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Chapter 3
Generic Troubleshooting Tools
CiscoSecure
The CiscoSecure access control server (ACS) application is used to define
access levels to individual users. CiscoSecure maintains a user profile for
each user. This profile contains authorization and authentication informa-
tion that is unique to each user.
It functions like AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting),
which provides security for the routers via the IOS on the router or switch.
Authentication is used to verify that the user is who they say they are and
that they are allowed to log in to a device. Once the user is verified, the
authorization information specifies what level of access the user has.
CiscoSecure is flexible and scalable because it is capable of providing services
to several devices simultaneously. Multiple servers can be deployed to allow for
scalability. This management software completes the five requirements for a net-
work management system by fulfilling the role of security.
Summary
T
his chapter was concerned with different types and applications of
network testing equipment. We discussed physical media testers, as well as
software methods for troubleshooting network problems. Let's recap the
major points of this chapter:
Physical test equipment Includes multimeters, cable testers, TDRs, and
OTDRs. These methods are good for testing cable integrity and end-to-end
physical connectivity.
Software test equipment Can be used in different ways. Simple software
methods may be used to test for device availability. These are known as net-
work monitors.
Protocol analyzers These devices actually copy and analyze packets on
a network. The information provided by protocol analyzers can be
invaluable when troubleshooting network problems.
Network management systems (NMSs) These programs are very robust
and provide great manageability for small and large networks. An NMS
should have five attributes:
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