router to configure it using enable command. can anybody suggest the possible reason??

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The behavior described by (DHCP clients can reach the router GUI but typing enable at a prompt does nothing) usually comes down to access method and privilege separation, not DHCP vs the router having a static address. and were on the right track: web/HTTPS management and management ports matter — but there are a few more things to check.

Quick checklist and tests to narrow the cause:

  • Confirm the router model/version (label or web GUI). Many consumer routers have only a web UI and no IOS-style CLI at all.
  • Verify how you are connecting: a Windows command prompt is not the router CLI. You must be logged into the router’s CLI (console, SSH or telnet session) before enable will be meaningful. If you can reach the web GUI, network reachability is fine.
  • If you attempted remote CLI, confirm the router’s remote-management (telnet/SSH) service is enabled and not restricted to specific IPs/VLANs. The web GUI often shows those settings.
  • If the device is Cisco/enterprise-class and enable is required, try a direct console connection (serial/console cable) if remote login is disabled.

Practical steps:

  • From a PC on the LAN, ping the router and try to open an SSH/telnet session to the router’s management IP to see if the service answers.
  • If remote services are disabled, attach to the console port with a terminal emulator (serial settings commonly 9600 8N1, no flow control) and then log in — that will show whether enable and a separate privileged password are configured.
  • Check the router’s admin settings in the web UI for “remote management”, “SSH/telnet”, and any access lists that limit management to specific hosts.

Final notes and cautions:

  • If the router is a SOHO box, there may be no CLI at all — use the admin/advanced pages in the web UI.
  • If you cannot get in any way, backing up and factory-resetting is a last resort (it erases configuration). Always consult the vendor’s manual for model-specific console access and credential behavior before resetting.

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Member Avatar for TheNNS

what router is it?

i suggest you type in your default gateway address into a web browser to access it. example:

Member Avatar for mmonaco27

A secure connection might be required ( for most). Also some routers can only be access through certain ports like a specific management port.

Member Avatar for himanjim

Thanks for ur reply.

But I have done it.What I wanna ask is why can't I access it through CUI interface. Enable command for configuration mode simply doesn't work. Is it because the static I.P allocated to the router is still with the router and my PC is using IP allocated by DHCP??

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