Overview

CiscoWorks Small Network

Management Solution Version 1.5
CiscoWorks Small Network Management Solution (SNMS) is an end-to-end network
management solution from Cisco Systems. It is ideal for small networks which might include
two or three branch offices. CiscoWorks SNMS is a comprehensive, cost-effective, and
user-friendly solution that provides advanced monitoring, and configuration capabilities. It
also provides management capabilities that simplify network administration.
Built upon popular Internet-based standards, CiscoWorks SNMS enables network operators
to more efficiently and effectively manage the network through a simplified browser-based
interface that can be accessed anytime from anywhere within the network. CiscoWorks
SNMS provides tools that make the job of configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting
routers, switches and other business applications, quicker and helps reduce the likelihood of
human errors. Businesses that use CiscoWorks SNMS can enjoy the twin advantages of
decreasing downtime (based on the monitoring and troubleshooting tools) and the ability to
easily roll out changes in the network (based on the configurations tools).
Figure 1
Typical Small Network Deployment

Topology
80% Small Campus,
Single Building/Site
20% Small WAN (Couple
of Locations, Limited VPN)
Device Mix (Example)
35 Switches
3 Routers
2-3 Firewalls
5-10 Servers
500 PCs

Figure 1 shows a typical Small Network deployment with a couple of remote locations and
a head office that has a larger network setup. Today's business challenges for such networks
go beyond high uptime and quick troubleshooting capabilities. The tools should help not
only in the regular network management tasks, but, they should also help in configuring/
re-configuring the various changes in the network. Typically, the administrators of small
networks, are required to monitor and manage every aspect of the infrastructure including,

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periodically updating the software images running on local and remote devices, implementing configurations
changes, optimizing network utilization, deploying policies, and capacity planning. This is a challenging task,
especially with the constraints on resources which most organizations face.
CiscoWorks SNMS enables customers to monitor, manage, and deploy new network devices and get them up and
running in a very short time. Some of the features infrastructure for small network deployments, are the following:
Easy to use and access via a Web Browser, CiscoWorks SNMS has a simple, easy-to-learn graphical interface. It
provides multiple applications that can be launched from a well-organized, tab-oriented interface. CiscoWorks
SNMS provides an elegant security model that allows multiple level access rights. Users can access all SNMS
functionality via a web browser, allowing them flexibility and remote access.
Figure 2

Device lifecycle management

CiscoWorks SNMS provides a comprehensive set of tools for device lifecycle management encompassing both
hardware and software elements. Initial configuration is only a small part of a series of ongoing tasks that need
to be done, so as to make the device work efficiently. For example the need to change passwords and community
strings is regular event. Using CiscoWorks SNMS this task can be automated. CiscoWorks SNMS also provides
tools to track changes in the configuration of network devices. As the network grows, new features and updates
have to be incorporated in the device operating system, such as Cisco IOS / Cisco Catalyst OS. Often these
updates become necessary to ensure the security of the network.
Integrated Infrastructure Management
CiscoWorks SNMS provides a single window to the network that not only includes Cisco network devices, but
includes PCs, servers, and applications. This integrated approach gives the common infrastructure to be used for
both monitoring and managing non-network elements. Users do not have to switch between several disparate
applications to manage network operations.

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CiscoWorks SNMS Functions

The functionality of CiscoWorks SNMS can be categorized under three functional areas:
Network Discovery and Policy Management
Device Configuration
Device Management
Network discovery and policy management is done using WhatsUp Gold. Device configuration tasks are taken care
of by CiscoView, and Device Management is done using RME.
Brief discussions on these topics are given below along with screenshots.
Figure 3
WhatsUp GoldNetwork Discovery

Network Discovery
CiscoWorks SNMS discovers SNMP-enabled elements in the network and builds a topology map using WhatsUp
Gold. WhatsUp Gold, from Ipswitch, has powerful features that work well for both network elements and other IT
assets such as, servers, applications and PCs. SNMS leverages these capabilities to manage network elements and add
more value. WhatsUp Gold is integrated very closely with the other CiscoWorks SNMS components, and device data
is shared. Users may cross launch WhatsUp Gold from within any part of SNMS application.

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The topology maps, discovered by WhatsUp Gold, can be organized based on logical or physical entities. Users can
use either the GUI version of the application or the web version. Other features of WhatsUp Gold include:
User-defined device maps
Performance monitoring of devices and historical performance data export
Update of device details into RME
Net tools to troubleshoot device
Web-based reporting
Event notification and filtering capabilities
Device Configuration
Figure 4
CiscoView: Device Configuration tool

The CiscoView device manager is the most widely-deployed device management software application provided by
Cisco Systems. Being web-based, CiscoView allows ubiquitous access from a standard browser or over the network.
CiscoView web-based management helps network management by displaying a physical view of Cisco devices and
color-coding device ports for at-a-glance port status, allowing users to quickly grasp vital information. CiscoView
provides dynamic status, device monitoring, and comprehensive configuration information for Cisco
internetworking products (routers, switches, and access products). CiscoView features include:
Web-based displays of Cisco products from a single location, giving network managers a complete view of Cisco
products without physically checking each device (see Figure 2)
A continuously updated physical view of routers, hubs, switches, or access servers in a network
Real-time monitoring and tracking of key information and data relating to device performance, traffic, and
environment, with metrics such as utilization percentage, frames transmitted and received, errors, and a variety
of other device-specific indicators
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 The ability to modify device configurations across router, switch, and access server products.
The ability to access the support for existing and new Cisco devices via the Web-based Package Support Updater
(PSU), without having to purchase and install new versions of CiscoView
Device Management
The heart of the Device Management module is CiscoWorks Resource Manager Essentials (RME). As the name
suggests, this is one function an IT administrator cannot live without. CiscoWorks RME serves many purposes: it
can be used as a troubleshooting tool, a repository of configuration details, an asset management database, and a
platform to automate multiple routine activities.
Figure 5
Device Center: Trouble Shooting Dashboard

CiscoWorks SNMS provides operational management for the network, allowing network managers to:
Quickly build a complete network inventory
Manage device credentials information
Monitor and report hardware, software, configuration, and inventory changes
Manage and deploy configuration changes and software image updates to multiple devices
Monitor and troubleshoot critical LAN and WAN resources.
Quickly identify device upgrade requirements to run specific Cisco IOS or Cisco Catalyst OS versions.
Isolate problems by running customized Syslog reports.

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Licensing
CiscoWorks SNMS has been optimized to work with small networks. Some applications within CiscoWorks SNMS
have restrictions on the number of devices they can manage for that application. As explained earlier, a small network
comprises of a few routers, switches, and a significant number of PCs. The WhatsUp Gold application, which is used
for topology mapping, monitoring and escalation can be used for any number of devices. WhatsUp Gold gives the
user substantial flexibility to monitor PC-related resources. Cisco View and RME are primarily used for managing
Cisco devices like routers and switches. These two applications can work with a maximum of 40 Cisco devices on
the network. Networks that have more than 40 Cisco devices can choose to use LAN Management Solution (LMS).
Server Specifications (Minimum Requirements)
Server Hardware
PC-compatible computer with 1 GHz or faster Pentium processor
CD-ROM drive
100Base-T or faster connection
512 MB RAM
9 GB available disk drive space
1 GB virtual memory
Server Operating System
Windows 2000 Professional, Server, and Advanced Server (Service Pack 3)
Note: Support for Advanced Server requires that Terminal Services be turned off.
Client Requirements
Hardware
PC-compatible computer with 1 GHz or faster Pentium processor
Client Operating System
Windows 2000 Server or Professional Edition with Service Pack 3, or Windows XP SP1 with Microsoft VM.
Client Browser
Internet Explorer 6.0 Service Pack 1, on Windows operating systems
Service and Support
CiscoWorks products are eligible for coverage under the Cisco Software Application Service (SAS) program. This
service program offers customers contract-based 24-hour access to the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC), full
Cisco.com privileges, and software maintenance updates. A SAS contract ensures that customers have easy access to
the information and services needed to stay current with newly supported device packages, patches, and minor
updates. For further information about service and support offerings, contact your local sales office.

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Ordering Information

For More Information

CiscoWorks SNMS is available for purchase through distribution

For more information, e-mail ciscoworks@cisco.com

channels worldwide. CiscoWorks SNMS includes all the necessary

components needed for an independent installation on Microsoft
Windows.

Corporate Headquarters
Cisco Systems, Inc.
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USA
www.cisco.com
Tel: 408 526-4000
800 553-NETS (6387)
Fax: 408 526-4100

European Headquarters
Cisco Systems International BV
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The Netherlands
www-europe.cisco.com
Tel: 31 0 20 357 1000
Fax: 31 0 20 357 1100

Americas Headquarters
Cisco Systems, Inc.
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San Jose, CA 95134-1706
USA
www.cisco.com
Tel: 408 526-7660
Fax: 408 527-0883

Asia Pacific Headquarters

Cisco Systems, Inc.
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#22-01 to #29-01
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www.cisco.com
Tel: +65 6317 7777
Fax: +65 6317 7799

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