Collect Network Packets from Cisco MCU/TS with the Web Interface

Introduction

This document describes how to collect network packets from Cisco Multipoint Control Unit (MCU)/Telepresence Server (TS) with the web GUI. In earlier MCU/TS versions (earlier than MCU Version 4.5 and TS Version 4.1) there was not an option to collect network packets from the web interface. You needed to have physical access and a console cable in order to collect them. In MCU Version 4.5(145) and TS Version 4.1(1.79) and later, you can collect network packets from the MCU/TS web interface. This helps to collect network packets remotely.

This article applies to these products:

• Cisco TelePresence Server Version 4.1(1.79) and later
• Cisco TelePresence MCU Series Version 4.5(1.45) version and later

Network Packet Collection

An Advanced Diagnostics feature key is required in order to enable a network packet capture from a web interface. Contact Cisco Technical Support in order to obtain this feature key. Provide the Port A MAC address for MCU 5310/5320 and Media 310/320. For other platforms, provide the serial number to Cisco Technical Support in order to obtain the Advanced Diagnostics feature key. Install the Advanced Diagnostics feature key under Settings > Upgrade > Feature Management. This key is valid for three days.

Once the key is installed, select Status > Network Trace in order to start the packet capture.

This has similar functionality as nettap from the serial console and defaults are shown in this image. As with old nettap, packets might be dropped while under load. Use them under the guidance of Cisco Technical Support.

A blank host filter box captures packets from all hosts. If you enter a single IP address, it will capture packets in both directions from that device only. Multiple IP addresses cannot be entered.

This image shows the status while the capture is in progress.

Once done, click Stop network trace. In order to download network packets, click Download network trace. The downloaded file name is network_trace.cap