Cisco® Network Assistant is a PC-based network management application optimized for
wired and wireless LANs for growing businesses that have 40 or fewer switches and
routers. By using Cisco Smartports technology, Cisco Network Assistant simplifies
configuration, deployment, and ongoing management and maintenance of Cisco
Systems® networks.
FACEBOOK CISCO SYSTEMS
The application provides a centralized network view through a
user-friendly GUI. The program allows network administrators to easily apply common
services, generate inventory reports, synchronize passwords, and employ features across
Cisco switches, routers, and access points. Cisco Network Assistant is available at no
cost and can be downloaded from http://www.cisco.com/go/cna.
NEW IN CISCO NETWORK ASSISTANT RELEASE 5.0
Topology View Enhancements
Increased Device Limits
Cisco Network Assistant now supports up to 40 devices, including any combination of supported
switches and routers. The number of supported access points and IP phones is determined by the
type and number of devices in the network.
Tree View
Devices can now be accessed from the tree view when working in the topology view. When users
click a device icon in the tree view, it pops up in the topology view. All functions available by right
clicking in the topology view are also available in the tree view.
Zoom
With the increase of devices in the topology view, users can enlarge the view of a specific
segment of the topology—such as phones, routers, or a subnet. Zoom is accessible from the
keyboard or the combo box located on the menu bar.
Enhanced Discovery
Discovery is now enhanced to allow for more control when discovering devices in the network. It is
now possible to discover devices by entering a seed IP, range IP, subnet IP, or single IP address.
This feature provides more flexibility and time savings when designing the topology.
Event Notification
The new Event Notification feature alerts users when a new version of Cisco Network Assistant
is available for download, if a potential problem arises with a device in your network, or if a
configuration change is required. A dialogue box provides all necessary information regarding
the event such as time, description, and, if applicable, suggestions to resolve the problem.
Guest Port
Guest Port enables companies to provide visiting guests with Internet access, thereby allowing
them to establish VPN connectivity to their company resources. Guest Port users are separated
from internal network traffic so that the confidential "intranet access only" information and services
remain secure from unauthorized guest users.
Network Synchronization
This feature detects inconsistent settings in the network such as VLAN mismatches, centralized
time, and security policies. Working in concert with the Troubleshooting Advisor, these
inconsistencies are detected and fixed easily.
Online Help
A detailed, transparent help function embedded in the framework of Cisco Network Assistant
provides an extensive glossary and powerful search engine that takes users to the correct
(requested) window or related links to apply specific settings. Online Help empowers the user to
find instruction and troubleshoot without having to call for technical support.
Cisco Smartports Advisor
Cisco Smartports Advisor is an embedded tool that discovers devices connected in the network
and recommends appropriate Cisco best practice configurations for security, availability, and
quality-of-service (QoS) features on switch ports. This feature saves time by proactively
recommending Cisco best practices and removes the need for network administrators to consult
detailed design guides or documentation. Cisco Smartports technology saves time for network
administrators; avoids human error; and helps ensure the configuration of the switch, router, or
access point is optimized for these applications.
Topology and Front Panel Views
Users can monitor their network from two perspectives: the physical topology view or the front
panel view. The rich topology view graphically represents the types of devices in the network as
well as detailed information about device status, physical connections, and various monitoring
capabilities—all from a single view. The front panel view displays switches in the network
simultaneously along with the state, duplex, and speed of switch ports. The front panel view also
allows users to apply features across multiple ports or multiple switches when configuring features
such as VLANs. In addition, real-time comprehensive reports are available for inventory, ports,
QoS, and access control list (ACL) statistics.
EXCLUSIVE FEATURES FOR THE CISCO CATALYST EXPRESS 500 SERIES
Task-Based Menu
Navigating through Cisco Network Assistant is intuitive and simple. The main toolbar is divided into
four categories so users can easily find the important tasks and features to manage their Cisco
Catalyst Express 500 Series Switch: Configure, Monitor, Troubleshoot, and Maintenance.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Table 2 lists the system requirements for Cisco Network Assistant 4.0.
Table 2. System Requirements
Operating System Windows 2000 Professional (Service Pack 3 or later)
Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 1 or later)
Windows Server (Service Pack 1+)
Disk space 200 MB
Hardware PC with 233 MHz
Memory 256 MB (recommended 1 Gb)
PC hardware 233 MHz (recommended 1 Gb MHz)
Screen Resolution 1024 x 768
AVAILABILITY
Cisco Network Assistant 5.0 is available for free at http://www.cisco.com/go/networkassistant
