Cisco routers and switches are the backbone of many small business networks. While Cisco's hardware is typically reliable, things can break - and when they do, ... » 

Cisco routers and switches are the backbone of many small business networks. While Cisco's hardware is typically reliable, things can break - and when they do, most administrators don't want to wade through lengthy product documentation to solve their problems. They need to be able to fix things fast.

This second edition of the critically acclaimed Cisco Routers for the Desperate gives readers exactly the information they need to solve router problems when things go south. Building on the same in case of emergency basics and quick fixes that made the first edition a success, the second edition takes a completely command line-oriented approach to working with the Cisco operating system and adds coverage of switches and the latest Cisco terminology.

Cisco routers and switches are mysterious black boxes to many people, said No Starch Press founder William Pollock. But not every sys admin is or wants to be a Cisco expert. Cisco Routers for the Desperate is for those sys admins who aren't Cisco experts but who know that when the router goes down, they've got problems. The book is short and sweet; designed to be read once then literally left by the router in case something bad happens.

In addition to sections on basic router maintenance and circuit troubleshooting, Cisco Routers for the Desperate, 2nd Edition covers:Configuration: setting up router and network connections correctly Troubleshooting: how to determine whether a failure or slowdown is due to an ISP problem or your hardware Security: how to keep network equipment safe from attacks and install a private network between two offices Network redundancy: how to reduce downtime using BGP and HSRP Integration: how to update and maintain routers and switches and add new hardware into existing networks Cisco Routers for the Desperate, 2nd Edition gives readers what they need to know to provide reliable network services, keep their router buzzing along, and fix problems fast. «