Note The most current Cisco documentation for released products is available on Cisco.com at http://www.cisco.com. The online documents may contain updates and modifications made after the hardcopy documents were printed.

These release notes describe the following topics:

Introduction

These release notes are to be used in conjunction with the Cisco LocalDirector Configuration and Command Reference Guide, Version 4.2. This guide includes new features in LocalDirector Version 4.2.1. It also includes all information previously documented in the Release Notes for Cisco LocalDirector Version 4.1.1.

System Requirements

Hardware Supported

LocalDirector Version 4.2.1 is supported on the following LocalDirector platforms: 410, 415, 416, 417, 417G, 420, and 430.

For LocalDirector installation instructions and information, refer to the hardware installation guide that was shipped with your LocalDirector.

New and Changed Information

This section describes new features in LocalDirector Version 4.2.1.

New Software Features in LocalDirector Version 4.2.1

LocalDirector Support for the Simple Network Time Protocol

The Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP), which LocalDirector now supports, provides synchronized timekeeping between a set of distributed clients and servers. Support for SNTP allows LocalDirector to receive periodic updates to its internal time from time servers, thus letting LocalDirector send, receive, and process SNTP packets as an SNTP client.

New commands for LocalDirector SNTP feature are:

sntp broadcast client
sntp poll
sntp server
show sntp

LocalDirector as a Boomerang Content Routing Agent

Content routing routes user requests to the replicated-content site (typically a mirror site) that can serve them most quickly and efficiently. A Content Router, such as the Cisco Content Router 4400, routes a content routing agent (also known as a client) to the "closest" (best) replicated-content site, based on network delay using a software process called boomerang. In LocalDirector Version 4.2.1, you can set up LocalDirector to be a content routing agent using boomerang software.

Note LocalDirector Version 4.2.1 supports boomerang software Version 1.0 only. It does not support boomerang software Version 1.1.

New commands for LocalDirector Boomerang Content Routing Agent feature are:

clear dns-boomerang counters
dns-boomerang client
dns-boomerang enable
show dns-boomerang client
show dns-boomerang counters
show dns-boomerang enable

LocalDirector Support for the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Probe Feature

LocalDirector can now validate the activity of web servers (Hypertext Transfer Protocol [HTTP] services) running within a LocalDirector server farm.Although a machine may still be enabled and running, an HTTP service on a particular server or port may be disabled for some reason. LocalDirector can determine the activity of web servers or HTTP services by inspecting specific information returned by the server to the client that is initiating a request for a web page or service. By looking or probing for specific information, LocalDirector can determine whether the application is still running, and take appropriate action if it is not.

New commands for the LocalDirector HTTP Probe feature are:

probe
probeconfig
probehttp
show probe
show probeconfig
show probehttp

Caveats

Caveats describe unexpected behavior in Cisco LocalDirector software releases. This section lists the open and resolved caveats for LocalDirector software, Version 4.21.

Open Caveats - LocalDirector Software Version 4.2.1

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by LocalDirector software, Version 4.2.1

CSCdp06649

: Long-term connections are not preserved in stateful failover.

CSCdt09272

: The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) timeout value causes LocalDirector to report incorrect values at boundaries and then automatically reboot.

CSCdt14979

: When you invoke the configure network command, LocalDirector unexpectedly reboots if the configuration file contains virtual and real servers.

CSCds73709

: During failover, a failed LocalDirector will only go from WAITING state to NORMAL state if the interface changes state.

CSCdt57233

: LocalDirector may unexpectedly reboot when you invoke the failover reset command.

CSCds76551

: If a real server is bound to a virtual that has Dispatch Assisted redirection and the static service applied between the real server and the virtual, then network address translation (NAT) will not work for traffic originating from the real server.

CSCds00504

: LocalDirector unexpectedly reboots under a heavy load of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) fragmented traffic.

CSCdt05288

: If SNMPwalk is performed on LocalDirector with two defined virtual servers that differ only by a content rule, then LocalDirector will continuously report the virtual server to the SNMP software.

CSCdt41375

: SNMP queries to LocalDirector using SNMP version 1 will receive SNMP version 2c responses from LocalDirector.

CSCdt51495

: Local dispatch with a UDP virtual server does not work properly.

CSCdt77761

: HTTP probes do not bring a port-bound real machine in the EFAILED state back into IN SERVICE state.

CSCdt84841

: Post requests do not work if HTTP redirection is defined for other virtual servers.

CSCdt86277

: LocalDirector unexpectedly reboots when a request goes to a virtual server defined with a bindid other than 0.

CSCds89599

: When under a heavy load, SSL sticky occasionally sends client requests to incorrect servers.

Resolved Caveats - LocalDirector Software Version 4.2.1

All caveats listed in this section are resolved in LocalDirector software, Version 4.2.1.

CSCdt01487

: The LocalDirector proxy service does not properly complete a TCP half-close for the client side of the connection.

CSCdt54182

: LocalDirector unexpectedly reboots when you invoke the rip version command.

CSCdk27807

: LocalDirector now generates timestamp information when you invoke the syslog command.

CSCdk85409

: The front portion of a syslog message generated by LocalDirector is not encoded as an ASCII string.

CSCdk53908

: You can now encrypt a Telnet password.

CSCdm80075

: Private network clients should not be able to access public network.

CSCdt36185

: When HTTP Redirection is used, a request to the main virtual server using the a POST method returns a TCP RST (reset). Local Director should return the status code 301 or 302 and the new URL location regardless of method type.

CSCdt69908

: Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) fragmented messages have incorrect MAC addresses on the server side.

CSCdt38311

: When multiple Telnet sessions are initiated to LocalDirector but not completed because incorrect passwords, LocalDirector does not appear to close these Telnet sessions. This failure to close sessions prevents any legitimate Telnet sessions from being established.

Documentation Updates

Changes

The Cisco LocalDirector Configuration and Command Reference Guide, Version 4.2 now includes all information previously documented in the Release Notes for Cisco LocalDirector Version 4.1.1. The main features of LocalDirector Version 4.1.1 are:

HTTP Redirection
Content Load Balancing
Integrated Probe for DNS

Omissions

The following information was not included in the Cisco LocalDirector Configuration and Command Reference Guide, Version 4.2.

arp timeout command

: Description: To set the timeout for LocalDirector ARP cache entries, use the arp timeout command.
: Syntax: arp timeout seconds
: Syntax Description: The seconds value is the length of time (30-2,000,000 seconds) that LocalDirector will retain an ARP entry.
: Defaults: The default arp timeout value is 30 seconds.
: Command Modes: Privileged, configuration
: Usage Guidelines: The arp timeout command is used to set the time (in seconds) that the LocalDirector retains entries in its ARP cache table.
: Examples:

LocalDirector# arp timeout 100

LocalDirector# show arp timeout

arp timeout 100
LocalDirector#

: Related Commands: arp, clear arp, show arp, show arp timeout

Errors

The following information lists corrections to the Cisco LocalDirector Configuration and Command Reference Guide, Version 4.2.

Page 5-73: Change the syntax description for the hostname command to "New host name for the LocalDirector prompt. This name can be up to 17 alphanumeric characters and is not case sensitive. The LocalDirector does not convert the host name to all lowercase."
Page 5-83: Change the definition of the mtu command to "To specify the maximum transmission unit (MTU) value for the specified network interface, use the mtu command. This setting only affects packets sourced by LocalDirector or destined for LocalDirector's own IP address. This setting does not affect bridged traffic or traffic going to virtual servers running proxy services. It does, however, affect traffic going to virtual servers running proxy services such as cookie-sticky."

Obtaining Documentation

The following sections provide sources for obtaining documentation from Cisco Systems.

World Wide Web

You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at the following sites:

http://www.cisco.com
http://www-china.cisco.com
http://www-europe.cisco.com

Documentation CD-ROM

Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a CD-ROM package, which ships 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 as an annual subscription.

Ordering Documentation

Cisco documentation is available in the following ways:

Registered Cisco Direct Customers can order Cisco Product documentation from the Networking Products MarketPlace:

: http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/order/order_root.pl

Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-ROM 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 corporate headquarters (California, USA) at 408 526-7208 or, in North America, by calling 800 553-NETS(6387).

Documentation Feedback

If you are reading Cisco product documentation on the World Wide Web, you can submit technical comments electronically. Click Feedback in the toolbar and select Documentation. After you complete the form, click Submit to send it to Cisco.

You can e-mail your comments to bug-doc@cisco.com.

To submit your comments by mail, use the response card behind the front cover of your document, or write to the following address:

Attn Document Resource Connection
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883

We appreciate your comments.

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco provides Cisco.com as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can obtain documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from online tools. For Cisco.com registered users, additional troubleshooting tools are available from the TAC website.

Cisco.com

Cisco.com is the foundation of a suite of interactive, networked services that provides immediate, open access to Cisco information and resources at anytime, from anywhere in the world. This highly integrated Internet application is a powerful, easy-to-use tool for doing business with Cisco.

Cisco.com provides a broad range of features and services to help customers and partners streamline business processes and improve productivity. Through Cisco.com, you can find information about Cisco and our networking solutions, services, and programs. In addition, you can resolve technical issues with online technical support, download and test software packages, and order Cisco learning materials and merchandise. Valuable online skill assessment, training, and certification programs are also available.

Customers and partners can self-register on Cisco.com to obtain additional personalized information and services. Registered users can order products, check on the status of an order, access technical support, and view benefits specific to their relationships with Cisco.

To access Cisco.com, go to the following website:

http://www.cisco.com

Technical Assistance Center

The Cisco TAC website is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product or technology that is under warranty or covered by a maintenance contract.

Contacting TAC by Using the Cisco TAC Website

If you have a priority level 3 (P3) or priority level 4 (P4) problem, contact TAC by going to the TAC website:

http://www.cisco.com/tac

P3 and P4 level problems are defined as follows:

P3—Your network performance is degraded. Network functionality is noticeably impaired, but most business operations continue.
P4—You need information or assistance on Cisco product capabilities, product installation, or basic product configuration.

In each of the above cases, use the Cisco TAC website to quickly find answers to your questions.

To register for Cisco.com, go to the following website:

http://www.cisco.com/register/

If you cannot resolve your technical issue by using the TAC online resources, Cisco.com registered users can open a case online by using the TAC Case Open tool at the following website:

http://www.cisco.com/tac/caseopen

Contacting TAC by Telephone

If you have a priority level 1(P1) or priority level 2 (P2) problem, contact TAC by telephone and immediately open a case. To obtain a directory of toll-free numbers for your country, go to the following website:

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml

P1 and P2 level problems are defined as follows:

P1—Your production network is down, causing a critical impact to business operations if service is not restored quickly. No workaround is available.
P2—Your production network is severely degraded, affecting significant aspects of your business operations. No workaround is available.

This document is to be used in conjunction with the documents listed in the "Related Documentation" section.

AccessPath, AtmDirector, Browse with Me, CCDA, CCDE, CCDP, CCIE, CCNA, CCNP, CCSI, CD-PAC, CiscoLink, the Cisco NetWorks logo, the Cisco Powered Network logo, Cisco Systems Networking Academy, the Cisco Systems Networking Academy logo, Fast Step, Follow Me Browsing, FormShare, FrameShare, GigaStack, IGX, Internet Quotient, IP/VC, iQ Breakthrough, iQ Expertise, iQ FastTrack, the iQ Logo, iQ Net Readiness Scorecard, MGX, the Networkers logo, Packet, PIX, RateMUX, ScriptBuilder, ScriptShare, SlideCast, SMARTnet, TransPath, Unity, Voice LAN, Wavelength Router, and WebViewer are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Changing the Way We Work, Live, Play, and Learn, Discover All That's Possible, and Empowering the Internet Generation, are service marks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; and Aironet, ASIST, BPX, Catalyst, Cisco, the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert logo, Cisco IOS, the Cisco IOS logo, Cisco Systems, Cisco Systems Capital, the Cisco Systems logo, Enterprise/Solver, EtherChannel, EtherSwitch, FastHub, FastSwitch, IOS, IP/TV, LightStream, MICA, Network Registrar, Post-Routing, Pre-Routing, Registrar, StrataView Plus, Stratm, SwitchProbe, TeleRouter, and VCO are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries.

All other brands, names, or trademarks mentioned in this document or Web site are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (0103R)

Table of Contents

Release Notes for Cisco LocalDirectorVersion 4.2.1

Release Notes for Cisco LocalDirector
Version 4.2.1