One of the basic configurations when setting up a Cisco Router or a Cisco Switch is setting the passwords. This includes, setting the passwords for the Console, Telnet/SSH and the Enable (Enable Secret) The following procedure will help starters set up passwords in Cisco Routers and Switches running Cisco IOS. If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!Read More →
Trunk Ports are switchports on Cisco switches that interconnect switches. The trunk port carries traffic for all the VLans across the switches it interconnects. switchport can be enabled and configured as trunks without much trouble. The following procedure helps setting a switchport into a Trunk port with 802.1q encapsulation.Read More →
Banners are one of the important things for any device that allows remote access either for administration or for user access. They serve their purpose of warning any unauthorised users and make them aware that the device or the server is protected and being monitored and also provide a quick snapshot of what the system is and what is it used for. For example, we use banners for security warning and the device details and the service/application related to it. Adding a Banner to Cisco Router or a Catalyst switch running Cisco IOS is all a matter of one simple command.Read More →
Any software is pron to have software upgrades either to fix a bug or a Security vulnerability or even for the fact the software has reached its end of life. While Network devices and appliances are no exception, the upgrade process requires a lot of precautions and measures are taken to ensure that the upgrade process doesn't fail or cause problems post installation. Upgrading Cisco IOS is no exception. Care has to be taken to ensure that the newer version is tested on a test bed before deploying in the production network especially if we are talking core network switches and routers.Read More →
DHCP, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is the protocol used by network devices like a PC or a printer (DHCP clients) to obtain IP Address, Default Gateway, Domain Name, DNS Servers, NetBIOS servers and more that helps the device to work properly in an IP Network. While in an ideal scenario, most if not all organisations run the DHCP server on a Windows server or a Linux/Unix server. While this is justfiable in bigger corporate and enterprise networks, a smaller network like a branch office can be supported by a local Router, Switch or a Firewall can run a DHCP server without the need of anRead More →
Using Telnet for remote administration of Cisco Routers and Switches (infact for any other device like a unix,linux or a solaris seerver) is not very secure as the data including the passwords are sent in clear text. It will only be a matter of time for a malicous attacker who can sniff the packets to gain access to the passwords and infact the whole network. It is recommended that Secure Shell (SSH) is used for remote administration of Cisco Routers and Switches. NOTE: Cisco IOS on the Catalyst switches are by default supplied with the SSH feature bultin. However, the basic Cisco IOS for theRead More →
Cisco Port Security is a features that can help secure access to the physical network. Any Network admins nightmare is an unauthorised device or a PC connecting to the network. This could be as simple as an innocent guest plugging his PC into a floor port hoping to get an internet connection or a malicious intruder connecting to the network trying to gain access to confidential information. Consequences could as bad as Virus, Spyware or malware infection from a PC unprotected PC A malicious hacker or an intruder gaining access to the network A malicous attacker launching a Denial of Service attack using MAC Address floodingRead More →
Designed using Responsive Brix Premium. Powered by WordPress.