Dell Networking 2048, Reference Manual

Page: 190 / 1823

Using the CLI
190
CLI Command Modes
Since the set of CLI commands is very large, the CLI is structured as a
command-tree hierarchy, where related command sets are assigned to
command modes for easier access. At each level, only the commands related
to that level are available to the user and only those commands are shown in
the context sensitive help for that level.
In this guide, commands are organized into three categories:
• Layer 2 (IEEE 802.1 Bridging and Management) commands
• Layer 3 (Routing) commands
• Utility Commands
Layer 2 (IEEE 802.1 Bridging and Management) describes the commands
used for filtering and forwarding of packets within a VLAN based upon
learned MAC addresses.
Layer 3 (Routing) describes the commands used to forward packets within
and across VLANs based upon the IP addresses as well as management of the
routing protocols necessary to enable the distribution of routes.
Utility describes commands used to manage the switch.
Commands that cause specific actions to be taken immediately by the system
and do not directly affect the system configurations are defined at the top of
the command tree. For example, commands for rebooting the system or for
downloading or backing up the system configuration files are placed at the
top of the hierarchy tree.
Commands that result in configuration changes to the switch are grouped in
a Configuration sub tree.
There are levels beneath the Configuration mode for further grouping of
commands. The system prompt reflects these sub-Configuration modes.
All the parameters are provided with reasonable defaults where possible.
When starting a session, the initial mode is the User EXEC mode. Only a
limited subset of commands is available in this mode. This level is reserved
for tasks that do not change the configuration. To enter the next level, the
Privileged EXEC mode, a password is required.
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