When working in CLI there are distinctive modes you'll be able work in. Depending on the mode, you may have particular Cisco commands accessible to you.

Configuration Modes

Global Config

In global configuration mode you can make global modifications to the switch. For example, some commands are saving the config, rebooting the switch, changing spanning-tree modes.

Cisco Commands used in this mode will apply to the whole switch.

SDG-SWITCH(config)#

VLAN Config

In this  configuration mode specifically for configuring VLANs.

SDG-SWITCH(config-vlan)#

Interface Config

It is the configuration mode to make changes to any of the ports on the switch. Again, very simple.

SDG-SWITCH(config-if)#

User Exec

This is the mode you begin with when you start a session using Telnet, SSH, or consoled into the switch.

There are only a subset of Cisco commands available in this mode.

SDG-SWITCH>

Privilege Exec

In privileged exec mode, you have access to all the commands. Usually you will enter a password to get into privileged exec mode.

To make any changes you actually need to move into configuration mode.

SDG-SWITCH#

 
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