What's Hot

Troubleshooting Assistant Tool - EXPANDED:
Voice, Access Dial, and PIX Knowledge Bases Increase Content Coverage

The Troubleshooting Assistant tool now offers enhanced knowledge bases for voice, access dial, and Cisco PIX(R) Firewall. These updated knowledge bases include extensive support information and easier navigation to help guide novice users step-by-step through a troubleshooting session; more experienced users may prefer to use the "Solution Search" option.

• Voice Updates - The voice knowledge base helps you understand and troubleshoot issues associated with connections between basic telephone service and Cisco IOS(R) Software-based voice-enabled router/gateways, including:
  
  
  • Analog E&M
  • Analog GXS/FXO
  • E1 CAS (R2)


• Access Dial Updates - The access dial knowledge base covers DDR and non-DDR callout using an external modem, CAS T1/E1, PRI, and BRI, including:
  
  
  • Commissioning a new access server
  • DDR
  • ISDN debugging
  • Modem diagnostics
  • T1/E1
  • Virtual interface
  • VPDN debugging
  • Async data


• Cisco PIX Firewall Updates - The Cisco PIX Firewall knowledge base addresses issues with client access, failover (redundancy), and VPN tunneling (IPSec and PPTP), including:
  
  
  • Cisco PIX Software versions 6.0.x to 6.1.x installation
  • Cisco PIX Firewall 501 Software installation
  • Cisco PIX Device Manager
  • Stateful failover
  • Cisco VPN Client 3.x

Use the enhanced Troubleshooting Assistant tool to resolve your voice, access dial, and PIX network issues:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/add_trbl_110801.html
(available to registered users)

Output Interpreter Tool - EXPANDED:
Additional Support for LAN Switching "show" Commands

The Output Interpreter tool now supports output analysis for an additional eleven Cisco Catalyst(R) operating system (CatOS) LAN switching "show" commands:

• "show cam dynamic"
• "show cdp neighbor"
• "show interfaces"
• "show mac"
• "show module"
• "show spantree"
• "show system"
• "show test"
• "show version"
• "show vlan"
• "show vtp domain"

By simply pasting the output from any of these LAN switching commands into the Output Interpreter, you will receive a customized analysis for your network. This analysis can include information about the state of the network, concerns or issues to be aware of, and suggested fixes, as well as links to detailed descriptions of the command, the "LAN Switching Top Issues" page, and configuration examples.

See what the Output Interpreter tool says about your network:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/add_out_int_110801.html
(available to registered users)

LAN Technologies Top Issues - UPDATED:
New Solutions for Common Cisco LAN Issues

The updated "LAN Technologies Top Issues" page delivers the latest information on common concerns related to LAN switching and Cisco Catalyst(R) products, as well as desktop protocols such as Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX), Appletalk, and Windows networking. The "LAN Technologies Top Issues" page covers the following topics:

• Configurations for Cisco Catalyst switches
• Troubleshooting references for IPX, spanning tree protocol, and switches
• Recovery procedures for switches with corrupted or missing software
• Software upgrades for Cisco Catalyst switches
• Password recovery procedures
• Error messages on Cisco Catalyst switches
• Creating Ethernet VLANs on Cisco Catalyst switches
• Windows networking design implementation guide

To research a Cisco LAN topic or to resolve a LAN issue, start with the "LAN Technologies Top Issues" page:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/lansw_110801.html

Cable Top Issues - UPDATED:
Enhancements Cover Configuration, Connectivity, and Performance Issues

Cable modem support documents are now available at the Cisco TAC Web Site's "Cable Top Issues" page. In addition to the existing cable content, you can now access the following new tech tips:

• Troubleshooting Slow Performance in Cable Modem Networks - Methods to determine what kinds of throughput are being achieved; explanations of the most common reasons for slow performance and suggested resolutions.



• Cisco 6920 RateMUX(TM) Statistical Multiplexer - Reasons for video output failure; significance of Network Information Table (NIT) Packet ID (PID) PassThru and the CASysID parameter; software upgrade information; methods for retrieving and updating IP addresses.



• DOCSIS 1.0 and 1.1 Incompatibilities regarding Upstream Transmit Burst Field - Description of the changes that occurred in configuring the Maximum Upstream Channel Transmit Burst Field and effects on Cable Modems in a mixed DOCSIS 1.0 / DOCSIS 1.1 environment.



• Cisco uBR900 Series Cable Modem - Q&As for new owners.

Check out the updated "Cable Top Issues" page today:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/cabletop_110801.html

IP-over-ATM Technology Page - NEW:
Comprehensive Web Resources for IP-over-ATM Questions

The new "IP-over-ATM Technology" index page provides a full range of technical resources for supporting ATM networks carrying IP, in conformance with routed and bridged RFC 1483. These comprehensive resources on IP-over-ATM include the following sections:

• Overview - Four documents specifying the ATM standards behind IP transmission (RFC 1577 and RFC 1483), with additional information on ATM PVC trap support.



• General Information - Documents offering general ATM network design specifications, with a link to downloadable network icons.



• Implementation and Configuration - Library of 15 documents subdivided into sections on system requirements, features and versions, and samples and tips. Specific topics include point to point versus multipoint, inverse Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), and routed bridge encapsulation vs. integrated routing and bridging (RFC 1483 bridging) for receiving bridged protocol data units (PDUs).



• Verification and Troubleshooting - Updated set of documents on IP-over-ATM issues, including sections on known problems, troubleshooting steps and troubleshooting tools (e.g., loopbacks and OAM cells).



• Operation and Maintenance - Resources providing information on OAM in an ATM network, including hardware, interfaces, and system metrics.



• Documentation - Background information, including manuals on ATM configuration, troubleshooting, and ATM switch routers (Cisco Catalyst(R) and Lightstream), with additional links to commercial reference books about ATM.

Visit the new "IP-over-ATM Technology" index page today:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/ip_over_atm_110801.html

Netflow Technology Page - NEW:
Cisco TAC Web Site Now Offers Comprehensive Index of NetFlow Resources

The new "NetFlow Technology" page makes information concerning NetFlow software more accessible. Answers to many of your questions concerning this IP packet monitoring software--including security, accounting, data storage, and data mining applications--now reside at the "NetFlow Technology" page. The many NetFlow resources are organized under the following headings:

• Overview - Three documents concerning network and hardware standards and specifications required for implementing the NetFlow software feature set, including descriptions of the available applications.



• Network Design - Three documents describing the use of NetFlow in different network environments, and on different interfaces (physical, logical, and virtual), with demo software to show the range of application features.



• Implementation and Configuration - Eight documents describing sample configurations, different version features, application modules, and NetFlow interactions with Cisco IOS(R) software.



• Verification and Troubleshooting - One document describing the troubleshooting process involved with the NetFlow Collector, and Q&As about NetFlow issues from the Cisco TAC Open Forum.



• Documentation - Six resources, including manuals on NetFlow FlowCollector and Data Analyzer, as well as executive-level PowerPoint presentations about NetFlow capabilities.

To introduce or improve NetFlow functionality in your network, use the new "NetFlow Technology" page:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/tac_netflow_110801.html

Cisco AVVID NI Readiness Assessment Tool - NEW:
Preparing Your Network for Converged Services

The Cisco Architecture for Voice, Video, and Integrated Data Network Infrastructure (AVVID NI) Readiness Assessment tool helps Cisco partners plan a high-availability network for converged voice, video, and data services.

The AVVID NI Readiness Assessment tool will help you ease deployment, reduce unexpected downtime, and avoid costly errors by identifying gaps between your current or planned network and the Cisco AVVID Network Infrastructure model. This model, tested by Cisco, results in a highly available, scalable, and manageable converged network.

The hour-long assessment includes a series of question sets, covering topics from IP to power protection. After answering all of the questions, you will receive a detailed report that indicates the gaps and similarities between your network and the Cisco AVVID Network Infrastructure model. Because each question offers help text and links to useful information, you can also use this assessment as a Cisco AVVID network primer.

Be sure to use the Cisco AVVID NI Readiness Assessment tool when you begin designing your converged services network:

http://tools.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/avvid_tool_110801.html
(available to registered partners only)

Web-based Operational Assessment Tool - NEW:
New Tool Evaluates Highly Available Networks

If you are working to increase the availability of your network infrastructure and services, you may be interested in the new Web-Based Operational Assessment tool. This tool contains questions about network life cycle and management practices. Technical tips and references to additional information accompany each question, and the tool generates a customized report at the end of your session. This report identifies gaps in operational practices or network management systems that might prevent you from achieving your availability goals.

The assessment takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. For your convenience, you can complete the assessment in multiple sessions -- the tool will save previously answered questions.

Receive a report tailored to your network by completing the assessment at:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/opasses_110801.html

"Baseline Process: Best Practices White Paper" - NEW:
Guidelines to Evaluate MIBs in Highly Available Networks

Cisco TAC now offers a "Baseline Process: Best Practices White Paper" to help you determine baseline parameters for the management information bases (MIBs) in highly available networks.

By performing a baseline at regular intervals, you can extrapolate when failures will occur and prepare for them. Baselining enables you to:

• Determine the current status of your network devices



• Compare the status of your network devices to standard performance guidelines



• Set thresholds to alert you when the standard performance guidelines are exceeded by your network devices



• Make informed decisions about when, where, and how to spend your capital budget on network upgrades

This white paper takes you step-by-step through the process of baselining a sample MIB (cpmCPUTotal5min, the five-minute decaying average of a Cisco router's CPU) to show you how to apply this process to all of your network MIBs.

Read the "Baseline Process: Best Practices White Paper" today:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/baseline_110801.html

Online Technical Training Opportunities

Cisco TAC Web Seminars: LAN Technologies Issues
Learn How to Use the Cisco TAC Web Site for Your LAN Technologies Issues

The Cisco TAC now offers free, online seminars that highlight the many LAN resources available on the Cisco TAC Web Site.

The Cisco TAC Web Seminar: LAN Technologies Issues demonstrates how to navigate the Cisco TAC Web Site to find valuable technical documentation and online tools to resolve questions related to LAN Switching and Cisco Catalyst(R) products, as well as desktop protocols, such as Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX), Windows networking, and AppleTalk. The "LAN Technologies Issues" seminar shows you how to use the Cisco TAC Web Site to:

• Recover a password for Cisco LAN switches, including Catalyst 4000, 5000, and 6000 families, and 2900 and 3500 XL families of switches.
• Research and troubleshoot network issues related to LAN technologies.
• Use online tools to help simplify the process of selecting CatOS software for Cisco Catalyst products.
• Recover corrupt or missing software images for Cisco Catalyst products.
• Use installation guides and upgrade software.
• Open a LAN case online to benefit from solutions proposed by the auto-suggestion feature.

Register now for a "LAN Technologies Issues" seminar:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/tacweb_110801.html

Networking Professionals Connection
Discussion Forums, TechTalks, and "Ask the Expert" Events

Networking Professionals Connection is an interactive Web site for networking professionals to share questions, suggestions, and information about networking products and technologies. This site also offers discussion forums on networking topics such as virtual private networks (VPN), network security, voice and video, and more. Upcoming events include:

TechTalk:

• "Scaling Bandwidth with 10 Gigabit Ethernet"
  November 28, 2001, 10 a.m. Pacific Time
  Register: http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/tac_netpro_110801.html

"Ask the Expert" Events:

• "Remote Access: ISDN and Frame Relay"
  November 5 - 16
• "SNASw (Systems Network Architecture Switching Services)"
  November 27 - December 7

Visit the Networking Professionals Connection to join a discussion, register for a TechTalk, and to find out about other upcoming events:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/newsletter/tac_netpro2_110801.html