Network Administrator need to perform a lot of repetitive activities in network like ping multiple IPs to check their availability. These activities are time consuming and tiring too.
Good news!!
This all can be done at one go.
TCL Ping Script Is The Answer
As from Cisco IOS 12.2(25), TCL scripting has been made part of Cisco IOS. All one needs is the basics – To access the tcl command line in Cisco router issue the “tclsh” command. For the TCL ping script just modify the IP addresses what is shown below and it should be good.
Note: in below case, we are trying to ping 5 IP addresses.
1.1.1.1
2.2.2.2
3.3.3.3
4.4.4.4
5.5.5.5
} { puts [ exec “ping $address” ] }
The word “address” here is just a variable, you can substitute this with anything you want. Now lets try applying this to the Cisco router.
+>(tcl)#1.1.1.1
+>(tcl)#2.2.2.2
+>(tcl)#3.3.3.3
+>(tcl)#4.4.4.4
+>(tcl)#5.5.5.5
+>(tcl)#} { puts [ exec “ping $address” ]}Type escape sequence to abort.
Sending 5, 100-byte ICMP Echos to 1.1.1.1, timeout is 2 seconds:
!!!!!
Success rate is 100 percent (5/5), round-trip min/avg/max = 60/66/76 msType escape sequence to abort.
Sending 5, 100-byte ICMP Echos to 2.2.2.2, timeout is 2 seconds:
!!!!!
Success rate is 100 percent (5/5), round-trip min/avg/max = 64/64/68 msType escape sequence to abort.
Sending 5, 100-byte ICMP Echos to 3.3.3.3, timeout is 2 seconds:
!!!!!
Success rate is 100 percent (5/5), round-trip min/avg/max = 32/62/92 msType escape sequence to abort.
Sending 5, 100-byte ICMP Echos to 4.4.4.4, timeout is 2 seconds:
!!!!!
Success rate is 100 percent (5/5), round-trip min/avg/max = 40/55/64 ms
Type escape sequence to abort.
Sending 5, 100-byte ICMP Echos to 5.5.5.5, timeout is 2 seconds:
!!!!!
Success rate is 100 percent (5/5), round-trip min/avg/max = 32/62/92 ms
That’s it!!!
Isn’t this simple and helpful ? In fact many CCIE candidates also use this script to save on time.
One can try this on GNS3 or dynamips lab and test the output. All the best !!!
Continue Reading:
Difference between IP Address and Port Number
CISCO IOS/XR AND JUNOS COMMAND REFERENCE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”
I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.
I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)
