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Configuration Fundamentals
The Dell Networking OS command line interface (CLI) is a text-based interface that you use to configure interfaces and
protocols.
The CLI is structured in modes for security and management purposes. Different sets of commands are available in each mode,
and you can limit user access to modes using privilege levels.
In Dell Networking OS, after you enable a command, it is entered into the running configuration file. You can view the
current configuration for the whole system or for a particular CLI mode. To save the current configuration, copy the running
configuration to another location. For more information, refer to Saving the Running-Configuration.
Topics:
• Accessing the Command Line
• CLI Modes
• Port Numbering Convention
• The do Command
• The no Command
• Obtaining Help
• Entering and Editing Commands
• Command History
• Filtering show Command Outputs
• Multiple Users in Configuration Mode
Accessing the Command Line
Access the command line through a serial console port or a Telnet session as shown in the following example.
When the system successfully boots, you enter the command line in EXEC mode (shown in bold).
NOTE:
You must have a password configured on a virtual terminal line before you can Telnet into the system. Therefore,
you must use a console connection when connecting to the system for the first time.
Logging into the System using Telnet
telnet 172.31.1.53
Trying 172.31.1.53...
Connected to 172.31.1.53.
Escape character is '^]'.
Login: username
Password:
Dell>
CLI Modes
Different sets of commands are available in each mode.
A command found in one mode cannot be executed from another mode (except for EXEC mode commands preceded by the do
command; for more information, refer to The do Command and EXEC Privilege Mode commands).
You can set user access rights to commands and command modes using privilege levels; for more information about privilege
levels and security options, refer to Privilege Levels Overview.
The Dell Networking OS CLI is divided into three major mode levels:
● EXEC mode — is the default mode and has a privilege level of 1, which is the most restricted level. Only a limited selection
of commands is available, notably the show commands, which allow you to view system information.
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