Troubleshooting a Router Installation

In this video, see how Tony Fortunato solved problems that cropped up when deploying a Cisco 2851 ISR as a DNS proxy.

Tony Fortunato

April 24, 2018

1 Min Read
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I recently managed a router installation for a client and thought it would be helpful to share the issues I encountered, along with the techniques I used to overcome them..

In this case, we took a Cisco 2851 Integrated Services Router that was sitting on a shelf and turned it into a DNS proxy. Inevitably, when you plan an installation you will forget something. What separates a successful installation from a failure is how you deal with what you forgot. In the following video, you will see how I determined that the incorrect router port was connected as well as the wrong VLAN.

With this installation there were a few factors that helped the troubleshooting process:

  • The DNS proxy wasn’t in production and will be phased in, so it wasn’t critical that be up ASAP.

  • Even though the tech powered on and connected the router to the network and left, he would be back Monday morning to assist if needed.

  • I set up a computer with a console cable and had VPN access for testing and/or troubleshooting.

I can’t stress enough that you should have the access and ability to test during an installation outside of your fancy network management system.  The network analyst needs to have a good grasp of basic troubleshooting commands as well as a network diagram.

About the Author

Tony Fortunato

Sr Network Performance Specialist

Tony Fortunato is a network performance expert who has been designing, implementing and troubleshooting networks since 1989. His company, The Technology Firm, provides clients of all sizes with services ranging from project management, network design, consulting, troubleshooting, designing custom-designed training courses, and assisting with equipment installation. Tony's experience in networking started with financial trading floor networks and ISPs, where he learned to integrate and support equipment from various vendors. Tony has taught and presented at numerous colleges and universities, public forums and private classes. He blogs frequently at NetworkDataPediaand has a popular YouTube channel.

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