network checks

[helpdesk2005]

hi everyone i am not sure if this is the proper place to put this post but i can't find any other forums that it would go in.

every morning i have lags on my network when users try to access the server. i know this could be server related but what i am wondering is is there anything i can do on the router or is there any software that i can run that tells me how many users are accessing the network, the bandwidth being used, if there is bottlenecks, etc.

as for the cisco i have a 2500 router, new to cisco and would like to check the bandwidth being used, lag times, bottlenecks, and the usual checks that you would do as a net admin.

Thank you for all your help. Much appreciated.

 

[JOAMON]

First thing I would do is replace the router with a more current model...one with fast ethernet ports. Would also look at the network and replace any old hubs with something like a Cisco catalyst 2950 series switch. That router is not even used for CCNA studies any more. Even if limited budget Ebay has some good deals.

 

[helpdesk2005]

what router do you recommend ? we don't have any net admin at work i'm the closest to one so i will need to program this. i am running 1100 series hubs from 3com and the 3800 series.

but in terms of internal network lags - is there anything that will allow me to monitor that?

 

[JOAMON]

How many users on the network?
What type of internet connection do you have?

There are lots of tools out there....take a look at the following:

http://www.objectplanet.com/Probe/

I think that you probably have a virus on your network.

 

[helpdesk2005]

I have about 500 users on a 5 meg DSL line. I have a 2600 router... :|

 

[JOAMON]

Well I guess I would start with the router. 500 users on a 2600 is pushing it to the limit. Do a show process cpu history and chech you cpu useage. You will probably see that it is maxxed out during those periods when users are complaining. I would seriously consider at least the 2800 series

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5854/

or the 3800 series

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5855/

These routers also have a feature called Cisco SDM (Security Device Manager) A web based monitoring and configuration utility. They are a little pricy but in the long run will be well worth it.

 

[helpdesk2005]

thanks for the suggestion joamon. since i am new to cisco products is there a way that i can configure the 2800 or the 3800 (i'm guessing you recommend a 2800 here due to my level of experience on routers?) and test it to see if it works and routes to where i want it to before i actually put it live? of course i don't want to mess up 500 users and put my network at risk with wrong configs - what are your suggestions? thanks.

 

[JOAMON]

As you are really new to Cisco I would strongly recommend outsourcing. I have work with the following company and was very satisfied with their work. There are however tons of them out there. Give them a call. They offer both sales and support and have a program called a "spare in the air". If something goes wrong they will fly a replacement to you.

http://www.teamnrg.com/

PS....Both the 2800 and 3800 have the SDM utility.