CLI stands for command-line interface, a text-only method of interacting with a computer, router, or switch by typing commands instead of clicking graphical icons. Network engineers rely heavily on the CLI for configuring equipment because it is faster, uses less bandwidth over remote connections, and allows for heavy automation via scripts. In telephony, CLI also stands for calling line identity, the data packet that delivers caller ID.
Heard on the job
SSH into the core switch and drop into the CLI to check the routing table.
Also heard as
- command line