Chapter 16 Using the Cisco Unified Communication Wizard

Working with Certificates in the Unified Communication Wizard

Presence Federation server, and the Cisco Unified Communications Manager servers, respectively, on the ASA. See the documentation for each of these products for information about obtaining the identity certificates from each.

When configuring the Cisco Phone Proxy, if LSC provisioning is required or you have LSC enabled IP phones, you must install the CAPF certificate from the Cisco UCM on the ASA. If the Cisco UCM has more than one CAPF certificate, you must import all of them to the ASA. See Enabling Certificate Authority Proxy Function (CAPF) for IP Phones, page 16-8.

Additionally, when configuring the Cisco Mobility Advantage Proxy, you use the Install Certificate dialog box to install the root certificate received from the certificate authority. The root certificate from the certificate authority is used to sign other certificates. The root certificate is used by the ASA to authenticate your signed identity certificate received from the certificate authority.

Note When using the wizard to configure the Unified Communications proxies, the wizard only supports installing self-signed certificates.

From the Install Certificate dialog box, perform these steps:

Step 1 Perform one of the following actions:

•To add a certificate configuration from an existing file, click the Install from a file radio button (this is the default setting). Enter the path and file name, or click Browse to search for the file. Then click Install Certificate.

•To enroll manually, click the Paste certificate in PEM format radio button. Copy and paste the PEM format (base64 or hexadecimal) certificate into the area provided.

Step 2 Click Install Certificate.

An information dialog box appears informing you that the certificate was installed on the ASA successfully.

Generating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) for a Unified Communications Proxy

When configuring certificates for the Cisco Mobility Advantage Proxy, Cisco Presence Federation Proxy, or Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy, you must generate and identity certificate request for the ASA.

Note If the ASA already has a signed identity certificate, you do not need to generate a CSR and can proceed directly to installing this certificate on the ASA. See Installing the ASA Identity Certificate on the Mobility Advantage Server, page 16-26and Installing the ASA Identity Certificate on the Presence Federation and Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Servers, page 16-26for the steps to install the identity certificate.

The identify certificate that you receive is presented to the following entities for each of the Unified Communication Proxies:

•Unified Mobile Communicator clients for the Cisco Mobility Advantage Proxy

Cisco ASA Series Firewall ASDM Configuration Guide

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Cisco Systems ASA 5505, ASA 5545-X, ASA 5555-X, ASA 5585-X, ASA 5580, ASA Services Module Click Install Certificate, 16-24
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ASA Services Module, ASA 5555-X, ASA 5545-X, ASA 5585-X, ASA 5580 specifications

Cisco Systems has long been a leader in the field of network security, and its Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) series is a testament to this expertise. Within the ASA lineup, models such as the ASA 5505, ASA 5580, ASA 5585-X, ASA 5545-X, and ASA 5555-X stand out for their unique features, capabilities, and technological advancements.

The Cisco ASA 5505 is designed for small businesses or branch offices. It provides essential security features such as firewall protection, flexible VPN capabilities, and intrusion prevention. The ASA 5505 supports a user-friendly interface, allowing for straightforward management. Its built-in threat detection and prevention tools provide a layered defense, and with scalability in mind, it can accommodate various expansion options as organizational needs grow.

Moving up the line, the ASA 5580 delivers greater throughput and advanced security features. This model is suited for medium to large enterprises that require robust protection against increasingly sophisticated threats. Its multi-core architecture allows it to manage high volumes of traffic seamlessly while maintaining excellent performance levels. The ASA 5580 also supports application-layer security and customizable access policies, making it highly adaptable to diverse security environments.

The ASA 5585-X further enhances Cisco's security offerings with advanced malware protection and extensive security intelligence capabilities. It incorporates next-generation firewall features, including context-aware security, and supports advanced threat detection technologies. This model is ideal for large enterprises or data centers that prioritize security while ensuring uninterrupted network performance and availability.

For enterprises requiring a balance of performance and security, the ASA 5545-X presents a compelling option. This model features scalable performance metrics, high availability, and integrated advanced threat protection. Coupled with advanced endpoint protection and detailed monitoring capabilities, the ASA 5545-X enables organizations to manage their security posture effectively.

Lastly, the ASA 5555-X blends cutting-edge technologies with strong security infrastructures. It boasts high throughput and the ability to execute deep packet inspections. Its sophisticated architecture supports threat intelligence feeds that provide real-time security updates, making it a powerful tool against modern threats.

Each of these Cisco ASA models brings specific advantages to varied environments. Their integrative capabilities enable businesses to enhance their security postures while benefiting from seamless scalability and management. As cybersecurity threats evolve, these advanced appliances play a vital role in protecting valuable digital assets.
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