The Cisco Security Device Manager (SDM) is an intuitive, Web-based
device management tool for Cisco IOS Software-based routers. Cisco SDM
simplifies router and security configuration through smart wizards, which help
to quickly and easily deploy, configure, and monitor a router without requiring
knowledge of the command-line interface. SDM is supported on Cisco 830 Series,
1700 Series, 1800 Series, 2600XM Series, 2800 Series, 3600 Series, 3700 Series,
and 3800 Series routers, and select 7200 Series and 7301 routers.
SDM
allows users to easily configure routing, switching, security, and
quality-of-service (QoS) services on routers while helping enable proactive
management through performance monitoring. Whether deploying a new router or
installing SDM on an existing router, users can now remotely configure and
monitor these routers without using the IOS CLI. The SDM GUI aids non-expert
users of IOS Software in their day-to-day operations, provides easy-to-use
smart wizards, automates router security management, and assists users through
comprehensive online help and tutorials.
SDM smart wizards guide users
step by step through router and security configuration workflow by
systematically configuring LAN and WAN interfaces, firewall, intrusion
prevention system (IPS), and IP Security (IPSec) VPNs. SDM smart wizards can
intelligently detect incorrect configurations and propose fixes, such as
allowing Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) traffic through a firewall
if the WAN interface is DHCP-addressed. Online help embedded within SDM
contains appropriate background information, in addition to step-by-step
procedures to help users enter correct data in the SDM. Networking and security
terms and definitions that users might encounter are included in an online
glossary.
For network professionals familiar with Cisco IOS Software and
its security features, the SDM offers advanced configuration tools to quickly
configure and fine-tune router security features, allowing network
professionals to review the commands generated by the SDM before delivering the
configuration changes to the router.
SDM helps administrators configure
and monitor routers from remote locations using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and
Secure Shell version 2 (SSHv2) Protocol connections. This technology helps
enable a secure connection over the Internet between a web browser and the
router. When deployed at a branch office, an SDM-enabled router can be
configured and monitored from corporate headquarters, reducing the need for
experienced network administrators at the branch office.