Top 5 Freeware Tools For Cisco Network Administrators

For all you Cisco network administrators, the following tools will enable you manage your network efficiently.

1. PuTTY for SSH access is a Secure Shell(SSH) client that runs on Windows for remote access with an increase emphasis on security. Supports SSH version 1 and 2 with DES, Triple DES, Blowfish, and AES.


2. PumpKIN TFTP server. Most Cisco devices use the TFTP as the primary way to transfer both system image and configuration files. This tool provides a simple, easy-to-use GUI and runs on all versions of Windows.


3. Kiwi Syslog server. Because most Cisco devices use the Syslog protocol to generate system messages, deploying a centralised Syslog server is often recommended. This easy to use but versatile tool provides the built-in ability to listen to SNMP traps. It can also monitor the free disk space on the server. When the disk space falls below a configured threshold, Kiwi generates e-mail and audio alerts--a very useful feature that prevents message from being lost due to lack of disk space. Runs on all versions of Windows.


4. Nmap Network scanner. Originally developed as a hacker tool, mainstream networking professionals now use Nmap for security testing of firewalls, routers, and IDS devices. Nmap can generate ping sweeps to scan a range of IP addresses, verify the working of specific TCP or UDP ports on a target machine, quickly scan the TCP or UDP ports on a target host, and use OS finger-printing techniques to make an educated guess about OS running on the target device. Works with both Windows and Linux.

5. Protocol/Network Analyzer Ethereal is a commercial grade network analyzer that can be installed over any Windows on Linux platform. Can analyze more than 700 protocols, including Cisco specific protocols such as CDP and ISL.

Most of these tools come bundled in PHLAK, knoppix-std Live CDs or any other Linux flavor. But the more recent versions can be downloaded from their respective sites. Use with care.

Seun will it be possible to add a network section on this forum?

I've always used solarwinds for my cisco work, whats better about this server?

Packet logging is fun to see whats transmitted :-)

I also Support the motion, all the tools you said are perfect tools for Net admin, Most especially the Nmap and Putty