Configuring a customer's network is a difficult enough process for VARs and SIs. However, when customers start throwing in complicated add-ons and asking for additional device configuration, a difficult task for the uninitiated can become an impossible one. In this series of tips, we provide insight into the whole range of network configurations, from basic items (SNMP and ACLs) to distribution devices to network configuration troubleshooting and the complicated process of adding prefixes. We hope to offer some helpful methods that will ease the process and, above all, keep it simple.
Practical configurations - Part 1
Base configurations include items such as SNMP, hostnames, NTP and possibly common Access Control Lists (ACLs). These configurations, if common to your customer's network, can be placed in a template and pushed via your management system to save time and avoid any basic configuration mistakes.
Learn more on base configurations, as well as edge configuration.
Practical configurations - Part 2
Looking at the configuration of distribution devices, we can see that using the interface range command can help save time in configurations. By not having to configure each individual port separately, this command can help you to apply large interface-based command sets quickly. Commands like this greatly ease the configuration process of the L2 and L3 portions of your customer's network.
Find more tips and commands for portion configuration of the network.
Practical configurations - Part 3
Some simple commands can help validate your configuration. For example, using the no-summary option allows us to shrink the routing tables of any edge routers we may have out there on our network by allowing only a default summary route to be advertised into that area.
Also learn how easy commands can be used in the validation of OSPF configuration.
Practical configurations - Part 4
Commands, such as show ip ospf neighbor for checking neigbors and show ip route for finding routing information, can help not only in making a network run more smoothly, but also in learning how the individual protocols work.
Get more insight into configuration troubleshooting and database checking.
Practical configurations - Part 5
Adding external prefixes such as static routes into your newly created OSPF network and manipulating these routes as they travel across each layer will greatly help send data from end of your customer's network to the other.
Also learnabout the manipulation of prefixes in order to verify their individual routes.
About the author
Doug Downer (CCIE #9848) is a Sr. Consultant with Callisma, INC, a wholly owned subsidiary of SBC Communications. Doug has over 7 years in the industry and currently provides high level business and technology consulting for various federal clients in the Washington D.C. area.
