In the real world, when you want to configure a Cisco device offline and locally, you got to use a console cable.
A console cable is used to communicate between two devices, in IT mostly between your computer and network equipment for configuration. These cables are typically flat and light blue, but not always! Console cables can come with a 3.5mm jack or USB connection. Newer networking equipment will have micro-USB ports that simply allow you to use a regular charger/data cable for instance.
There are several programs that allow you to make a console connection. For instance:
PuTTY
KiTTY
mRemoteNG
Serial (for MacOSx)
In combination with using the software, you will need to have drivers on your computer installed, especially for USB adapters.