Archive for September, 2008
A Book About Voice over IP Security
Posted on 17. Sep, 2008 by rivansystems.
An IT person need to know about VoIP security…it seems many networks running VoIP are now considering their security options (years after initial deployment). When I first looked through this book, I was unimpressed. It seems like the book spends A LOT of time talking through foundations of H.323, MGCP, SIP, encryption, authentication, etc… (just [...]
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Cisco Emulation Abounds…Now…ASA!
Posted on 11. Sep, 2008 by rivansystems.
Geez - where was all this stuff when I was studying for my CCIE. It looks like there’s now a way to get a true, emulated ASA system running using the PIX emulator.
Here’s the URL with all the info (it’s a little process): http://www.bitbucketblog.com/?p=115
It’ll be nice when everything gets integrated into GNS3…we’re just missing the true (non-router integrated) layer 3 switch emulation. I’m sure someone’s already working on it.
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Cisco Background?
Posted on 09. Sep, 2008 by rivansystems.
I’ve never been hip on desktop wallpapers for my PCs…I usually just go with a straight “black” solid color background. This morning, I suddenly had the thought, “it sure would be cool to have a Cisco logo (the new one, of course) right in the middle of my desktop.” Some quick Google searches didn’t turn up anything…anyone know where to get a sweet Cisco wallpaper?
FOLLOW-UP #1: Here’s a decent one with the old logo. I’d really like to keep my black background though…Fluorescent green fries my eyes.
FOLLOW-UP #2: Here’s a wallpaper with the new logo on a white background (thanks Brandon!).
FOLLOW-UP #3: Here’s a wallpaper with the new logo on a black background (thanks Daniel!).
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Jeremy and VMWare ESX Server…Love at First Site!
Posted on 05. Sep, 2008 by rivansystems.
We take a break from our regularly scheduled Cisco programming to bring you this ‘killer free-product’ alert. I’ve now added VMWare ESX server (free) to my list of “programs that will change your life.” I believe we actually have Microsoft to thank for making this product free since they’re now trying to compete with VMWare by including Hypervising with MS Server 2008.
If you haven’t seen it, VMWare ESX allows you to do essentially the same thing VMWare Server does, but without running on a client operating system (well, technically there’s a 32MB VMWare operating system it runs now). I know, it doesn’t sound that cool, but I can’t begin to describe the performance increase for all my virutal machines. About 3 weeks ago, I converted my Dell Poweredge 2900 server to this product…Suddenly, I got a raise, my dog stopped barking, my neighbor brought me chocolate chip cookies, and I found an extra 5 bucks I had forgotten in my shorts pocket months ago (I love it when that happens).
Seriosuly…VMWare ESX server cannot be explained; you must experience it for yourself.
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IOS 12.4(6) Turns Your Router Into an ASA
Posted on 04. Sep, 2008 by rivansystems.
Okay…maybe it doesn’t do EVERYTHING the ASA does…but it’s definitely a step forward in the Firewall Feature Set of the IOS. Routers running this version of code now support zone-based policies, which really helps with multi-interface restrictions (rather than just one outside & one inside interface with individual access list applications). Likewise, it now supports application inspection to catch those scandalous peer-to-peer programs.
Check out the whole scoop here.
Much thanks to Joshua Walton for sending me an email on this and slightly brightening the most dismal CiscoWorks installation day I’ve ever had. Oh look - CD #12 is done…on to 13.
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CiscoWorks LMS…Shoot me now.
Posted on 04. Sep, 2008 by rivansystems.
I am currently sitting in a sub-zero IT room on my 6th hour and 12th CD of a CiscoWorks Lan Management Solution (LMS) 2.6 installation/upgrade. This is the most pathetic, waste-of-time product I’ve ever worked with…and I haven’t even finished the installation.
I will never agree to do a CiscoWorks LMS installation again.
Ever.
At least my fingers are numb so I can chew on them from boredom without feeling anything.