Mastering Huawei Switch Management: 9 Essential Query Commands

Managing network switches efficiently is a critical skill for IT professionals, and Huawei switches are widely recognized for their reliability and advanced features. To optimize network performance and troubleshoot issues effectively, understanding the right query commands is essential. These commands provide valuable insights into the switch’s status, configuration, and performance metrics. In this article, we’ll explore nine essential query commands for Huawei switches that every network administrator should know. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to Huawei devices, these commands will help you streamline your network management tasks.

1. display version

The display version command is one of the most basic yet crucial commands. It provides detailed information about the switch’s software and hardware versions, including the operating system version, device model, and uptime. This command is particularly useful when troubleshooting compatibility issues or planning upgrades.

Example Usage:

<Huawei> display version

2. display current-configuration

To view the current configuration of the switch, use the display current-configuration command. This command displays all the active settings, including interface configurations, VLAN settings, and routing protocols. It’s invaluable for auditing configurations or replicating settings on another device.

Example Usage:

<Huawei> display current-configuration

3. display interface

The display interface command provides detailed information about the status and statistics of all interfaces on the switch. This includes data on packet transmission, errors, and interface uptime. It’s a go-to command for diagnosing network connectivity issues.

Example Usage:

<Huawei> display interface GigabitEthernet 0/0/1

4. display vlan

VLANs are a fundamental part of network segmentation, and the display vlan command allows you to view all configured VLANs and their associated ports. This command helps ensure that VLAN configurations are correctly applied and troubleshoots any misconfigurations.

Example Usage:

<Huawei> display vlan

5. display mac-address

The display mac-address command shows the MAC address table of the switch, which maps MAC addresses to specific ports. This is essential for identifying connected devices and troubleshooting network loops or unauthorized access.

Example Usage:

<Huawei> display mac-address

6. display arp

The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) table is critical for understanding IP-to-MAC address mappings. The display arp command provides a list of all learned ARP entries, helping you diagnose IP connectivity issues.

Example Usage:

<Huawei> display arp

7. display cpu-usage

Monitoring the switch’s CPU usage is vital for ensuring optimal performance. The display cpu-usage command provides real-time and historical CPU usage statistics, helping you identify potential bottlenecks or abnormal behavior.

Example Usage:

<Huawei> display cpu-usage

8. display logbuffer

The display logbuffer command allows you to view the system log, which records important events and errors. This is particularly useful for diagnosing issues that have occurred over time, such as interface flapping or system reboots.

Example Usage:

<Huawei> display logbuffer

9. display stp

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is essential for preventing network loops. The display stp command provides information about the STP status, including root bridges, port roles, and states. This command is critical for ensuring a loop-free network topology.

Example Usage:

<Huawei> display stp

Practical Applications of Query Commands

These nine commands are not just tools for troubleshooting; they are also essential for routine network maintenance. For example:

• Proactive Monitoring: Regularly using commands like display cpu-usage and display interface can help you identify potential issues before they escalate.
• Configuration Audits: The display current-configuration command ensures that your switch settings align with your network policies.
• Security Checks: Commands like display mac-address and display arp help you detect unauthorized devices on your network.

Tips for Effective Command Usage

1. Combine Commands: Use multiple commands together to get a comprehensive view of your switch’s status. For example, combining display interface and display cpu-usage can help correlate high CPU usage with specific interface activity.
2. Save Outputs: Save the output of critical commands for future reference or comparison. This can be done using the save command or by copying the output to a text file.
3. Automate with Scripts: For large networks, consider automating these commands using scripts to collect data from multiple switches simultaneously.

Conclusion

Mastering these nine query commands for Huawei switches is a game-changer for network administrators. They provide the insights needed to maintain optimal network performance, troubleshoot issues efficiently, and ensure secure and reliable operations. By incorporating these commands into your daily workflow, you can take full control of your network infrastructure and stay ahead of potential challenges. Whether you’re managing a small office network or a large enterprise setup, these commands are indispensable tools in your IT toolkit.

Note: The image below illustrates a network administrator using Huawei switch query commands to monitor and troubleshoot network performance.

Image Source: Huawei Technologies

As networks continue to grow in complexity, the ability to quickly and effectively query switch statuses will remain a critical skill. With these commands at your fingertips, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any network challenge that comes your way.