Cisco 700 series - User Manual

CHAPTER
Using Profiles with Cisco 700 Series Routers 2-1
2
Using Profiles with Cisco 700
Series Routers
A profile is a set of configuration parameters associated with ports on the router or WAN
devices.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Profile Overview
• System and Profile Parameters
• Creating and Modifying Profiles
• Incoming Calls
• Outgoing Calls
Profile Overview
There are two modes in which you can set parameters, the system mode and the profile
mode. System mode parameters affect the configuration on a global level. Profiles are sets
of local parameters. Profile mode parameters affect how the router handles the connection
to a device.
You do not have to reconfigure the router every time you connect to a different device.
Instead of using one set of configuration parameters for all devices, you can use different
profiles to communicate with a variety of devices.
For example, you can create a user-defined profile called 2500 that contains the parameters
to be used when communicating with a Cisco 2500 series router over the WAN. You can
customize your Cisco 700 series router to maintain up to 17 user-defined profiles. Profiles
are saved in the Cisco 700 series router nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM).

Summary

Using Profiles with Cisco 700 Series Routers

Profile Overview

Explains profile modes (system, profile) and how profiles store parameters for device communication, enabling flexible configuration.

System and Profile Parameters

Details permanent profiles (Internal, LAN, Standard) and how system/profile parameters affect router configuration and prompts.

Creating and Modifying Profiles

Covers creating user profiles with 'set user', switching modes with 'cd', displaying configurations, and removing profile-based values.

Incoming Calls

Describes how incoming calls are processed by matching profiles, and how profiles are activated for the duration of the connection.

Outgoing Calls

Outlining requirements for outgoing calls: active profiles, 'set auto' command, and a stored phone number for initiating connections.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This document describes the Cisco 700 Series Routers, focusing on the use of profiles to manage network configurations. The router is designed to facilitate communication between local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), particularly through ISDN interfaces. Its primary function is to provide flexible and adaptable network connectivity by allowing users to define specific sets of configuration parameters, known as profiles, for different communication scenarios.

Function Description

The Cisco 700 Series Router acts as a central point for managing network connections. It enables the establishment of both virtual and physical connections to remote devices. A virtual connection is a logical link without immediate physical channels, which monitors LAN traffic for packets destined for the WAN. When such traffic is detected, the router initiates an on-demand call to establish a physical connection. This physical connection then becomes an active pipeline for packets to move through the WAN. This on-demand connection capability is crucial for optimizing network resource usage and reducing operational costs, as physical connections are only established when needed.

The router supports various communication protocols and parameters, allowing it to integrate into diverse network environments. It can handle bridging and routing functions, managing how data is passed between different network segments. The profile system is at the core of its functionality, allowing the router to adapt its behavior based on the specific device it is communicating with or the type of connection being made. This adaptability is key for environments where the router needs to interact with multiple different remote sites or devices, each potentially requiring unique configuration settings.

Usage Features

The Cisco 700 Series Router offers a robust set of usage features centered around its profile management system. Users can create, modify, and manage up to 17 user-defined profiles, in addition to three permanent profiles: Internal, LAN, and Standard.

• Profile Management:

  • User-Defined Profiles: These profiles allow users to define specific configuration parameters for communicating with particular remote devices or networks. For instance, a user can create a profile named "2500" with settings optimized for connecting to a Cisco 2500 series router. This eliminates the need to reconfigure the router manually for each different connection.
  • Permanent Profiles:
    • Internal Profile: Manages data flow between the LAN and WAN ports, and between the bridge engine and the IP/IPX router.
    • LAN Profile: Configures the LAN port and is commonly used for direct connections to the local network. It is often recommended over the Internal profile for simpler configuration when bridging.
    • Standard Profile: This is the default profile. It is used when authentication is not required and no specific user-defined profile exists for the destination device. If authentication is required and no matching profile is found, the call is dropped.
  • Profile Modes: The router operates in two modes: system mode and profile mode.
    • System Mode: In this mode, parameters affect the router globally. Changes made here influence the profile template, which serves as the default for new user-defined profiles. The prompt in system mode displays the router name (e.g., Router_name>).
    • Profile Mode: When in profile mode, changes to parameters apply only to the specific profile being edited. This allows for granular control over individual connection settings without affecting other profiles or global settings. The prompt in profile mode includes both the system name and the profile name (e.g., Router_name:Profile>).
  • Creating and Modifying Profiles: New user-defined profiles are created using the set user command. Once created, the router automatically enters profile mode for that new profile, allowing immediate customization. The cd command is used to switch between system mode and different profiles.
  • Displaying Configurations: The show commands are used to display parameter values. In profile mode, show commands will indicate parameters that have been redefined within that profile with an asterisk (<*>), distinguishing them from values inherited from the system-level profile template.
  • Removing Profile-Based Values: The unset command allows users to remove a specific parameter value from a profile. When a parameter is unset, it reverts to inheriting its value from the system mode.
  • Deleting Profiles: User-defined profiles can be deleted using the reset user command. This also closes any active connections associated with that profile. Permanent profiles (LAN, Internal, Standard) cannot be deleted.
  • Changing Profile Names: The set profile user command allows users to rename an existing profile while in profile mode for that profile.

• Call Management:

  • Incoming Calls: When an incoming call is received, the router searches its active and inactive profiles for a match based on the calling device's user ID. If a match is found, the router uses that profile's configuration parameters for the duration of the connection. If the profile was inactive, it is automatically activated. After the call, the physical link disconnects, but the virtual connection may remain active if configured to do so, continuing to monitor LAN traffic for future WAN-bound packets.
  • Outgoing Calls: For outgoing calls, the associated user-defined profile must be set to active, the set auto command must be enabled, and a phone number to call must be stored within the profile. If the profile is inactive, the router cannot initiate an outgoing call.

Maintenance Features

While the document primarily focuses on configuration and usage, several aspects contribute to the maintainability of the Cisco 700 Series Router:

• Nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM): Profiles are saved in the router's NVRAM. This ensures that all configured profiles and their parameters are preserved even if the router loses power, eliminating the need for re-configuration after power cycles. This is a critical feature for maintaining consistent network operations.
• System and Profile Parameter Separation: The clear distinction between system-mode and profile-mode parameters simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance. Global settings can be managed independently from specific connection settings, making it easier to isolate and resolve configuration issues. If a problem arises with a particular connection, administrators can focus on the relevant profile without affecting the entire router's operation.
• Default Profile (Standard): The existence of a "Standard" default profile provides a fallback mechanism. If no specific profile is defined or matched for a connection, the router can still operate with a basic configuration, which can be useful for initial setup or in situations where specific profiles are not yet configured.
• Modifiable Permanent Profiles: Although permanent profiles (Internal, LAN, Standard) cannot be deleted, they can be modified. This allows administrators to fine-tune these fundamental configurations to better suit their network's evolving requirements, providing flexibility without compromising the router's core operational structure.
• Virtual Connection Persistence: The ability for virtual connections to remain active after a physical link disconnects contributes to seamless operation. This means the router is always ready to re-establish a physical connection quickly when new traffic is detected, reducing perceived downtime and improving user experience. This "always-on" monitoring capability minimizes the administrative overhead associated with managing intermittent connections.

Cisco 700 series Specifications