UNIX gateways introduce massive performance possibilities at a fraction of the price of dedicated proprietary appliances by performing network tasks entirely in software. With Cisco Systems routers dominating the Internet and enterprise networking and UNIX routing and gateway solutions spreading from within server farms and data centers, new opportunities and possibilities arise for system and network administrators who understand the benefit of integrated designs. For example, the use of UNIX gateways can enable intrusion detection, firewalling, cable and DSL access, terminal servers and access concentrators, VPNs, roaming user support, and other LAN and WAN services. Far from being mutually exclusive, Cisco devices, UNIX operating systems, and open source applications can enjoy a peaceful, perhaps even inevitable, coexistence for years to come. Integrated Cisco and UNIX Network Architectures shows how Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls seamlessly work together with UNIX operating systems in an integrated networking and security environment.

Integrated Cisco and UNIX Network Architectures reveals not just the feasibility but also the desirability of Cisco/UNIX integrated routing with regard to systems integration, interoperability, and feature requirements. Detailed, progressively complex lab scenarios emphasize enterprise and ISP requirements, casting light on the similarities and differences of these two worlds. Platform issues, such as behavior of firewall filters, kernel features, and proper standards compliance, are discussed, analyzed with sniffers, and tested with handcrafted traffic from packet generators and test applications.

If you want to master and maximize the operation of your UNIX and Cisco network architectures, this book shows you how.

This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press¿ which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.