So --my first VB program is to build a database of our large (1000+ networks)
network. I would like to start by collecting all I can from our router
configuration files.

I can see that I can easly use TELNET from a Command window or TELNET:// in IE
but I would think that I should be learning TCPClient.
( next have to read ATM switch configurations)

Does anyone have some examples of a TcpClient session? any "WaitForString"
methods?

Any sugesting readings that may save me a year?


--
J.C.

J.C. wrote:
> So --my first VB program is to build a database of our large (1000+ networks)
> network. I would like to start by collecting all I can from our router
> configuration files.
>
> I can see that I can easly use TELNET from a Command window or TELNET:// in IE
> but I would think that I should be learning TCPClient.
> ( next have to read ATM switch configurations)
>
> Does anyone have some examples of a TcpClient session? any "WaitForString"
> methods?
>
> Any sugesting readings that may save me a year?
>
>
Personally, I would investigate using SNMP to gather data/interact with
the network gear. You will need some knowledge, MIBs (MRTG has a good
collection) and other things, but you could use some tools to retrieve
the data you want, and just import it. Sounds like you'll have loads of
fun regardless (loads of stuff to learn).

John, I think this may be a problem because much of the information I need is
only contained in "Comments" with each L-2 interface.
I would like to look at SNMP. "...MRTG has a good collection".
I'm a real novice, what is MRTG?

--
J.C.


"john smith" wrote:

> J.C. wrote:
> > So --my first VB program is to build a database of our large (1000+ networks)
> > network. I would like to start by collecting all I can from our router
> > configuration files.
> >
> > I can see that I can easly use TELNET from a Command window or TELNET:// in IE
> > but I would think that I should be learning TCPClient.
> > ( next have to read ATM switch configurations)
> >
> > Does anyone have some examples of a TcpClient session? any "WaitForString"
> > methods?
> >
> > Any sugesting readings that may save me a year?
> >
> >
> Personally, I would investigate using SNMP to gather data/interact with
> the network gear. You will need some knowledge, MIBs (MRTG has a good
> collection) and other things, but you could use some tools to retrieve
> the data you want, and just import it. Sounds like you'll have loads of
> fun regardless (loads of stuff to learn).
>

John,

I'd be very surprised if you were not able to find a free tool out there
that allows you to collect this information in some format (e.g. XML) and
then read this information into an application. It would be worth spending
the time to investigate as it would dramatically simplify your requirements.

Maybe you'd be well served to post this type of question to the techy forums
and see if someone can point you in the right direction.

Good luck,

-Eric


"J.C." wrote:

> So --my first VB program is to build a database of our large (1000+ networks)
> network. I would like to start by collecting all I can from our router
> configuration files.
>
> I can see that I can easly use TELNET from a Command window or TELNET:// in IE
> but I would think that I should be learning TCPClient.
> ( next have to read ATM switch configurations)
>
> Does anyone have some examples of a TcpClient session? any "WaitForString"
> methods?
>
> Any sugesting readings that may save me a year?
>
>
> --
> J.C.

Eric, thanks for your reply.
I have been searching for a couple of weeks.
I did see a ful LInux system that keeps backup copies of router
configurations.,
but I have not been able to find any non-comerical(Free) products that will
collect the L-2 & L-3 info I'm looking for. I.E. we record the telco curcuit
ID in the interface comment area, not a defined area to SNMP MIBS.
We number our links and my system will be doing extended PING tests. To do
this well I have to determing the exact address of both ends of the physical
links. Can't get this info with a common tracert -- so I have to read the
config files from the routers on each end of the link. Also I will be
watching the usage information from the ATM switch that is the L-2 transport
for this L-3 link.
Keeping the database current while the network people are making changes is
a chalange, in addition to recording all of the test info --FUN project -- I
hope.


--
J.C.


"Eric Giles" wrote:

> John,
>
> I'd be very surprised if you were not able to find a free tool out there
> that allows you to collect this information in some format (e.g. XML) and
> then read this information into an application. It would be worth spending
> the time to investigate as it would dramatically simplify your requirements.
>
> Maybe you'd be well served to post this type of question to the techy forums
> and see if someone can point you in the right direction.
>
> Good luck,
>
> -Eric
>
>
> "J.C." wrote:
>
> > So --my first VB program is to build a database of our large (1000+ networks)
> > network. I would like to start by collecting all I can from our router
> > configuration files.
> >
> > I can see that I can easly use TELNET from a Command window or TELNET:// in IE
> > but I would think that I should be learning TCPClient.
> > ( next have to read ATM switch configurations)
> >
> > Does anyone have some examples of a TcpClient session? any "WaitForString"
> > methods?
> >
> > Any sugesting readings that may save me a year?
> >
> >
> > --
> > J.C.