Accessing the Switch CLI through Controller (Remote CLI)

SmartZone 5.2.1 introduces this essential feature that allows you to directly access the Switch CLI prompt from the controller web interface. The Remote CLI allows you to establish a secured connection between controller and switch that can span over Internet, and eliminate the need to open VPN connection to switch's network when trying to access CLI through SSH or Telnet.

Note: This feature can be accessed by only the System Super-Admin in 5.2.1 release and later releases.

The administrator must complete the following steps to access a CLI session.

  1. On the menu, click Network > Wired > Switches to display the Switches window.
  2. In the Organization tab, select a Domain > Switch Group or Switch Group and select the Switch.
  3. Click More > CLI session to display the CLI command window.

    Selecting CLI Session

  4. Enter the administrator password.

    After login, it takes approximately five seconds to set up a secure session within the secure tunnel established between switch and controller to access switch.

    Note: You do not need to enable telnet server on ICX switches to use Remote CLI.

    However, if telnet authentication is enabled on the switch, you will be prompted to enter the credentials when opening CLI session via SmartZone. The credentials depend on the type of authentication defined on the switch (local user, RADIUS etc.).

    Accessing Switch Through the CLI Sesion

  5. Press the Spacebar to skip to the next page, press Enter to display the next line, or press Ctrl + C to exit.

    Example of Paging Display

  6. Enter the exit command to quit the CLI session.
Parent topic: SmartZone Switch Management