Administrator Guide

CLI Basics
This chapter describes the command line interface (CLI) structure and command modes. The Dell Networking operating
software commands are in a text-based interface that allows you to use the launch commands, change command modes, and
configure interfaces and protocols.
Topics:
• Accessing the Command Line
• Multiple Configuration Users
• Obtaining Help
• Navigating the CLI
• Using the Keyword no Command
• Filtering show Commands
• Command Modes
Accessing the Command Line
Once the system boots successfully, you are automatically placed in EXEC mode, and are not prompted to log in. You can
access the commands through a serial console port or a Telnet session. When you Telnet into a switch, you are prompted to
enter a login name and password.
Example
telnet 172.31.1.53
Trying 172.31.1.53...
Connected to 172.31.1.53.
Escape character is '^]'.
Login: username
Password: Dell>
After you log in to the switch, the prompt provides you with the current command-level information. For example:
Prompt
CLI Command Mode
Dell>
EXEC
Dell#
EXEC Privilege
Dell(conf)#
CONFIGURATION
NOTE: For a list of all the command mode prompts, see the Command Modes.
Multiple Configuration Users
When a user enters CONFIGURATION mode and another user is already in CONFIGURATION mode, the Dell Networking OS
generates an alert warning message similar to the following:
Dell# conf
% Warning: The following users are currently configuring the system:
User "" on line console0
User "admin" on line vty0 ( 123.12.1.123 )
User "admin" on line vty1 ( 123.12.1.123 )
User "Irene" on line vty3 ( 123.12.1.321 )
Dell#conf
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46 CLI Basics