Generic Route Encapsulation is a tunneling technique in IP networking where a received IP packet is re-encapsulated in a second IP header (IP-in-IP) and sent across the network. It is like a Layer 3 VPN but alone it is not a secure VPN. You can encrypt GRE with an encryption protocol such as IPSec to […]
GRE Tunnel Primer in Cisco IOS Read More »
A common misunderstanding with configuring Cisco routers is the meaning of the ‘bandwidth’ command. Following a recent discussion we had with a client we thought it appropriate to add some specifics to our Tech Tips area. Let’s say you have a serial interface between two Cisco routers and the interface is up and running with
In this How To we will explain the basics of SSH configuration on Cisco IOS. To start, we recommend you verify you have the correct IOS version that supports triple-DES and SSH. With that said, let’s jump in. First, make sure your router has a hostname by using the hostname command. Here’s an example: Router#
SSH Configuration in Cisco IOS Read More »
In this How To we will introduce the concepts of Quality of Service or QoS (kwas). Managing QoS is an important process and skill that everyone who runs a network needs to understand. We will introduce you to QoS principles at a high level. You will find details in other How To’s. First, lets understand
QoS Fundamentals in Cisco IOS Read More »
The Web Cache Communications Protocol (WCCP) is used to redirect traffic (usually Web page requests) to another device in real time. The most common use for WCCP is redirecting Web traffic to a server that provides Web caching, filtering, or other services. You can enable WCCP on your router, but you should only use WCCP
WCCP Configuration in Cisco IOS Read More »
In this How To we will explain the procedure for Warm Upgrade and Reload. The examples are shown on a Cisco 2811 Router. The warm upgrade feature of the Cisco IOS was offered in Cisco IOS version 12.3(11)T. The warm reload feature of the Cisco IOS was offered in IOS version 12.3(2)T. What are the
Warm Upgrade and Reload in Cisco IOS Read More »
This How To explains the process of upgrading IOS on a Cisco Router. Before starting the procedure of IOS upgrade or installation, you will need to install TFTP server software on a PC connected to the router Ethernet interface. There are many free downloadable TFTP servers’ software on the Internet. Afterwards, you make sure to
Upgrading IOS on a Cisco Router Read More »
This How To explains username configuration. Short and sweet. Step 1: With use of below command we can create User in Cisco Router Cell_Router(config)#username AWALDING priv 15 password CELLSTREAM Step 2: Also, we have to enable this at each line Cell_Router(config)# line con 0Cell_Router(config-line)#login local Cell_Router(config)# line vty 0 15Cell_Router(config-line)#login local Cell_Router(config)# line aux 0Cell_Router(config-line)#login local
Username Configuration in Cisco IOS Read More »
Have you ever loaded a router with IOS that is too big for memory? If you have, then you have ended up in a problem and the router dumps you to ROM Monitor or ROMMON prompt. In this How To we weill explain what to do. There is a simple way to reload the router
Loading a Cisco Router from ROMMON prompt Read More »
In this How To we will provide an overview of Smartports and how they can help with your Cisco switch administration. Cisco now calls these Auto Smartports. The Smartports macros can speed up deployment while ensuring accuracy and consistency on your switch ports. Simply put, Smartports macros are pre-created configuration scripts that work on most
Smartports Macros for Switches in Cisco IOS Read More »
The ability to monitor your network traffic is critical for all network administrators and managers. This means getting down to the packet level. To get down to the packet level, you have to use a protocol analyzer that will dissect the packets and conversations that occur on the network. Most users are familiar with packet
Analyzing Traffic on a Cisco Switch Read More »
To save you time searching through thousands of documents and sometimes disjointed practices, here are some of our recommendations for securing Cisco routers. These practices can also be applied to other routers in general, though we provide no specifics for others. Security is always a concern to those who manage and configure routers. Every router
Security Setting Recommendations for Cisco IOS Routers Read More »
We are often asked about ICMP, and how it should be managed on a network. We hope this How To will explain this protocol a little and provide some initial guidance. What is ICMP? The Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is part of Layer 3, not Layer 4 TCP, and it’s not UDP. ICMP provides
ICMP Management in an IPv4 Network Read More »
Here is what you need to know with regards to the Configuration Register in Cisco IOS. All Cisco routers have a 16-bit software register in NVRAM. The default is for Cisco routers to load Cisco IOS from FLASH MEMORY and to look for and load the STARTUP-CONFIG file from NVRAM. Some Reference Stuff Here is
Configuration Register in Cisco IOS Explained Read More »
In this How To, we explain Cisco SNAT. Cisco SNAT allows two or more routers performing the NAT function as a group. This is really handy for redundancy purposes, and can be used in conjunction with Cisco’s HSRP function (click here to see how HSRP is configured). The NAT routers are going to exchange information
Stateful Network Address Translation (SNAT) Feature on Cisco IOS Routers Read More »