Cisco Aironet 1400 Series

Table Of Contents

Release Notes for Cisco Aironet 1410 Bridges
for Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA

Contents

Introduction

System Requirements

Determining the Software Version

Upgrading to a New Software Release

New Features

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA

Key Bridge Features

Installation Notes

Warnings

Safety Information

FCC Safety Compliance Statement

Safety Precautions

Bridge Installation

Stacking Bridges

Important Notes

Cisco Aironet Software Requires Completion of Encryption Authorization Form

Default Encryption Key 2 is Set by Bridge

Limitation to PAgP Redundancy on Switches Connected by Bridge Links

Power Client n CLI Command is not Supported

Cannot Pass IP Traffic When Bridge # Route IP is Configured

Default Infrastructure SSID

ARP Table is Corrupted When Multiple BVIs are Configured

Caveats

Open Caveats

Troubleshooting

Related Documentation

Platform-Specific Documents

Cisco IOS Software Documentation Set

Obtaining Documentation

Cisco.com

Documentation CD-ROM

Ordering Documentation

Documentation Feedback

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco.com

Technical Assistance Center

Cisco TAC Website

Cisco TAC Escalation Center

Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request

Release Notes for Cisco Aironet 1410 Bridges
for Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA

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June 16, 2003

These release notes describe features, enhancements, and caveats for Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA. They also provide important information about the Cisco Aironet 1410 Bridge (hereafter called bridge).

Contents

These release notes contain the following sections:

•Introduction

•System Requirements

•New Features

•Installation Notes

•Important Notes

•Caveats

•Troubleshooting

•Related Documentation

•Obtaining Documentation

•Obtaining Technical Assistance

•Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request

Introduction

The Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Bridge (hereafter called the bridge) is a wireless device designed for building to building wireless connectivity. Operating in the 5.8 GHz UNII 3 band (5725 to 5825 MHz), derived from the 802.11a standard, the bridge delivers 6-54 Mbps data rates without the need for a license. The bridge is a self contained unit designed for outdoor installations, providing differing antenna gains as well as coverage patterns and supports both point-to-point and multipoint configurations.

The bridge uses a browser-based management system, but you can also configure the bridge using the command-line interface (CLI) through a Telnet session, Cisco IOS commands, or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).

System Requirements

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA is factory installed on your bridge. As new Cisco IOS releases become available for the bridge, you should consider upgrading to the latest release.

Determining the Software Version

To determine the version of IOS running on your bridge, use a Telnet session to log into the bridge and enter the show version EXEC command. This example shows command output from a bridge running Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA:

bridge> show version

Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software

IOS (tm) C1410 Software (C1410-K9W7-M), Version 12.2(11)JA

Copyright (c) 1986-2003 by Cisco Systems, Inc.

You can also find the software version on the System Software Version page in the bridge's web-browser interface.

Upgrading to a New Software Release

For instructions on installing bridge software:

1. Follow this link to the Cisco Aironet documentation home page:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps5279/tsd_products_support_general_information.html

2. Click this link to browse to the Cisco IOS Software Center on Cisco.com:

http://www.cisco.com/cisco/software/navigator.html?mdfid=268438303&i=rs

On the Web page, log in to access the Feature Navigator or the Cisco IOS Upgrade Planner, or click Wireless Software to go to the Wireless LAN Software page.

New Features

Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA

This section lists new features in Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA for the bridge.

•Antenna Alignment Assistance

–This feature provides a wireless bridge with an auto-configuration and installation mode for out-of-box deployment of point-to-point links without requiring configuration via telnet, file transfer protocol (FTP), or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). This mode drives LEDs and a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) port with a voltage output proportional to the received signal strength for use during the installation and alignment process. This allows a wireless bridge installation team without knowledge of Cisco IOS software or data networking to install and verify the quality of the wireless link.

•Wireless Programmable Clear Channel Assessment

–With the programmable clear channel assessment feature, wireless bridges can be configured to a particular background interference level found in a specific environment for reduced overhead contention with other wireless systems.

•Wireless Root Bridge

–A wireless bridge connected to the main LAN network can be configured as a wireless root bridge to provide support for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint bridging.

•Wireless non-root bridge

–A wireless bridge connected to a remote LAN network can be configured as a wireless non-root bridge to allow operation as the remote node in a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint network.

•Wireless packet concatenation

–Wireless packet concatenation is the ability to concatenate smaller packets into larger ones to more efficiently utilize the wireless medium and provide higher overall data throughputs on a wireless bridge.

•Wireless link distance adjustment

–The wireless link distance adjustment parameter allows you to tune the carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) parameters for a particular range to maximize the performance of a wireless bridge.

The following features in Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA are not supported by the bridge:

•Broadcast key rotation

•Hot standby

•Multiple service set identifiers (SSIDs)

•Proxy mobile IP

•World mode

Key Bridge Features

The following are key bridge features:

•Unlicensed UNII-3 5.8-GHz radio operation

•Integrated antenna or external antenna configurations

a. Integrated antenna configuration—with 22.5-dBi patch array

b. External antenna configuration—with an antenna connector for an external antenna

•Metal enclosure supports outdoor installations

a. Integrated antenna configuration—the enclosure has been successfully tested for protection against the ingress of particulate matter and fluids in compliance with a NEMA Type 4 (IP56) enclosure rating.

b. External antenna configuration—the enclosure has been successfully tested and is in compliance with a NEMA Type 4 (IP56) enclosure rating.

•Industrial temperature rating—operating temperature of -22 to 131^oF (-30 to 55^oC)

•Power injector dual-coax ports supports:

–100-Mbps Ethernet over dual-coax cables

–Inline power over dual-coax cables

•Four LED indicators on bridge

–Install, Radio, Status, and Ethernet

•Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) voltage port for easy antenna alignment

•Bridge control using Cisco IOS commands, Internet browser, or SNMP

•Point-to-point and multi-point bridge operation

•Three optional external bridge antennas

–9-dBi omnidirectional external antenna with vertical polarization

–9.5-dBi sector external antenna

–28-dBi dish external antenna

Installation Notes

This section contains important information you should keep in mind when installing your bridge.

Warnings

Warning This warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents. (To see translations of the warnings that appear in this publication, refer to the appendix "Translated Safety Warnings.")

Warning Only trained and qualified personnel should be allowed to install, replace, or service this equipment.

Warning Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take extreme care not to come into contact with such circuits, as they may cause serious injury or death. For proper installation and grounding of the antenna, please refer to national and local codes (e.g. U.S.:NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810, in Canada: Canadian Electrical Code, Section 54).

Warning This product relies on the building's installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that the protective device is rated not greater than: 120Vac, 15A U.S. (240Vac, 10A International)

Warning Never defeat the ground conductor or operate the equipment in the absence of a suitably installed ground conductor. Contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority or an electrician if you are uncertain that suitable grounding is available.

Warning Read the installation instructions before you connect the system to its power source.

Warning Do not work on the system or connect or disconnect cables during periods of lightning activity.

Warning Do not operate your wireless network device near unshielded blasting caps or in an explosive environment unless the device has been modified to be especially qualified for such use.

Warning Industry standards relating to radio frequency (RF) exposure limits for this product require that the antennas should be positioned no less than 6.6 ft (2 m) from your body or nearby persons.

Warning This unit is intended for installation in restricted access areas. A restricted access area can be accessed only through the use of a special tool, lock and key, or other means of security.

Safety Information

Follow the guidelines in this section to ensure proper operation and safe use of the bridge.

FCC Safety Compliance Statement

The FCC, with its action in ET Docket 96-8, has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to RF electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-certified equipment. When used with approved Cisco Aironet antennas, Cisco Aironet products meet the uncontrolled environmental limits found in OET-65 and ANSI C95.1, 1991. Proper operation of this radio device according to the instructions in this publication results in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.

Safety Precautions

Warning Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take extreme care not to come into contact with such circuits, as they may cause serious injury or death. For proper installation and grounding of the antenna, please refer to national and local codes (e.g. U.S.:NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810, in Canada: Canadian Electrical Code, Section 54).

Each year hundreds of people are killed or injured when attempting to install an antenna. In many of these cases, the victim was aware of the danger of electrocution, but did not take adequate steps to avoid the hazard.

For your safety, and to help you achieve a good installation, please read and follow these safety precautions. They may save your life!

1. If you are installing an antenna for the first time, for your own safety as well as others, seek professional assistance.

2. Select your installation site with safety, as well as performance in mind. Remember: electric power lines and phone lines look alike. For your safety, assume that any overhead line can kill you.

3. Call your electric power company. Tell them your plans and ask them to come look at your proposed installation. This is a small inconvenience considering your life is at stake.

4. Plan your installation carefully and completely before you begin. Successful raising of a mast or tower is largely a matter of coordination. Each person should be assigned to a specific task, and should know what to do and when to do it. One person should be in charge of the operation to issue instructions and watch for signs of trouble.

5. When installing your antenna, remember:

a. Do not use a metal ladder.

b. Do not work on a wet or windy day.

c. Do dress properly—shoes with rubber soles and heels, rubber gloves, long sleeved shirt or jacket.

6. If the assembly starts to drop, get away from it and let it fall. Remember, the antenna, mast, cable, and metal guy wires are all excellent conductors of electrical current. Even the slightest touch of any of these parts to a power line complete an electrical path through the antenna and the installer: you!

7. If any part of the antenna system should come in contact with a power line, don't touch it or try to remove it yourself. Call your local power company. They will remove it safely.

If an accident should occur with the power lines call for qualified emergency help immediately.

Bridge Installation

The bridge is available in two configurations:

•Integrated antenna bridge (with 22.5 dBi directional antenna)

•External antenna bridge (with antenna connector for use with an external antenna)

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Note To meet regulatory restrictions, the external antenna bridge configuration and the external antenna must be professional installed.

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Personnel installing the bridge must understand wireless bridging techniques, antenna alignment and adjustment, and grounding methods. The integrated antenna configuration can be installed by an experienced IT professional.

Stacking Bridges

You can double the throughput, or create a standby link, by stacking two bridges. A stacked installation consists of two bridge systems installed at the same physical location. For detailed mounting instructions refer to the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions that shipped with your bridge.

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Note The bridge antennas must be separated by a minimum of 6.56 ft (2 m) from each other and from other co-located antennas.

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Important Notes

This section describes important information about the bridge.

Cisco Aironet Software Requires Completion of Encryption Authorization Form

In order to access Cisco Aironet software from the Software Center on Cisco.com, you must now fill out a form to receive authorization to download encrypted software. Registered Cisco.com users are required to fill out the form only once, while public users must do so once each session, each time software is downloaded. A form is automatically created for public users. The form for Registered Cisco.com users is located at the following URL:

http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/Software/Crypto/crypto_main.pl

Default Encryption Key 2 is Set by Bridge

The encryption key in slot 2 is the transmit key by default. If you enable WEP with MIC, use the same WEP key as the transmit key in the same key slot on both root and non-root bridges.

Limitation to PAgP Redundancy on Switches Connected by Bridge Links

When two switches configured for Port aggregation protocol (PAgP) are connected by redundant wireless bridge links, the PAgP switchover time takes at least 30 seconds, which is too slow to maintain TCP sessions from one port to another.

Power Client n CLI Command is not Supported

The bridge does not support the power client n command in the browser or CLI interfaces.

bridge(config-if)# power client n 

(where n is a value of 13, 16, 19, 22, 23, 24, or maximum)

The bridge does not perform any action if this command is used.

Cannot Pass IP Traffic When Bridge # Route IP is Configured

The bridge # route IP command must not be configured for the bridge groups assigned to non-native VLANS, because this setting stops IP traffic across the bridge for those non-native VLANS

Default Infrastructure SSID

When VLAN is enabled, the WEP encryption mode and the WEP key are applicable only to a native VLAN. Any SSID configured should have the Infrastructure-SSID parameter enabled for that SSID. With the Infrastructure-SSID parameter enabled, the bridge ensures that a non-native VLAN cannot be assigned to that SSID.

ARP Table is Corrupted When Multiple BVIs are Configured

The bridge only supports one bridge virtual interface (BVI). Multiple BVIs should not be configured, because this may cause the ARP table to become corrupted.

Caveats

This section lists open and resolved caveats in Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA.

Open Caveats

These caveats are open in Cisco IOS Release 12.2(11)JA for the bridge:

•CSCea08308—Default Infrastructure SSID.

When VLAN is enabled, the WEP encryption mode and the WEP key are applicable only to a native VLAN. Any SSID configured should have the Infrastructure-SSID parameter enabled for that SSID. With the Infrastructure-SSID parameter enabled, the bridge ensures that a non-native VLAN cannot be assigned to that SSID.

•CSCea21816—ARP Table is Corrupted When Multiple BVIs are Configured.

The bridge only supports one bridge virtual interface (BVI). Multiple BVIs should not be configured, because this may cause the ARP table to become corrupted.

•CSCea28990—Cannot Pass IP Traffic When Bridge # Route IP is Configured.

The bridge # route IP command must not be configured for the bridge groups assigned to non-native VLANS, because this setting stops IP traffic across the bridge for those non-native VLANS

•CSCea46874—Limitation to PAgP Redundancy on Switches Connected by Bridge Links.

When two switches configured for Port aggregation protocol (PAgP) are connected by redundant wireless bridge links, the PAgP switchover time takes at least 30 seconds, which is too slow to maintain TCP sessions from one port to another.

•CSCea57649—The CLI Help command produces incorrect output for the radio interface.

When using the CLI Help command from the radio interface, the command output is repeated multiple times.

•CSCea66380—Default Encryption Key 2 is Set by Bridge.

The encryption key in slot 2 is the transmit key by default. If you enable WEP with MIC, use the same WEP key as the transmit key in the same key slot on both root and non-root bridges.

•CSCea70652—Power Client n CLI Command is not Supported.

The bridge does not support the power client n command in the browser or CLI interfaces.

bridge(config-if)# power client n 

(where n is a value of 13, 16, 19, 22, 23, 24, or maximum)

The bridge does not perform any action if this command is used.

•CSCea75989—The non-root bridge does not reset the dot11 association counters when it reassociates to the root bridge.

Workaround:

•CSCea81730—The web interface for the non-root bridge incorrectly displays the root-bridge MAC address on the radio interface.

Workaround:

•CSCeb03832—Bridge does not detect some invalid software images during upgrade.

Workaround: Ensure the correct bridge image file (c1410-k9w7-tar.122-11.JA.tar) is used during software upgrade.

•CSCeb04390—Bridge does not detect simultaneous software upgrades from different interfaces.

Workaround: Ensure that the software upgrade is performed by only one person using one interface.

•CSCeb05054—Multiple non-root bridges do not associate to root bridge after a speed change.

The root bridge in a point-to-multipoint link does not allow non-root bridges to reassociate after changing the operating speed, until the root bridge has rebooted (power turned off and on).

Workaround: After changing the speed on a point-to-multipoint link, you must reboot the root bridge (turn power off and on).

•CSCeb08817—Root bridge cannot ping a non-root bridge after reassociation.

Workaround: Use the CLI clear arp-cache command to clear the root bridge ARP cache.

Troubleshooting

For the most up-to-date, detailed troubleshooting information, refer to the Cisco TAC website at http://www.cisco.com/tac. Click Technology Support, select Wireless from the menu on the left, and click Wireless LAN.

Related Documentation

This section lists documents related to Cisco IOS Release 12.2(4)JA and to bridges.

Platform-Specific Documents

These documents describe installation and configuration of the bridge:

•Quick Start Guide: Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge

•Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Software Configuration Guide

•Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Hardware Installation Guide

•Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Mounting Instructions

•Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge 9-dBi Omnidirectional Antenna

•Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge 10-dBi Sector Antenna

•Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge 28-dBi Dish Antenna

•Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge Roof Mount Assembly Instructions

Cisco IOS Software Documentation Set

Table 1 lists the contents of the Cisco IOS Release 12.2 software documentation set. These documents are available in electronic form, and you can order them in printed form.

You can find the most current Cisco IOS documentation on Cisco.com. Follow this link path to find the documentation for Cisco IOS Release 12.2:

Technical Documents > Documentation Home Page > Cisco IOS Software Configuration > Cisco IOS Release 12.2

Table 1 Cisco IOS Release 12.2 Documentation Set  

Books	Major Topics
•Cisco IOS Configuration Fundamentals Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference	Cisco IOS User Interfaces File Management System Management
•Cisco IOS Bridging and IBM Networking Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Bridging and IBM Networking Command Reference, Volume 1 of 2 •Cisco IOS Bridging and IBM Networking Command Reference, Volume 2 of 2	Transparent Bridging SRB Token Ring Inter-Switch Link Token Ring Route Switch Module RSRB DLSW+ Serial Tunnel and Block Serial Tunnel LLC2 and SDLC IBM Network Media Translation SNA Frame Relay Access NCIA Client/Server Airline Product Set DSPU and SNA Service Point SNA Switching Services Cisco Transaction Connection Cisco Mainframe Channel Connection CLAW and TCP/IP Offload CSNA, CMPC, and CMPC+ TN3270 Server
•Cisco IOS Dial Technologies Configuration Guide: Dial Access •Cisco IOS Dial Technologies Configuration Guide: Large-Scale Dial Applications •Cisco IOS Dial Technologies Command Reference, Volume 1 of 2 •Cisco IOS Dial Technologies Command Reference, Volume 2 of 2	Dial Access Modem and Dial Shelf Configuration and Management ISDN Configuration Signaling Configuration Point-to-Point Protocols Dial-on-Demand Routing Dial Backup Dial Related Addressing Service Network Access Solutions Large-Scale Dial Solutions Cost-Control Solutions Internetworking Dial Access Scenarios
•Cisco IOS Interface Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Interface Command Reference	LAN Interfaces Serial Interfaces Logical Interfaces
•Cisco IOS IP Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS IP Command Reference, Volume 1 of 3: Addressing and Services •Cisco IOS IP Command Reference, Volume 2 of 3: Routing Protocols •Cisco IOS IP Command Reference, Volume 3 of 3: Multicast	IP Addressing IP Services IP Routing Protocols IP Multicast
•Cisco IOS AppleTalk and Novell IPX Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS AppleTalk and Novell IPX Command Reference	AppleTalk Novell IPX
•Cisco IOS Apollo Domain, Banyan VINES, DECnet, ISO CLNS, and XNS Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Apollo Domain, Banyan VINES, DECnet, ISO CLNS, and XNS Command Reference	Apollo Domain Banyan VINES DECnet ISO CLNS XNS
•Cisco IOS Voice, Video, and Fax Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Voice, Video, and Fax Command Reference	Voice over IP Call Control Signaling Voice over Frame Relay Voice over ATM Telephony Applications Trunk Management Fax, Video, and Modem Support
•Cisco IOS Quality of Service Solutions Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Quality of Service Solutions Command Reference	Packet Classification Congestion Management Congestion Avoidance Policing and Shaping Signaling Link Efficiency Mechanisms
•Cisco IOS Security Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Security Command Reference	AAA Security Services Security Server Protocols Traffic Filtering and Firewalls IP Security and Encryption Passwords and Privileges Neighbor Router Authentication IP Security Options Supported AV Pairs
•Cisco IOS Switching Services Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Switching Services Command Reference	Cisco IOS Switching Paths NetFlow Switching Multiprotocol Label Switching Multilayer Switching Multicast Distributed Switching Virtual LANs LAN Emulation
•Cisco IOS Wide-Area Networking Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Wide-Area Networking Command Reference	ATM Frame Relay SMDS X.25 and LAPB
•Cisco IOS Mobile Wireless Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Mobile Wireless Command Reference	General Packet Radio Service
•Cisco IOS Terminal Services Configuration Guide •Cisco IOS Terminal Services Command Reference	ARA LAT NASI Telnet TN3270 XRemote X.28 PAD Protocol Translation
•Cisco IOS Configuration Guide Master Index •Cisco IOS Command Reference Master Index •Cisco IOS Debug Command Reference •Cisco IOS Software System Error Messages •New Features in 12.2-Based Limited Lifetime Releases •New Features in Release 12.2 T •Release Notes (Release note and caveat documentation for 12.2-based releases and various platforms)

Obtaining Documentation

Cisco provides several ways to obtain documentation, technical assistance, and other technical resources. These sections explain how to obtain technical information from Cisco Systems.

Cisco.com

You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/cisco/web/psa/default.html?mode=prod

You can access the Cisco website at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com

International Cisco websites can be accessed from this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/web/siteassets/locator/index.html

Documentation CD-ROM

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a Cisco Documentation CD-ROM package, which might have shipped with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM is updated regularly and might be more current than printed documentation. The CD-ROM package is available as a single unit or through an annual or quarterly subscription.

Registered Cisco.com users can order a single Documentation CD-ROM (product number DOC-CONDOCCD=) through the Cisco Ordering tool:

http://www.cisco.com/web/ordering/root/index.html

All users can order monthly or quarterly subscriptions through the online Subscription Store:

http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription

Ordering Documentation

You can find instructions for ordering documentation at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/general/Illus_process/PDI/pdi.htm

You can order Cisco documentation in these ways:

•Registered Cisco.com users (Cisco direct customers) can order Cisco product documentation from the Networking Products MarketPlace:

http://www.cisco.com/web/ordering/root/index.html

•Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative by calling Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters (California, U.S.A.) at 408 526-7208 or, elsewhere in North America, by calling 800 553-NETS (6387).

Documentation Feedback

You can submit comments electronically on Cisco.com. On the Cisco Documentation home page, click Feedback at the top of the page.

You can e-mail your comments to bug-doc@cisco.com.

You can submit comments by using the response card (if present) behind the front cover of your document or by writing to the following address:

Cisco Systems
Attn: Customer Document Ordering
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883

We appreciate your comments.

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco provides Cisco.com, which includes the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) website, as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can obtain online documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from the Cisco TAC website. Cisco.com registered users have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC website, including TAC tools and utilities.

Cisco.com

Cisco.com offers a suite of interactive, networked services that let you access Cisco information, networking solutions, services, programs, and resources at any time, from anywhere in the world.

Cisco.com provides a broad range of features and services to help you with these tasks:

•Streamline business processes and improve productivity

•Resolve technical issues with online support

•Download and test software packages

•Order Cisco learning materials and merchandise

•Register for online skill assessment, training, and certification programs

To obtain customized information and service, you can self-register on Cisco.com at this URL:

http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do

Technical Assistance Center

The Cisco TAC is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product, technology, or solution. Two types of support are available: the Cisco TAC website and the Cisco TAC Escalation Center. The type of support that you choose depends on the priority of the problem and the conditions stated in service contracts, when applicable.

We categorize Cisco TAC inquiries according to urgency:

•Priority level 4 (P4)—You need information or assistance concerning Cisco product capabilities, product installation, or basic product configuration. There is little or no impact to your business operations.

•Priority level 3 (P3)—Operational performance of the network is impaired, but most business operations remain functional. You and Cisco are willing to commit resources during normal business hours to restore service to satisfactory levels.

•Priority level 2 (P2)—Operation of an existing network is severely degraded, or significant aspects of your business operations are negatively impacted by inadequate performance of Cisco products. You and Cisco will commit full-time resources during normal business hours to resolve the situation.

•Priority level 1 (P1)—An existing network is "down," or there is a critical impact to your business operations. You and Cisco will commit all necessary resources around the clock to resolve the situation.

Cisco TAC Website

The Cisco TAC website provides online documents and tools to help troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with Cisco products and technologies. To access the Cisco TAC website, go to this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/tac

All customers, partners, and resellers who have a valid Cisco service contract have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC website. Some services on the Cisco TAC website require a Cisco.com login ID and password. If you have a valid service contract but do not have a login ID or password, go to this URL to register:

http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do

If you are a Cisco.com registered user, and you cannot resolve your technical issues by using the Cisco TAC website, you can open a case online at this URL:

https://sso.cisco.com/autho/forms/CDClogin.html

If you have Internet access, we recommend that you open P3 and P4 cases online so that you can fully describe the situation and attach any necessary files.

Cisco TAC Escalation Center

The Cisco TAC Escalation Center addresses priority level 1 or priority level 2 issues. These classifications are assigned when severe network degradation significantly impacts business operations. When you contact the TAC Escalation Center with a P1 or P2 problem, a Cisco TAC engineer automatically opens a case.

To obtain a directory of toll-free Cisco TAC telephone numbers for your country, go to this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/tsd_cisco_worldwide_contacts.html

Before calling, please check with your network operations center to determine the Cisco support services to which your company is entitled: for example, SMARTnet, SMARTnet Onsite, or Network Supported Accounts (NSA). When you call the center, please have available your service agreement number and your product serial number.

Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request

For information on obtaining documentation, submitting a service request, and gathering additional information, see the monthly What's New in Cisco Product Documentation, which also lists all new and revised Cisco technical documentation, at:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/general/whatsnew/whatsnew.html

Subscribe to the What's New in Cisco Product Documentation as an RSS feed and set content to be delivered directly to your desktop using a reader application. The RSS feeds are a free service. Cisco currently supports RSS Version 2.0.

This document is to be used in conjunction with the documents listed in the Related Documentation section.

Copyright © 2003 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.