General (Switch)

The video walks you through basic configuration on a Cisco Nexus 1000V after a fresh install. In addition, we will cover three main management items: Syslog, NTP, and SNMPv3. We will finishes off the video by verifying our config with Syslog server and SNMP poller.

• Nexus 1000V Basic Configuration
• DNS
• Syslog,
• NTP
• SNMPv3

The video walks you through DHCP configuration on Cisco router and switch for both server and client roles, how to exclude blocks of IP from a pool, and reserve IPs for certain hosts. We then look at DHCP relay (UDP unicast forwarding) used when the DHCP server is not situated on the same client subnet, and the significant of DHCP Option 82. Wireshark captures of DHCP packets are reviewed throughout the video.

The video walks you through SNMPv2 configurations on a Cisco router with most commands being applicable to a Catalyst switch. SNMP Poll and Trap are demonstrated through SNMPB tool and by analyzing packets captured on Wireshark. SNMP is a widely-used protocol for monitoring the health of network devices, and collecting performance statistics.

The video walks you through Syslog configurations on a Cisco router with most commands being applicable to a Catalyst switch. Testing is performed by sending log messages to an external Syslog server. Syslog packets captured on Wireshark are also reviewed. It is recommended to your Syslog messages sent and retained on an external server, whether it is for forensic or regulatory compliance.

Topic includes

• Logging to Console/Buffer/Server
• Syslog Packet Analysis

Quick Facts:

• Syslog uses UDP 514

The video provides recommended router startup configurations (majority also applies to a Catalyst switch) that will tighten your device security and improve your console experience. It is always recommended to disable any unused services on network devices and enforce access-control for administration. 

Topic includes

• Router/Switch Services Disabling
• Password Encryption
• Console Access Management
• Administrative Access-Control

The video shows how to configure time synchronization on a router and switch using NTP. Two routers will be configured as NTP master/peers, while providing time to a switch. Having an accurate time on your network devices is critical for producing meaningful logging messages needed for troubleshooting, and any network services relying on time accuracy such as certificate-based authentication. 

Topic includes

• Clock Timezone/Daylight Saving
• NTP Server/Peer/Client
• NTP Access-Group
• NTP Authentication