Citrix Netscaler Introduction

001 Netscaler VPX Initial Setup (Using EVE-NG)

In this lab, I’m using EVE-NG to simulate and set up the Citrix Netscaler VPX. Below are the steps I followed for the initial configuration.

Step 1: Login to Netscaler VPX

• Use the default credentials to log in:

  Username: nsroot
Password: nsroot


• Upon your first login, you’ll be prompted to change the default password. Choose a secure new password before proceeding.

Step 2: Configure the Management IP Address

• Set the management IP address and subnet mask using the following command:

  set ns config -IPAddress 192.168.1.169 -netmask 255.255.255.0


• Verify the configuration:

  show ns config


• Save the configuration:

  save config


Step 3: Reboot the VPX

• After saving the configuration, reboot the device:

  reboot


• Note: In my lab, the reboot process appeared to hang. If this happens, simply stop and start the VM manually in EVE-NG.
  The configuration should remain saved in the VPX after restarting.

Step 4: Access the Web Interface

• Once the device is back online, open a browser and go to the management IP you configured:

  https://192.168.1.169


• Log in using your updated credentials.

Step 5: Complete the Setup Wizard

• After logging in, the Setup Wizard will appear.
  Simply follow the on-screen prompts to finish the initial configuration.
  

002 Basic Configuration on One-Arm Mode

When you first log in to your NetScaler VM, a Welcome! Wizard appears to guide you through the initial configuration steps. You can also perform all these tasks through the appliance’s GUI.

In the wizard, input the Hostname, DNS IP Address, and Time Zone.

On a NetScaler (formerly Citrix ADC) appliance, the need to save the configuration and sometimes reboot is due to how it manages and applies changes.

Next thing we need to check is the license (Go to Configuration > System > license). You can go to Manage Licenses if you need to update the licenses.

You generally only need to enable these advanced Layer 2 networking modes if your specific network topology requires the NetScaler to act as more than a simple router or proxy. The default configuration, where the NetScaler primarily operates as a Layer 3 device, is sufficient for most deployments.

Under System > User Administration, you can manage user accounts for accessing the Netscaler.

• By default, the nsroot account has full administrative privileges.

• You can create additional users with specific roles and permissions depending on your environment or security policy.

Configure Network Settings

Go to Configuration > Network. Here, you can set up:

• Interfaces – Enable or disable interfaces and assign them to VLANs.

• VLANs – Create VLANs to logically segment traffic.

• IP Addresses – Configure SNIP, MIP, or VIP addresses.

• Routing – Add static routes to define traffic paths.