support
Current Production Software Release

2011.R5

September 27, 2011
 
Current Beta Software Release

2012.R5.beta.2

May 16, 2012

NETLAB+ Software - Release Notes and Known Issues

2012.R5.beta.2 - May 16, 2012

New Features

Bug Fixes

2011.R5 - September 27, 2011

New Features

Bug Fixes

2011.R4 - September 13, 2011

Lab Content

Bug Fixes

Known Issues

2011.R3 - August 26, 2011

Bug Fixes

2011.R2 - August 16, 2011

  This is the largest software upgrade in the history of NETLAB+. Learn More!

This major release includes the features and bug fixes listed for 2011.R2 AND all of the 2011.R1V.beta releases that follow.

New Features

Bug Fixes

2011.R1V.beta.28 - July 22, 2011

New Features

Bug Fixes

2011.R1V.beta.27 - July 20, 2011

New Features

2011.R1V.beta.26 - July 17, 2011

Bug Fixes

2011.R1V.beta.25 - July 11, 2011

Bug Fixes

2011.R1V.beta.24 - July 7, 2011

Bug Fixes

2011.R1V.beta.22 - June 24, 2011

New Features

Bug Fixes

2011.R1V.beta.21 - June 7, 2011 (Current Beta Software Release)

Bug Fixes

2011.R1V.beta.20 - June 1, 2011

Bug Fixes

2011.R1V.beta.19 - May 25, 2011

Bug Fixes

2011.R1V.beta.17 - May 16, 2011

New Features

Bug Fixes

2011.R1V.beta.16 - April 28, 2011

New Features

2011.R1V.beta.15 - April 22, 2011

New Features

2010.R6 - January 19, 2011 (Current Production Release)


New Features


Updates to Cisco Networking Academy Labs


Bug Fixes


Known Issues


2010.R5 - October 1, 2010

With this software update, NETLAB+ provides beta support for CCNP v6.0 ROUTE and SWITCH. Please note, the last production release was 2010.R2; 2010.R3 and 2010.R4 versions were released to beta testers only.


Support of the Beta Release of CCNPv6.0 ROUTE and SWITCH Courses

With this update, NETLAB+ provides beta support for CCNP ROUTE using the Cuatro Router Pod (CRP) and the Multi-Purpose Academy Pod (MAP).

NETLAB+ provides beta support for CCNP SWITCH using the Cuatro Switch Pod (CSP) with the exception of one lab, which uses the Multi-Purpose Academy Pod (MAP).


Updates to CCNPv6.0 TSHOOT

This software update provides compatibility with the updated version of CCNP TSHOOT:


Updates to CCNA Exploration 2

This software update provides compatibility with the updated version of CCNA Exploration 2 Skills based exam:


Expanded Support of Access Server Modules

Support of modular combinations of Cisco HWIC-16A, NM-32A, and NM-16A asynchronous access server modules. Details are available on the Supported Control Devices page.


Pod Assignment - New Feature

Pod Assignment is a pod resource management feature, which allows pods to be assigned and visible only to those who have been granted access. The flexibility of pod assignment allows pods to be assigned at the community, class, instructor, student and student team level. Pod assignment is initiated at the system level by the Administrator. Community and class level assignments may be delegated to instructors.

Please refer to the NETLAB+ Pod Assignment Guide for details on selecting and implementing the appropriate pod resource management features for your system.


Bug Fixes


Known Issues (Unresolved)


2010.R2 - April 12, 2010

NETLAB+ provides beta support for the recently released first course of the CCNP v6.0 curriculum, CCNP TSHOOT. Beta support for CCNP TSHOOT is provided using the Multi-Purpose Academy Pod (MAP).

There are additional equipment requirements for the MAP pad when using it for CCNP TSHOOT:

Details on the additional equipment requirements for using MAP pad for CCNP TSHOOT.


2010.R1 - February 5, 2010

Bug fixes:


2009.R3 - October 26, 2009

Labs for the CCNA Discovery have updated to use the Multi-purpose Academy Pod:


2009.R2 - September 16, 2009


NETLAB+ 2009.R1 is the fifth major feature upgrade - September 9, 2009


Academy Pods and Curriculum


New Features


Bug Fixes


4.0.25e - Nov-14-2008

Modification to Minimum Time Between Reservations Setting:

Based on helpful feedback provided by several customers, the behavior of the Minimum Time Between Reservations setting has been modified. This setting controls the minimum amount of time between successive reservations made by an individual student or team and can be used to prevent excessive scheduling of labs. Minimum Time Between Reservations may be set at the community level (see section 2.14.1 of the NETLAB+ Administrator Guide. or at the class level (see section 5.1 of the NETLAB+ Instructor Guide.

Originally, the Minimum Time Between Reservations was based on reservation start time. The minimum time is now based on maintaining the time gap between reservations. The following examples illustrate how this modification affects the behavior of the scheduling system:


Support for Updated CCNA Discovery Courses

With this update, NETLABAE supports the recently revised versions of the CCNA Discovery courses. Please refer to the lab support pages for details on supported lab exercises for each course:


Bug Fix

#540: During recent software modifications, a limit of 10 device connections at a single IP address was erroneously imposed. This limit was not intended and has been removed.


4.0.25 - Aug-22-2008

New Features:

Administrator Defined Remote Access Ports. With this release, your NETLAB+ system is no longer limited to using TCP port 23 (the default setting) for remote access. The administrator may define one or more port numbers for use by NETLAB+ for remote device access, remote PC access and chat functions (chat functions will be available in a future software release). At some organizations, it may be desirable to select a different port, in order to remain compliant with your organization’s security policies. You may also define additional remote access ports to assist clients who cannot use TCP port 23 due to other security restrictions implemented between the client and NETLAB+ site. Please refer to “Define Remote Access Points”, section 2.9 of the NETLAB+ Installation Guide

Remote Access Test. A Remote Access Test is performed during each user login. The purpose of the test is to verify that the user will be able to access devices and remote PCs using one of the TCP ports defined by the system administrator (the default is TCP port 23). Performing this test during each user login will provide users with guidance to resolve any device connection problems that may be present before beginning a lab reservation. Please refer to “Remote Access Test”, section 2.1 of the NETLAB+ Administrator Guide.

System Usage Reporting. New usage reporting tools provide valuable feedback on the use of your NETLAB+ system. The ability to review the use your NETLAB+ system is receiving provides helpful information to share within your organization, and can be a helpful indicator of when to consider expanding your system.

There are several levels of reporting available, each with a variety of sorting and grouping options:

Community Usage: Total number of labs and lab hours, grouped by community. User Usage: Total number of labs and lab hours per user. Class Usage: Total number of labs and lab hours per class. Pod Usage: Total number of labs and lab hours per equipment pod.

Please refer to “Usage Reporting” section 2.28, of the NETLAB+ Administrator Guide for details on the usage reporting option.

Enhanced Community Management: Additional community level settings allow administrators to enforce restrictions on the maximum time length of lab reservations and the minimum time period between lab reservations for an entire community. These restrictions may be used along with class level settings. Please see “Manage Communities” section 2.14, of the NETLAB+ Administrator Guide for details.

Support of Discrete Non-Revealing Login Text. The Obscure Login security option determines the type of login prompts and error messages displayed during equipment logins using the Telnet protocol. If enabled, NETLAB+ will emulate UNIX-style login prompts and error messages. The default is disabled, which provides NETLAB+ specific login prompts and informative error messages. This option does not affect the built-in Telnet applications, which provide automatic, transparent logins; only users who opt to use their own Telnet application are affected by this setting. This option is available through the Configure services option of the administrative interface, as described in “Configure Services” section 2.10, of the NETLAB+ Administrator Guide.

AE Lab Additions and Updates:


Documentation Updates:


Bug Fixes:

#539: Alternate names for PCs in certain labs do not appear on lab access action, connection, or status tabs.


4.0.24 - Apr-4-2008


New Features:

Curriculum and labs can be authorized per community. Using this feature, NETLAB PE customers that are also Cisco Networking Academies can create separate communities for users and activities that are not affiliated with the Academy program.

Added time zone support for Bogota, Lima, Quito.


AE Lab Additions and Updates:


AE Topologies:


Documentation Updates:


Bug Fixes:

#532: Attempting to access an unreachable switched outlet device may produce the error 'Can't locate object method "ErrorNum" via package "SNMP::Session" at APC9211.pm line 38.'

#533: Preloaded configuration files may fail to load on some router platforms.

#534: Virtual PCs in the AE Network Fundamentals Pod are aligned with the wrong S1 lab switch ports. This was corrected by changing the VLAN maps to match configuration guidance in the NFP documentation.

#535: The router interfaces E0 and E1 in the Network Security Pod should be reversed. This was corrected by changing the VLAN maps.

#536: Administrator cannot access curriculum.

#537: Separate time zone entry required for Bogota/Lima/Quito.

#538: Cuatro Router Pod cable guidance incorrect for R3 serial interface.


4.0.23 - Aug-17-2007

New Features:

Added recognition of Cisco Packet Tracer 4.0 file extensions (.pka and .pkt). This change allows Packet Tracer exercises can be launched directly from curriculum hosted on NETLAB AE systems. Please note that Packet Tracer is a standalone application and must be installed on each user's PC for this feature to work.

Added SNMP MIB changes for the APC Rackmount PDU. This update is required for compatibility with newer APC models or if the Ethernet management interface is upgraded to recent firmware.

Support added for Cisco Pagent IOS and automation to handle Pagent license keys. Pagent IOS is used in the new CCNP ONT course. Please refer to the ONT web page and section 4 of the NETLAB+ Administrator Guide for details.


New Academy Edition Labs:


You may also use NETLAB AE servers to host these new curriculum modules. For CCNA, you must obtain the LINUX zip file versions (available on Academy Connection); the Windows versions will not work.

New Academy Edition Pods:

Network Fundamentals Pod


4.0.22

New Features:

Add Cuatro Router Pod (CRP) support for Academy Edition CCNA 3.1 lab exercises.

Automation support for Pagent IOS images and license keys. For more information, please refer to section 2.21.2.2 of the Administrator Guide.

Automation support for IOS 12.4 ROM monitors.

Added banner and login customization features for NETLAB PE.


4.0.21

New Features:

Updated time zone rules, including 2007 changes to daylight savings time in U.S. and Canada.

For your convenience, your NETLAB+ system now displays the status of your system maintenance agreement on the administrator main page. You may also enable the display of the maintenance reminder to selected instructors. For details, please refer to the NETLAB+ Administrator Guide section 2.1 and 2.14.2.

If you would like to use a lab device that is not supported by NETLAB+, it may be possible by using the new Generic Console Device setting. This feature provides console access to an unsupported lab device during a reservation. Several restrictions apply. For details, please refer to the NETLAB+ Administrator Guide section 2.21.23 and 2.21.1.5.


4.0.20

New Features:

Comprehensive system security updates.
Added support for Cisco ASA 5510 security appliance.

Bug Fixes:

#531: Class start and end dates ignored in version 4.


4.0.18

New Features:

Added class level usage statistics to the Class Manager.

Added access to student and team archive data directly from the Class Manager.

Added option in class settings to enforce or disregard lab time limits set by lab authors. Lead instructors may choose to disregard predetermined lab time limits to give students more time to complete labs.

Added labs for Network Security Version 2.0.

Enhanced TFTP server to work around Cisco rommon ARP issue (CSCsg05110).

Bug Fixes:

#528: Watchdog should kill action scripts that have hung.

#529: Flash recovery script times out on checksum validation of large IOS images.

#530: NETLAB may fail to set a router's config register back to 2102 under certain conditions.


4.0.17

New Features:

Added class level usage statistics to the Class Manager.

Added access to student and team archive data directly from the Class Manager.

Added option in class settings to enforce or disregard lab time limits set by lab authors. Lead instructors may choose to disregard predetermined lab time limits to give students more time to complete labs.

Added labs for Network Security Version 2.0.

Enhanced TFTP server to work around Cisco rommon ARP issue (CSCsg05110).


Bug Fixes:

#528: Watchdog should kill action scripts that have hung.

#529: Flash recovery script times out on checksum validation of large IOS images.


4.0.16

New Features:

Add Cisco Catalyst 2960-24, 2960-48, 3560-24, and 3560-48 products as supported lab switches and control switches.

Bug fixes:

#526: Basic Switch Pod Version 2 pod design allocates 1 too many A/S and APC ports.

#527: Lab designer export function broken in 4.0.14, function always produces an IFRAME error message.

#528: Account deletion fails.


4.0.15

This release was recalled due to issue #528.


4.0.14

New Features:

Add beta support for PIX software version 7.1 and 7.2.

Bug fixes:

#522: Pod designer provided appropriate error messages, but did not enforce retool and downgrading rules.

#523: Lead instructors not receiving final class configs via e-mail.

#525: NETLAB may email duplicate user alert messages to the designated system contacts. Some of these alerts do not warrant notification at the administrator level.

#526: AE Basic Switch Pod Version 2 should allocate only three A/S and APC ports.

Known Issues:

#524: The NETLAB PIX driver is only designed to handle disaster recovery of a software image. It is not designed to handle downgrades, or some upgrades. Downgrading in some cases may result in clearing of the PIX activation keys. The NDG website and documentation do not explain this.


4.0.13

Bug Fixes:

#520: The login password field should allow up to 16 characters.

#521: Added more descriptive error message and help screen when an IFRAME is blocked by security software.


4.0.12

Bug Fixes:

#517: After adding two custom pods two NETLAB AE, regular NETLAB AE pods cannot be added.

#518: Pods that were offline were incorrectly brought online after software upgrade.

#519: Basic Router Pod V2 serial cable guidance is incorrect.


4.0.11

New Features:

NETLAB drivers were updated for VMware Server 1.0.1. VMware Server support in NETLAB is now BETA. Please see the VMware Server FAQ on the NDG website for further information:

Bug Fixes:

#515: A lab design whose general settings are modified cannot be uninstalled from the NETLAB database.

#516: Corrected timezone support for Chile and Easter Island.


4.0.9

New Features:


Bug Fixes:

#514: NETLAB sets reserved port back to VLAN 1, regardless of current VLAN. The correct behavior is to ignore ports and VLANs 900 and higher.

#513: In certain cases, account deletion may fail.

#511: Change default console and enable password for instructor accounts to 'cisco' and 'class'.

#510: Remote PC configuration file name should not be case sensitive.


4.0.0 Major Upgrade

NETLAB+ 4.0 is the fourth major feature upgrade. For a complete list of new features and changes occurring between version 3 and version 4, please see the Version 4.0 Release Note Summary


3.7.5a

New Features:

NETLAB Academy Edition Sharing Portal.
Catalyst 3560 lab device support.

Bug Fixes:

#508: Cycling individual pods offline and online many times can cause incorrect temporary IP addresses to be used during pod test and flash recovery. Pod test may fail on Ethernet test.

#509: E0 and E1 are reversed on R1 in Basic Switch Pod Version 2.


3.7.4 December 2, 2005

Bug Fixes:

#507: After 3.7.3 upgrade, student lab reservations are not appearing in the archive. The data is in the database and will be accessible after this fix is applied.

#508: Pod test now provides a very descriptive message when "boot-enable break" needs to be enabled on a lab switch.


3.7.3 - November 26, 2005

New Features:

NETLAB Academy Edition adds three new pod types:


46 CCNA2 labs have been updated.


3.7.2

New Features:

The Remote PC viewer now provides a radio button to switch between 800x600 and 1024x768 resolution. This feature may be replaced in a future version by adding scrollbars to the Remote PC's client area.

The administrator profile now includes both a technical contact and business contact. Alerts may be sent to either.

Added RAID 1 support for Professional Edition.

A disk status feature was added. This administrator utility displays disk usage and free space on each volume. RAID array status is also displayed on PE systems.

Bug Fixes:

#506: Changing switch type for a control switch does not update the switch configuration file name. Subsequent auto-configuration fails.


3.7.1


Bug Fixes:

#504: Remote PC sessions may hang under heavy load.

#505: Curriculum upload not handling Cisco modules with same top level directory.


3.7.0

New Features:

Added Security Router Pod and Security PIX Pod in support of FNSR and FNSP curriculum.

Added Remote PC support for security pods.

New iconic administrative interface.

Added integration with VMware GSX Server.

Added Cisco 1841, and Cisco 2800 series routers.

New modular interface for managing control devices and pods.

Added 4 and 8 hour options to class self-study to the class manager.

Any set of lab exercises can be assigned to a class. For example, you may authorize CCNA, CCNP, and FNS exercises within the same class.

CCNA Bridge exercises can now be turned on or off for a given class.

Major documentation updates:

New documentation:


Resolved Issues:

#503: Scrub fails when recovery of IOS image exceeds 15 minutes.

#502: TFTP requests from a Catalyst 2950 or 3550 can hang the NETLAB TFTP server.

#501: Curriculum upload does not work for CCNA Bridge courses.

#500: Deleting a reservation in progress may cause the next reservation to start ahead of schedule.


3.6.1

Beta release.


3.5.0

New Features:

Beta support for Netscape 7.x, Firefox 0.9+, and browsers based on Mozilla 5.

Added Java and Javascript checks.


3.4.0

New Features:

Add Cisco Academy curriculum upload support for:


Added an administrative option to limit scheduling of pods to specific instructors and their students.

Resolved Issues:

#496: Wrong pod type icons shown on CCNP catalog

#497: Curriculum upload size restriction too small. Increased maximum limit to 125 megabytes


3.3.2

New Features:

NETLABAE now supports automated operations on the Cisco Catalyst 3550 switch. Requires IOS 12.1(19)EA1a or later.

Resolved Issues:

#486: Catalyst 3550 boot sequence can not be interrupted; inability to obtain ROM monitor mode causes NETLABAE automation to fail. Requires 12.1(19)EA1a or later.

#495: Files in TFTP directory may have incorrect permissions. TFTP operations may timeout or fail.


3.3.1

Resolved Issues:

#493: NETLABAE not using alternate HTTP port for CSS services.

#494: Core switch (Catalyst 3550) in Advanced Switch Pod does not power on; can not be powered on from the Actions tab.

Known Issues:

#486: NETLABAE does not support automation features such as Load, Save, Scrub, and Password Recover on the Cisco Catalyst 3550 (Advanced Switch Pods). Cisco does not currently support interruption of the boot sequence from the console port, which is required by NETLABAE to implement these features.


3.2.0

New Features:

Your Academy will benefit from using NETLABAE to host the Cisco Network Academy Program curriculum and lab content. NETLABAE's simple web interface makes the system easy to use and administrate. The NETLABAE administrator can load, install, and secure CNAP curriculum modules with a simple click of the mouse.

Resolved Issues:

#491: When loading configurations, interface commands are not programmed for Cisco 1750 and Cisco 1760 models.


3.1.0

New Features:

NETLABAE versions of the CCNA 3.0 lab exercises for Basic Router Pods.

Resolved Issues:

#489: Cable reference hyperlink for Advanced Router Pod is broken -- refers to "arp3.htm", should be topoarp3.htm.

Known Issues:

#486: Catalyst 3550 boot sequence can not be interrupted; inability to obtain ROM monitor mode causes NETLABAE automation to fail. This is an open bug with Cisco. NDG has is working around the problem by disabling NETLABAE automation on the 3550 lab switches. As a result, the load, save, scrub, and password recovery features are unavailable.


3.0.1

Released: to beta customers

Resolved Issues:

#485: Local Telnet client accepts incorrect passwords.

#484: During the "boot rom monitor" pod test, the Cisco 2500 series NETLABAE driver may send decimal 65 for config register instead of 0x41 (hex) causing test to fail.

#488: Active connections between control switches and lab switches can cause unexpected forwarding table problems on the Catalyst 1924 and trunk port hangs on the Catalyst 2950. This appears to be a switch problem; NETLABAE now works around it by keeping these connections in a down state until needed.


3.0.0

Released: to beta customers

New Features:

This release supports the new Academy CCNA 3.0 and CCNP 3.0 curriculum.

Four new pod types can be configured:

Loading from your last saved configuration is now specific to the type of pod reserved. For example, if you are reserving a Basic Switch Pod and choose to load your last saved configuration, NETLABAE will load the configurations from your last reservation of a Basic Switch Pod.

Resolved Issues:

#478: Log equipment power up and down events.


2.26.0

Released: March 29, 2003

Resolved Issues:

#476: Broken link off of "Manage System Images in TFTP Directory" from web admin page.

#477: Upon failure of a pod test, the Explain button does not open in Netscape.

#479: Remove the word Beta after NTA from the Profile pages.

#480: Student "Catalogue" link needed on file menu bar.

#481: Pod Test re-starts after user clicks "Finish Later" during New Pod Configuration.

#482: Patch sendmail for CERT VU# 398025.

#483: Switches in custom pods treated as routers when pod is modified from admin panel.

Known Issues:

#470: Double clicking or rapid clicking in the NETLABAE Telnet Applet button bar may cause the applet to freeze. Clicking on one of the buttons again will clear the problem. This only occurs with the NETLABAE Telnet Applet running on Java 1.4 runtime.


2.25.0

Released: December 23, 2002

Support for additional hardware:


New and improved equipment configuration. Support for mixed pod types and mixed router types within the same pod. Router types and default IOS images can now be modified easily.

The lab switch (Lab_Sw) in the CCNA 2.1 5-router pod is now optional.

Added interface name translation feature for CCNA 2.1 5-router pods. Allows configuration files from different router types to be loaded without interface name conflicts. For example, if you load a 2500 config into a 2600, NETLABAE will translate Ethernet0 to FastEthernet0/0, Serial1 to Serial0/1, etc.

If user logins have been disabled, the administrator main page now displays a "currently DISABLED" reminder next to the Enable/Disable User Logins link.

On the Network Configuration and Status page, ports in the off state are now depicted as clear circles instead of red circles. Ports in the on state are shown as green circles.

Added user messages link on MyNETLAB page. Allows the user to receive system related messages from NETLABAE.

Users now receive a message if someone deletes their lab reservations.

Resolved Issues:

#474: Access server configurations will not correctly configure FastEthernet0/0 on 2620 or 2621 modular access router.


2.24.0 - October 19, 2002

A pre-printed label will be attached to each new system to help identify Ethernet and serial ports specific to the hardware model. Help screens and documentation will refer to the label.

Resolved Issues:

#472: Help files for pod test errors were deleted during previous upgrade.

#473: Enabling technical support over Telnet option should query for authorized source IP addresses instead of waiting for normal update.


2.23.1 - September 24, 2002

Added feature that allows system admin to reset the administrator password to 'netlab' if the password is forgotten. This must be done from the system console. The procedure is not documented and must be obtained from technical support.

Added internal procedure to reset system to the factory defaults.

Report status to CSS after successful upgrade.


2.22.4 - September 18, 2002

New Features:

Added support for Sun Cobalt LX50.

Added system integrity feature to restart failed processes that should be running.

Resolved Issues:

#450: NETLABAE console does not respond for several minutes after boot.

#471: Apache web server not getting started on boot on some systems.


2.21.0b

Released: September 9, 2002

New Features:

The new "NETLABAE Telnet Applet" (NTA) provides an alternative Java-based Telnet applet streamlined for NETLABAE. It operates in line-oriented mode, which is suitable for devices with a command line interface. It loads quickly, provides automatic login, can be resized in Microsoft Internet Explorer, and can provide a different color scheme for each device. The NTA is currently beta, but will eventually become the default Telnet client. Go to your account profile to select and configure the NTA.

New options have been added to the Telnet client profile:

Automatic Login (JTA and NTA)

This checkbox was added so that users can disable automatic logins in the Java Telnet Applet or NETLABAE Telnet Applet. This is useful when firewall authentication or proxy servers interfere with the auto login process.

Color Scheme (NTA only)

Used to specify the default color scheme for the NETLABAE Telnet Applet. The color can also be changed in real time by clicking the Color button in the Applet.

Font Size (NTA only)

Used to specify the default font size for the NETLABAE Telnet Applet. The size can also be changed in real time by clicking the Font button in the Applet.

Instructor management now prompts for a time zone selection for new instructor accounts. To avoid potential issues, this is now a required field.

NDG technical support can now be performed over Telnet, in addition to SSH. This option must be enabled by the system administrator via the "configure services" web page, or from the system console. If firewalls and/or policy prohibit NDG access using SSH (TCP port 22), you may enable this option. You should only enable this option at NDG's request in conjunction with problem resolution. For security, NETLABAE will automatically disable this option in 5 days. SSH provides encryption and is still the preferred protocol for NDG access. However, with this change, level 3 access as defined in the CSS white paper is no longer a requirement to operate a NETLABAE system.

You may now login to the NETLABAE system console (serial port or monitor/keyboard if so equipped) using the administrator password. This eliminates the need to remember and maintain a separate console password. The option to change the password in the administrator profile now indicates that the password is also used for console access.

Removed shell access option from console menu.

Added traceroute from server back to CSS server in the Outbound Firewall Test.

Added more pod test diagnostic information to NETLABAE log.

Resolved Issues:

#455: The "boot IOS" pod test for common devices (2600, 1700) is setting the config register to 8514 (decimal) instead of 0x2142 (hex).

#456: Pod tests fail randomly, sometimes after successful run. Error message indicates test was terminated by server.

#468: When the NETLABAE server and APC boot at same time (e.g. power restored to both), the power management logic should allow extra time for APC to boot before giving up and leaving outlets in the ON state.

Known Issues (unresolved):

#469: The TAB key in the Java Telnet Applet does not work on systems using the Java 1.4 runtime plug-in. As a result, command line completion in Cisco IOS does not work. Instead, the TAB key passes focus to the disconnect button on the button bar. The workaround is to use the NETLABAE Telnet Applet.

#470: Double clicking or rapid clicking in the NETLABAE Telnet Applet button bar may cause the applet to freeze. Clicking on one of the buttons again will clear the problem. This only occurs with the NETLABAE Telnet Applet running on Java 1.4 runtime plug-in.


2.20.0 - August 8, 2002

New Features:

Add hardware tag to NETLABAE saved configuration files.

Added interface translation for default exercise configuration files - NETLABAE will convert Cisco 2500 based configs to Cisco 2600 as needed.

Remove references to beta and pilot from login and default welcome banners.

Resolved Issues:

#453: Default configurations for CCNA exercises should work with both 2500 and 2600 routers, but the interface statements are not set up correctly to work with the 2600.


2.19.0 - July 1, 2002

#452: Fix Apache web server chunk handling vulnerability.


2.18.0 - June 18, 2002

New Features:

Administrator password can be reset from CSS.

Added CSS connectivity checks. Increased CSS status reporting from 2 to 4 times daily. Added table creation information to CSS backups.

Resolved Issues:

#451: Scrub at end-of-time fails to save startup-config if running-config could not be obtained. NETLABAE log shows CLI-F-CLEANUP error associated with the affected router.


2.17.1 - May 29, 2002

New Features:

The requirement for a 3rd NIC card to perform image recovery has been dropped. This function now uses the same NIC (eth1) used for internal control. The 3rd NIC (eth2) will be disabled upon installation of this version on existing NETLABAE systems. All configuration programs and drawings have been updated to reflect this change.

Resolved Issues:

#447: Update process waits exactly ten minutes before proceeding. Should be a random amount of time up to 10 minutes.

#448: Upgrade process timing out for systems with large profiles (integrator systems).


2.16.0 - May 15, 2002

Resolved Issues:

#410: NETLABAE scrub is not detecting when default image is too large to fit in flash. This check has been added to the pod test utility.

#440: NETLABAE-saved configuration files may be missing lines before the "end" statement, typically in "line vty 0 4" section.

#441: NETLABAE-saved configuration files always contain reservation="1" instead of actual reservation ID.

#442: Incorrect spelling of "corresponding" in pod test help screens.

#443: 2610 access server configurations try to configure interface fa0/0 - should be e0/0.

#444: Benign IOS errors during pod configuration should be documented.

#445: The pod configurator and configuration references do not show the subnet mask for the APC Masterswitch units.

#446: On rare occasions, the Submit/I'm Done/We're done button and time remaining counter does not appear.


2.15.1 - April 30, 2002

New Features:

To help troubleshoot Telnet problems, NETLABAE will log all Telnet connections attempted, received, and authorized in the system log file.

Resolved Issues:

#438: Pod configuration assigns e0/2 to recovery interface in Pod 2 Lab_E. Causes scrub and pod test to fail. Correct interface is e0.


2.14.1 - April 11, 2002

New Features:

Implemented pod test on administrator page. This test will verify configurations, connections, and device specific features (including lab gear). Created context sensitive help for failed tests.

Control device configurations that appear in pod configuration can be viewed later from the administrator panel (Academy Edition only).

Administrator can route NETLABAE's central service requests to an HTTP proxy server. Outbound SMTP mail can be routed to an alternate mail server. This is configured in 'Configure NETLABAE Services' page.

Maintenance:

Removed Netscape 4.7 warning upon login.

Resolved Issues:

#433: NETLABAE services not compatible with Squid HTTP proxy/cache.

#434: Integrity check generates false alarms for open UDP ports if run at the same time an automated operation is using SNMP.

#435: Correct setting for APC 9211/9212 console port is NO flow control, not hardware flow control.

#436: NETLABAE may not initialize the reservation properly if 1) the prior reservation is deleted while in progress and 2) an automated operation is occurring at the time.

#437: Added retry (up to 3 times) if no response received from access server.

#438: Console bus terminate_all function is not working.


2.12.3 - March 15, 2002

New Features:

The scheduler reminds users that 10 minutes is reserved for saving work and preparing for the next time slot. The exercise catalog also displays the reminder and lab times reflect this.

Exercise tab added to instructor-led labs. Allows instructor to change selected exercise and optionally load default configuration files for the exercise. Replaces the pulldown on the Topology tab which now just shows the currently selected exercise.

Maintenance:

Extensive work on automated action drivers to support more Cisco gear and increase fault tolerance.

Control switch driver now uses native interface names and SNMP interface index table.

Topology tab handles absence of defined image file.

Resolved Issues:

#431: When telnetting to a device, clients who do not have an IP-to-name mapping in DNS may experience a long delay before the login prompt appears.

#432: NETLABAE may fail to enter enable mode while trying to load a configuration file.

#420: Scrub takes too long and returns CLI-F-EXEC in when router left in disable mode and enable secret set to unknown value.


2.11.1f

New Features:

The scheduler's calendar page now expands to the full width of browser window to provide more viewing area for systems with a large number of custom pods. A left/right scroll bar is also provided when there are too many pods to fit nicely.

The calendar page will no longer display a hyperlink to make a reservation (plus icon in a circle) if the time slot has passed. On average, the page will load faster by eliminating these links.

Maintenance:

Reorganize SQL tables for more flexible pod configurations in the future.

Allow alternate vty and enable passwords for access servers (commercial).

Resolved Issues:

#430: Different versions of IOS and 2500 boot ROMs use "file name" and "filename" in copy tftp flash dialog. Automation actions now handle both.

#429: Special characters in IOS system banners can cause NETLABAE automated actions to fail and/or crash, possibly hanging up the lab.

#428: Automated action "watchdog timer" should force clean up of device's action queue if NETLABAE server process fails to kill the script.

#427: Abend of automated action should report exception to NETLABAE.

#426: Archive can display incorrect count of reservations completed by individual students; team reservations are incorrectly included in this count.

#424: NETLABAE does not handle Retain Configs/Logs option correctly in Edit Class.

#425: Clean up cosmetic Archive issues in Netscape 4.7.


2.11.0

New Features:

Detect when Cisco IOS has output a console message during a configuration save. If so, save again.

Send exercise ID with assessment data.

Maintenance:

Reorganize and modularize cron job activity.

Add integrator install modules and support.

RAQ-4 LCD configuration support.

Resolved Issues:

#422: Restarting Apache web server during manual upgrade terminates upgrade process and locks out users.

#423: IOS console messages can occur during "show run" and taint the save configuration process. NETLABAE now detects this and will re-save.


2.10.0

New Features:

Added archive of configuration files and session logs for completed instructor-led, student, or team reservations.

Output from automated operations now omitted from log files.

Daily backups use mysqldump complete and extended inserts. Drop table create info.


2.9.1

Bug Fixes:

#417: Pod configuration missing NETLABAE-nm16-config file on TFTP server for NM-16A module.

#418: Password not set on additional vty 5 31 on cisco 2600 systems. Causes labs to not initialize when system runs out of vtys.

#419: Automated operations on Lab_A fail when using the Premium bundle.


2.9.0

New Features:

Default router passwords for *NEW* classes changed. Console is now 'cisco'. Enable secret is now 'class'.

Added initial configurations for several CNAP exercises. Thanks to Sonya Coker for providing these. Lab 13.1.6 actually sets up a real troubleshooting scenario.

Additions to administrator page:

Pod configuration changes:


Added current time and page refresh link to student MyNETLAB page.

Change "I'm done" message for NETPASS from "Submitting your work will end your NETLABAE appointment" to "submitting your work will end your NETLABAE appointment. Feedback for this activity will be available 5 to 10 minutes after you submit your work."

Bug Fixes:

#415: Pod configuration does not actually delete dependent reservations when pods removed.

#411: Broken link from the administration web page to Outbound Firewall Test.

#416: Reservations longer than 23 days cause MyNETLAB page to refresh continuously.


2.8.0

This release implements the central services architecture:

No problems found thus far with MSIE 6.0. Removed warnings.


2.7.1

Bug Fixes:

#408: After rebooting NETLABAE server, login to lab shows "RedHat Linux" and version.

#409: Config register set to 0x2142 if user schedules a reservation with "load no configs" option. Subsequent reload produces empty running-config.


2.7.0

New Features:

Added administration tool to configure up to 4 pods of equipment based on CCNA original or premium bundle.

Added automated operations for the Cisco 2600 series.

NETLABAE now can serve CNAP curriculum modules. Link to curriculum added to MyNETLAB page.

When saving a configuration, NETLABAE now adds an explicit "no shutdown" to any interface that does not contain a "shutdown". Therefore, when loading a config saved by NETLABAE, the interface states are also restored.

A reservation may now be deleted after it has started. The ability to delete a reservation in progress is intended for instructors who need immediate access to a pod and need to "bump" someone off the pod. If possible, you should ask the user terminate his reservation gracefully by having them to click the "I'm Done" button from the Lab Access screen. This will cause configuration files to be saved, log files to be retained, and the pod to be scrubbed. Any unused 30 minute blocks will be returned to the scheduler after completion of the scrub.

Console sharing now reports when another user departs the connection or releases control.

Added a button on lab/connections tab that allows user to drop all his open device connections. Useful if the client crashes and NETLABAE server is not aware that the connections have closed.

Text indicating minutes remaining in lab turns red when 5 minutes or less left.

NETLABAE now displays the assumed console and enable passwords on the lab action, load and save tabs.

Added icons to the instructor's scheduler choices.

To avoid conflict with RFC 1918 addresses on user networks, NETLABAE standard pod configuration tools now assigns 169.254.0.0/16 addresses to internal devices.

Added shutdown and reboot options to the administrator web interface.

Added granular debugging facilities to server process.

Bug Fixes:

#401: Spelling and grammar corrections on MyNETLAB and profile pages.

#402: Login screen is not enforcing case sensitivity. NETLABAE can not log users into and out of the lab equipment automatically when the user ID is not entered exactly as assigned.

#403: A student scheduling time should return to the catalog when choosing to "Make Another Reservation". Currently returns to the calendar, which is appropriate the correct behavior for an instructor.

#404: Console sharing reports when a user joins a session, but is not reporting when someone leaves.

#405: Show CDP neighbors should not report control switch attached to e0 ports. Add "no cdp enable" to ports on control switch.

#406: NETLABAE clients without ip-to-name mappings in DNS experience a long delay the first time they Telnet into a device.

#407: Lack of explicit "no shut" in configs causes interfaces to be down when saved configs are reloaded.

#391: NETLABAE internal addresses are conflicting with RFC 1918 user networks.


2.6.0

New Features:

Added automated operations for Catalyst 1900. Requires Enterprise Edition 9.00.04.

Removed workstations from CNAP standard pod diagram.

Added new topology graphic for CLI/Assessment Implementation Hard scenario.

Add logic to command history (index.csv) that compensates for certain IOS console messages interrupting the command line. The messages currently handled are:

On the CLI assessment interface, the "I'm done" button was changed to "submit" and the confirmation reads "Submitting your work will end your NETLABAE appointment".

Added weekly log rotation for NETLABAE and Web Server.

Bugfixes:

#399: The instructions say "Please click inside the telnet area before typing," but clicking does no good unless you also hit ENTER. Please change the instructions to something like "Please click inside the Telnet area and hit ENTER before typing." (Lab Access)

#400: IOS "%SYS-5-CONFIG_I: Configured from console by console" after leaving config mode corrupts commands in index.csv.


2.5.0

New Features:

Network configuration (read-only), pod diagnostic and outbound network test added to administrative web interface.

Added administrative console option to allow client IP addresses to change within the same session. See issue #397.

MSIE 6 logins permitted. Limited testing and support. See #395.

Added daily system integrity check.

Bugfixes:

#398: Turn off ftp server by default. Upgrade wu-ftpd to 2.6.0(1).

#375: [re-issue] In some cases users can enter the lab before the diagnostic passes.

#394: POD becomes unusable if configs e-mailed to instructor and sendmail is not running. NETLABAE log repeats [date time] event 1 Z 33 abended (pid=nnn), Failed to connect to mail server: Transport endpoint is not connected at ...

#395: MSIE 6.0 logins denied.

#396: Java Telnet Applet window displays Netscape 4.x crash warning to MSIE users.

#397: NETLABAE complains about changing client IP addresses. 1) client is behind a NAT firewall with more than one IP address in the NAT outbound pool, OR 2) NAT firewall has multiple outbound links, routing is not constant, and client external source address is NAT-ed.


2.4.0

New Features:

Comprehensive menu-driven system console.


In the class manager, the new default end date is one year later. The old default was today. Those who did not pay attention to dates created a one day class and wondered why the scheduler would not allow a class to be scheduled after the first day.

Basic log viewers available in administrator account.

More Netscape 4.7x compatibility effort, but MSIE 5.5 still preferred.

Bugfixes:

#375: Removed HTML pragmas and META tags that try to control caching in MSIE. Causing "data missing" problems in Netscape and annoying "expired" messages. Actually fixed in 2.3.1.

#384: When making a student or team reservation from an instructor account, NETLABAE should ignore the reservation limits set in the class profile.

#385; Outbound HTTP requests can hang longer than 10 minutes if target web server is down or unreachable.

#386: Scrub is failing on Cisco 2500 models that take longer than 10 seconds to obtain 2500 processor message on system bootstrap.

#387: Log files indicating "CONBUS-F-SETATTR: unable to restore terminal mode" after console session completes.

#388: Actions, Load Config, Save Config does not work in Netscape 4.7. Pop up window is blank and action is not carried out.

#392: The lab Status and Connections panel in Netscape 4.7+ may begin to update rapidly causing the server to bog down until the offending browser is closed.

Known Issues:

#393: Closing Java Telnet Applet Window sometimes crashes Netscape 4.7x, sometimes taking Windows 98 down too.

#391: NETLABAE uses 10.1.0.0/16 and 192.168.255.0/24 internally. This will conflict with user networks using this address space. In a future release, NETLABAE will use 169.245.254/24 and 169.254.255/24 which should not conflict with RFC 1918 private networks.

#389: After pod initializes, status may show that power is off, even though it is on. Refreshing the page shows the correct outlet status.


2.3.1

New Features:

Through the class management interfaces, the primary instructor may elect to receive e-mails containing the configs and logs from student exercises.

Student/team reservation limits set in class management interface are now enforced.

Instructors may now view all files and folders in the file system within their organization.

When an instructor makes a reservation for a team, NETLABAE will only list teams which contain students. Previously, NETLABAE would list teams A through Z, even if the team had no students defined. Fixes #377 (below).

Considerable effort toward Netscape 4.7 compatibility.

Bugfixes:

#377: NETLABAE should generate an error message if an instructor tries to reserve team time for a team that does not exist in a class with defined student accounts.

#379: Entering the lab between diagnostic and awaken state will cause save scrub to be bypassed even though reservation was attended.

#380: NETLABAE sometimes produces a PLANVIEW-F-CGISTATE error when aborting a reservation.

#381: Form text inputs much too large in Netscape 4. Causes text to run together.

#382: In Netscape 4, fields without values display in dark blue.

#383: Removed HTML pragmas and META tags that try to control caching in MSIE. Causing "data missing" problems in Netscape and annoying "expired" messages.

Known Issues:

#378: To avoid possible confusion, scheduler should warn a user when the end date of a selected class has expired before bringing up the scheduler

Cat1924 switch not automated yet.


2.3.0

New Features:

Implemented NetPASS assessment interfaces per Unicon specifications.

Bugfixes:

#374: When loading a config, selecting the "erase before reload" option fails with log message: ACTION-F-CRASH, action 1 LC 1 abended (pid=#), Can't locate object method "boot_no_config"

#372: Scrub and initialize operations should return to normal exec mode, not privileged exec

#371: Broken hyperlinks:

  1. MyNETLAB-> Class -> Class Name -> Student Accounts -> Student Name -> Help
  2. MyNETLAB-> Class -> Class Name -> Student Accounts -> Add Students
  3. Administration -> Manage Custom Content

#369: If you start a new NETLABAE browser session, possibly from a different computer, NETLABAE should terminate device connections from the old session

#368: NETLABAE should generate an error message if an Instructor tries to reserve student or team time for a class with no defined student accounts

Known Issues:


2.2.1

This version was purely internal cleanup.

Cleans up the NETLABAE standard database a little. Tag field added to filesys. All accounts are whacked. See DBU-2.2.1.sql.


2.2.0

Development after split.

New Features:

Administrator account and administration page. Instructor management (add, change, delete). Check for MSIE 5.0, 5.1, 5.5 or NS 4.7 on login. Graceful deletion of reservation in progress.

Bugfixes:

#351: cancel button on student add/errors fixed

#364: alerts need to be deleted when student/class deleted

#365: alerts generated against NETLABAE pseudo account

Known Issues:

Netscape 4.7 not tested, your mileage may vary

#368: Scheduler should check for empty class before student/team reservation


2.1.0

To provide test stability, separated n2test and n2dev systems with this version. 2.2.0 development will continue on n2dev.

New Features:


Bugfixes:

#352: Expect dialog leaking to netlabd controlling term

#354: Broken hyperlinks

#357: Broken hyperlinks

#358: When scheduling team time, confirm is blank

#360: netlab.log message quality

#361: Wrong device/sw_dev_port values for pod 2

#362: Conbusd process remains running after netlabd terminates

Known Issues:

Student scheduler limits from class profile not enforced MyNETLAB auto page refresh not implemented on student account Automation for Cat 1924 (Lab_S1) not implemented

Database modifications:

db-updates/DBU-2.1.0.sql


2.0.0

First version shipped as a network appliance.

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