E
NTERING
C
OMMANDS
3-7Understanding Command Modes
The command set is divided into Exec and Configuration classes. Exec
commands generally display information on system status or clear
statistical counters. Configuration commands, on the other hand, modify
interface parameters or enable certain switching functions. These classes
are further divided into different modes. Available commands depend on
the selected mode. You can always enter a question mark “?” at the prompt
to display a list of the commands available for the current mode. The
command classes and associated modes are displayed in the following
table:
Exec Commands
When you open a new console session on the switch with the user name
“guest,” the system enters Normal Exec command mode (or guest mode.)
Only a limited number of commands are available in this mode. You may
access all commands only in Privileged Exec command mode (or
administrator mode.) To access Privilege Exec mode, open a new console
session with the user name “admin,” or enter the enable command
(followed by the privileged level access password — the default is “super”.)
The command prompt displays “Console>” for Nor mal Exec mode and
“Console#” for Privileged Exec mode.
Class Mode
Exec Normal
Privileged
Configuration* Global
Interface
Line
VLAN
* You must be in Privileged Exec mode to access any of the configuration modes.