Cisco Systems

Nov 18 2009   1:06PM GMT

How to archive your Cisco Router or Switch Configuration?

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Cisco Router tips, Cisco Switches tips, Cisco Tips, Network Tips, Cisco IOS tips, archive command, archive config, configure replace flash, IOS version 12.3 (4) T, IOS Version, Cisco Systems, Cisco Routers, Cisco Switches, Cisco IOS configuration, Cisco Configuration, Router Configuration, Network Technologies and Trends, running config, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, RCP, SCP, TFTP, protocols, How to archive your Cisco Router or Switch Configuration?

Do you all know there is a great way to archive the tasks you carry out in your Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch? Especially whenever you perform a “write memory or copy run start” in your Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch.

Most people do not realize starting an IOS version 12.3 (4) T and higher an “archive” and “archive config” commands were introduced by Cisco Systems.

The main advantage of advantage of an “archive” command is to have incremental backups of your Cisco Router or Switches configurations and for some reasons if you have blowup with the configuration then using the this feature you can retrieve the old configuration file into your Cisco router or switch.

The “archive config” command allows you to save Cisco IOS configurations in the configuration archive using a standard location and filename prefix that is automatically appended with an incremental version number (and optional timestamp) as each consecutive file is saved.
Once the maximum number of file saved in the archive, the oldest file will be automatically replaced by the next file.

The “show archive” command displays information for all configuration files saved in the Cisco IOS configuration archive.
In this example, we will save the archive configuration files on the flash memory; however, you can also store the configuration files remotely using such protocols as FTP, HTTP, HTTPS,RCP, SCP, and TFTP.
By using following set of commands we can enable archive feature in a Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch provided the IOS version is either 12.3 (4) T or higher . In this example, the location and filename prefix is specified as disk0: itkebackup

ITKE-AS0 (config)#archive

ITKE-AS01(config-archive)#path flash:itkebackup

To save the current running configuration in the configuration archive use the “archive config” command as shown below

ITKE-AS01# archive config

The “show archive” command displays information of the files saved in the configuration archive as shown in the following example:

ITKE-AS01#show archive

         There are currently 3 archive configurations saved.

         The next archive file will be named flash: itkebackup -3

         Archive # Name

         0

         1 flash: itkebackup -1

         2 flash: itkebackup -2 <- Most Recent

         3

         4

         5

         6

         7

         8

         9

         10

         11

         12

         13

         14

 

ITKE-AS01#

By using the “configure replace flash” command you can restore the configuration

ITKE-AS01#configure replace flash: itkebackup -2

         This will apply all necessary additions and deletions

         to replace the current running configuration with the

         contents of the specified configuration file, which is

         assumed to be a complete configuration, not a partial

         configuration. Enter Y if you are sure you want to proceed. ? [no]: y

         Total number of passes: 0

         Rollback Done

The “archive” command is quite handy to keep the he is great for keeping multiple copies of the running config in an archive.

Nov 14 2009   11:13AM GMT

HP buys 3Com for 2.7 Billion Dollars

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
HP, Hp Acquisation, 3Com Corporation, Ethernet, Hewlett-Packard Company, 3Com’s routers, Switches, Security products, TippingPoint, Cisco Systems, HP Procurve

HP has agreed to its plans to buy router and switching gear maker 3Com for $2.7 billion. This deal will see HP expands its infrastructure portfolio range with 3Com’s routers, Switches and Security products as well it will strengthen the HP position in China thanks to 3Com’s strong presence in China. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2010.
The transaction has been sealed at US$7.90 per 3Com share and is yet another example of an acquisition that will present significant competition for Cisco in the networking market, particularly in the data centre space and network convergence.
“Companies are looking for ways to break free from the business limitations imposed by a networking paradigm that has been dominated by a single vendor,” said Dave Donatelli, executive vice president and general manager, enterprise servers and networking at HP, in a statement issued by the vendor.
“By acquiring 3Com, we are accelerating the execution of our converged infrastructure strategy and bringing disruptive change to the networking industry. By combining HP ProCurve offerings with 3Com’s extensive set of solutions, we will enable customers to build a next-generation network infrastructure that supports customer needs from the edge of the network to the heart of the data centre,” he added.
HP points out that the purchase of 3Com will bring strong security capabilities through the vendor’s TippingPoint portfolio. It also states that thanks to extensive testing of 3Com products, it is planning to complete the global roll-out within HP soon after completion of the acquisition.
Let’s see how successful this acquisition will be in terms of capturing the market share from the lead player like Cisco Systems.

Nov 14 2009   7:13AM GMT

How to configure Secure Copy (SCP) in Cisco Devices?

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
How to configure Secure Copy, How to configure SCP, Secure Copy, SCP, SSH, SSH Protocol, Port 22, encrypted tunnel, IOS transfer, Configuration backup, Cisco IOS 12.0(21)S, Cisco IOS 12.2(25)S, PIX/ASA firewalls 7.1, FWSM 3.1, Cisco Catalyst Switches, Cisco Routers, Cisco PIX/ASA TFPT, FTP, HTTPS, What is Secure Copy (SCP), secure, authenticated, Cisco Systems, Cisco Tips, Cisco Router tips, Cisco Switches tips, Network Tips, Network Technologies and Trends

In my previous post I was talking about the Secure Copy (SCP) what is it?  , now let’s see how to configure Secure Copy (SCP) in a Cisco Router or a Switch.

In order to configure Secure Copy (SCP) in a Cisco Router make sure the SSH is enabled and its working.

Step 1) Lets enable the SSH and AAA features in the Cisco Device

 

ITKE-AS1(config)#ip domain-name itke.com

ITKE-AS1(config)#crypto key generate rsa general-keys modulus 512

The name for the keys will be: ITKE-AS1.itke.com

 

% The key modulus size is 512 bits

% Generating 512 bit RSA keys, keys will be non-exportable…[OK]

 

ITKE-AS1(config)#

ITKE-AS1(config)#aaa new-model

ITKE-AS1(config)#aaa authentication login default local

ITKE-AS1(config)#aaa authentication exec default local

 

Step 2) In order to use the SCP feature to manage configuration we must have at least once user account with enough privilege to access it

ITKE-AS1(config)#

ITKE-AS1(config)#username itke privilege 15 password secret itkeleads

 

Step 3) Now you are ready to enable the SCP server on:

ITKE-AS1(config)#ip scp server enable

 

 

Just by following these 3 simple steps we can enable Secure Copy (SCP) in a Cisco router or a Switch. For any further clarifications you can always have a close look at Cisco’s document on Secure Copy (SCP). 

Nov 9 2009   6:47AM GMT

What is Secure Copy (SCP)?

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Secure Copy, SCP, SSH, SSH Protocol, Port 22, encrypted tunnel, IOS transfer, Configuration backup, Cisco IOS 12.0(21)S, Cisco IOS 12.2(25)S, PIX/ASA firewalls 7.1, FWSM 3.1, Cisco Catalyst Switches, Cisco Routers, Cisco PIX/ASA TFPT, FTP, HTTPS, What is Secure Copy (SCP), secure, authenticated, Cisco Systems, Cisco Tips, Cisco Router tips, Cisco Switches tips, Network Tips, Network Technologies and Trends

 

We are all aware of the traditional way of transferring IOS files from and to Cisco Catalyst Switches, Cisco Routers and Cisco PIX/ASA firewall devices using TFPT, FTP and lately https. However there is also one more way to copy the IOS files, which is known as Secure Copy (SCP). The Secure Copy (SCP) is a secure and authenticated method of copying a configuration file or transferring an Image files to Cisco Catalyst Switches, Cisco Routers and Cisco PIX/ASA firewall devices.

 

Cisco Systems introduced the Secure Copy (SCP) feature in the following IOS releases

 

Release	Modification
12.2(2)T	This feature was introduced.
12.0(21)S	This feature was integrated into Cisco IOS 12.0(21)S.
12.2(25)S	This feature was integrated into Cisco IOS 12.2(25)S.

PIX/ASA firewalls 7.1 and above, FWSM 3.1 and above.

  

The Secure Copy (SCP) works on SSH protocol on port 22 which is like an encrypted tunnel. This tool is very useful especially to transfer files for upgrades or to perform safe backups.

 

In my next post you will find the commands to configure SCP in a Cisco Router and Switch.

Oct 14 2009   5:58AM GMT

Cisco intends to acquire advance wireless gear maker Starent Networks Corp for 2.9 billion dollars

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Cisco Systems, Starent Networks Corp, Starent, Network Technologies and Trends, smart mobile, mobile internet, advance wireless, Wi-Max technology, Cisco Blog, WI-Max, Cisco acquisitions, Tandberg, Cisco News, Cisco Updates, next-generation networks

Yet another acquisition is planned by Cisco Systems. Cisco Systems is planning to buy advance wireless telecommunication equipment makers Starent Networks Corp for 2.9 billion dollars to boost its product offerings as phone carriers build out next-generation networks. This will be a second major acquisition this month for Cisco Systems after billion buyout of videoconferencing leader Tandberg for roughly 3 billion dollars.

According to a post in Cisco blogs, by acquiring Starent Networks Corp - Cisco Systems can expand their product portfolio in mobile internet market. As we all know the Emerging markets are seeing the success of Wi-Max technology. Surely this acquisition will help Cisco to broaden its presence in the Wi-Max area.

“The growth of smart mobile devices and net books has fundamentally changed consumer behavior with regards to how they use the Internet,” said Ned Hooper, Cisco’s chief strategy officer who also oversees the consumer business.

By first half of year 2010, the acquisition is expected to close. Until then Cisco Systems and Starent Networks Corp  will continue to operate as separate companies. Upon completion of the transaction Starent Networks Corp will become the new Mobile Internet Technology Group led by Starent President and CEO Ashraf Dahod. Starent was founded in 2000 and completed its initial public offering in 2007. The company is based in Tewksbury, Mass., and has approximately 1,000 employees worldwide.

Oct 10 2009   5:59AM GMT

The Borderless Networks Experience:Cool new innovations

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Borderless Networks Experience, Virtual Event, Cisco Events, Cisco Systems, Cisco Innovations, Cisco networking experts, webcast, Cisco Webcast, The World is Your Workspace, Cool new innovations

 

 

October 20^th, we can all experience the architectural vision for Borderless Networks Cisco is creating, on 20^th October, 2009 at 11 AM PST Cisco System is conducting a virtual event “Borderless Networks Experience”.  If you are in different time zone no probs, Cisco Systems is hosting this virtual even in three different time zones. So just pick that one which suits you the best and enjoy the latest innovation. The details are as follows

The Borderless Networks Experience: The World is Your Workspace Tues., Oct. 20; 11:00 PDT (18:00 GMT) Imagine a world where you can use video in innovative ways with your customers, business partners and employees. Imagine a world where customer satisfaction is improved by making interactions more personal and immediate. In this world, the workspace is seamlessly transformed to be more global, efficient and fun. This webcast will explain how new technologies can transform your business to make the Borderless Network Experience a reality. Live Q&A Cisco experts will be available throughout the webcast to answer your questions regarding this new, ground-breaking technology.

Agenda

o   Cisco networking experts unveil industry-changing innovations for delivering the ultimate workspace experience o   Industry leading IT managers describe how these innovations are already transforming their businesses. o   Discover how to make your organization borderless

 

So have fun and check this cool video as well.

Oct 8 2009   10:10PM GMT

Bad news for SPAM, Good news for you

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Cisco Systems, Cisco Spam and Virus Blocker, antivirus, antispam, email gateway, email threats, antiphishing, Appliance, cisco security device, security appliance, SC magazine, internet edge, email server, iPod shuffle, all star rating

Cisco Systems have come up with a security appliance which is a dedicated antispam, antivirus and antiphisihing appliance which virtually eliminates email threat right out of box. Cisco named this security appliance as The Cisco Spam and Virus Blocker, which is aimed at small business segment and can support up to 250 users. More over the SC Magazine has awarded all star rating for the Cisco Spam & Virus Blocker i.e. 5-star rating

 

The Cisco Spam and Virus Blocker acts as an email gateway and message transfer agent, typically deployed between the internet edge and the email server. The appliance secures email using anti-malware, anti-spam and content filtering.

The good news is Cisco Systems is offering a 30 days money back guarantee and if you are among first 100 customers to fix an appointment chances are high to receive an iPod shuffle.

 

Some of the salient features of Cisco Spam and Virus Blocker are as follows

 

·         Protects small businesses by providing powerful protection against spam, viruses and other email threats to secure your network and business data while improving productivity.

·         Stops spam right out of the box, unlike other products that require ongoing and time-consuming administration to work effectively.

·         Reduces operational costs through simple setup in minutes and continuous automatic updates.

·         Enhances the performance of networks, servers, and computers by helping eliminate unwanted email.

·         Provides peace of mind with a complete solution including hardware, software, updates, and product support in a single package.

Overall the Cisco Spam and Virus Blocker is an impressive device as an entry point into the small business market. Smaller organizations with the budget and need for granular security options can enjoy the full featured enterprise-class nature of the product, as well as the support.

Sep 26 2009   7:20AM GMT

Cisco Launches SA 500 Series Security Appliances, specifically designed and priced to meet small business needs

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Cisco SA 500, SA 520, SA 520 W, SA 540, VPN, Firewall, Trend Micro, email, Web Security, Appliance, Cisco Systems, Cisco Firewall, Wireless, secured wireless, network ports, 1 giga

 

If you are having an Organization with 100 employees or less and you are looking for an appropriate Security device to protect your Organization from the frequently growing internet threats, also offering  secured  wireless,  offering Virtual Private Network (VPN) services to remote branch offices and on to go employees, with a firewall and optional email and web security capabilities. Here is the answer, the Cisco SA 500 Series Security Appliance. Cisco Systems recently launched the Cisco SA 500 Series Security Appliance recently exclusively for Small to Medium size business.

 

The Cisco SA 500 Series Security Appliance comes in three models; SA 520, SA 520 W and SA 540,  each of these  models features the integrated firewall, support for the Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway and network ports which are capable of working at 1 Giga Speed.  Here are some of the features of the Cisco SA 500 Series Security Appliance. Only SA 520 W is capable of supporting Wireless (802.11 b/g/n capabilities) working in the 2.4 GHz range with high encryption capabilities.

 

·       Secure remote access to business information with a built-in stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall and VPN capabilities.

·       Increased security of remote access: With support for optional VeriSign Identity Protection (VIP), the Cisco SA 500 Series provides two-factor authentication and one-time-use password access control.

·       Lower costs associated with deployment and management based on a single, easy-to-install, easy-to-use solution.

·       Prevent security breaches from email threats or malicious websites that could lead to disruption of business-critical applications and services.

·       Increased employee productivity by helping prevent spam, spyware, and inappropriate web browsing with the optional Trend Micro ProtectLink Gateway.

·       Easy deployment and management: The embedded Security Appliance Configuration Utility offers comprehensive configuration and monitoring of all the services in a single application.

·       Affordable service coverage: The highest level of performance and reliability to keep your business running smoothly. Check out Small Business Pro Service.

In conclusion Cisco SA 500 Series Security Appliances is designed to solve Small business problems.  For more information visit the Cisco SA 500 Website.

 

Sep 16 2009   11:01AM GMT

Cisco Press launches new title addressing FCoE standard

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
I/O Consolidation in the Data Center, Cisco Press, Cisco books, FCoE, FCoE standard, Fiber Chanel over Ethernet, data center 3.0, nexus 5000 unified fabric, Cisco Systems, FC-BB-5, Nuova Systems, Silvano Gai's, Jamie Adams, Enterprise IT professionals., Data Center

 

In one of my older post in June I was just taking about the FCoE (Fiber Channel over Ethernet) as a standard. Cisco Systems was one of the major contributors to establish the FCoE Standard.  Like a responsible vendor now Cisco Press has come up with a new title “I/O Consolidation in the Data Center”. This title is a fully updated version of Silvano Gai’s privately-published book on FCoE, written for leading FCoE pioneer Nuova Systems before the company was acquired by Cisco. Nearly 12,000 copies of that book have already been distributed, demonstrating the immense interest in FCoE technology, and the scarcity of reliable information that has existed about it.

The new title “I/O Consolidation in the Data Center” deals with the recently approved FCoE standard. According Cisco Press Senior Publicist Jamie Adams the new title comprises of five detail case studies illustrating typical FCoE adoption scenarios, as well as extensive Q & A section addressing issues raised quite often by the Enterprise IT professionals.

For more details do check out the Cisco Press product description.

Aug 15 2009   5:41AM GMT

With Cisco’s Telepresence you can win 3000 $!

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Cisco TelePresence, Why I Want Cisco TelePresence, Cisco Contest, Video Contest, Cisco Systems, Prize, Free telepresence

 

Why do want Cisco TelePresence ?  Answer this question in a video format, and submit your entries before 8^th of September 2009 and win 3000 $.

 

 Amazing right!  Cisco TelePresence recently launched a video contest “Why I Want Cisco TelePresence”

The video contest is designed to entice individuals from around the world to submit their ideas about why or how they would like to use Cisco TelePresence in their work lives – how they might connect to co-workers or peers in other locations; the benefits they would uniquely reap; why they would be the ideal person to use a Cisco TelePresence system. Winners in two categories, Productivity and Shaping the Future, have a chance to win $3,000 each.

 

 

The Contest is open to individuals who: (1) are at least 21 years of age as of the Contest start date and (2) work or have worked within a professional organization that uses technology. Submission period ends at September 8, 2009 at 11:59 p.m.