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Volume 7 Number 2, Second Quarter 1995
By John Chambers, President and CEO, Cisco Systems
(Following three years as Cisco's Executive Vice President, John Chambers has moved to the corporate helm, entering his new role as President and CEO in February 1995.)
In the last issue of Packet, many of you read about Cisco Systems' vision for supporting networked multimedia applications. Our innovative strategy addresses a growing trend toward collaborative computing and redefines the workplace as we know it. As we told you in March, emerging multimedia applications call for three vital elements from the network: scalable bandwidth, a strong multicast scheme, and a surefire means of delivering consistent quality of service.
Just weeks after our multimedia announcement, we unveiled a range of new switching products to support the CiscoFusion[tm] architecture, a blueprint for migrating users from their current shared LANs to more scalable switched internetworks. By implementing such a migration, network managers can gain entirely new dimensions of scalable bandwidth, multicast control, and quality-of-service guarantees -- key ingredients for multimedia applications.
The latest additions to our switch product families include new models of the Catalyst[tm] modular LAN switches, the Kalpana[r] stackable LAN switches, and many enhancements to our Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) support. These products make CiscoFusion the most comprehensive switching solution on the market. Supporting this claim is our 40 percent share of the switch market and an installed base of over 1000 of our ATM Interface Processors (AIPs) for the Cisco 7000 router series.
Cisco's LightStream[tm] family of ATM switches provides solutions from the desktop to enterprise backbone. Additionally, Cisco now provides adapter cards for connecting servers directly to ATM networks. These products create complete enterprise ATM backbones with capacities of multiple gigabits per second. Our commitment to the growing ATM marketplace is reflected in this issue of Packet, which includes a new quarterly supplement, The Cell, focusing entirely on ATM.
The perfect complement to strong switching solutions is an equally strong suite of routing products. Industry experts observe that internetworks can scale to support large enterprises and provide adequate traffic control and security only by harnessing the software intelligence that is unique to routing. A recent report from the Gartner Group notes that the omission of routing from other vendors' proposed "flat" architectures, which advocate switching wherever possible, "...does users a disservice."
Without the software-based processing and filtering capabilities of routing, tomorrow's complex internetworks would be like superhighways with no lanes or traffic regulations. Our high-performance routers can connect ATM and workgroup switches to marry bandwidth with precise traffic-handling capabilities.
Cisco routers -- like our ATM and LAN switches -- are powered by the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS[tm]). This versatile software acts as the "glue" that bonds the components of complex networks, providing seamless interoperability. It supports diverse feature sets, which include advanced virtual LAN capabilities and a range of network management tools for optimal traffic control, planning, and diagnostics for many different platforms.
Today, we're proud to deliver these building blocks of the CiscoFusion architecture. Perhaps the only development that can compete with the level of excitement we've recently created in the marketplace will be the networks that you build with these products -- and the progressive new applications that they afford. We look forward with hearty enthusiasm to news of your successes -- and we believe our wait will be brief.
A Blueprint for Switched Internetworking Solutions
When Cisco Systems announced the CiscoFusion[tm] architecture last year, it was the first blueprint for implementing switched internetworks. The CiscoFusion architecture supports a flexible evolution path from shared- media networking to switched internetworking with a comprehensive family of scalable switching platforms that includes LAN switches, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switches, and multiprotocol routers.
New products from Cisco -- and new versions of the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS[tm]) -- are further developing the CiscoFusion design, with enhanced capabilities for routing and switching at the workgroup and enterprise levels.
"We're addressing a critical customer need by bringing scalable switching to enterprise networks," says Jayshree Ullal, Director of Marketing for Cisco's Workgroup Business Unit. "Integrating high-performance switching with the Cisco IOS in one architecture also helps customers create a secure, manageable environment."
Cisco's Catalyst[tm] and Kalpana[r] families offer a choice of switches for workgroup and departmental applications. The Cisco Catalyst family is a multilayer switching platform that offers a high degree of scalability for wiring closet applications. It offers dedicated Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, or 100BaseVG-AnyLAN switching and ATM connectivity. Cisco's Kalpana family of "plug-and-play" LAN switches provides stackability, scalability, and industry-leading cut-through performance for interfaces to Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and ATM networks.
The Cisco LightStream[tm] family of ATM switches integrates ATM into enterprise backbones as well as departmental and workgroup ATM networks. The Cisco LightStream 100 workgroup ATM switch (formerly called the Cisco HyperSwitch[tm] A100) is designed for building departmental ATM networks that interconnect ATM routers and LAN switches, as well as computers with native ATM interfaces. The Cisco LightStream 2020 ATM switch offers a wide range of interfaces and services for building a reliable enterprise backbone, delivering data, voice, and video over ATM.
The Cisco 7000 core series and Cisco 4000 access series of multiprotocol routers are well suited for switched internetworking. The native ATM Interface Processor (AIP) for the Cisco 7000 router is a key enabler for integrating existing LANs and WANs with evolving, ATM-based switched internetworks. Both router series support virtual LANs (VLANs), which make switched internetworks easier to administer.
Cisco IOS for switching, a subset of the Cisco IOS, plays an important role in integrating ATM and LAN switching technologies with higher-layer protocols and applications. The Cisco IOS is the underlying networking software that operates on Cisco's standalone routers, router modules for shared-media hubs, LAN switches, and ATM switches.
Cisco IOS for switching not only provides all the benefits of routing and switching across a switched internetwork, but enables new capabilities such as:
ATM Services -- ATM services link the Catalyst and Kalpana LAN switches to an ATM backbone. For example, support for the LAN Emulation (LANE) protocol allows Cisco LAN switches to emulate and bridge Ethernet and Token Ring LANs across ATM networks.
Virtual LANs -- VLANs are network groupings based on users' logical functions, not physical locations. Containing traffic within a VLAN reduces broadcast activity across the network, increases workgroup security, and minimizes costs when adding new users or making changes in existing user configurations.
As switching is integrated throughout the network, effective management becomes even more crucial at both the workgroup and backbone levels. Cisco offers a wide range of CiscoWorks[tm] network management applications for monitoring, configuring, planning, and analyzing switched internetwork devices and services.
A new CiscoWorks application, VLANView, is a "drag-and-drop" application that enables managers to design and control VLANs across physically linked LAN switches. NETScout manager, offered by Cisco through an agreement with Frontier Software, is a traffic monitoring and analysis application that leverages embedded remote monitoring (RMON) agents in Cisco LAN switches. CiscoView[tm] is a device management application that provides a physical inventory view as well as monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.
Together, the three elements of the CiscoFusion architecture -- switching and routing products, the Cisco IOS for switching, and CiscoWorks management applications -- provide Cisco customers with a complete, end-to-end solution for implementing and managing switched internetworks.
The CiscoFusion architecture encompasses routing and switching products, the Cisco IOS for switching, and management applications for building and controlling switched internetworks.
The need for increased performance to the desktop is prompting network managers to replace the hubs in their wiring closets with LAN switches as a way of protecting existing investments in wiring while giving users greater network bandwidth. Network managers are also implementing LAN switches in the backbone to increase their existing internetworks' aggregate transport capacity. Cisco Systems continues to support this implementation of switching with new products for workgroup switching and support for virtual LANs (VLANs).
"Cisco is extending its LAN switching leadership to applications ranging from desktop to backbone, for both Ethernet and Token Ring environments," says Jayshree Ullal, Director of Marketing for Cisco's Workgroup Business Unit.
The new Kalpana[r] ProStack system is a fault-tolerant, stackable Ethernet switching system that delivers Ethernet speeds of 10 and 100 megabits per second (Mbps) and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) at 155 Mbps. Through Kalpana's unique implementation of cut-through switching, which automatically detects and removes errors on a per-port basis, customers receive error-free transmissions without any degradation of switch performance.
Specific products included in the ProStack system are the EtherSwitch[r] Pro16 Ethernet switch, the ProStack Matrix for connecting multiple EtherSwitch Pro16 units, and the Kalpana ProStack Port, an expansion module that provides connectivity to the ProStack Matrix. Users can begin with a single ProStack system and stack additional units to provide multiple switched ports that can be managed as a single entity.
Cisco Systems has announced the first multilayer, modular switch that combines switching, routing, and VLAN capabilities in a strategic platform for building and managing large, scalable internetworks. The Cisco Catalyst[tm] 5000 LAN switch incorporates all current and emerging switching technologies to provide high-speed connectivity from the wiring closet to network backbones and workgroups. The Catalyst 5000 integrates the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS[tm]) to facilitate communication across VLANs. It also provides extensions to support new multimedia applications, ATM internetworking, and LAN emulation software.
The Cisco Catalyst 5000 switch offers interfaces for switched Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, ATM, and Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI). With a rack-mountable chassis that is optimized for wiring closet applications, the Cisco Catalyst 5000 also offers redundant configurations that include spanning tree support, dual power supplies, and hot-swappable modules.
The Cisco Catalyst 1600 product addresses the bandwidth needs of high-performance workgroups and server environments by replacing slow source- route bridges with fast, cost-effective Token Ring switches. Operating as a standalone switch, the Cisco Catalyst 1600 supports up to 12 switched Token Ring ports and offers VLAN capabilities. It is interoperable with existing end systems and other internetworking equipment and is fully upgradable to ATM. An optional FDDI connection on the Cisco Catalyst 1600 provides access to a routed high-speed backbone.
The Cisco Catalyst 1600 switch is the first product developed under a strategic agreement between Cisco and Madge Networks, Inc. for the Madge RingRunner technology. This agreement will result in a family of new Cisco products, available beginning in mid-1995, that will address the need for Token Ring switching at several levels.
Cisco Systems has enhanced its LightStream[tm] 100 ATM switch (formerly known as the HyperSwitch[tm] A100) with new software and hardware features that improve the product's connectivity to wide-area networks, simplify administration, and extend ATM connectivity directly to the desktop. Three new hardware interfaces support 45-Mbps DS3 and 34-Mbps E3 access over coaxial cable, and 155-Mbps SONET/SDH OC-3 over single-mode fiber. In addition, the LightStream 100 supports two new software features, soft permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) and permanent virtual path (PVP) tunneling. These features enable network managers to establish switched virtual connections in a way that makes the configuration process easier and more reliable.
A new, cross-platform VLAN solution from Cisco will give network managers flexibility in designing and modifying internetworks built upon Cisco routing and switching products. VLANs are groups of users that are defined based on logical function rather than physical location. By third quarter 1995, VLAN agents will be supported across the Cisco Catalyst, Kalpana ProStack, and Cisco router families, making Cisco Systems the first vendor to support VLANs across router, switch, and ATM product line. For more information on virtual LANs and Cisco's VLAN solutions, see "New Cisco IOS VLAN Services Make "Virtual" a Reality."
Cisco Systems recently announced its Token Ring switching strategy, a plan designed to provide dedicated bandwidth to servers and clients while preserving current investments and providing timely, flexible migration paths. The strategy for Token Ring switching is an integral part of the CiscoFusion[tm] architecture for switched multilayer internetworking. Under this strategy, Cisco will offer products that meet the demand for bandwidth at the backbone, server, and individual client levels.
The Cisco 7000 router series addresses customer requirements in enterprise and campus backbone applications. The new Cisco Catalyst[tm] 1600 switch, the first product released under Cisco's Token Ring switching strategy, augments the Cisco 7000 in workgroup environments by replacing slow source- route bridges with fast, cost-effective switch ports. Thus the Catalyst 1600 fulfills the bandwidth needs of campus and building backbones.
To meet the demand for dedicated bandwidth to servers and clients, Cisco is developing Token Ring modules for the Catalyst 5000 high-density LAN switch. The company also will offer new, stackable switches that support local and distributed workgroups. Network managers will be able to deploy Cisco's stackable switches to replace traditional, shared technologies in remote offices and departmental LANs.
By Martin McNealis, Cisco Systems Software Engineering
"Virtual networking" has rapidly become one of the major new areas in the internetworking industry. The term refers to the ability of switches and routers to configure logical topologies on top of the physical network infrastructure, allowing any arbitrary collection of LAN segments within a network to be combined into an autonomous user group, appearing as a single LAN.
Virtual LANs (VLANs) offer significant benefits in terms of efficient use of bandwidth, flexibility, and performance. VLAN technology functions by logically segmenting the network into different broadcast domains so that packets are only switched between ports that are designated for the same virtual LAN. Thus, by containing traffic originating on a particular LAN only to other LANs in the same VLAN, switched virtual networks avoid wasting bandwidth, a drawback inherent to traditional bridged and switched networks, in which packets are often forwarded to LANs with no need for them. This approach also improves scalability, particularly in LAN environments that support broadcast- or multicast-intensive protocols and applications that flood packets throughout the network.
The degree of flexibility and control that virtual networking offers is unprecedented. Regardless of physical location or interface type, network managers can define workgroups based on logical function rather than physical location through simple port configuration. Using switches and routers that have embedded VLAN intelligence obviates the need for expensive, time-consuming recabling to extend connectivity in switched LAN environments.
However, the real power of virtual networking comes from its ability to affect VLAN topologies that extend beyond single sites to combine multiple LANs across an organization's backbone network. Cisco Systems now offers a comprehensive virtual LAN solution that can bring together geographically dispersed users across an enterprise network to form VLAN workgroup topologies. Regardless of whether the network comprises Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Ethernet/Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, or serial links, the Cisco product line now offers the advantages of virtualization.
A typical VLAN -- Traffic is only switched between LAN interfaces that belong to the same virtual LAN. Here, the criteria for VLAN membership is departmental function; however, users could also be combined in VLAN topologies based upon a common protocol or subnet address.
Where the backbone network is an ATM switching environment, VLANs are achieved via the ATM Forum's LAN Emulation (LANE) standard, which is fully supported in Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS[tm]) Release 11.0, available in the third quarter of 1995. LANE preserves the functionality of a LAN on the ATM network itself so that the ATM backbone is transparent to the user and appears as a single, connectionless, broadcast-capable LAN segment, providing an emulated LAN service.
Each LAN or native ATM host connecting to an ATM network does so via a software interface known as a LAN Emulation Client (LEC). When users from disparate LANs need to be joined together to form a VLAN, they do so by connecting to the same emulated LAN within the ATM backbone. The LANE specification defines a LAN Emulation Configuration Server (LECS) that resides within the ATM network and enables network administrators to control which LANs are combined to form each VLAN.
Within an emulated LAN, the LAN Emulation Server (LES) handles control protocol messages for all the LAN Emulation Clients (LECs), while the Broadcast and Unknown Server (BUS) can forward traffic to all LECs.
For virtual networking in switched LAN environments, Cisco offers two VLAN protocols that are appropriate to different media combinations. The first of these, Inter-Switch Link (ISL), is available on Cisco's Catalyst[tm] 5000 LAN switch. ISL is designed for very high-performance, localized workgroup VLANs. Implemented in custom ASIC hardware to maximize throughput and minimize latency, the ISL trunk protocol identifies traffic as belonging to a particular VLAN using a technique known as frame tagging. Packets originating on a LAN port designated as belonging to a logical VLAN topology acquire a VLAN identifier as they are switched onto the shared backbone network. This ID enables receiving switches to make intelligent forwarding decisions and switch the packets to only those interfaces that are members of the same VLAN. The Cisco Catalyst platform can support up to 1024 distinct VLANs.
In the case of large multivendor networks, the benefits and wide-scale adoption of distributed VLAN solutions have been constrained by the apparent lack of an interoperable VLAN standard. In such environments, network administrators need end-to-end VLANs across multivendor FDDI backbones, Token Ring, Ethernet, and Fast Ethernet LANs, as well as high- speed WAN links. Achieving this level of support has required a standard interoperable protocol.
Cisco has pioneered the use of the IEEE 802.10 standard to address this need. This established standard, which focuses on LAN security, incorporates a mechanism whereby traffic on any LAN can carry a virtual LAN identifier. Also, by functioning at the data-link layer, the 802.10 standard is well suited to switch implementation.
The 802.10 header bears a 4-byte VLAN ID field, thus scaling to billions of distinct VLANs across a network. For LAN segments configured together as a VLAN, packets originating from stations attached to these LANs acquire an 802.10 header carrying the appropriate VLAN ID as they are forwarded onto the shared backbone network. The receiving router or switch then performs a VLAN ID match against the VLANs it is configured to support to determine whether it should remove the 802.10 header and forward the original packet to any ports that belong to the same VLAN. A server with a direct FDDI, Ethernet, or Token Ring backbone connection could also use the VLAN ID to join one or several VLANs.
When combining LANs into a VLAN, a spanning tree algorithm must be used to eliminate the possibility of loops and to determine the best path through the network. There is considerable advantage in running a separate spanning tree across each VLAN topology, as opposed to sharing a common topology throughout; the former provides much better network resilience and stability. Because each VLAN operates autonomously, its data flow need not be interrupted by physical changes or spanning tree recomputations that go on elsewhere in the network topology. Also, supporting a separate spanning tree for each VLAN enables optimal path determination for each VLAN and extends the diameter of the network.
By definition, virtual LANs perform traffic separation within a shared network environment. Communication between VLANs is performed through routing functionality and, for nonroutable protocols, switching. This integrated solution of high-speed, scalable VLAN switching of local traffic and efficient routing and switching of inter-VLAN traffic is becoming increasingly attractive in large networks. Cisco routers address this requirement with their ability to connect 802.10, ISL, and ATM LANE-based VLANs.
Virtual networking capabilities allow for much improved bandwidth utilization, performance, and scalability. When combined with centralized configuration management, they facilitate flexible workgroups, network additions, and topology changes. Cisco's comprehensive VLAN strategy addresses the growing need for an integrated VLAN solution that can be optimized for each networking scenario. In LAN workgroup environments, the ISL protocol delivers VLAN functionality with full switching performance. Where enterprise-wide virtual networking is required, multivendor interoperability resulting from standards-based implementation is the key. Cisco supports virtual LANs over ATM via LAN Emulation and, in large LAN and serial link environments, has adopted the ratified IEEE 802.10 protocol.
Apple's new QuickTime Conferencing (QTC) technology is pushing the envelope of collaborative computing. But Apple looks to Cisco to upgrade the network infrastructure so that QTC applications can become widespread.
If you think an e-mail message prompts you to action, just wait until your manager's face and voice start appearing on your computer screen. Sound far fetched? Not any more. Real-time audio and video communication is becoming a practical reality with the advent of Apple Computer's QuickTime Conferencing (QTC) technology and a networking strategy from Cisco Systems designed especially for multimedia communications.
QuickTime Conferencing is the industry's first cross-platform conferencing, collaboration, and multimedia communications technology. QTC is built around Apple's popular QuickTime architecture, resident on every Macintosh. It allows personal computer users to share real-time data, images, and sound with other personal computer users across a local- or wide-area network.
The potential for QTC is virtually unlimited, from distance learning to interactive kiosks, to multimedia mail. Cisco's switches and routers, in conjunction with the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS[tm]), enable existing data networks to efficiently carry multimedia traffic in packet-switched environments.
"Cisco's routers and specialized QTC software guarantee bandwidth while minimizing delays," says Eric Hoffert, Manager of Multimedia Networking in Apple's Advanced Technology Group. "On most networks, there is no way to treat real-time multimedia data with a higher priority than any other data. Thus delivery of time-sensitive applications over the Internet and other packet-switched networks often suffers from poor quality and performance.
"Cisco is addressing this problem by providing router enhancements that allow you to reserve bandwidth, to use multipoint protocols, and to minimize latency through unique routing algorithms," Hoffert adds. "This is a problem that faces the entire Internet community as real-time video and sound become an important part of our global, interactive communication."
QTC connections can be configured in three basic ways: point-to-point, multipoint, and multicast. Additionally, QTC is capable of supporting both live and stored media. Live connections are useful for video telephony and broadcast applications, which require low delay time between capture and display. Stored connections imply the retrieval of media data from a storage device somewhere on the network; for instance, accessing a remote server to play back a QuickTime movie that features a speech by a corporate officer.
"When used in conjunction with a Cisco router, multicast QTC applications can operate in a large enterprise network, permitting media distribution to potentially hundreds or thousands of receivers," Hoffert says.
The initial release of QTC supports AppleTalk multicast and Apple's Simple Multicast Routing Protocol (SMRP). QTC has network components that can support TCP/IP and ISDN connectivity. It will soon support IP multicast as well for wide-area Internet communications.
"Apple benefits from Cisco's technology in three distinct ways," Hoffert sums up: "quality of service, bandwidth efficiency, and multicast routing."
Quality of service comes through Cisco's sophisticated traffic shaping, such as priority queuing, custom queuing, ATM traffic shaping, and service denial. Bandwidth efficiency is achieved through the ability to dynamically configure bandwidth to the desktop, the workgroup backbone, and the WAN backbone. Multicast routing optimization depends on properly selecting network paths and forwarding packets. The Cisco IOS can ensure, for example, that only a single copy of a packet exists on each shared network link.
"In practical terms, this means that when we use AppleTalk for networked multimedia, we can expect significantly improved performance while simultaneously minimizing bandwidth requirements," Hoffert says.
Over the long haul, Apple also plans to work with Cisco to implement the Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP), a bandwidth reservation scheme. RSVP will allow QTC applications to communicate with routers directly to express their bandwidth and resource needs and thus receive a guarantee of reliable results.
"QTC applications are sure to become a popular way to reap the benefits of collaborative computing and multimedia communication," Hoffert concludes. "Cisco is helping organizations implement it in a cost-effective manner using existing data networks."
Cisco Systems has expanded its line of remote access products with a high- density model of the Cisco access server, two new remote access products for use with Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) links, and a router for on-demand network connection. Also available are two new access server client software packages and enhancements to Cisco's remote access security features.
The Cisco AS5100 integrates the functions typically provided by standalone data service units/channel service units (DSUs/CSUs), channel banks, modems, communication servers, and routers into one cohesive unit. It provides dial-up access to enterprise networks for up to 48 connections from either remote sites through asynchronous dial routing or individual users using remote node service. The Cisco AS5100 offers high-density access for applications such as telecommuting, mobile users, and Internet or information service providers.
The new Cisco 1003 ISDN router connects small remote sites with Ethernet LANs to an enterprise internetwork using ISDN lines at speeds up to 128 kilobits per second (kbps); with four-to-one data compression, raw throughput speeds of 512 kbps are possible. The Cisco 1003 is an ideal solution for branch and home offices, as well as other sites that need only a part-time WAN connection and are located in areas where ISDN services are available. This "plug-and-play" product is designed to be installed easily by nontechnical personnel at remote sites, with configuration and management performed from a central site.
The Cisco 1003 has a built-in ISDN Basic Rate Interface (BRI) port, a 10BaseT Ethernet port, a console port, and an external Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot for an optional Flash ROM card.
The Cisco 1003 supports two software feature sets based on the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS[tm]). One set contains IP routing and transparent bridging; the other set adds support for Novell IPX and AppleTalk routing. Both software sets support Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), compression, dial-on-demand routing (DDR), bandwidth on demand, and other features for optimizing WAN bandwidth and costs -- a particular concern for dial-up ISDN users.
The Cisco 1020 router is well-suited to remote sites that are sensitive to wide-area network cost and complexity yet want the benefits of easy enterprise access and a choice of modem technologies. Using ordinary asynchronous phone lines, the Cisco 1020 router connects a LAN at a remote site to a central site on a demand basis for applications such as client/server, file transfers, and electronic mail exchange. The Cisco 1020 supports the IP and Novell IPX protocols with a 10BaseT Ethernet port, a PCMCIA Type II modem slot, and an external modem/console port. Both modem ports can operate at speeds of up to 115.2 kbps and can be configured for bandwidth on demand to yield an aggregate throughput of up to 230.4 kbps.
Cisco has introduced LAN2LAN[tm] Personal Office for ISDN, a new remote-node product for access from personal computers to enterprise networks or the Internet over ISDN links. Cisco LAN2LAN Personal Office for ISDN is ideal for telecommuters and single-user offices, giving these users on- demand access to LAN resources such as host systems, databases, and electronic mail. The product includes network-access software and an ISDN adapter for the PC that are easily installed by the user. Cisco LAN2LAN Personal Office for ISDN connects to all Cisco ISDN routers as well as the Internet, using PPP.
Telecommuters and mobile users can easily dial into IP- and IPX-based internetworks using either of two cost-effective software packages that Cisco Systems offers for its access server family. The software -- which runs on laptop or desktop personal computers that use Microsoft Windows, Windows for Workgroups, or DOS -- is the result of agreements between Cisco Systems and Network Telesystems, Inc. for its TCP Pro Remote Access Client product and Stampede Technologies, Inc. for its Remote Office Gold product.
Cisco has enhanced its implementation of the Terminal Access Controller Access Control System (TACACS) protocol, which helps network administrators build complete security systems for dial-up access users. The new version, called TACACS+, includes support for independent user authentication, authorization, and accounting processes. Cisco has now implemented TACACS+ for all Cisco router and access server products. For more information on this feature, see The Packet, Fourth Quarter 1994 (Vol. 6, No. 4).
Cisco Systems and Livingston Enterprises, Inc. have agreed to jointly develop new security products for dial-up access. These products will enable users of the Livingston Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) and the Cisco TACACS protocol to evolve to a single, standard solution for network access security.
For more information on any of the Cisco products described in this article, contact your regional Cisco sales office as listed in "Cisco Systems Worldwide Offices" or contact your authorized Cisco reseller/partner.
| Cisco's New Remote Access Products | |
|---|---|
| Product | Description |
| Cisco AS5100 | High-density, integrated access server for Internet service providers or sites with many remote users |
| Cisco LAN2LAN Personal Office | ISDN remote-node adapter and software for telecommuters and single-user offices |
| Cisco 1003 | ISDN router for Ethernet LANs |
| Cisco 1020 | Asynchronous dial-up router for Ethernet LANs |
| Access Server Client Software | Dial-up client software for mobile users and telecommuters |
| TACACS+ | Enhanced version of Cisco's remote access security and accounting protocol |
By Betsy Huber, Product Manager, Cisco Systems IBM Internetworking
Cisco has announced support for Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN), a key component of the company's five-phase IBM internetworking strategy, to ship as part of its Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS[tm]) in the third quarter of 1995.
APPN is the second generation of SNA. First-generation, or Subarea SNA, was introduced in 1974. With Subarea SNA, a mainframe running Advanced Communication Facilities/Virtual Telecommunications Access Method (ACF/VTAM) was the hub of the network; it was responsible for establishing all communications.
In this typical APPN scenario, APPN routers transport legacy SNA as well as APPN traffic, improving network availability and manageability.
APPN was created to extend SNA to environments without mainframes where midrange processors need to communicate as peers. APPN has the following characteristics:
Many organizations have invested heavily in the development of SNA skills and applications and want to continue to use them, even though their networks are evolving to include other protocols in addition to SNA. In other cases, SNA will continue to be the only protocol in the network, requiring APPN in order to take advantage of intelligent workstations, LANs, and SNA client/server applications.
Specifically, network managers should consider implementing APPN in the following situations:
In addition to meeting users' existing Subarea SNA and multiprotocol requirements, Cisco can now address the requirements listed above. The Cisco IOS will route SNA natively, either by itself or as another routable protocol in a multiprotocol network.
Cisco will provide an APPN Network Node (NN) in the Cisco IOS, allowing users to build an APPN backbone network. Concurrently, Cisco will introduce support for the DLUR function, allowing APPN backbones to carry both 3270 and client/server application traffic.
In subsequent releases, Cisco will enhance APPN with support for HPR, which will provide streamlined routing and nondisruptive switching. In the same timeframe, using the Cisco 7000 Channel Interface Processor (CIP) card, users can extend their APPN backbones to the data center.
Cisco has built an infrastructure to support APPN. The company has added multiple engineering and testing groups to ensure a skill base for customer support and future development. Cisco developed core competency in APPN by porting the code to the Cisco IOS and submitting the code to extensive stress testing. Cisco then complemented this expertise by developing a skilled support staff to ensure that customer questions and design requirements are addressed promptly and accurately.
Cisco's broad experience in the design of large networks has helped the company to become the leading router vendor for IBM internetworking. A 1994 IDC study showed that approximately 67 percent of installed IBM internetworking routers were from Cisco Systems. A 1994 SNA router test, which was highlighted in Data Communications magazine in October 1994, identified Cisco as the only router vendor that could reliably prioritize SNA traffic.
APPN from Cisco builds on existing market-leading features, such as protocol prioritization and custom queuing, which enable a true multiprotocol environment while providing guaranteed service levels to end users.
Cisco's APPN solution spans router platforms. Cisco IOS support for APPN will be available on the Cisco 2500, 4000, and 7000 families and on the AGS+. This exceptional level of support also extends to media, with APPN support on DS3/E3, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), ESCON, and parallel channel, in addition to other popular media, such as Token Ring, Ethernet, FDDI, Qualified Logical Link Control (QLLC), and Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC). This array of options will enable low-cost, high-performance network designs. Cisco's initial support for APPN will be available in the third quarter of 1995; subsequent releases will provide support for channel connections and HPR.
By John "jbash" Bashinski, Cisco Systems Software Engineering
The Hot Standby Routing Protocol (HSRP), a Cisco Systems innovation, heightens fault tolerance and routing performance for IP internetworks that incorporate simple end nodes. Without HSRP, which was introduced as part of Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS) Release 10.0, these internetworks cannot take full advantage of the high-speed rerouting capabilities of today's advanced routing protocols.
IP routing protocols such as the Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (Enhanced IGRP) and Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) respond very quickly to network failures. A network using one of these protocols will usually reconfigure itself within seconds after a link or router failure. In the figure below, for example, if the link between routers Rive Gauche and Broadway fails, the routers will start using the alternate path almost immediately. A user on host Anderson may never notice the failure, even if the user is actively communicating with host Marceau when the line fails.
An Imaginary Internetwork
Unfortunately, even with advanced routing protocols, some failures may still affect users. The reason is that IP end nodes usually do not participate in the routing protocols. Suppose that Anderson is sending all its packets to Broadway and Broadway's LAN interface fails. Although all the other routers will compute new paths, none of Anderson's traffic will be delivered until it begins sending its packets to Central Park.
Some newer IP end nodes use the IETF standard router discovery protocol (IRDP) to detect and compensate for router failures. Such an end node would listen for "hello" messages from Broadway and start using Central Park when such messages stopped appearing.
Unfortunately, not all IP end nodes support IRDP. Many end nodes, especially single-user machines and those with older IP implementations, use statically configured router addresses. If Anderson were such a node, it would try to send all its traffic to Broadway, even under failure conditions. If Broadway failed, Anderson would not be able to connect to any node outside the New York LAN.
Some other IP end nodes use proxy Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) to select routers. If Anderson used proxy ARP, it would act as though Marceau were directly connected to its own LAN and send an ARP request for Marceau's IP address. Broadway would reply on Marceau's behalf, giving its own media access control (MAC) address. Anderson would then send its packets to Broadway. If Broadway later failed, Anderson would continue to send packets to Broadway's MAC address, even though those packets were being lost. Anderson might have to be rebooted, or a long period of time could pass before Anderson would send another ARP request and receive a reply, this one from Central Park.
Because of these problems, users on Anderson might be deprived of any connectivity to Marceau until Anderson was rebooted or reconfigured. If Anderson were just one of many hosts on the New York LAN, users might even have to wait until Broadway was repaired or reconnected before they could resume tasks that required network connections, even though an alternate path was available.
Cisco's Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) provides a way for non-IRDP end nodes to keep communicating even if their local routers become unavailable. HSRP works by creating a "phantom" router that has its own IP and MAC addresses, as shown below.
HSRP -- Phantom of the Internet.
HSRP routers on a LAN communicate among themselves to designate two routers as "active" and "standby." The active router does the work for the HSRP phantom. If an end node sends a packet to the phantom's MAC address, the active router receives that packet and processes it. If an end node sends an ARP request for the phantom's IP address, the active router replies with the phantom's MAC address.
The active router sends periodic hello messages while the other HSRP routers listen for such messages. If the active router fails and the other HSRP routers stop receiving its hello messages, the standby router takes over and becomes the active router. Because the new active router assumes both the IP and MAC addresses of the phantom, end nodes see no change at all. They continue to send packets to the phantom's MAC address, and the new active router delivers those packets.
In our example, Anderson would be configured to use the phantom as its default router. Only the phantom would appear in Anderson's configuration; Broadway would not be listed. Upon booting, the routers might elect Broadway as active router so that Broadway would deliver packets from Anderson. If Broadway or its LAN interface went off line, Central Park would take over as active router, continuing with the delivery of Anderson's packets. The changes taking place in the network would remain transparent to Anderson. If there were a third HSRP router on the New York LAN, that router would begin to act as the new standby router.
HSRP also works for proxy ARP. When an active HSRP router receives an ARP request for a node that is not on the local LAN, the router replies with the phantom's MAC address instead of its own. If the router that originally sent the ARP reply later loses its connection, the new active router can still deliver the traffic.
The "phantom" router in the preceding text corresponds to an HSRP standby group. There can be up to 255 standby groups on any Ethernet or Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) LAN and, with Cisco IOS[tm] Release 10.3, up to three standby groups on any Token Ring LAN. Each standby group has its own IP address, MAC address, and active and standby routers. The network administrator can assign a priority value to each router in a standby group, a feature that allows the administrator to control the order in which active routers are selected. Priorities can even be configured to change dynamically in response to changes in the line state of other interfaces (that are not necessarily running HSRP).
Furthermore, in Ethernet environments, high-end Cisco routers such as the Cisco 7000 series can simultaneously use their own "hardwired" MAC addresses and the MAC addresses associated with standby groups. A high-end Cisco router can become the active router for a standby group while still receiving traffic sent to its own MAC address. Other Cisco routers actually change their MAC addresses on some LAN media when they become active in HSRP groups; the old addresses are no longer used. Although their individual IP addresses remain usable, end nodes that send IP packets to the individual addresses must receive new ARP information.
With Cisco's initial HSRP implementation, a single router could participate in only one standby group per LAN. In Cisco IOS Release 10.3, high-end routers can participate in multiple standby groups at the same time. This ability will allow two routers to divide traffic between themselves, with each router acting as a backup for the other.
As more and more organizations seek the economic benefits of enterprise-wide internetworks for mission-critical communications, high reliability becomes increasingly crucial. HSRP provides a valuable tool for network managers who want to arm themselves against the inevitable power outages and line failures that can plague them. In addition, HSRP works with unsophisticated hosts, which helps organizations take advantage of sophisticated routing capabilities without having to replace their existing hardware investments. Cisco offered initial support for HSRP in Cisco IOS Release 10.0 (May 1994); support for multiple standby groups is available in Cisco IOS Release 10.3, which is shipping as of the first quarter of 1995.
In early 1995, Cisco unveiled several new developments and capabilities in the network management arena to bring simplicity to the challenge of managing large, diverse internetworks and to increase support for managers of Cisco networks.
Among the new developments are a new topology model to promote a standard format for configuration data; an application that provides direct connection to the Cisco Connection Online (CCO) bulletin board, allowing network managers to exchange information about their networks with Cisco for design and troubleshooting purposes; and new support for the CiscoWorks[tm] suite of network management applications on a Windows-based platform.
Cisco Systems has launched the Common Internetworking Topology Initiative (CITI) to develop a standard ASCII format for collecting and communicating configuration information from disparate network devices, tools, and platforms. Implementation of a standard format will significantly reduce the time, effort, and cost of mapping the topology of complex networks, according to Carole Crall, Cisco's Director of Network Management.
Under contract to Cisco, Steven Waldbusser, Manager of Network Development at Carnegie Mellon University, has drafted a white paper that describes a standard ASCII interchange format for logical network entities. As a first step toward establishing a formal standard, Cisco has made the white paper available to parties that are interested in supporting the CITI; the company intends to submit an informational Request for Comments (RFC) to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
"Because of conflicting formats for collection and reporting, generating complete and accurate topology representations is one of the heaviest burdens placed on network administrators," Crall comments. "The problem affects almost every aspect of administration, planning, and troubleshooting."
While many administrators use IP addresses to organize topology information, they don't always use them in a common way and some devices don't have IP addresses. Even management platforms use different algorithms to discover and map devices, so that maps of the same network generated by HP OpenView and SunNet Manager, for example, may vary significantly.
Network administrators rely on many tools to gather the topology data required for network documentation, performance management, design, and planning. The lack of a standard format forces administrators to input information manually for each tool or to develop a system that translates a topology database to multiple tool formats. Vendor support technicians must interpret network topology to solve technical problems or answer design questions. Because customers have no efficient way to transmit the information to the technicians, they often fall back on the slow and out- dated approach of faxes and verbal descriptions.
Such hurdles could be overcome if a common format were available to the networking community. Waldbusser's white paper makes the case for a standard ASCII format structured to overcome problems faced by network developers.
Network administrators can now provide complete, current diagnostic information about their networks directly on line to Cisco's customer support staff for quick and accurate troubleshooting and design assistance.
A new version of the CiscoWorks network management application suite can establish a direct link to the CCO service at the time a customer service case is submitted, automating the task of gathering diagnostic information prior to troubleshooting. This new capability, called CiscoConnect, is part of the CiscoWorks 3.0 release for UNIX (scheduled to ship in mid-1995). The CiscoConnect application creates an Internet link that enables CCO to gather problem-solving information automatically.
CiscoConnect and CCO are the initial steps in Cisco's Network Aware program, which is designed to automate network management by tightly linking current knowledge of users' networks with the experience of Cisco's and partners' technical support staff.
For diagnostic data gathering, CiscoConnect leverages information collected by other CiscoWorks applications. CiscoConnect also compiles a customer profile, including a given user's protocols, firmware levels, and system software versions. The profile is registered with CCO to provide a quick reference for Cisco's technical staff and partners and to inform users automatically of new features that pertain to their networks.
CiscoWorks 3.0 will also include CiscoView[tm], a new application that lets operators use physical device views to spot problems immediately and seize the information needed to solve them. CiscoView stores and maintains graphical renderings for Cisco products. These renderings depict the physical configuration of each device, with cards in appropriate slots and LED displays indicating current status.
The CiscoView application provides automatically updated inventory information, including software versions and serial numbers. Administrators can easily retrieve memory configuration data, Flash memory contents, firmware versions, and media access control (MAC)-level addresses. This information goes beyond standard Management Information Base II (MIB-II) interface data, such as byte and error counts, to include specific information about WANs and LANs. With point-and-click controls, operators at any skill level can fix routine problems by initiating such actions as clearing an interface or partitioning an integrated router/hub port, freeing network managers for more critical tasks.
In the future, CiscoView will become a standard feature for all Cisco routers and switches. CiscoWorks 3.0 is available today for the HP OpenView (HP/UX and Solaris), SunNet Manager, and IBM NetView/AIX platforms.
Cisco's Network Aware program aims to automate network management by creating a close link between the customer's network statistics, network staff at the customer site, and Cisco and partners' support staff.
CiscoWorks, Cisco's suite of management applications, is now available on personal computers. The new CiscoWorks for Windows, a set of Microsoft Windows applications that runs on the HP OpenView for Windows network management platform, is a specially selected subset of the original UNIX- based CiscoWorks, which targets the most pressing concerns of network managers.
CiscoWorks for Windows initially includes four applications. In addition to the new CiscoView application, the others are: Configuration Builder, which lets users quickly and easily create configuration files for multiple routers or switches; Health Monitor, which provides information about the overall "health" of networked devices; and Show Commands, which simplifies the retrieval of critical information.
Notes Crall, "Many Cisco users in the remote access and IBM internetworking arenas traditionally have preferred PC platforms and operating systems. In addition, users tell us that their operations staffs spend the bulk of their time monitoring the network, diagnosing and resolving problems, and altering configurations." Crall points out that CiscoWorks for Windows selects those parts of the original CiscoWorks portfolio that are critical to these tasks and presents them in a familiar PC environment that permits management of the entire network from a single console and calls for no additional training.
Because the UNIX and Windows versions of CiscoWorks both are based on the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), they can be used together in a single internetwork, allowing operators at all levels to work together effectively.
Currently, CiscoWorks for Windows runs on HP OpenView for Windows Workgroup Node Manager and can operate in conjunction with any other application developed using the HP OpenView Windows toolkit. Future plans call for additional applications from the UNIX version of CiscoWorks, including Software Manager, AutoInstall Manager, and reporting capabilities, to be incorporated into CiscoWorks for Windows.
Cisco Systems and ITK GmbH entered into an agreement in January 1995 to jointly develop and market Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) products. The first results of the technology relationship are products that link LANs to ISDN networks -- ISDN adapter cards from ITK are integrated into Cisco's new LAN2LAN[tm] for ISDN products.
"Our customers increasingly need to offer ISDN for bandwidth on demand to their remote offices," reports Larry Stephenson, Vice President and General Manager of Cisco's Access Business Unit. "LAN2LAN's open architecture capitalizes on ITK's adapter card technology to offer a comprehensive software-based internetworking solution for the growing ISDN market."
LAN2LAN for ISDN products are available in Remote Office, Personal Office, and Enterprise configurations. Each of the multiprotocol software-based routers supports PC platform configurations with multiple ISDN network interface cards.
Products marketed under the agreement are interoperable with all Cisco ISDN products. ITK adapter cards and LAN2LAN for ISDN products are available in all countries that offer ISDN carrier service.
Artificial intelligence and real-time simulation drive a new suite of network management tools from NETSYS Technologies, Inc. These tools let network designers foresee network connectivity problems and resolve them before they occur. Under a worldwide licensing agreement recently signed with NETSYS, Cisco Systems will resell NETSYS's entire Enterprise/Solver family of problem-solving, modeling, and simulation software products, beginning with the Connectivity Toolkit.
The agreement is good news for network managers and planners seeking to optimize network capacity. "Enterprise/Solver products create a virtual model of a customer's current network environment," notes Joel Evanier, NETSYS Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "This allows network planners to create a variety of `what-if' scenarios without wreaking havoc on the existing network."
After assessing the impact of failed links or nodes, protocol mismatches, or encapsulation errors on the virtual model, users can make changes and validate them with the Connectivity Toolkit. Validated changes can then be implemented into the actual network, using an interface to the CiscoWorks[tm] 3.0 suite of network management tools.
A number of recent alliances enhance Cisco Systems' ability to provide comprehensive strategies for successful networks.
| Partner | Alliance Objective |
|---|---|
| Banyan Systems, Inc. | Universal StreetTalk directory services |
| Cabletron Systems | Intelligent switching hubs |
| Chipcom Corporation | High-end switching platforms |
| Efficient Networks, Inc. | ATM Adapter Interoperability and Support program |
| Hewlett-Packard Company | Cisco's authorized worldwide service provider |
| Interphase Corporation | ATM Adapter Interoperability and Support program |
| Litton FiberCom | End-to-end video solutions over ATM |
| Livingston Enterprises, Inc. | Standard remote access dial-up security |
| Madge Networks | Token Ring switching |
| MCI | Cisco ATM switches to be deployed in high speed backbone network |
| Pacific Bell | Internet access service |
| US Robotics, Inc. | Network communications products |
| ZeitNet, Inc. | ATM adapter cards |
Cisco Systems' tenth anniversary year marks the first time the company is hosting NetWorkers, Cisco's annual user symposium, at two locations in the United States. Washington, D.C. was the site for NetWorkers `95 in May. Stanford, California, is the setting for the June 26--29 symposium.
NetWorkers is a lively arena for the exchange of ideas between internetworking professionals and Cisco's product experts. Under the NetWorkers `95 banner of "Any-to-Any Networking," key Cisco executives will present the opening sessions:
Sessions are structured to allow attendees to target key areas of interest, according to their preferred level of technical complexity. For example, the business track, designed for decision-makers, includes presentations on the Internet, telecommuting, and multimedia, while five technology tracks span topics from network design, management, and security, to ATM and switching. The popular "Birds-of-a-Feather" sessions are forums for Cisco users to share experiences and insights with their peers.
Increased performance is a major benefit of the upcoming implementation of two new Web-browsing and document viewing tools for Cisco Connection Online (CCO) and Cisco Connection Documentation CD-ROM[tm]. The new products -- Enhanced Mosaic from Spyglass, Inc. and Topic Agents for Mosaic from Verity, Inc. -- will be provided on Cisco Connection Documentation CD-ROM, Cisco's interactive library of product information. And for the first time, CCO, Cisco's support service on the World Wide Web, will offer Cisco Connection Documentation CD-ROM online. The implementation of a common user interface means that Cisco Connection Documentation CD-ROM, whether viewed on the Web or accessed from a CD-ROM reader, will share the look and feel of CCO. Cisco Connection Documentation CD-ROM subscribers who have Internet access can also use Enhanced Mosaic provided on disk to view CCO on the World Wide Web.
"Cisco users will have the power, speed, and reliability of software applications tested within the CCO environment," reports Keith Redfield, Cisco's Manager of Advanced Customer Systems. "Among the deluge of Web browsers on the market, Enhanced Mosaic consistently delivers the features needed to interact with sophisticated Web sites like CCO. Topic Agents for Mosaic links Enhanced Mosaic to Verity's Topic agent software, a powerful search tool that offers high retrieval speed."
Integrating CD-ROM and World Wide Web technology will allow CCO users who subscribe to Cisco Connection Documentation CD-ROM to leverage the strengths of both media -- the accessibility of their local CD-ROM readers and the immediacy of the network. For topics common to CCO and Cisco Connection Documentation CD-ROM, the CD-ROM will provide fast access to data, including complex graphics, while Internet access offers continuously updated information. Cisco Connection Documentation CD-ROM will implement Enhanced Mosaic and Topic Agents for Mosaic with its scheduled August release.
High-quality service and support are the hallmarks of Cisco Systems' certified channel partners. Gold- and Silver-Certified Partners have achieved Cisco-defined levels of sales and support excellence.
Certification on a country-by-country basis ensures that partners have resources in place to sell and support multinode networks within the region for which they have achieved certification.
| Gold-Certified Partners | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Location | Company | Location |
| Alcatel BSG | Belgium | Dimension Data | South Africa |
| Alcatel MDS | Switzerland | Geveke Electronics Network | The Netherlands |
| Alcatel Reseaux d'Entreprise | France | Realtech Systems | USA |
| Alcatel SEL | Germany | Siemens AG | Germany |
| Bell Atlantic Network Integration | USA | Siemens Albis | Switzerland |
| Bell Canada | Canada | Siemens Network Systems | UK |
| BT | UK | Telemation GmbH | Germany |
| Chernikeeff Ltd. | UK | Unisys | UK |
| Comtech | Belgium | Upnet | Sweden |
| Datrac AG | Switzerland | !nterprise Networking Services from US West | USA |
| Silver-Certified Partners | |||
| Company | Location | ||
| Arche Communications | France | RCS | France |
| Ascom TCS | Italy | SMS | Finland |
| BISS Ltd | UK | TRT/Experdata | France |
| NIL | Slovenia | Unisys | Belgium |
| Open Systems | Austria | Unisys | France |
Technical assistance Center (TAC) certification gives Cisco Systems' partners in Europe and South Africa direct access to Cisco's highest-level customer support analysts. TAC-certified partners team with Cisco's networking experts to offer prompt and effective solutions to Cisco Customers.
TAC certification is a prerequisite to achieving Gold-certified Partner status for Cisco's partners in Europe and South Africa.
| TAC-Certified Partners | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Location | Company | Location |
| Alcatel A.R.E. | France | Dimension Data | South Africa |
| Alcatel Business Systems | France | F. Hoffman La Roche | Switzerland |
| Alcatel MDS | Switzerland | Geveke Electronics Network | The Netherlands |
| Alcatel Reseaux | France | Netcom | Israel |
| Arche Communications | France | NIL Ltd. | Slovenia |
| Ascom TCS | Italy | RCS | France |
| AT&T Global Information Solutions | UK | Santa Monica Software | Finland |
| BISS Ltd. | UK | Siemens AG | Germany |
| Chernikeeff Ltd. | UK | Telemation GmbH | Germany |
| ComTech | Belgium | Telindus | Belgium |
| Convex Supercomputer | Portugal | Unisys | Belgium |
| Datrac AG | Switzerland | Upnet AB | Sweden |
| Digital Equipment Company Ltd. | UK | ||
The following organizations are certified to present official Cisco training courses. Authorized training from Cisco-certified instructors helps users optimize their Cisco-based networks.
To learn more about Cisco Systems' Training Partner program, call the Training Partner information line at Cisco's California headquarters, 408 526-5444 or e-mail
tpartners@cisco.com.
| Training Partners | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Location | Company | Location |
| American Research Group | USA | Internetworking University | Sweden |
| Ascolta | USA | Managed Training Services Ltd. | UK |
| A.S.K. Solutions Group | Australia | Multirede Information Ltd. | Brazil |
| AT&T/Global Information Systems | Germany | New Horizons | South Africa |
| AT&T/Global Information Systems | UK | NIL Limited | Slovenia |
| AT&T/Global Information Systems | USA | Pro-In Consulting | Austria |
| Automation Research Systems | USA | Protocol Interface, Inc. | USA |
| BISS Ltd. | UK | PSC Asia Pacific | Australia |
| Centro de Transferencia de Tecnologia/Colombia | Colombia | PSC Group | Canada |
| Chesapeake Computer Consultants, Inc. | USA | PSC International | USA |
| ComTech | Belgium | PSC Europe | UK |
| CSK Corporation | Japan | PTT Telecom | The Netherlands |
| Cygnus/Centro de Transferencia de Tecnologia | Venezuela | Red Uno | Mexico |
| DataCollege | New Zealand | Ronin | The Netherlands |
| Datrac AG | Switzerland | Siemens AG | Germany |
| Geveke Electronics Network | The Netherlands | Singapore Computer Systems | Singapore |
| Horizon Open Systems | Republic of Ireland | SoftNet S.A. | Argentina |
| I-Cube | Philippines | Telinfo | Belgium |
| Information Management Systems | USA | Training & Consulting by Matthias Hagen | Germany |
| Institut ERIS | France | Training Partners Pte. Ltd. | Singapore |
| Internetworking University | Norway | US West Communications | USA |
The Cisco seminar program provides education on a variety of enterprise networking solutions. Seminars cover topics ranging from internetworking basics to emerging LAN and WAN technologies. They provide up-to-date information and case studies to help attendees make complex decisions about designing and implementing new networks, growing and managing existing networks, or expanding into new technologies. Cisco invites all IS professionals, data communications managers, and network managers to attend.
As networks continue to grow both in size and in number of remote locations, connectivity and ease of use become critical. This seminar will demonstrate how even the smallest remote user sites can gain access to resources once reserved for users of large, multiprotocol core networks. Cisco experts will discuss industry trends, WAN technologies, optimization techniques for reducing line costs, network management, and security.
| June 13 | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| June 14 | Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA |
| July 18 | Burbank, California, USA |
| July 19 | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| July 20 | Irvine, California, USA |
| July 21 | San Diego, California, USA |
Aimed at IS and networking professionals, this seminar focuses on strategies for effectively using switching solutions within the evolving network infrastructure. Industry experts will discuss common business drivers and application requirements that demand higher bandwidth solutions, and present typical case studies that illustrate the role and value of switched internetworking. The seminar will also explore critical issues and design challenges facing today's users when architecting higher-speed technologies. A discussion of the benefits of virtual LANs (VLANs) and the new management paradigm they demand will round out the seminar.
| June 1 | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| June 2 | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| June 5 | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| June 6 | Long Island, New York, USA |
| June 6 | Reno, Nevada, USA |
| June 7 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| June 8 | Richmond, Virginia, USA |
| June 13 | South Bend, Indiana, USA |
| June 14 | Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA |
| June 15 | Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
This highly technical seminar has more of an ATM focus than "Switched Internetworking: Switching Today for the Network of Tomorrow." Attendees will first learn about ATM's origins, the characteristics and benefits of cell switching, and the ATM protocol stack. Cisco consulting engineers will then dive into advanced topics, including ATM signaling, P-NNI ATM routing protocols, LAN Emulation and virtual LANs, traffic management, and the operation of native-mode protocols over ATM. At the end, technical representatives will be available to discuss specific network issues.
| June 13 | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| June 14 | Austin, Texas, USA |
| June 15 | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| June 20 | Tampa, Florida, USA |
| June 21 | Huntsville, Alabama, USA |
| June 22 | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| July 12 | Princeton, New Jersey, USA |
| July 18 | San Jose, California, USA |
| July 19 | San Francisco, California, USA |
| July 20 | Sacramento, California, USA |
Focusing on internetworking in IBM SNA environments, Cisco experts will explain how to reduce the cost of network ownership by integrating separate SNA and multiprotocol networks. Learn how to scale LAN-based networks, integrate SDLC into internetworks and protect mission-critical SNA sessions. Also learn how to use cost effective new frame relay services to reduce SNA WAN costs, how to bring the branch office into the internetworking fold, how routers can provide native SNA routing from the branch office to the mainframe channel, and how to effectively manage a multiprotocol network.
| June 1 | Denver, Colorado, USA |
| June 2 | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
| June 6 | Columbus, Ohio, USA |
| June 7 | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
| June 8 | Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA |
| June 15 | Roanoke, Virginia, USA |
| June 21 | Stamford, Connecticut, USA |
| June 21 | Santiago, Chile |
| June 22 | Rochester, New York, USA |
| July 11 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
| July 12 | Appleton, Wisconsin, USA |
| July 13 | Indianapolis, Indiana, USA |
| July 18 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA |
| July 19 | Albany, New York, USA |
| July 20 | King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA |
In the USA, call 800 829-NETS (6387). For information on seminars offered in Canada, call 800 668 0856. For information on seminars offered outside the USA and Canada, call the Cisco office nearest you as listed in "Cisco Systems Worldwide Offices" or contact your local authorized Cisco partner/reseller.
Cisco Systems awarded its 100,000th Cisco 2500 remote access router to retiring President and CEO John Morgridge, who has long advocated Cisco employees' involvement in educational projects ranging from tutoring at local schools to the Employee School Router Donation Program. One of Morgridge's first acts upon becoming Cisco's new Chairman of the Board was to present the milestone router to Lafayette Elementary School in Oakland, California, for use in a project to bring online instructional television (ITV) to the classroom. The project is part of the Learning Link program, spearheaded by San Francisco Public Broadcasting Station KQED.
Learning Link brings electronic conferencing and resource materials to students and teachers. Internet access connects the classroom to museums, universities, and libraries around the globe. Other corporate sponsors of the Learning Link project are Northern Telecom and Pacific Bell.
Support for the NetWare Link Services Protocol (NLSP) now ships as a standard feature of the Cisco Internetworking Operating System (Cisco IOS[tm]), as of Release 10.3. A link-state routing protocol based on the Open System Interconnection (OSI) Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS) protocol, NLSP alleviates many of the routing problems associated with Novell IPX internetworks.
In IPX environments, congestion caused by Routing Information Protocol (RIP) and Service Advertisement Protocol (SAP) updates can clog WAN links, obstructing network growth. NLSP replaces RIP as a routing protocol and changes the way SAP is used. Thus NLSP greatly reduces network congestion caused by routing protocol overhead. By lightening the traffic load, NLSP can lower costs for WAN links, improve network manageability, and increase a Novell internetwork's growth potential.
The first phase of construction is complete for Cisco Systems' new facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina -- a two-story, 80,000 square- foot building opened in April 1995. Opening celebrations in May featured demonstrations of internetworking technology, including a network hookup to Cisco facilities across the USA. Even as the festivities were taking place, work was under way on a second building for the site.
Cisco first established operations in nearby Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1993, with research and development centered on IBM internetworking. The Research Triangle Park facility is home to an engineering group that has broadened its focus to include remote access, high-end, and workgroup products. The site is one of four Cisco sites worldwide that provide 24- hour customer support engineering assistance. Research Triangle Park is also the base for a marketing team that supports IBM internetworking products, and an inside sales team that brings Cisco's networking expertise to prospective users throughout North America.
Covering Trends and Technology for Internetworking Professionals
Cisco World is the first independent news and technical publication to feature Cisco Systems and its partners. Cisco World premiered in April 1995 and is produced by Publications and Communications, Inc. (PCI, Texas, USA). The next issue will arrive on newsstands in June.
| June 26--29 | NetWorkers '95, Stanford, California, USA |
| June 27--29 | NetWorks '95, Birmingham, UK |
| July 12--14 | Comdex Canada '95, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| July 17--21 | NetWorld+Interop 95, Tokyo, Japan |
| August 2--6 | CompuChina '95, Beijing, PRC |
| August 15--17 | Share '95, Orlando, Florida, USA |
| August 15--18 | Comdex '95, Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| September 10--13 | NetWorkers '95 Europe, Monte Carlo, Monaco |
| September 11--15 | NetWorld+Interop 95, Paris, France |
| September 12--13 | Technology in Government Week, Ottawa, Canada |
| September 12--14 | Networks Expo, Dallas, Texas, USA |
| September 12--14 | TeleCon '95, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| September 26--28 | NetWorld+Interop 95, Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| September 26--29 | ComNet '95, Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| November 13--14 | NetWorkers '95, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| November 16--17 | NetWorkers '95, Sao Paulo, Brazil |
Cisco Systems has over 120 sales offices worldwide. Call the company's corporate headquarters (California, USA) at 408 526-4000 to contact your local account representative or, in North America, call 800 553-NETS (6387).
| Corporate Headquarters | |
|---|---|
| Cisco Systems, Inc. 170 West Tasman Drive San Jose, California 95134-1706 USA Tel: 408 526-4000 800 553-NETS (6387) Fax: 408 526-4100 |
|
| Europe | |
|---|---|
| European Headquarters Cisco Systems Europe s.a.r.l Z.A. de Courtaboeuf 16 avenue du Quebec 91961 Les Ulis Cedex France Tel: 33 1 6918 61 00 Fax: 33 1 6928 83 26 |
|
| Austria, Cisco Systems Austria GmbH Vienna, Austria Tel: 43 1 71110 6233 Fax: 43 1 71110 6017 |
South Africa, Cisco Systems South Africa Sandton, South Africa Tel: 27 11 784 0414 Fax: 27 11 784 0519 |
| Belgium, Cisco Systems Bruxelles Brussels, Belgium Tel: 32 2 778 42 00 Fax: 32 2 778 43 00 |
Spain, Cisco Systems Spain Madrid, Spain Tel: 34 1 57 203 60 Fax: 34 1 57 045 99 |
| Denmark, Cisco Systems Copenhagen, Denmark Tel: 45 33 37 71 57 Fax: 45 33 37 71 53 |
Sweden, Cisco Systems AB Stockholm, Sweden Tel: 46 8 681 41 60 Fax: 46 8 19 04 24 |
| Germany, Cisco Systems GmbH Unterschleissheim, Germany Tel: 49 89 32 15070 Fax: 49 89 32 150710 |
Switzerland, Cisco Systems Switzerland Naenikon, Switzerland Tel: 41 1 905 20 50 Fax: 41 1 941 50 60 |
| Italy, Cisco Systems Italy Srl Milan, Italy Tel: 39 2 26 97 31 Fax: 39 2 26 92 9006 |
United Arab Emirates, Cisco Systems (Middle East) Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: 971 4 318 788 Fax: 971 4 313 681 |
| The Netherlands, Cisco Systems Gorinchem, The Netherlands Tel: 31 18 30 22988 Fax: 31 18 30 22404 |
United Kingdom, Cisco Systems Ltd. Feltham, United Kingdom Tel: 44 1 81 818 1400 Fax: 44 1 81 893 2824 |
| Norway, Cisco Systems Oslo, Norway Tel: 47 22 83 06 31 Fax: 47 22 83 22 12 |
|
| Intercontinental and Latin America | |
|---|---|
| Intercontinental and Latin America Headquarters Cisco Systems, Inc. 170 West Tasman Drive San Jose, California 95134-1706 USA Tel: 408 526-7660 Fax: 408 526-4646 |
|
| Argentina, Cisco Systems Argentina Buenos Aires, Argentina Tel: 54 1 814 1391 Fax: 54 1 814 1846 |
Mexico, Cisco Systems de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. Mexico City, Mexico Tel: 525 328 7600 Fax: 525 328-7699 |
| Australia, Cisco Systems Australia Pty. Ltd. North Sydney, Australia Tel: 61 2 935 4100 Fax: 61 2 957 4077 |
New Zealand, Cisco Systems New Zealand Auckland, New Zealand Tel: 64 9 358 3776 Fax: 64 9 358 4442 |
| Brazil, Cisco Systems Do Brasil Sao Paulo, Brazil Tel: 55 11 822-5413 Fax: 55 11 822 6095 |
|
| Asia | |
|---|---|
| Japanese Headquarters Nihon Cisco Systems K.K. Seito Kaikan 4F 5, Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 102, Japan Tel: 81 3 5211 2800 Fax: 81 3 5211 2810 |
|
| Cisco Systems (HK) Ltd Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel: 852 2583 9110 Fax: 852 2824 9528 |
Cisco Systems (HK) Ltd, Kuala Lumpur Office Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 60 3 202 1122 Fax: 60 3 202 1822 |
| Cisco Systems (HK) Ltd, Beijing Office Beijing, P.R.C. Tel: 86 10 501 8888 x821 Fax: 86 10 501 4531 |
Cisco Systems (HK) Ltd, Singapore Office Singapore Tel: 65 320 8398 Fax: 65 320 8307 |
| Cisco Systems (HK) Ltd, New Delhi Liaison Office New Delhi, India Tel: 91 11 688 1234 Fax: 91 11 688 6833 |
Cisco Systems (HK) Ltd, Taipei Office Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 886 2 577 4352 Fax: 886 2 577 0248 |
| Cisco Systems Korea Seoul, Korea Tel: 82 2 551 2730 Fax: 82 2 551 2720 |
Cisco Systems (HK) Ltd, Bangkok Office Bangkok, Thailand Tel: 66 2 231 8300 Fax: 66 2 231 8121 |
| North America | |
|---|---|
| Canada Cisco Systems Canada Limited Toronto, Ontario, Canada Tel: 416 217-8000 Fax: 416 217-8099 |
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| United States Central Operations Cleveland, Ohio Tel: 216 520-1720 Fax: 216 328-2102 |
Northern Operations Bloomington, Minnesota Tel: 612 851-8300 Fax: 612 851-8311 |
| Eastern Operations Berwyn, Pennsylvania Tel: 610 695-6000 Fax: 610 695-6006 |
Service Provider Operations (Telecommunications) San Ramon, California Tel: 510 855-4800 Fax: 510 855-4896 |
| Federal Operations Reston, Virginia Tel: 703 715-4000 Fax: 703 715-4004 |
Southwestern Operations Dallas, Texas Tel: 214 774-3300 Fax: 214 774-3333 |
| Northeastern Operations New York, New York Tel: 212 330-8500 Fax: 212 330-8505 |
Western Operations San Mateo, California Tel: 415 377 5600 Fax: 415 377 5699 |
Packet[tm] magazine is published quarterly and distributed free of charge to users of Cisco Systems products.
Direct address corrections and other correspondence to
packet@cisco.com
. or Packet, in care of:
http://www.cisco.com
Editor-in-Chief, Joanna Holmes
Assistant Editor, Patrice Snell Steiner
Design and Production, Jeff Ehlers
Cover photo and collage by Jeff Ehlers
Cisco Systems Corporate Communications
Special thanks to the following contributors: John "jbash" Bashinski, David Baum, Matt Burns, Barbara Dallenbach, Roland Elster (ITK), Joel Evanier (NETSYS), Steve Faith (UC Davis), Anne McLeod Haynes, Eric Hoffert (Apple Computer), Betsy Huber, Janice King (MarkeTech), Martin McNealis, Elizabeth Narmore, Susan Quinn (Apple Computer), Paula Tuerk, and the Cisco Graphics Group.
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