tools used for monitoring adverse effects

[cormon]

Hi lads,

I'm about to embark on a security review/implementation for a mid sized orgaisation next week. I have an extensive template
for both layer 2 and layer 3 devices and have researched a fair amount of detail on each . Here's my question though.

after I implement the changes if there any way of checking that the changes haven't had any adverse effect on the network as a whole, instead of having to wait for the phone to ring.
I know nmap is a good network reconnaissance tool that should output good information . Just wondering if any of ye guys use a similar process .

Thank alot

Kevin

 

[chipk]

Do they have a centralized monitoring system? I've used SolarWinds for a while, but recently got MRTG up and running (free).

 

[cormon]

no there is no SNMP management in place , its also a government based organisation so information is not really very fort coming .

If I run nmap behind the router/switch and aim it at all relevant networks I do could do a before and after. Just wondering if anyone has tried something similar

Thanks for the relpy....

 

[chipk]

What metrics are you attempting to measure? Latency? Protocols? CPU/Memory on the Routers/Switches? nmap will give you a lot of information, but it's only part of the picture.

 

[cormon]

I am not looking to gauge any metrics as such. What I am doing implementing various security recommendation ( in some case using the auto secure macro's). After all these security changes have been made such as securing eigrp updates etc ,I want a before and after network reachability test.

I.E are all remote network reachable after the changes have been made etc. I am aware this can be done with ping telnet and other tools but I am wondering if I could use some network reconnaissance software to do a before and after to view adverse affects to the network.

Thanks again

Kevin