Administrator Guide

CLI Basics
This chapter describes the command line interface (CLI) structure and command modes. The Dell operating system 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
• Navigating the CLI
• Obtaining Help
• Using the Keyword no Command
• Filtering show Commands
• Command Modes
Accessing the Command Line
When the system boots successfully, you are positioned on the command line in EXEC mode and not prompted to log in. You
can access the commands through a serial console port or a Telnet session. When you Telnet into the 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, refer to the Command Modes Modes section.
Multiple Configuration Users
When a user enters CONFIGURATION mode and another user is already in CONFIGURATION mode, the Dell operating system
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 )
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20 CLI Basics