Unsupported ‘show policy-map’ Output: BPS Counter Unavailable

As a Cisco expert, I’ve encountered numerous challenges in the field, and one that often puzzles network administrators is the issue of unsupported ‘show policy-map’ output, specifically the unavailability of the Bits Per Second (BPS) counter. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this problem, its causes, and effective solutions to help you navigate this common Cisco networking conundrum.

Understanding the ‘show policy-map’ Command

The ‘show policy-map’ command is a crucial tool in Cisco networking, as it allows network administrators to view the configuration and statistics of a specific policy map. Policy maps are used to apply quality of service (QoS) policies to network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and prioritization.

When executing the ‘show policy-map’ command, network administrators expect to see a detailed output that includes various counters, such as the BPS counter, which provides insights into the rate of data flow through the policy map. However, in certain scenarios, the BPS counter may be reported as “unavailable,” leaving network administrators without the necessary information to effectively monitor and troubleshoot their network.

Causes of the ‘BPS Counter Unavailable’ Issue

There are several potential reasons why the BPS counter may be unavailable in the ‘show policy-map’ output. Some of the common causes include:

• Hardware Limitations: Certain Cisco hardware platforms may not support the collection of BPS statistics, either due to hardware limitations or the specific software version running on the device.
• Software Limitations: Some Cisco software versions may not provide the necessary functionality to collect and display the BPS counter in the ‘show policy-map’ output.
• Configuration Issues: Incorrect or incomplete QoS policy configurations can also lead to the BPS counter being unavailable in the ‘show policy-map’ output.
• Timing Issues: In some cases, the BPS counter may not be available immediately after a policy map is applied, and it may take some time for the counter to start reporting data.

Troubleshooting the ‘BPS Counter Unavailable’ Issue

To troubleshoot the ‘BPS Counter Unavailable’ issue, follow these steps:

1. Verify Hardware and Software Compatibility: Check the Cisco documentation or consult with Cisco support to ensure that the hardware platform and software version you are using support the collection and display of BPS statistics in the ‘show policy-map’ output.
2. Review the QoS Policy Configuration: Carefully examine the QoS policy configuration to ensure that it is correctly defined and applied to the appropriate interfaces. Look for any syntax errors or missing parameters that could be causing the BPS counter to be unavailable.
3. Monitor the Policy Map Over Time: In some cases, the BPS counter may become available after a certain period of time. Wait a few minutes and try running the ‘show policy-map’ command again to see if the counter has started reporting data.
4. Utilize Alternative Monitoring Tools: If the BPS counter remains unavailable, consider using alternative monitoring tools, such as SNMP or Netflow, to gather the necessary performance data for your network.

Conclusion

The ‘BPS Counter Unavailable’ issue in the ‘show policy-map’ output can be a frustrating problem for Cisco network administrators. By understanding the potential causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can effectively identify and resolve this issue, ensuring that you have the necessary visibility into your network’s performance and the ability to optimize your QoS policies accordingly.