User guide
Understanding the Command Syntax
ExtremeWare 7.2e Installation and User Guide 67
Switch Numerical Ranges
Commands that require you to enter one or more port numbers use the parameter <portlist> in the
syntax. A portlist can be a range of numbers, for example:
port 1-3
You can add additional port numbers to the list, separated by a comma:
port 1-3,6,8
Names
All named components of the switch configuration must have a unique name. Names must begin with
an alphabetical character and are delimited by whitespace, unless enclosed in quotation marks. Names
are not case-sensitive. Names cannot be tokens used on the switch.
Symbols
You may see a variety of symbols shown as part of the command syntax. These symbols explain how to
enter the command, and you do not type them as part of the command itself. Table 14 summarizes
command syntax symbols.
Table 14: Command Syntax Symbols
Symbol Description
angle brackets < > Enclose a variable or value. You must specify the variable or value. For example, in the
syntax
configure vlan <vlan name> ipaddress <ipaddress>
you must supply a VLAN name for <vlan name> and an address for <ip_address>
when entering the command. Do not type the angle brackets.
square brackets [ ] Enclose a required value or list of required arguments. One or more values or arguments
can be specified. For example, in the syntax
use image [primary | secondary]
you must specify either the primary or secondary image when entering the command. Do
not type the square brackets.
vertical bar | Separates mutually exclusive items in a list, one of which must be entered. For example, in
the syntax
configure snmp community [read-only | read-write] <string>
you must specify either the read or write community string in the command. Do not type the
vertical bar.
braces { } Enclose an optional value or a list of optional arguments. One or more values or arguments
can be specified. For example, in the syntax
reboot {<date> <time> | cancel}
you can specify either a particular date and time combination, or the keyword cancel to
cancel a previously scheduled reboot. If you do not specify an argument, the command will
prompt, asking if you want to reboot the switch now. Do not type the braces.