Ever needed to deploy a device where multiple engineers are working in tandem. This could possibly be from different sites or someone peer reviewing configurations with you. I have. I have also not be able to access a phone or been somewhere very noisy. You have the ability to chat across vty lines on IOS. This isn’t new and has been around since before I was born but Today I will show you how you can add this tool to your skill set.
Let see what line the other engineer is using. We do have our name stating who we are but in case you forget there is out little asterisk to remind us.
4500-lab-01#sh user
Line User Host(s) Idle Location
* 1 vty 0 aburke idle 00:00:00 192.168.22.50
2 vty 1 sburns idle 00:00:19 192.168.22.57
Interface User Mode Idle Peer Address
Now I have noticed an error on interface T7/3 with an error count. I can’t call sburns nor do I have internet access. Time to let him know what I want him look to to confirm my findings.
4500-lab-01#send vty 1 Enter message, end with CTRL/Z; abort with CTRL/C: Have a look at the interface T7/3's error count. Do you think it is a bit high? Lets reset the counters and check. ^Z Send message? [confirm] 4500-lab-01#
On sburns screen we can see what appears in the console.
4500-lab-01# *** *** *** Message from tty2 to tty1: *** Have a look at the interface T7/3's error count. Do you think it is a bit high? Lets reset the counters and check.
I have clearly and effectively communicated to my coworker the information I needed to get to him. Rather cool. It is just something you can use in your toolkit. This could also be perfect for those moments when you don’t want to deal with the person on the end of the phone.