Selecting a Management Interface
Advantages of Using the CLI
■ Offers out-of-band access (through the RS-232 connection) to the
switch, so network bottlenecks, crashes, lack of configured or correct IP
address, and network downtime do not slow or prevent access
■ Enables Telnet (in-band) access to the menu functionality.
■ Allows faster navigation, avoiding delays that occur with slower
display of graphical objects over a web browser interface.
■ Provides more security; configuration information and passwords are
not seen on the network.
Advantages of Using the CLI
HPswitch>
Operator Level
HPswitch#
Manager Level
HPswitch(config)#
Global Configuration Level
HPswitch(<context>)#
Context Configuration Levels (port, VLAN)
Figure 2-2. Command Prompt Examples
■ Provides access to the complete set of the switch configuration, perfor-
mance, and diagnostic features.
■ Offers out-of-band access (through the RS-232 connection) or Telnet (in-
band) access.
■ Enables quick, detailed system configuration and management access to
system operators and administrators experienced in command prompt
interfaces.
■ Provides help at each level for determining available options and vari-
ables.
CLI Usage
■ For information on how to use the CLI, refer to chapter 3. "Using the
Command Line Interface (CLI)".
■ To perform specific procedures (such as configuring IP addressing or
VLANs), use the Contents listing at the front of the manual to locate the
information you need.
■ For monitoring and analyzing switch operation, refer to appendix B.
2-4