3.

Huawei VRP Basics

1. Common Network Devices

Huawei VRP is deployed across a wide range of network devices, including:

Routers: Direct data between different networks and select the best paths
for data transmission.

Switches: Primarily work at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) to forward Ethernet

frames within a LAN.

Firewalls: Enforce network security rules by controlling inbound and

outbound traffic.
These devices use Huawei's VRP to manage communication, security, and
routing functions efficiently​​.

2. VRP Basics
VRP (Versatile Routing Platform) is Huawei’s proprietary network operating
system used in its datacom devices. It provides a unified management interface
and modular, component-based architecture.
Key Features:

Unified Management Interface: Provides consistent interfaces across

different devices, making management easier.

Control and Forwarding Planes: Separation of control and forwarding

planes enhances performance.

Multi-process Support: VRP 8, the latest version, supports multi-core

CPUs and improves performance by allowing parallel processing.

Evolution of VRP:

VRP1: Used in low-end devices.

VRP3: Introduced distributed architecture for core routers and switches.

VRP5 and VRP8: Improved multi-process capabilities, higher performance,

and broader compatibility across different device types.

3. Huawei VRP Basics 1

 3. Device Management Modes
i. Web System
What it is: The web system provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for
device management. This is a visual way to manage the device, making it
user-friendly, especially for beginners or those who prefer visual interfaces.

Functionality: While it offers ease of use, it may not provide access to all
device functions—some advanced features or configurations may not be
available through the web system.

Login Methods:

HTTP: Unencrypted communication, suitable for local and non-critical

environments.

HTTPS: Encrypted and secure, recommended for most environments,

especially when accessing the device remotely.

ii. CLI (Command Line Interface)

What it is: The CLI mode involves using commands directly through a
console to manage and maintain the device. It allows for more refined and
comprehensive management, giving access to advanced features not
available through the web system.

Skill Requirement: Users must be familiar with the device’s commands and
syntax to effectively use the CLI.

Login Methods:

Console Port: Physical access using a console cable for local

management.

Telnet: Remote access method but is not secure (unencrypted).

SSH: Secure remote access method, encrypting communication for

security.

VRP User Interfaces

VRP (Versatile Routing Platform) offers different interfaces to manage and
monitor devices based on how a user accesses the device.

3. Huawei VRP Basics 2

 i. Console User Interface
Used for local access when the serial port of a user terminal is directly
connected to the device's console port. This method is often used for initial
configuration or troubleshooting when remote access is not available.

ii. VTY (Virtual Teletype) User Interface

Used for remote access when a user connects to the device via Telnet or
SSH. Once connected, a VTY channel is established, allowing the user to
remotely manage the device.

VRP User Levels

To manage and control user permissions effectively, VRP provides different
user levels and command levels. This segmentation ensures that users have
appropriate permissions based on their role and expertise.
Here’s how the system works:

Command
User Level Name Available Commands
Level

Basic network diagnosis

commands like ping and
tracert , accessing external
0 0 Visit level
devices (e.g., Telnet client
commands), and some display
commands.

System maintenance and

monitoring commands, primarily
1 0 and 1 Monitoring level
used for displaying system
information.

Commands for configuring

services like routing and IP
Configuration
2 0, 1, and 2 settings, providing users with the
level
capability to set up and modify
network services directly.

3-15 0, 1, 2, and 3 Management Comprehensive commands for

level system control, including file
management, FTP, TFTP, user
management, and debugging
commands for advanced

3. Huawei VRP Basics 3

 troubleshooting and system
control.

Access Control and Command Permissions

Access Control: The device controls user access by mapping user levels to
command levels. This mapping ensures that users can only access
commands that match their level or lower.

Default User Level Range: By default, user levels range from 0 to 15, and
the command levels range from 0 to 3.

For example:

A user with level 2 can execute commands at levels 0, 1, and 2 but

cannot access level 3 commands.

A higher-level user (like level 3 or above) has access to all commands,

including management and debugging functions.

3. CLI Command Views

Huawei VRP uses a Command-Line Interface (CLI) to manage network
devices. The CLI is structured into hierarchical views, which help navigate
different configuration tasks.

User View: The default view upon login, used for basic commands like ping

and display . No configuration is allowed here.

<Huawei>

System View: Accessed via system-view , this view allows global device
configuration.

<Huawei> system-view
[Huawei]

Interface View: Used to configure specific network interfaces (e.g.,

GigabitEthernet, Serial).

[Huawei] interface GigabitEthernet 0/0/1

3. Huawei VRP Basics 4

 [Huawei-GigabitEthernet0/0/1]

Protocol View: Used to configure routing protocols like OSPF or BGP.

[Huawei] ospf 1
[Huawei-ospf-1]

Navigating Views:

system-view : Enter system view from user view.

interface <interface type> <number> : Enter an interface view.

quit : Return to the previous view.

return : Return to the user view​​.

4. Basic Commands and Function Keys of the CLI

Huawei VRP CLI supports a range of commands for configuring devices. Here
are some essential commands and features:

File System Operation Commands:

pwd : Displays the current directory.

dir : Lists files in the directory.

copy / move : Copies or moves files between directories.

Basic Configuration Commands:

sysname name : Configures the system name.

clock timezone : Sets the time zone.

user-interface vty 0 4 : Configures remote access settings.

interface interface-number : Enters a specific interface for configuration.

ip address ip-address { mask } : Sets the IP address for an interface.

Example:
To set the hostname:

3. Huawei VRP Basics 5

 [Huawei] sysname MyRouter

To set an IP address on an interface:

[Huawei] interface GigabitEthernet 0/0/1

[Huawei-GigabitEthernet0/0/1] ip address 192.168.1.1 255.25
5.255.0

VRP8 Specific Commands:

display configuration candidate : Shows uncommitted commands.

display current-configuration : Displays effective settings from the running

configuration database.

Command Help and Navigation:

Backspace: Deletes a character.

?: Displays help or lists available commands.

Ctrl+A: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line.

Ctrl+E: Moves the cursor to the end of the line​​.

3. Huawei VRP Basics 6