Application Brief: R&D and Training

One of the biggest complaints of

networking hardware customers is
that the network management
software is rarely ready when the
hardware is released. Executives of
hardware companies are frequently
MIMIC View: Easily
reminded of this during user group
configure Cisco
meetings. But let’s face it – hardware agents individually or
manufacturers are constantly in a group, each with
between a rock and a hard place. its own device type,
IP address, port and
This is exemplified by the two major
community.
obstacles for Cisco management
application developers and QA
groups:
1. They need the latest hardware
in order to develop the control and
configuration software. Normally, they
have to wait at least until a beta
version of the device is ready. The MIMIC Simulator creates a virtual lab MIMIC is a win-win for everyone:
device management application, populated with thousands of Cisco or Developers enjoy unlimited access
therefore, cannot be shipped along other types of devices. This helps to to virtual hardware devices.
with the device or the launch has to ensure the quality and scalability of Customers appreciate receiving
wait until the application is ready. management applications and to their new hardware with network
2. The hardware, instead of going provide an adequate training lab. With management software.
to external customers, is diverted to the “virtual lab,” users enjoy unlimited Accounting likes to see internal
internal customers, hence taking it out access to virtual hardware devices – hardware allocations decreased and
of the revenue stream. it’s like giving each developer and revenue shipments increased.
3. They need a lab full of equipment tester their own personal lab. Training providers can have a
to create the real world networks. This The introduction of the MIMIC IOS portable training lab with all negative/
Simulator, the industry’s first
is not only expensive, but also difficult positive scenarios.
to setup and maintain. integrated Cisco IOS® and SNMP Students trying to receive
simulation tool, allows users to
Cisco certification training providers certification can get a practice lab at
and students also face these very simulate real-world network home.
same issues when they try to create environments more completely. MIMIC
IOS Simulator provides access to
MIMIC IOS Simulator all the IOS commands in the Gambit Communications, Inc.
simulation through a command line
Founded in 1995, Gambit Communications is
a variety of real-world scenarios and interface: for example, set (to set a leader in network simulation tools that
hardware configurations. specific parameters), show (to display enhance the productivity of network
When confronted by these the current parameters) and config (to management developers and enterprise users
while lowering their costs.
obstacles, many companies have change the status of devices, such as
turned to Gambit Communications’ setting SNMP access passwords). 76 Northeastern Blvd, Suite 30B
MIMIC agent simulation and IOS Developers and training providers Nashua, NH 03062
(603) 889-5100
simulation products. MIMIC Simulator have the ability to perform real-world (603) 889-5005
can be used in various organizations IOS and internetworking testing and Gambit
www.gambitcomm.com
within device manufacturers. It is training using virtual Cisco devices.
especially effective in controlling the MIMIC IOS Simulator ships with Your Best Move to Effective
costs associated with network ready-to-use libraries of devices, Network Management
management software development, networks and rules files for IOS
while helping to move new hardware simulations. This makes it easy to get MIMIC is a trademark of Gambit Communications,
Inc. DOCSIS is a trademark of Cable Television Labs,
to the shipping/revenue phase started and to customize the Inc. All other trademarks or service marks are the
quickly. environment. property of their respective owners.
 MIMIC IOS Simulator: Overview

M IMIC IOS Simulator fully supports

Cisco IOS software and
SNMPv1, v2, v2c, v3. Up to 10,000
the following components to
approximate a Cisco device:
SNMP agent: MIMIC simulates
by capturing a “snapshot” of the
device in operation. The
Simulation can then easily replay
devices can be simulated in a single SNMP v1, v2, v2c, v3. the entire network.
workstation, and an unlimited number IOS: MIMIC simulates IOS in MIMIC IOS Recorder:
of devices can be simulated by Telnet-enabled devices. Enables users to make
distributing it over multiple Telnet: MIMIC uses a standard recordings of sessions between
workstations. An extensible Telnet server, allowing users to log management stations and
environment allows new MIBs and into simulations in order to control managed devices and to convert
devices to be added to the simulation. the behavior and configuration of them into rules files for use with
MIMIC IOS Simulator ships with the simulations. the simulations.
MIMIC Compiler: Import any
SMI-compliant MIB and to extend
the set of defined devices to
support proprietary equipment.
MIMICView: A user-friendly GUI
to manipulate the simulations.
MIMIC Shell: A command-line
interface.
Discovery Wizard: Discover,
record and simulate networks in a
single step.
MIB Wizard: Import and compile
multiple MIBs simultaneously.
Simulation Wizard: Build a
custom simulation quickly just by
specifying the MIBs needed;
seeding the simulation with
values; specifying default values
to use; or entering custom
CiscoView configuring a Cisco Catalyst 8510 -- being values.
simulated by MIMIC -- during a Telnet session. Topology Wizard: Create
topologies of devices, networks, their
ready-to-go simulations for Cisco
THE MIMIC PRODUCT SUITE interfaces and interconnections.
devices (such as the 3600, 6160,MIMIC Simulator: Simulates Update Wizard: Provides
6260, 6130, GSR 12000). In addition,
an entire network. Configurations notification of product updates and
the MIMIC IOS Simulator will support
are run-time customizable. optional add-ons.
MIMIC responds to queries on
the following Cisco applications: Libraries: Include devices
CEMF (CDM, GSR Manager), any of its configured IP from leading device vendors, like
CiscoWorks, CiscoWorks 2000 andaddresses, so it is as if the NMS Cisco, Lucent, Nortel, and small
CiscoView. application is talking to actual and large networks, and over
devices. 1,200 MIBs.
MIMIC Protocol Support MIMIC Recorder: Simulates the Platforms: Supports Windows®,
MIMIC IOS Simulator simulates behavior of devices on a network Solaris™ and Linux™.

Gambit Communications, Inc., www.gambitcomm.com, (603) 889-5100