| Summary

| Chapter 15 has covered the Cisco PIX Device Manager (PDM), PIX MC, and AUS in detail. The Cisco PDM is a powerful, browser-based configuration tool that helps administrators set up, configure, and monitor a Cisco PIX Security Appliance using a GUI instead of the CLI. The PIX MC is for enterprise level management. AUS provides enterprise wide image, configuration and version updates.

This module began by introducing the PDM and its advantages. It then examined the requirements of the PDM in terms of hardware, operating, systems, and browser software versions. The module then detailed what preparation steps need to be taken prior to installation.

One of the valuabe features of PDM is that it allows the rapid, Web-based configuration of PIX Security Appliances throughout an organization. This configuration is only performed one firewall at a time. Because Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are so important in networking today, any tool that simplifies the process of creating or managing them is one that administrators should consider adopting. This capability of PDM was explored for both the creation of point-to-point VPNs and VPNs used for remote access.

Students should now have a strong understanding of PIX management options. Students should also possess an understanding of how to prepare the PIX Security Appliance to be used in conjunction with these tools and how to navigate the various management interfaces such as PDM, PIX MC, and CLI.