Description

This article outlines how to restart switch models in EX Series (reboot) and also details the recommended procedures for safely powering them off or halting them.

Solution

The information below describes the how to restart (reboot) an EX-Series switch, safely power it off, or halt it.

To power off the switch from the Command Line Interface (CLI): 

Use the CLI command request system power-off  from operational mode, which displays a message to the CLI, and then disconnect the switch from power unit. This command will also notify other users that are connected to the switch about the operation.

To halt the switch from CLI:

  1. Use the CLI command request system halt. On the console or other management device that is connected to the switch (to the primary switch in a virtual chassis), enter the CLI operational mode and issue the following command to shut down the switch software:
    user@switch> request system halt 

  2. Wait until a message appears on the console confirming that the operating system has halted. For information about the request system halt command, see the  Junos OS command documentation.
  3. Disconnect power from the switch by pulling out the plug end of the power cord that is connected to the power source outlet. 

To restart the switch from the CLI:

Use the command request system reboot. This command will also notify other users that are connected to the switch about the operation and will restart the device in one minute.

To restart the switch from the front panel:

  1. From the LCD front panel menu, push the  Menu button.

  2. When the MAIN MENU (Maintenance menu) appears, press the Enter button.

  3. Select the SYSTEM REBOOT option and press the Enter button.

  4. To exit the menu without rebooting the switch, press the Menu button again.

Note: On EX3200, EX3300. EX4200, and EX4500 switches, the CLI command request system power-off behaves the same as request system halt.

Please check the following output from EX4200 switch.

Lab Output:

CLI command: request system halt

root@lab1> request system halt    >>>>>>>>>
 
warning: This command will halt all the members.
If planning to halt only one member use the member option
Halt the system ? [yes,no] (no) yes
*** System shutdown message from root@ lab1 ***
System going down in 1 minute
Shutdown at Thu Oct  8 09:58:18 2015.
[pid 32448]
message sent
 
{master:0}
root@lab1>
*** System shutdown message from root@lab1 ***
System going down in 30 seconds
*** FINAL System shutdown message from root@lab1 ***
System going down IMMEDIATELY
 
Waiting (max 60 seconds) for system process `vnlru' to stop...done
Waiting (max 60 seconds) for system process `vnlru_mem' to stop...done
Waiting (max 60 seconds) for system process `bufdaemon' to stop...done
Waiting (max 60 seconds) for system process `syncer' to stop...
Syncing disks, vnodes remaining...2 2 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 done
 
syncing disks... All buffers synced.
Uptime: 13d19h54m24s
recorded reboot as normal shutdown
The operating system has halted.
Please press any key to reboot.  >>>> A console connection is needed. Press any key to reboot the device.

CLI command: request system power-off

root@lab1> request system power-off      >>>>>>>>>>
warning: This command will halt all the members.
If planning to halt only one member use the member option
Power Off the system ? [yes,no] (no) yes
*** System shutdown message from root@lab1 ***

System going down in 1 minute

Shutdown at Thu Oct  8 10:02:57 2015.
[pid 1394]

{master:0}
root@lab1>
*** System shutdown message from root@ ***
System going down in 30 seconds
*** FINAL System shutdown message from root@lab1 ***

System going down IMMEDIATELY

OWaiting (max 60 seconds) for system process `vnlru' to stop...done
Waiting (max 60 seconds) for system process `vnlru_mem' to stop...done
Waiting (max 60 seconds) for system process `bufdaemon' to stop...done
Waiting (max 60 seconds) for system process `syncer' to stop...
Syncing disks, vnodes remaining...2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 done

syncing disks... All buffers synced.
Uptime: 4m16s
recorded reboot as normal shutdown
The operating system has halted.                          
Please press any key to reboot.  >>>> A console connection is needed. Press any keys to reboot the device.

Modification History

  • 2026-02-03: Minor, non-technical changes made for search optimization

  • 2023-08-29: Added the training link for "Introduction to the Junos Operating System"

  • 2021-03-23: Updated the article terminology to align with Juniper's Inclusion & Diversity initiatives

  • 2020-09-21: Minor, non-technical edit

  • 2019-04-09: Added 'halt' information

Related Information

Training Courses: