Using the CLI 165
2
Using the CLI

Introduction

This chapter describes the basics of entering and editing the Dell
PowerConnect 70xx Series Command Line Interface (CLI) commands and
defines the command hierarchy. It also explains how to activate the CLI and
implement its major functions.
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Entering and Editing CLI Commands
• CLI Command Modes
•Starting the CLI
• Using CLI Functions and Tools

Entering and Editing CLI Commands

A CLI command is a series of keywords and arguments. Keywords identify a
command and arguments specify configuration parameters. For example, in
the command show interfaces status gigabitethernet

1/0/5,

show, interfaces
and status are keywords; gigabitethernet is an argument that specifies the
interface type, and

1/0/5

specifies the unit/slot/port.
When working with the CLI, the command options are not displayed. The
command is not selected by a menu but is entered manually. To see what
commands are available in each mode or within an Interface Configuration,
the CLI provides a method of displaying the available commands, the
command syntax requirements and in some instances parameters required to
complete the command. The standard command to request context-sensitive
help is the <?> key.
Two instances where the help information can be displayed are:
•
Keyword lookup
— The <?> key is entered in place of a command. A list
of all valid commands and corresponding help messages is displayed.
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