Protocol Translator Release Notes for Software Release 9.1

These release notes describe the features, modifications, and caveats for Software Release 9.1, up to and including Release 9.1(16). Refer to the Protocol Translator Configuration and Reference publication, dated September 1992, for complete protocol translator product documentation for Software Release 9.1.

Note Release 9.1(16) is the last maintenance release of Release 9.1. If you want to continue to use Release 9.1 after Cisco maintenance releases end, you must maintain a version of the software on a TFTP server at your site. If you are considering upgrading your software, the preferred upgrade path for Release 9.1 users as of April 17, 1995, is Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) Release 10.0(9) or Release 10.2(5).

Introduction

These release notes describe the following topics:

Current Software Versions

As of Software Release 9.1, all software capabilities are included in a single image. According to the software license agreement that accompanies each system, you are restricted to using only those software capabilities that you ordered from Cisco Systems. Refer to the Cisco Price List for the version number and ordering instructions.

Software Features

This section describes new software features.

Real-Time Debugging Enhancements

Timestamping enhances real-time debugging by recording the relative timing of logged events. This information is especially useful when users send debugging output to technical support personnel for assistance.

To configure the system for timestamping, use the following global command:

[no] service timestamps

Frame Relay IETF Encapsulation for IP

Cisco has added support for the encapsulation of IP packets in conformance with IETF RFC 1294 entitled "Multiprotocol Interconnect over Frame Relay."

The new command is as follows:

[no] encapsulation frame-relay [ietf]

Setting Character Widths to Support International Characters

These commands allow you to add special graphical and international characters in banners and prompts, to add special characters such as software flow control characters, and to support X.25 hosts that send data with seven data bits and one parity bit.

New commands are as follows:

exec-character-bits {8|7}
special-character-bits {8|7}
terminal exec-character-bits {8|7}
terminal special-character-bits {8|7}
default-value data-character-bits {8|7}
data-character-bits {8|7}
terminal data-character-bits {8|7}

DEC LAT Commands

The following commonly used DEC LAT EXEC commands are supported on Cisco's systems:

help
logout

Use the help command to obtain information about EXEC commands. Use the logout command to exit EXEC mode and free the line.

Enhanced show line Command

The show line command display now provides more information on the average
24-line screen.

Protocol Translation Option for IGS and Cisco 3000 Platforms

The following feature is currently undergoing extended testing.

Protocol translation is now offered as an option on the IGS/L and IGS/TR routers and Cisco 3000 platforms. Note, however, that IGS chassis with 512 KB do not support the 9.1 software with protocol translation; this software requires a minimum of 1 MB.

Important Notes

This section describes warnings and cautions about using the Release 9.1 software. The information in this section supplements that given in the section "9.1(16) Caveats, page 5.

Software Image Size

IGS chassis with 512 KB do not support the 9.1 software with protocol translation; this software requires a minimum of 1 MB. Specifically, with the IGS-BRPX image, the IGS will boot and run as a bridge/router with 1 MB of system memory. However, to support protocol translation, the IGS must have 4 MB of system memory.

Booting 9.1 Software from Flash or over a Network

The following discussion concerns all users whose systems meet the following conditions:

The system is using a CSC/3 processor.
You want to boot 9.1 software from either Flash or over the network.

When attempting to boot a 9.1 software image, you may see a message indicating a buffer overflow error. If you see this message, you must compress the software image before booting it.

When a server netboots or Flash boots software, the image being booted and the running image must both fit into memory.

The uncompressed 9.1 software image is in certain cases larger than half the available memory of a CSC/3 processor. However, a compressed 9.1 image is smaller than half the available memory and can be network-booted or Flash-booted into the CSC/3.

You can produce a compressed software image on any UNIX platform using the "compress" program. Refer to your UNIX platform's documentation for the exact usage of the "compress" program.

Note Many UNIX "compress" programs produce a file whose name ends in .Z. In certain instances (notably, when booting with the b command from the ROM monitor), the system does not understand uppercase names. To ensure the ability to boot the software in all cases, rename the output files from the UNIX "compress" facility to a name that does not contain any uppercase characters.

Writing Core Files on UNIX BSD-Derived Systems

In BSD-derived UNIX systems, the block number in the TFTP header file is a short instead of an unsigned short. Because of this, you cannot write core on a 16M CSC4 to some UNIX systems, because the last block will never be accepted by the UNIX TFTP daemon. However, the entire core file, except for the last 512-byte block is successfully written, so you still can use the incomplete core file for debugging system problems. This was previously reported as Cisco bug CSCdi07776.

9.1(16) Caveats

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(16). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(16). The caveats listed here describe only the serious problems. For the most current list of caveats against this release, access CIO as described in the section "Cisco Information Online" later in this document.

There are no serious bugs at this time.

9.1(15) Caveats/9.1(16) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(15). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(15). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(15), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

No serious bugs were resolved in Release 9.1(16). For the most current list of caveats against this release, access CIO as described in the section "Cisco Information Online" later in this document.

9.1(13) and 9.1(14) Caveats/9.1(15) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release2 9.1(13) and 9.1(14). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(14). For additional caveats applicable to Releases 9.1(13) and 9.1(14), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

The caveats listed here describe only the serious problems. For a most current list of caveats against this release, access CIO as described in the section "Cisco Information Online" later in this document.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(15).

Basic System Services

A protocol translator can get into a Telnet TTY-TYPE negotiation loop with a device that does not negotiate TTY-TYPE. [CSCdi26990]

9.1(12) Caveats/9.1(13) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(12). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(12). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(12), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

The caveats listed here describe only the serious problems. For the most current list of caveats against this release, access CIO as described in the section "Cisco Information Online" later in this document.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(13).

Protocol Translation

Removing a translate command from the configuration can cause other translations using the same inbound IPaddress to stop working. A workaround is to configure the remaining translations again, for example, by doing write memory and config memory. [CSCdi23621]

TCP/IP Host-Mode Services

Under certain conditions, failed protocol translation connections between TCP and either X.25 or LAT using the translate command's printer option can cause a reload of the protocol translator. More specifically, the problem occurs when the software detects an error on the incoming TCP connection after the outgoing X.25 or LAT connection has been set up. [CSCdi22217]
Under rare circumstances, an opening TCP connection can get stuck in CLOSEWAIT state. This can also result in a STUNpeer session getting stuck in an OPENING state at the same time. [CSCdi23455]

Wide-Area Networking

When X.25-over-TCP (XOT) sends a Call Confirm that modifies one of the two proposed flow control facilities (window sizes or maximum packet sizes), the values may be set to 0, which is illegal. [CSCdi21602]

9.1(11) Caveats/9.1(12) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(11). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(11). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(11), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(12).

TCP/IP Host-Mode Services

The system implements diagnostic TCP servers on ports 7 (ECHO) and 9 (DISCARD). These services cannot be disabled, which is worrisome to users implementing firewalls. Also, the system mistakenly listens for XRemote connections on port 10000, corresponding to the non-existent rotary group 0. [CSCdi20077]

Wide-Area Networking

Bridged IP packets for router management are sent with the wrong size. If you are bridging IP and using IP for router management, packets sourced by the router for the second Frame Relay bridge entry are truncated. [CSCdi18862]

9.1(10) Caveats/9.1(11) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(10). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(10). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(10), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(11).

TCP/IP Host-Mode Services

When using the printer option for a TCP-LAT translation, one packet erroneously remains in the input queue on the receiving interface for each translation attempt which fails. [CSCdi17681]

Wide-Area Networking

X.25 calls received on a serial interface cannot be routed to a CMNS host. [CSCdi17212]

9.1(9) Caveats/9.1(10) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(9). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(9). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(9), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(10).

Protocol Translation

Protocol translation queued host-initiated connections from LAT to X.25 should be checked every second instead of 60 seconds. [CSCdi15819]

Wide-Area Networking

A protocol translator used for LAT to X.25 host-initiated connections (such as printing), may run out of memory over time. [CSCdi16105]
The system fails to reply to a DO TIMEMARK when translating from Telnet to X.25. This may result in a Telnet session hang between the protocol translator and the machine sending the DO TIMEMARK. [CSCdi16405]
Under some circumstances, the PAD code will fail to actually send an X.29 invitation-to-clear message, even though the output from debug pad indicates that one is being sent. [CSCdi16630]

9.1(8) Caveats/9.1(9) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(8). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(8). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(8), please see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(9).

Wide-Area Networking

Due to a parsing error, the interface subcommand frame-relay lmi-type ANNEX D is not accepted. This occurs even when the system is reading a configuration file written by the software, as from non-volatile memory. A workaround is to load a configuration file at boot time containing the alternative form, frame-relay lmi-type ansi which is accepted. [CSCdi15175]

9.1(7) Caveats/9.1(8) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(7). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(7). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(7), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(8).

Basic System Services

Possibly due to a condition where all valid interfaces are in a down state, TACACS (or SYSLOG, or other datagram-oriented protocols running above IP) may begin sourcing packets from a downed interface. This situation can be verified with the show ip sockets command. It can be remedied by shutting down an interface (which may already be shut down). A workaround is to assign an IP address to the loopback interface. [CSCdi12845]

LAT

A protocol translator used for LAT to TCP host-initiated connections (such as printing), may run out of memory over time. [CSCdi12683]
When a terminal server is used to connect a terminal to a LAT printer queue, a race condition may cause the last byte (or the last two bytes) sent to the printer to be corrupted. [CSCdi13310]

Terminal Service

The message "Session idle time reset by output" fails to appear on a line by itself in the show line output. [CSCdi12684]
The nohangup option to the username is not shown in the configuration when enabled. [CSCdi12700]

Wide-Area Networking

The fix submitted for CSCdi12849 is incomplete; X.25 INTERRUPT packets are still mishandled in switched VCs. [CSCdi13369]

9.1(6) Caveats/9.1(7) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(6). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(6). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(6), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(7).

Basic System Services

This correction prevents 32808 bytes from being lost each time a write memory command is executed on systems which utilize the MC or MC+ NVRAM board for its NVRAM configuration. [CSCdi11659]

Wide-Area Networking

The M bit is set improperly in the last packet when the packet is full but no additional data is to be sent. [CSCdi12080]

9.1(5) Caveats/9.1(6) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(5). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(5). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(5), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(6).

TN3270

TN3270 may return modified data fields to the host in the incorrect order. This is primarily manifested in applications complaining of invalid data in fields that do indeed have the correct data. [CSCdi10344]

Wide-Area Networking

For encapsulation DDNX25, DDN Precedence facility is allowed in X25 CALL CONNECTED frames. The DDN Precedence (or absence) must agree with that of the X25 CALL REQUEST frame. [CSCdi11405]

9.1(4) Caveats/9.1(5) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(4). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(4). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(4), please see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(5).

Basic System Services

Under unknown circumstances, entering the show process command can cause the router to reload. [CSCdi09760]

EXEC and Configuration Parser

The terminal down command is rejected as an ambiguous command, even though it does not conflict with any other terminal commands. [CSCdi10637]

Wide-Area Networking

The protocol translator will now respond with a pad error message to X.3 parameter sets that are outside the range of recommendations X.3. [CSCdi10042]

9.1(3) Caveats/9.1(4) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(3). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(3). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(3), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(4).

EXEC and Configuration Parser

If dialer interfaces are created using the interface dialer n command, they can never be deleted from the configuration. [CSCdi07979]

LAT

A LAT protocol translation session can fail to be destroyed properly under some circumstances when output is still in progress as the connection is closed by the remote LAT host. [CSCdi07506]

Wide-Area Networking

This patch allows fast switching of Frame-Relay, HDLC, and SMDS across both serial interfaces. [CSCdi09107]

9.1(2) Caveats/9.1(3) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(2). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(2). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(2), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(3).

LAT

Run from ROM software (igs-kr or igs-bprx) may not properly advertise LAT services defined in the communication server or protocol translator. [CSCdi08837]

Terminal Service

When TN3270 has a buffer of data to send which is exactly the same size as the packet that it is sending it in, the packet is sent without the TCP PUSH flag set. Some host implementations will not act on the data unless the TCP PUSH is set. Connections to these hosts can pause for the session timeout period. This will be fixed by having all TN3270 packets sent with the push flag set. [CSCdi08034]

Wide-Area Networking

If the dialer string or dialer map entries in a configuration are changed, the show dialer displays incorrect values for the number of successful and failed calls. This is due to the new dialer string simply replacing the old dialer string, rather than starting a whole new entry with new statistics. [CSCdi05886]
There is a race condition where if a show dialer command is issued after the idle timer expires, but before the call is disconnected, the output may show a large negative number. Issuing the show dialer command again will show the correct value. [CSCdi06415]
The x25 pvc bridge number interface command is not properly stored in the router's configuration memory. [CSCdi06683]

9.1(1) Caveats/9.1(2) Modifications

This section describes possibly unexpected behavior by Release 9.1(1). Unless otherwise noted, these caveats apply to all 9.1 releases up to and including 9.1(1). For additional caveats applicable to Release 9.1(1), see the caveats sections for newer 9.1 releases. The caveats for newer releases precede this section.

All the caveats listed in this section are resolved in Release 9.1(2).

Basic System Services

Configuring a location string longer than 69 characters can cause the system to reload. After configuring, the system prints out a message saying that the system was configured from and gives the location. If the location is greater than 69 characters in length, it can cause a system reload. The correct behavior would be to truncate the location string. [CSCdi07834]

Basic System Services

Configuring a location string longer than 69 characters can cause the system to reload. After configuring, the system prints out a message saying that the system was configured from and gives the location. If the location is greater than 69 characters in length, it can cause a system reload. The correct behavior would be to truncate the location string and will be implemented in a future release. [CSCdi07834]

Terminal Service

The data-character-bits command only works in X.25 protocol translation cases. [CSCdi05102]

Wide-Area Networking

The X.25 PAD code will return a list of ALL X.3 parameters if we received an x.29 "read request" message with more than one parameter requested. This is improper, and will cause some X.25 implementations to clear the connection. [CSCdi06432]
Issuing a clear x25-vc command for a locally switched PVC or its interface will cause the PVC to be continually RESET. The PVC may be restored to operation by shutting down the interface and re-enabling it. [CSCdi07166]
The error message and traceback:

: is used as a diagnostic aid; although an unexpected condition was detected and reported, the operation of the system and the X.25 protocol are not affected. If this message is produced, contact Cisco System. [CSCdi07238]

If a virtual circuit is established in order to forward a packet, the packet may not be forwarded immediately on receipt of the CALL CONFIRM. [CSCdi07560]

Cisco Information Online

Cisco Information Online (CIO) is Cisco Systems' primary, real-time support channel. Maintenance customers and partners can self-register on CIO to obtain additional content and services.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, CIO provides a wealth of standard and value-added services to Cisco's customers and business partners. CIO services include product information, software updates, release notes, technical tips, the Bug Navigator, configuration notes, brochures, descriptions of service offerings, and download access to public and authorized files.

CIO serves a wide variety of users through two interfaces that are updated and enhanced simultaneously--a character-based version and a multimedia version that resides on the World Wide Web (WWW). The character-based CIO (called "CIO Classic") supports Zmodem, Kermit, Xmodem, FTP, Internet e-mail, and fax download options, and is excellent for quick access to information over lower bandwidths. The WWW version of CIO provides richly formatted documents with photographs, figures, graphics, and video, as well as hyperlinks to related information.

You can access CIO in the following ways:

WWW: http://www.cisco.com.
Telnet: cio.cisco.com (198.92.32.130).
Modem: From North America, 408 526-8070; from Europe, 33 1 64 46 40 82. Use the following terminal settings: VT100 emulation; databits: 8; parity: none; stop bits: 1; and baud rates up to 14.4 kbps.

For a copy of CIO's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), contact cio-help@cisco.com. For additional information, contact cio-team@cisco.com.

Note If you are a network administrator and need personal technical assistance with a Cisco product that is under warranty or covered by a maintenance contract, contact Cisco's Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at 800 553-2447, 408 526-7209, or tac@cisco.com. To obtain general information about Cisco Systems, Cisco products, or upgrades, contact 800 553-6387, 408 526-7208, or cs-rep@cisco.com.

UniverCD

The complete caveats against this release are available on UniverCD, which is the Cisco Systems library of product information on CD-ROM. On UniverCD, access the Release 9.1 Caveats in the Release 9.1 database.

Table of Contents

Protocol Translator Release Notes for Software Release 9.1

Real-Time Debugging Enhancements