Page 4-1

4 The User Interface

In order to configure parameters and statistics on the switch, you may connect it to a
terminal, such as a PC or UNIX workstation, using terminal emulation software. The command
interfaces used on the switch are part of the MPX executable image. When a switch boots up,
the boot monitor handles the loading of this executable image and system startup. Once the
image is loaded and initialized, the CLI starts.
You access the command interfaces through a connection with the switch. This connection
can be made directly to the serial port, through a modem, or over a network via Telnet. You
can have up to four simultaneous connections to an Omni Switch/Router. (Please see Multi-
ple User Sessions on page 4-33 for further details.) For Telnet access, you must first set up an
IP address for the switch. See the Getting Started Guide that came with your switch for infor-
mation on setting up an IP address and logging in.

Overview of Command Interfaces

The Alcatel Omni Switch/Router has two different command interfaces available for configur-
ing parameters and viewing statistics. They are the User Interface (UI) and the Command Line
Interface (CLI). Prior to software Release 4.4, the switch automatically booted up in the UI
mode. In Release 4.4 and later, the Omni Switch/Router is factory-configured to boot up in
the CLI mode.
♦ Terminology Notes♦
Command interface generically refers to any mecha-
nism resident in the software that allows a user to
change switch configurations or to display statistics.
The UI is the original command interface used exclu-
sively on all Alcatel Omni Switch/Router and Omni-
Access products. The UI has its commands grouped
into functional menus. Prior to software Release 4.1, the
UI was the only command interface supported on the
Omni Switch/Router products.
The CLI is Alcatel’s text-based configuration interface
that allows you to configure Omni Switch/Router and
OmniAccess products using single-line text commands.
The CLI was implemented in software Release 4.1 and
higher. In release 4.4 and later it is the default interface.