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Enable

As explained in Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 1 Fundamentals and Protocols

The Cisco IOS enable command changes the session from user EXEC mode to privileged EXEC mode, subject to authorization.

The Cisco IOS enable command moves a session from user EXEC mode to privileged EXEC mode, unlocking more powerful operational commands. The prompt changes from > to #. section 5.2.1 section 5.5

Entering privileged EXEC mode

At Router>, enter enable. The prompt becomes Router#, and commands such as reload become available. If an enable password is configured, IOS prompts for it without displaying the typed characters. section 5.2.1 section 5.4.1

Router> enable                                                             #1
Router# reload                                                             #2
Proceed with reload? [confirm]                                             #3
%SYS-5-RELOAD: Reload requested by console. Reload Reason: Reload Command. #4
#1 Enters privileged EXEC mode
#2 Uses the reload command again
#3 Hit enter to reload the device.
#4 A message indicates that the device will reload.

Follow the complete transition from user EXEC mode through enable to a permitted reload operation. section 5.2.1

Use disable to return to user EXEC mode, then use enable again when privileged access is needed. To change configuration, continue with configure terminal. section 5.5

How Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 1 Fundamentals and Protocols covers it

How deep it goes
Explains the mode transition, prompt change, password prompt, and command consequences without detailing authorization internals.
Examples
Demonstrates enable before reload and after configuring an enable password.
What it assumes
Assumes access to the Cisco IOS CLI and user EXEC mode, while distinguishing configuration mode from EXEC modes.
What you can do after
Operate Cisco IOS by entering privileged EXEC mode and running commands such as reload.
How it connects
Connects user EXEC mode, privileged EXEC mode, enable password, disable, reload, and configure terminal.

Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Acing the CCNA Exam: Volume 1 Fundamentals and Protocols. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.