Howto FWSM Hardware reset

Sometimes ... and unfortunatly ... the FWSM is not that stable. It has happened that, in a FWSM failover pair, when one fails, the other doesn't take over and simply hangs. In order to reset the blade run this command in the supervisor:

hw-mod module 9 reset (for module 9)
hw-mod module 9 shutdown (power off to the module. Keep in mind that if the 6500/7600 is reloaded, the FWSM blade will power on anyway, even if previously this command has been called)

Howto enable TACACS in CATOS

Although CATOS is becaming history, they are still produtive and running quite well ... so we still have to live with them.

When integrating the login cli with tacacs ... here are the commands:
set tacacs server primary
set tacacs key
set authentication login local enable telnet
set authentication login tacacs enable telnet primary

Secrets about traceroute

Traceroute is a protocol that can work with icmp or udp:

Windows - ICMP
Unix, Linux and IOS - UDP.

This means that, when you are running a connetivity test using traceroute, the results will different depending on the OS you are using. The reason is because icmp might be open in a firewall while UDP won't.

If you are using icmp traceroute, icmp will be open.
If you are using udp, the following udp ports must be open: 33434-33534

Howto Connect a modem to a Cisco Router Console

The goal is to control remotely a Cisco Router, connecting directly to console port. It was done with a US Robotics Courier 56k Business Modem, PN USR813453C.
Some tips:
- In the bottom of the router, select the DIPS 1,7 ,10 down and all the other up
- Connect the db-25 adapter to the modem
- Connect the db-9 blue cisco cable to the console

My first post ...

Well ... I'ts been some time that I wanted to start a blog ... today is the kickoff. I am Cisco Fellow, working in the networking industry for quite a while. My main goal is to post here some of my daily work problems that can help some others with the same problemas ... enjoy!