Windows XP screws up Cisco routers?

[Eug]

Our IT guy told me that Windows XP is not recommended in my workplace because somehow it fubars Cisco routers.

Does anyone know anything about this?

It's interesting, because there are several laptops floating around with XP Home on them, and they don't seem to be causing any problems.... yet. We use DHCP for basic internet access. None of the XP computers access anything else on the network (besides internet access). All the real workstations run NT 4.

The reason I ask is because there is an old BX PII 350 that I'd like to upgrade to XP to use with our digital cameras. Windows 2000 is OK and it seems they're telling me I should only buy Windows 2000, but Win XP is better for my purposes and I already know the peripherals I want do work with XP. (I run the same peripherals on my home computer with Win XP. And it's a BX mobo as well.) Furthermore, whether it'd be 2000 or XP, I'd get no support from them anyway, since they don't support anything beyond Win 95 (for a few computers running ancient software) and NT 4.

Just curious. I'll probably just get 2000 so I don't p!ss off our IT guys. It just seems strange that internet access with a XP computer can destroy a Cisco router.

 

[ScottMac]

I don't remember the specifc information, but my recollection is that it only applies to 802.1X traffic, and only on certain code revisions. There may be some specific information out on the Cisco site. For the vast majority of XP installations on Cisco networks, there is no problem.

FWIW

Scott

 

[Santa]

Here are a few related links for you to read up on the issue. For the most part it was an issue with the Cisco Catalyst 5000 switch

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/cat5k-8021x-vuln-pub.shtml

http://www.crn.com/sections/BreakingNews/breakingnews.asp?ArticleID=25671

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/473/76.html

Windows 2000 Participation in 802.1x
Currently, Windows XP (Whistler) is the only Microsoft operating system to support 802.1x. According to Microsoft, 802.1x for Windows 2000 may be added at a later time through a software upgrade or patch.

I am sure this "IT guy" is just looking out for his network so at least follow his advice. Hooking up unsupported OS/devices to a corperate network has the potential of causing complications and reprecutions you may not be ready to take.

I think it was a Xerox employee who upgraded and found this bug first and needless to say after taking down their network he was no longer employed there.

Just a word of caution.

 

[spidey07]

Interesting - according to those documents 802.1x frames cause certain 5000 switches to forward endlessly in a packet storm.

pretty strange, the more I sniff XP the more I don't like it. talky little fart - reminds me of macintoshes. 🙂

 

[Santa]

Yea XP has no place in work enviroment right now. Only benefit I even saw was the remote control option for help desk users but then again your a plumber so you don't care 😛

 

[IgorTs]

Actually, from those articles it's Cisco fault with some equipment.
Works fine within my network.