Dial-up connections work without a significant amount of troubleshooting under most
circumstances. When they don’t, Windows generally provides an indication of the error and
a recommended course of action, as shown in Figure 25.14. This screen shows error 680,
which means that there was no dial tone.
On the access server, the administrator can choose to use the show line command to view
the status of the connection. Unfortunately, this requires that much of the connection is already
established—a presumption that does not always coincide with troubleshooting.
Remote access solutions provide connectivity beyond the local area network. In prior chapters, you
read about solutions that use Cisco routers to communicate to other Cisco routers. This chapter
differs in that it is completely focused on a non-Cisco technology—Microsoft Windows—the leading
desktop operating system in use today. Although the current versions of Windows (XP and Windows
2000) are not covered in this chapter, the Cisco position to focus only on Windows 95/98 is
not completely without merit. While outdated and no longer supported, Windows 95/98 shares
many comparable traits with its offspring, and learning the old operating system can provide a solid
foundation for newer implementations. Having said that, Cisco should update their exam materials
to reflect shipping versions of software, and readers will need to augment this chapter’s material,
which focuses on the exam, with study and practice on newer versions in order to transition to realworld
practical usage.
Windows dial-up networking interoperates with Cisco remote access solutions via each of
the three layer 2 and layer 3 protocols offered by Microsoft. These are TCP/IP, which is actually
IP; IPX, the Novell networking protocol; and NetBEUI. NetBEUI is a bridged protocol and technically
operates at layer 2. The most common of these in production networks is IP.
At the Data Link layer, Microsoft installations are typically configured with PPP. This is the
most common implementation with Cisco solutions and is the most important to understand.
For some reason, Cisco stresses knowing the method used in configuring the dial-up networking
options within the Windows operating system. Microsoft places these options (unlike most
other network settings) under the Accessories option, and not the Control Panel or Network
icons. This is very important to know for successful implementation of the remote access solution;
however, it would be fair to note that many users have already learned the quirks of Windows
configuration and would therefore question Cisco’s judgment in stressing a process that is more
than seven years old. Suffice it to say that familiarity is important, and it would be prudent to
focus on this if you are approaching the exam or practical usage without Microsoft experience.
There are other minor elements in Windows remote access that are valuable to know. Microsoft
supports bonding and Multilink Protocol. Troubleshooting tools and terminal options are also
available. Terminal windows are often used with third-party authentication solutions.
The use of Windows devices directly attaching to Cisco routers or AS5000 series aggregation
routers can be an efficient way to provide remote connectivity. As a final point, readers are cautioned
on using this model to provide new remote access solutions. Although outside the scope
of this chapter due to Cisco’s focus and objectives, modern solutions would likely take advantage
of VPN, DSL, cable modem, and other more economical, secure, and scalable solutions.
Know which Cisco remote access protocols Windows 95 supports. Windows 95 supports IP,
IPX, and NetBEUI protocols, which are also supported by Cisco remote access. The most common
of these is IP.
Know the configuration settings location. The dial-up networking options are located under
Start Programs Accessories Communications Dial-Up Networking.
Understand that the Windows Control Panel is not used to configure a dial-up networking
session. These options are controlled under Programs.
Realize that each dial-up networking session is started by a specific icon. The dial-up networking
icons are located in Start Programs Accessories Communications Dial-Up
Networking, followed by the specific icon created for that connection.
Know how to use the terminal window option. Remember that the terminal window can be
used to add parameters to a dial-up session or to integrate with enhanced authentication products.