Command Modes
To navigate and launch various CLI modes, use specific commands. Navigation to these modes is described in the 
following sections.
NOTE: Some of the following modes are not available on the C-Series or S-Series.
EXEC Mode
When you initially log in to the switch, by default, you are logged in to EXEC mode. This mode allows you to view settings 
and enter EXEC Privilege mode, which is used to configure the device.
When you are in EXEC mode, the > prompt is displayed following the host name prompt, which is “FTOS” by default. You 
can change the host name prompt using the hostname command.
NOTE: Each mode prompt is preceded by the host name.
EXEC Privilege Mode
The enable command accesses EXEC Privilege mode. If an administrator has configured an “Enable” password, you 
are prompted to enter it.
EXEC Privilege mode allows you to access all the commands accessible in EXEC mode, plus other commands, such as to 
clear address resolution protocol (ARP) entries and IP addresses. In addition, you can access CONFIGURATION mode to 
configure interfaces, routes and protocols on the switch. While you are logged in to EXEC Privilege mode, the # prompt 
is displayed.
CONFIGURATION Mode
In EXEC Privilege mode, use the configure command to enter CONFIGURATION mode and configure routing 
protocols and access interfaces.
To enter CONFIGURATION mode:
1. Verify that you are logged in to EXEC Privilege mode.
2. Enter the configure command. The prompt changes to include (conf).
From this mode, you can enter INTERFACE mode by using the interface command.
INTERFACE Mode
You must use INTERFACE mode to configure interfaces or IP services on those interfaces. An interface can be physical 
(for example, a Gigabit Ethernet port) or virtual (for example, the Null interface).
To enter INTERFACE mode:
1. Verify that you are logged in to CONFIGURATION mode.
2. Enter the interface command and then enter an interface type and interface number that is available on the 
switch.
The prompt changes to include the designated interface and slot/port number. For example:
50