Cisco Pagent Router
A Cisco Pagent router refers to a Cisco router that has been equipped with the Pagent software. Pagent, short for Performance Agent, is an enhanced software tool used for testing and simulating network conditions on Cisco routers. It is typically used in lab environments for testing purposes rather than in production networks. Here are some key aspects of a Cisco Pagent router:
- Network Testing and Simulation: Pagent is used to generate network traffic and simulate various network conditions. This can include creating traffic patterns, simulating different types of network protocols, and testing how a network would perform under certain conditions.
- Performance Evaluation: By using Pagent, network administrators and engineers can evaluate the performance of their network devices and configurations. This includes stress testing routers and other network equipment to see how they handle high loads or complex routing scenarios.
- Features: Pagent adds a variety of testing features to Cisco routers, such as the ability to generate and analyze different types of traffic, simulate errors and varying quality of service conditions, and measure performance metrics.
- Development and Optimization: It's often used in the development phase of network design, allowing engineers to optimize configurations and make informed decisions about network architecture before deployment in a live environment.
- Compatibility: Pagent is available on certain models of Cisco routers, and its compatibility depends on the router model and the IOS (Internetwork Operating System) version it's running.
- Not for General Production Use: Since Pagent is designed for testing and simulation, it's not typically used on routers in a production network. Its features are specialized for lab and testing environments.
Pagent provides an advanced set of tools for network research, development, and testing, making it a valuable resource for network engineers looking to test and refine their network configurations and equipment.
Note that the latest iteration of the software, version 1.7 has a published end of life date of January 31, 2024. Users are recommended to migrate to the Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPNM) instead. So as a product, Cisco pagent routers are no longer actively supported devices.