CiscoWorks Functional Architecture for

CiscoWorks Functional Architecture for
Managing Networked Devices
This topic describes the client server architecture of CiscoWorks and discusses the protocols
used by CiscoWorks.
CiscoWorks Functional Architecture for
Managing Networked Devices
Cisco.com
CiscoWorks
Remote
Clients
CiscoWorks
Changes/
Devices
(Web Browser)
Server
Updates
(SNMP
Agents)
HTTP
SNMP
Telnet, TFTP, RCP
MIBs
Network
Client Server Agent Architecture
Information
Central storage of information
Access using web browser
Automatic updates/changes col ected
© 2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
CWENT v2.52-5
CiscoWorks solutions are built upon new Internet standards, but also rely on the intelligence
built into the Cisco IOS and Catalyst software, as well as the agents or servers running within
the Cisco devices. Putting intelligence into the network allows for an enterprise network that is
scalable and manageable.
The CiscoWorks architecture is based on clients, servers, and agents. Information about the
Cisco device configurations, faults, and performance is stored in the MIBs of the devices. The
server uses Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Telnet, remote copy protocol
(rcp), or TFTP to retrieve information from the managed devices or agents located in the
network. The information is gathered from the network on a scheduled or manual basis, or
when a change in the network is detected, and is stored in a central database located on the
CiscoWorks server.
Clients access the network information in the CiscoWorks database by using a supported web
browser to access the CiscoWorks server. In addition, CiscoWorks is tightly integrated with
Cisco.com. By using the extensive knowledge base in Cisco, you can easily locate CiscoWorks
product information, software images, software updates, and more.
In todays environment, protecting company information and network access is a top priority.
Access to the type of information gathered by the CiscoWorks server must be protected,
because this information contains data that describes the configuration of the network.
2-8
Implementing CiscoWorks LMS (CWENT) v2.5
© 2005, Cisco Systems, Inc.

Cisco Systems - Implementing CiscoWorks for Enterprise LMS CWENT Student Guide
Enterprise managers, or network management systems (NMSs), can provide an enterprise-wide
Secured Communication Between Clients,