CHAPTER
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1-1
Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch CLI Software Configuration Guide
OL-16597-01
1
Using the Command-Line Interface
This chapter describes the command-line interface (CLI) and CLI command modes. It includes the 
following sections:
• Accessing the Command Line Interface, page 1-1
• Using the CLI, page 1-2
• Using Commands, page 1-6
• Using CLI Variables, page 1-9
• Using Command Aliases, page 1-10
• Defining Command Aliases, page 1-10
• Command Scripts, page 1-11
Accessing the Command Line Interface
You can connect to the switch using a terminal plugged into the console port. See Console Settings, 
page 1-3 for information on how to set console port parameters.
You can also connect to the switch with Telnet or SSH. The switch supports up to eight simultaneous 
Telnet and SSH connections. To connect with Telnet or SSH, you need to know the hostname or IP 
address of the switch.
To make a Telnet connection to the switch, perform these steps: 
Command Purpose
Step 1
telnet {hostname | ip_addr}
Makes a Telnet connection from your host to the switch that you 
want to access.
Step 2
Login: admin 
Password: password 
Initiates authentication.
Note If no password has been configured, press Return.
Step 3
switch# exit 
Exits the session when finished.