Networking

Nov 21 2009   11:36AM GMT

How to configure the System prompt in a Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch?

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Cisco Router, Cisco Router tips, Cisco Switches, Cisco Tips, How to configure the System prompt in a Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch, System prompt, no prompt, TTY, VTY, config t, hostname, Cisco Hostname, %h:%n%p, active telnet sessions, Telnet, Cisco Device, Network Tips, Network Technologies and Trends

 

There is a cool handy way to know TTY sessions established in any Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch. By using this feature you can know the number of active telnet sessions from the prompt itself.

Normally whenever you log to any Cisco Router or Switch you will find this menu

ITKE-AS01#

 

By using the “prompt” command you can see the difference

 

You might be wondering how come this is possible, ok now let me show you how to enable this feature in a Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch,

Log in to your Cisco Device and use the following command “prompt %h:%n%p”

 

ITKE-AS01#config t

ITKE-AS01 (config)# prompt %h:%n%p
ITKE-AS01 (config)# exit

 

In the example I have used three escape sequences to set the prompt name to the hostname (%h), followed by the command number (%n) and then followed by the appropriate prompt character for the current command mode (%p).

You can see the difference in the hostname after applying the “prompt %h:%n%p” command.

ITKE-AS01:1#sho users

    Line       User       Host(s)              Idle       Location

*  1 vty 0     yasir      idle                 00:00:00 10.0.0.5

 

  Interface      User        Mode                     Idle     Peer Address

ITKE-AS01:1#

 

As the number of TTY session increases you can see the incremental change in the hostname with the sequence number as displayed below.

Example with two TTY sessions

ITKE-AS01:2#sho users

    Line       User       Host(s)              Idle       Location

   1 vty 0     yasir      idle                 00:00:23 10.0.0.5

*  2 vty 1     itkeuser      idle                 00:00:00 10.0.0.5

 

  Interface      User        Mode                     Idle     Peer Address

 

ITKE-AS01:2#

 

Example with three TTY sessions

ITKE-AS01:3#sho users

    Line       User       Host(s)              Idle       Location

   1 vty 0     yasir      idle                 00:01:14 10.0.0.5

   2 vty 1     itkeuser      idle           00:00:50 10.0.0.6

*  3 vty 2     itkeadmin   idle         00:00:00 10.0.0.7

 

  Interface      User        Mode                     Idle     Peer Address

 

ITKE-AS01:3#

 

Example with four TTY sessions

ITKE-AS01:4#sho users

    Line       User       Host(s)              Idle       Location

   1 vty 0     yasir      idle                 00:01:43 10.0.0.5

   2 vty 1     itkeuser      idle            00:01:20 10.0.0.6

   3 vty 2     itkeadmin   idle            00:00:29 10.0.0.7

*  4 vty 3     yasir      idle                 00:00:00 10.0.0.5

 

  Interface      User        Mode                     Idle     Peer Address

 

ITKE-AS01:4#

 

I you want to disable the TTY display enter the “no prompt” command as shown below.
ITKE-AS01:4#config t
ITKE-AS01:4 (config)# no prompt

 

Following are the prompt Variables available for the “prompt” command.

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 17 2009   6:38AM GMT

How to disable SSH in Cisco Devices?

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
How to disable SSH in Cisco devices, SSH, Cisco Router, Cisco Switch, crypto key zeroize rsa, enable SSH, Disable SSH, Cisco-remote-access, remote access, Routing and Switching, ssh disable, ssh enable, ssh reconfigure, Cisco Tips, Cisco Networking, Router Configuration, Switch Configuration, disable SSH in Cisco routers, disable SSH in Cisco Switches, Network Technologies and Trends, Cisco Commands

We all know the importance of SSH, and it is one of most used method for remote access of Cisco Devices either it might be a Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch. Most of the Network Engineers I come across say it is so complicated to either enable or disable the SSH in Cisco Devices.

 If you simply try to use “no commands” used to enable SSH it will not work. Here is the tip to disable the SSH in either Cisco Router or Cisco Switches.

 Commands used to enable SSH in a 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

 

Commands used to disable SSH in a Cisco Device

Do notice if you use the command “no crypto key generate rsa” it will not work rather the device will suggest you to use the ‘crypto key zeroize rsa’ command, amazing isn’t it

ITKE-AS1(config)#no crypto key generate rsa

% Use ‘crypto key zeroize rsa’ to delete signature keys.

 

ITKE-AS1(config)#crypto key zeroize rsa

% All RSA keys will be removed.

% All router certs issued using these keys will

will also be removed.

Do you really want to remove these keys? [yes/no]: yes

ITKE-AS1(config)#

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 21 2009   5:57AM GMT

Do you think routers are dead?

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Networking, TechWise TV, ISR Routers, Routers, ISR G2, Web Cast, Cisco Web Cast, Routers Are Dead Long Live the Router

 

Cisco’s TechWise TV is webcasting a  60 minute Episode on 29th of October 2009  with a title ‘”Routers Are Dead. Long Live the Router!” where you can learn the Cisco integrated services router will dramatically simplify your branch architecture and greatly reduce your network management workload.

 

By registering to this web cast you will get the chance to see the technological advances that will enable you to create a truly borderless network, while giving you the convenient, powerful network management features you crave in today’s resource-challenged IT environment.

The Agenda

• ISR G2: New Model New Story
• The ISR Autopsy
• New Modules
• Security Innovation in the ISR
• Collaboration Enablement
• The Service Ready Engine
• Universal IOS
• Long Live the Router

Register now

Oct 18 2009   6:09AM GMT

CCIE Routing and Switching Official Certification Guide to be released in November 2009

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
CCIE Routing and Switching Official Certification, CCIE, Routing, Switching, Cisco Press, Rough Cuts, LAN Switching, CCNA, CCNP Books, CCNP, Cisco Press authors, Wendell Doman, Rus Healy, Denise Donohue, Cisco, Cisco Press Books, CCIE Routing and Switching Official Certification Guide, OSI model, bridging, IP and IP Routing protocols, Add new tag

I was just accessing the rough cuts for the Cisco CCIE Routing and Switching Official Certification Guide, 4^th Edition. I had a great first impression. I had a chance to read “LAN Switching” part. It was a great firsthand experience. This segment is organized well and the approach is similar to CCNA, CCNP books, starts with a brief introduction and then the most useful section of Cisco Press Books “Do I Know This Already?” Quiz followed by “Foundation topics and “Foundation Summary”.

 

Pic Courtesy: Cisco Press

 

The Cisco Press authors Wendell Odom, Rus Healy and Denise Donohue did a credible job; I liked the way they presented the topics, since I spent most of my time on Switching I really enjoyed the “LAN Switching” part. Though I am familiar with most of the things they were talking but it was great experience to refresh my info.

 

The CCIE Routing and Switching Official Certification Guide 4^th Edition is to be released on 19^th of November 2009 by Cisco Press, they are offering great discount do check Cisco Press web site for more details, but make sure you registered yourself to Cisco Press website to get more discount. Once the book released I will try to write a review on this book.

 

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 13 2009   1:25PM GMT

Using Cisco Unified Customer Voice portal two million calls are shifted daily!

Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Cisco Unified Customer Voice portal, Cisco, News, Newsroom, Features, Releases, Demos, videos, IDEA Cellular, Aditya Birla Group, Telecom operato, r Cisco solutions, business success story

 

One of the leading Telecom operators in India, IDEA Cellular an Aditya Birla Group Company was able to shift two million daily calls from live agents to a self-service voice portal that increased customer satisfaction and reduced average hold by using the Cisco Unified Customer Voice Portal.

With the use Cisco Unified Customer Voice portal, IDEA Cellular is catering more than 47 million customers. Yet another business success story by using Cisco solutions. The solution was implemented by IMB India.