Networking

MRTG

I've received many emails on how to get up and running quickly with MRTG, so here's my tips.

Install ActiveState Perl (http://www.activestate.com)
Download and Install MRTG (http://www.mrtg.org)
If you don't have one, create working directory for HTML files c:\mrtg\working
Go to c:\mrtg\bin directory
Run perl cfgmaker snmpreadstring@ipaddress –output=filename.cfg
Open filename.cfg with notepad
Add RunAsDaemon: Yes
Remove # on Options
Add WorkDir: C:\mrtg\working
Type wperl mrtg filename.cfg to start MRTG

IPERF

IPERF Quickstart &
Very handy FREE throughput tester. Using it is quick and easy;

Simply download IPERF http://dast.nlanr.net/Projects/Iperf/
Unzip into a folder on two pc's
Go to one PC and type iperf -s at the command prompt. This is a server
Go to the other PC and type iperf -c server_ipaddress

Other examples;

to run the iperf utility as a server service by typing
iperf -s -D
to conduct an upload type
iperf -c server_ipaddress
to conduct a separate upload and download type
iperf -c server_ipaddress -r
to conduct a simultaneously upload and download type
iperf -c server_ipaddress -p

Other Notes;

The following options don't work with Windows;
window (-w) * This actually affects the application read/write block or buffer size
print mss (-m)

try creating a batch file that you can schedule at whatever interval to get an idea of throughput in relation ship to time;

sample dos batch file will accept an ip address filename for output. Just make sure IPERf is in your path, or put the batch file in the iperf directory.

rem record ipaddress filename
rem ***
cls
echo off
Echo %date% %time% >> %2
Echo %date% %time%
Echo upload and download to %1
iperf -c %1 -r|find "sec" >> %2
echo ********* >> %2

SNMP

Please modify your default read and write SNMP community strings from public or private.
Use the Contact and Location fields for documentation purposes.

Cabling

I use a Sharpie permanent marker and write the length of the cable on the side of RJ45 with a double line to indicate a straight-thru cable and an X to denote a cross over cable.

MAC Address

Get a P-Touch, type in your MAC address and put it on your laptop, desktop or troubleshooting PC. Now you'll have the correct info when you want to create a MAC address filter or just reference it.

The BAD NEWS
What do you say when the results aren't good?
Baselines are like Resumes
Why reporting needs to be concise.

I don't need no tools
I have a new network and equipment what can go wrong?

Latency, the Basics
Start understanding the impact of latency

"What the heck is a tool?"
Why bother with getting test tools?

Real World Throughput Testing
Go test your connection today
Port Unreachable
Tony explains a common scenario regarding port unreachable and helper addressesGet to know ICMP
Really neat tip about troubleshooting ICMP packets

Get your house in order
You should always start monitoring and improving performance in your own backyard, or network

Make your own Cabling Errors
I talk about creating your own erros, so when you encounter them in the field, you will work more effeciently

Broken and Baselining
Tony's Shaking your Network to Bits Video clip
Tony explains the paradigm shift when it comes to support and lays some of the foundation for baselining

Space Junk - the The Problem
Tony's Shaking your Network to Bits Video clip
Here Tony talks about the 'Space Junk' on your Network and how you may have not found the root cause to your 'Problem'

If It Aint Broke
Tony's Shaking your Network to Bits Video clip Here Tony talks about what how the old saying, "If it ain't broke.." isn't something you want to wait for. Tony also explains why a ping isn't the proper tool for the job.
What is Training
Hear about Tonys definition of Training'Pulling Straws
Hear how this famous old technique works - or doesn't work for youWhat The Heck Is a Tool
This is the first in many videos where I explain what a tool is and the difference between data and information.
The Right Tool..
Tony explains why you need more than 1 favorite tool.
Big Network Game Hunting
Here Tony talks about the value of having a network tool even though you may not find a problem