Access Server / Terminal server

When I was preparing for my CCIE, i bought in four 3550's (magnificent switches) four 1841  ISR routers and three 3825 series routers...... So, I bought all this cool gear and was really excited...setting up new topologies.... configuring the technologies in my CCIE check list, But when I set everything up it struck me - How the hell am I going to access all these routers and switches.
It's not probable to run along and change the console cable. Right ?

Well I googled about my problem and found this device called "ACCESS SERVER / TERMINAL SERVER"
Don't worry you don't  need a microsoft certification to set up this server. When we (guys at cisco) think about server, we immediately think of Microsoft.

SO what is this Access server. Well it's a router. ha... no, I am not kidding. But it's a special router. Not every router can be an access server, you need a special router. Cisco has a whole series dedicated to these router types.
It's 2500 series. There are currently 4 models, you need to check your resources and what you need before you buy one.

I am going to describe these models and provide you skills to set up an access server for your CCNP/CCIE labs. For CCNA you probably don't need it because of simulation programs such as Gns3 available, plus it's not wise to spend much on equipment. But if you got a heavy pocket-Go ahead buy one and get some hands on experience.
okay to resume what I was talking about.

1.2509 router :  1 Ethernet port.
                                         2 synchronous serial ports
                                         8 asynchronous serial ports

2. 2510 router : 1 Token ring
                         2 synchronous serial ports

                         8 asynchronous serial ports

                    
3. 2511 router : 1 Ethernet port
                         2 synchronous serial ports

                         16 asynchronous serial ports

4.  2512 router : 1 Token Ring

                         2 synchronous serial ports

                         16 asynchronous serial ports

    Note : All synchronous serial interfaces use the DB-60 connector at the chassis
              Asynchronous serial interfaces use RJ-45 connectors  

I personally use 2511 series as it has support for upto 16 devices.
Here's a pic :

 Looks cool right ?

If you are still wondering when should one use a Terminal server. here's a scenario.

    
You see that guy at the bottom right ? Yeah it's me. And I want to configure all these routers in my network, This is a good example where a Terminal server is used. This provides me the ease of configuring all these devices by sitting here in my Air-conditioned office and I no longer need to stand in cold IT  rooms. :)

More stuff you need to know


1. You need a special cable : An octal cable.   It has 8 RJ45's which you connect to your routers/switches.
2. The other end will connect to Asynch port on the router.
3. Write down the numbers on the RJ45's. They correspond to something. (Something what ? Find below)


SAMPLE CONFIGURATION




Access-server> enable
Access-server# conf t
Access-server(config)# int loop 1
Access-server(config-if)# ip add 1.1.1.1 255.255.255.255
Access-server(config-if)#ex
Access-server(config)#ip host R1 2001 1.1.1.1
Access-server(config)#ip host R2 2002 1.1.1.1
Access-server(config)#ip host R3 2003 1.1.1.1
Access-server(config)#ip host R4 2004 1.1.1.1
Access-server(config)#ip host R5 2005 1.1.1.1
Access-server(config)#ip host SW1 2006 1.1.1.1
Access-server(config)#ip host SW2 2007 1.1.1.1
Access-server(config)#ip host SW3 2008 1.1.1.1
Access-server(config)#ip host SW4 2009 1.1.1.1


The Bold characters refer to your numbers on RJ45's. Remember I told you they mean something.
Another important thing, disable exec-timeout under Async lines. It prevents rogue exec sessions from being created. This will prevent garbage characters from being formed.


Good-bye and Take Care.









          

So have you heard about Cisco ?

I am sure if   who have spent even  couple of weeks in networking field you have heard about Cisco and you are probably laughing at me for choosing a silly title and that too for my first ever blog entry. hm...
Okay, I did this deliberately to catch your attention. :)
For all of you who are new to networking you probably mayn't have heard about Cisco (even then chances of that happening are far less than world coming to an end in 2012 :D


Cisco is the world leader in networking. When you think of shoes.. you think of Nike or Reebok. When you think of music players you think of Apple I-pod; Likewise when people think of networking they think of Cisco.


A Google search from your browser about "Cisco" will show you facts like -   
1. Cisco Systems was founded in December 1984 in Menlo Park, California, by a husband and wife team from Stanford University, Leonard Bosack and Sandra Lerner. ( Interesting) 
2. Cisco had annual revenue of US$40.0 billion as of 2010.
3.  It has more than 65000 employees all over the globe. 

If you have watched TV show 24  ... you'll notice the kind of technology Cisco has. Everything shown on 24 about Cisco is real and it exists in real world.  


Cisco is a trusted and respected name in the networking field, people are ready to blindly trust on Cisco and rightly so.  No-matter if you are an enterprise looking to further expand and secure your network OR you've recently outgrown your small business OR even if you are a home user.... CISCO has products for you.


Now to run these products (Routers, Switches, AP's) you need expertize knowledge about the technology especially from Cisco's perspective- the reason behind high demand of Cisco Certified people.
Cisco Certifications have 1. Entry level courses 2. Associate level course 3. Professional level 4. Expert Level
They kind of build upon each other. SO if you are knew to networking ..This is a sort of ladder for you and you must start from Entry level CCENT to work your way towards CCNA, CCNP and maybe if you liked Cisco you'll try for CCIE. 


Are these Certifications worth it ? 
Totally, Cisco certification cannot be cheated and bought. It has to be earned.I know many of you maybe thinking how it's difficult, braindumps are readily available - you've only got to cram those and pass the exam. Right ?
Wrong. Cisco is constantly improving and improvising their exam's to the level where it's  extremely difficult for people to cheat and get a Cisco certification without knowing what they are doing.
 Unlike any other certification you really have to work your ass off to get one. And world respects you for being Cisco Certified. And most people don't know about it but Cisco is the only which provides incentives to companies to hire Cisco certified people- So after you get your CCNA or CCNP you are looking for a job; the companies are looking to hire you. cool right ?


 Hope this gives you enough knowledge to jump into the field of Cisco certifications, Trust me you'll not regret it. 


Cheers



 Trivia fact for the day :    Cisco gets it's name from  San Francisco . Yes the city San Francisco