VPN 3000 Series Concentrator Getting Started, Release 4.0
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Table of Contents

Preface
 Audience
 Organization
 Related Documentation
 Conventions
 Obtaining Documentation
 Obtaining Technical Assistance
 Obtaining Additional Publications and Information

Preface

VPN 3000 Series Concentrator Getting Started provides information to take you from unpacking and installing the VPN 3000 Concentrator through quick configuration (configuring the minimal parameters to make it operational). You can perform quick configuration from a console with the menu-based command-line interface, or you can use the HTML-based VPN Concentrator Manager with a browser. This guide describes both methods, and we recommend the latter for ease of use.

Audience

We assume you are an experienced system administrator or network administrator with appropriate education and training, who knows how to install, configure, and manage internetworking systems. However, virtual private networks and VPN devices might be new to you. You should be familiar with Windows system configuration and management, and you should be familiar with Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator or Communicator browsers.

Organization

This guide is organized as follows:

Chapter Title Description

Chapter 1

Understanding the VPN 3000 Concentrator

Summarizes the hardware and software features and operation. If you are familiar with VPN devices, you can skip this chapter.

Chapter 2

Installing and Powering Up the VPN Concentrator

Explains how to prepare for, unpack, install, and power up the VPN Concentrator, and how to begin quick configuration. Once you have completed the steps in this chapter, you can use either Chapter 3 or Chapter 4 to complete quick configuration.

Chapter 3

Using the VPN Concentrator Manager for Quick Configuration

Explains how to complete quick configuration of the system using the VPN Concentrator Manager with a browser. We recommend this method.

Chapter 4

Using the Command-Line Interface for Quick Configuration

Explains how to complete quick configuration of the system using the command-line interface from the console or a Telnet session.

Chapter 5

Testing the VPN Concentrator

Explains how to test the system by using Microsoft Dial-Up Networking on a PC with a modem, to connect to an ISP and use PPTP to create a VPN tunnel to your private corporate network.

Appendix A

Troubleshooting and System Errors

Describes common errors that might occur while configuring or using the system, and how to correct them. It also describes all LED indicators on the VPN Concentrator and its expansion modules.

Related Documentation

Refer to the following documents for further information about Cisco VPN applications and products.

VPN 3000 Series Concentrator Documentation

The VPN 3000 Series Concentrator Reference Volume I: Configuration explains how to start and use the VPN Concentrator Manager. It details the Configuration screens and explains how to configure your device beyond the minimal parameters you set during quick configuration.

The VPN 3000 Series Concentrator Reference Volume II: Administration and Monitoring provides guidelines for administering and monitoring the VPN Concentrator. It explains and defines all functions available in the Administration and Monitoring screens of the VPN Concentrator Manager. Appendixes to this manual provide troubleshooting guidance and explain how to access and use the alternate command-line interface.

The short document Upgrading Memory to 512 MB in the VPN 3000 Series Concentrator explains how to upgrade the VPN Concentrator memory. It also explains how to upgrade the VPN Concentrator software image and bootcode to versions that support the increased memory.

The VPN Concentrator Manager also includes context-oriented online help that you can access by clicking the Help icon on the toolbar in the Manager window.

VPN Client Documentation

The Cisco VPN Client User Guide for Windows, the Cisco VPN Client User Guide for Linux and Solaris, and the Cisco VPN Client User Guide for Mac OS X explain how to install, configure, and use the VPN Client. The VPN Client lets a remote client use the IPSec tunneling protocol for secure connection to a private network through the VPN Concentrator.

The VPN Client Administrator Guide tells how to configure a VPN 3000 Concentrator for remote user connections using the VPN Client, how to automate remote user profiles, how to customize VPN Client software, how to use the VPN Client command-line interface, and how to get troubleshooting information.

VPN 3002 Hardware Client Documentation

The VPN 3002 Hardware Client Reference provides details on all the functions available in the VPN 3002 Hardware Client Manager. This manual is online only.

The VPN 3002 Hardware Client Getting Started manual provides information to take you from unpacking and installing the VPN 3002, through configuring the minimal parameters to make it operational (called Quick Configuration). This manual is available only online.

The VPN 3002 Hardware Client Quick Start Card summarizes the information for quick configuration. This quick reference card is provided with the VPN 3002 and is also available online.

The VPN 3002 Hardware Client Basic Information sticky label summarizes information for quick configuration. It is provided with the VPN 3002 and you can also print it from the online version; you can affix the label to the VPN 3002.

Documentation on VPN Software Distribution CDs

The VPN 3000 Series Concentrator and VPN 3002 Hardware Client documentation are provided on the VPN 3000 Concentrator software distribution CD-ROM in PDF format. The VPN Client documentation is included on the VPN Client software distribution CD-ROM, also in PDF format. To view the latest versions on the Cisco web site, click the Support icon on the toolbar at the top of the VPN Concentrator Manager, Hardware Client Manager, or Client window. To open the documentation, you need Acrobat Reader 3.0 or later; version 4.5 is included on the Cisco VPN 3000 Concentrator software distribution CD-ROM and on the VPN Client software distribution CD-ROM.

Other References

Other useful references include:

  • Cisco Systems, Dictionary of Internetworking Terms and Acronyms. Cisco Press: 2001.
  • Virtual Private Networking: An Overview. Microsoft Corporation: 1999. (Available from Microsoft website.)
  • www.ietf.org for Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Working Group drafts on IP Security Protocol (IPSec).
  • www.whatis.com, a web reference site with definitions for computer, networking, and data communication terms.

Conventions

This document uses the following conventions:

Convention Description

boldface font

Commands and keywords are in boldface.

italic font

Arguments for which you supply values are in italics.

screen font

Terminal sessions and information the system displays are in screen font.

boldface screen font

Information you must enter is in boldface screen font.

^

The symbol ^ represents the key labeled Control—for example, the key combination ^D in a screen display means hold down the Control key while you press the D key.

Notes use the following conventions:

Note   Means reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to material not covered in the publication.

Tips use the following conventions:

Tip Means the following are useful tips.

Cautions use the following conventions:

Caution   Means reader be careful. Cautions alert you to actions or conditions that could result in equipment damage or loss of data.

Warnings use the following conventions:

Warning This warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work on any equipment, you must be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents.

Data Formats

As you configure and manage the system, enter data in the following formats unless the instructions indicate otherwise:

Type of Data Format

IP Addresses

IP addresses use 4-byte dotted decimal notation (for example, 192.168.12.34); as the example indicates, you can omit leading zeros in a byte position.

Subnet Masks and Wildcard Masks

Subnet masks use 4-byte dotted decimal notation (for example, 255.255.255.0). Wildcard masks use the same notation (for example, 0.0.0.255); as the example illustrates, you can omit leading zeros in a byte position.

MAC Addresses

MAC addresses use 6-byte hexadecimal notation (for example, 00.10.5A.1F.4F.07).

Hostnames

Hostnames use legitimate network hostname or end-system name notation (for example, VPN01). Spaces are not allowed. A hostname must uniquely identify a specific system on a network.

Text Strings

Text strings use upper- and lower-case alphanumeric characters. Most text strings are case-sensitive (for example, simon and Simon represent different usernames). In most cases, the maximum length of text strings is 48 characters.

Filenames

Filenames on the VPN Concentrator follow the DOS 8.3 naming convention: a maximum of eight characters for the name, plus a maximum of three characters for an extension. For example, LOG00007.TXT is a legitimate filename. The VPN Concentrator always stores filenames in uppercase.

Port Numbers

Port numbers use decimal numbers from 0 to 65535. No commas or spaces are permitted in a number.

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/univercd/home/home.htm

You can access the Cisco website at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com

International Cisco web sites can be accessed from this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml

Documentation CD-ROM

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

Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-ROM (product number DOC-CONDOCCD=) 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/univercd/cc/td/doc/es_inpck/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/en/US/partner/ordering/index.shtml

  • Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-ROM (Customer Order Number DOC-CONDOCCD=) through the online Subscription Store:

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

  • 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 your comments by mail by using the response card 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://www.cisco.com

Technical Assistance Center

The Cisco TAC is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product, technology, or solution. Two levels of support are available: the Cisco TAC website and the Cisco TAC Escalation Center. The avenue 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.
  • Priority level 3 (P3)—Your network performance is degraded. Network functionality is noticeably impaired, but most business operations continue.
  • Priority level 2 (P2)—Your production network is severely degraded, affecting significant aspects of business operations. No workaround is available.
  • Priority level 1 (P1)—Your production network is down, and a critical impact to business operations will occur if service is not restored quickly. No workaround is available.

Cisco TAC Website

You can use the Cisco TAC website to resolve P3 and P4 issues yourself, saving both cost and time. The site provides around-the-clock access to online tools, knowledge bases, and software. 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:

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

If you have Internet access, we recommend that you open P3 and P4 cases through the Cisco TAC website so that you can describe the situation in your own words 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/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml

Before calling, please check with your network operations center to determine the level of 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 Additional Publications and Information

Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various online and printed sources.

  • The Cisco Product Catalog describes the networking products offered by Cisco Systems as well as ordering and customer support services. Access the Cisco Product Catalog at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_catalog_links_launch.html

  • Cisco Press publishes a wide range of networking publications. Cisco suggests these titles for new and experienced users: Internetworking Terms and Acronyms Dictionary, Internetworking Technology Handbook, Internetworking Troubleshooting Guide, and the Internetworking Design Guide. For current Cisco Press titles and other information, go to Cisco Press online at this URL:

http://www.ciscopress.com

  • Packet magazine is the Cisco monthly periodical that provides industry professionals with the latest information about the field of networking. You can access Packet magazine at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/about/ac123/ac114/about_cisco_packet_magazine.html

  • iQ Magazine is the Cisco monthly periodical that provides business leaders and decision makers with the latest information about the networking industry. You can access iQ Magazine at this URL:

http://business.cisco.com/prod/tree.taf%3fasset_id=44699&public_view=true&kbns=1.html

  • Internet Protocol Journal is a quarterly journal published by Cisco Systems for engineering professionals involved in the design, development, and operation of public and private internets and intranets. You can access the Internet Protocol Journal at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/about/ac123/ac147/about_cisco_the_internet_protocol_journal.html

  • Training—Cisco offers world-class networking training, with current offerings in network training listed at this URL:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/le31/learning_recommended_training_list.html