Networking

The ABC’s of Cyber Security

Did you know that October was the Nation Cyber Security Awareness Month, as declared by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)? In fact, this was the 6th year annual Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Cisco has put together some great articles and videos covering Cyber Security on the Cisco Security Blog. You can also checkout the DHS National Cyber Security Awareness Month homepage with articles and videos.

Here is a great Cyber Security video from Cisco’s blog:

Cisco Integrated 890 Series Router delivers completely

All I can say is “Wow”. This integrated router offers endless options including secure broadband with Metro Enternet capabilities for the small business world, eToken credentials and two 2.0 USB ports for security, 1000 Based T Gig and 10/100 Based T Fast Internet for WAN. The 890 Series router is incrediability versatile. It has Wan/Lan access with a built in Cisco web-based management tool for ease in set up. Additionally, it has enhanced firewall security options for control of email. I have not even scratched the surface on this router’s capabilities.

Looking fo a new Cisco router? Take a look at the Cisco 890

Cisco Nexus 1000V - 3 free videos

Have you seen my 3 free videos on how to download, install, and use the Cisco Nexus 1000V distributed virtual switch? I was one of the judges that selected this as the the best new technology of VMworld in 2008. If you aren’t familiar with the Nexus 1000V (or N1KV), it is a software switch that integrates into your VMware vSphere virtual infrastructure.

To watch the 3 free videos, checkout: VMwareVideos.com - Cisco Nexus 1000V Videos

Inflight Internet Access - wifi on your airplane

I am writing this while flying on an airplane. How is that possible? I am using the new American Airlines inflight wifi and I wanted to offer up a little information on it in bullet form:

• First off - it’s FAST! IFor regular web browsing and sending email, it seems just as fast as my home cable modem (although I have not done any speed tests)
• It costs $9.99 plus tax PER FLIGHT. That means that if you are connecting to a different flight that same day or returning home tomorrow on a different flight you will have to pay another $9.99 plus tax
• The service is called GoGo (pronounced GO-GO, not “goo-goo” like a baby says) and the official website for it is GoGoInflight.com
• They ask that you not use services like VoIP or streaming video although I have doubts that they are doing anything to stop this right now. Next time maybe I will try downloading Windows 7 and watching a Netflix streaming video at the same time (ha-ha)

So, the next time you are on an American Airlines flight, look for the WiFi signs and try it out for yourself!

Also, checkout stories like:

• American Airlines will be first U.S. carrier to offer in-flight Internet access
• InformationWeek.com - American Airlines Launches In-Flight Internet Service

10 New Features of Windows 7 Networking

In my latest article, I cover what’s new in Windows 7 Networking. While there are many new features, what I did was to break it down into the 10 of the new, most important, Windows 7 Networking features. To read the full article, just visit: 10 New Features of Windows 7 Networking

Cisco reaches 1 Million certified, CCIE R&S Program Update, and NEW CCNA Voice Option

1. Cisco recently announced that, to date, they have certified over 1 Million individuals and over 20,000 people with CCIE certifications. WOW - can you believe that there are over 1 million people in the world who are Cisco certified? Pretty amazing!

When I achieved my CCIE, there were about 5,000 CCIEs. Now, 7 years later, there are 20,000.

2. Cisco announced changes changes to the CCIE Routing and Switching written certification test. In the latest revision, dubbed “4.0″, the new test will have hands-on troubleshooting and will now cover MPLS and VPN. This new version will come on line October 18, 2009.

To me, personally, this is critical news as I will have to take this test to keep my CCIE. I have to do this prior to May 2010 so stay tuned for news about this test as I will be following it closely.

3. Cisco has announced changes to the CCNA Voice certification. There will now be two options available for candidates wishing to achieve their CCNA Voice certification: A commercial option and an enterprise option.

Cisco Live is this week!

Will you be at Cisco Live 2009 (aka Cisco Networkers)?

I blogged about Cisco Live back in May because I was even excited about it then. Now that it is here, I am even more excited about it. Even though I won’t be there this year (I opted to go to VMworld instead of Cisco Live), I will be following the conference through Twitter (Follow me on Twitter) and through the Cisco Live conference website (Cisco Live!).

Here are some important facts about Cisco Live in 2009:

• The conference runs from June 27 to July 2 in San Francisco
• You can still just “show up” and register onsite
• This marks the 20th anniversary of Cisco Networkers / Live
• If you are like me and you can’t make it to the event, you still need to register for Cisco Live Virtual. The standard version of this allows you 2 days of ondemand technical training classes and the Premier level (for $395) gives you additional access to virtual programming and 1 year to check it all out.
• And, you don’t want to miss what John Chambers has to say at the Keynote!

For more information, checkout Cisco Live 2009!

Introduction to Cisco ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliances

In this article from the Petri IT Knowledgebase, Tom Finnis covers the Cisco ASA 5500 series appliances - what models are available and what they offer you. All the key features like Firewall, SSL, IPSec VPN, Intrusion Prevention (IPS), and Content Security are covered.

To read the full article, take a look at:

Introduction to Cisco ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliances

Cisco’s John Chambers answers questions from Twitter

During Cisco Live 2009, @CiscoSystems Twitter followers submitted questions for John Chambers the CEO of Cisco. Their questions regarding the companys overall strategy, Flip, video, and smart grid technology are answered in this video.

Configuring Microsoft Hyper-V Virtual Networking

I just created and posted a new video on how to configure Microsoft Hyper-V virtual networking. This can be a bit confusing for those new to virtualization because you have this whole new concept of the virtual network. Also, configuring virtual networking is very different between Hyper-V and, say, VMware ESXi.

To watch the full video, click on the video screen below: