Ipv6 Cisco Training: Using The “accept-lifetime” Command

Now, before I begin to explain to you what the “accept-lifetime” command is and what it does. I need to inform you; the “accept-lifetime” command can only be used with the following IP protocols:

• RIPv2


• EIGRP

• Director Response Protocol (DRP) Server Agent

Now, I know some of you maybe wondering: “What the hake is the Director Response Protocol (DRP)?”

The Director Response Protocol or (DRP) is a Cisco proprietary User Datagram Protocol (UDP)-based application; that turns Cisco routers into DRP Server Agents.

Now, that I’ve gotten that out of the way; let’s turn our attention back to the “accept-lifetime” command.

The “accept-lifetime” command is a “Key chain key configuration” command that is used for Routing Authentication. It has the responsibility of setting the time period; during which the “Authentication Key” on a key chain is received as valid.

Here is the command’s syntax:

Router(config-keychain-key)#accept-lifetime start-time {infinite | end-time | duration seconds}

As you can see, the command is performed while the router is in “Key chain key configuration” mode.

Now, let’s say you’ve already used the “accept-lifetime” command to set the time period for a key; but, want to go back to the default (original) time. To go back to the default time all you need to do is type the word “no” in front of the command; like you see in the following syntax.

Router(config-keychain-key)#no accept-lifetime start-time {infinite | end-time | duration seconds}

The remaining arguments or keywords for the “accept-lifetime” command are:

start-time – Start-Time is the beginning time in which the key that is specified by the “key” command is valid to be received. For this argument, either of the following syntax can be used:

Syntax: hh:mm:ss Month date year

Syntax: hh:mm:ss date Month year

Infinite – This keyword simply means, the key that is specified by the “key” command; will be valid to be received from the start-time until (forever) infinity.

end-time – This argument is the ending time in which the key that is specified by the “key” command is valid to be received. It uses the same syntax as the start-time argument.

duration seconds – This keyword is used to set the length of time (in seconds) that the key is valid to be received. The range is from 1 to 2147483646.

Note: If you are planning to use the “accept-lifetime” command, Cisco recommends that you implement the Network Time Protocol (NTP) or some other type of time synchronization method on your network.

Also, if the last key within a key chain expires, routing authentication will still continue to occur; but, an error message will be generated; and if you want to disable routing authentication, you must manually delete the last valid key.

I invite you to visit my website were you’ll find the latest information regarding Cisco IPv6 Design and Implementation Techniques.

To your success,

By: Charles E Ross

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Charles Ross, CCNP #CSCO10444244 is the owner of Ittechtips.com; where you'll find free comprehensive information and videos about IPv6 technology and how it works with Cisco Systems technology. Sign-Up for "18 Free Videos" that will teach you IPv6 Address Representation In Under 10 Minutes! And, also learn more about the new "Cisco IPv6 Video Accelerated Training Course" at his website. www.ciscoipv6ittechtips.com

Please Rate this Article