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Routing and Switching
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Interview Tips
Routing and Switching
Data Center
Security
OSPF Virtual Link Explained
What is OSPF Virtual Link, when to use it, and how to configure it? An OSPF virtual link is a shortcut that allows an isolated OSPF area to connect to the backbone area 0. The virtual link helps network administrators extend their OSPF network while maintaining OSPF design requirements. In this article, we will discuss OSPF virtual link, when you should use it, requirements, key points, and how to configure it. As a bonus, we will also discuss an alternative option for the OSPF virtual link. I recommend going through these posts to grasp the overall routing and OSPF concept.…
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OSPF Network Types Explained
OSPF Network Types Explained in Detail If you’re working with OSPF, you must be familiar with the different types of networks you can use. There are three core OSPF network types – Broadcast, point-to-point, and non-broadcast – and two Cisco-proprietary types – point-to-multipoint and point-to-multipoint non-broadcast. Each type has different configuration requirements, and you can use it in different scenarios. In this post, we will explain all five types of OSPF networks. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to configure OSPF for any network type. Before we start, I highly recommend reading these posts. What is Routing in Networking, and…
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Types of OSPF Routers-OSPF Area Border Routers or ABR
What are the types of OSPF Routers-OSPF Area Border Routers or ABR OSPF is the most widely used routing protocol in networking. Knowing the types of OSPF routers and, most importantly, Area Border Routers in OSPF becomes crucial to understanding the overall design and configuration of OSPF. This article will discuss the types of OSPF routers, the Area Border Routers in OSPF, why we need them, and how to configure them to optimize overall OSPF and network performance. Let’s get started. I recommend going through these posts to grasp the overall IP routing concept. What is Routing in Networking, and…
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OSPF Area Types – [Infographics]
What are the OSPF Area Types? In my last post, we discussed OSPF building blocks, aka OSPF LSA types. This blog post will explain what OSPF area types are, why we need them, their benefits, how they work, and how to configure them in your network. I also recommend going through these posts to grasp the overall routing concept. What is Routing in Networking, and How does Routing work What is a Routing table, explained with Show IP Route Command Cisco Understanding Dynamic Routing Protocols Types OSPF states Explained [with Infograhic] Let’s take a quick look at OSPF, and then…
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OSPF LSA Types Explained – [Infographic Cheat Sheet]
OSPF Link State Advertisements – All 11 OSPF LSA Types Explained An important part of OSPF is the Link State Advertisements (LSAs). LSAs are generated by every router in the AS and contain information about the router’s links and connected networks. Other routers then use this information to calculate the best route to a destination. There are different OSPF LSA types, each with a different purpose and function. In this blog post, I will dig deep into all LSA types, explaining what they do and how to use appropriate commands to check them. A Quick Recap on OSPF: Open Shortest Path…
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OSPF states Explained [with Infograhic]
The OSPF Neighbor States Explained with Infographic I recommend you read my previous blog post about OSPF and how it works first. This article will help you understand different OSPF states and the importance of forming and maintaining OSPF neighbors. Let us get started. I also recommend going through these posts to grasp the overall routing concept. What is Routing in Networking, and How does Routing work What is a Routing table, explained with Show IP Route Command Cisco Understanding Dynamic Routing Protocols Types Let me give you an OSPF primer before we begin. Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a link-state…
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Open Shortest Path First – What is OSPF in Networking
In this article, we’ll discuss What is OSPF in networking and how OSPF works? We will also define its basic concepts, like why and how OSPF forms neighbors, its Pros and Cons, OSPF message format, and its packets. What is OSPF in Networking – Basic OSPF Explained OSPF, or Open Shortest Path First, is a link-state routing protocol for Internet Protocol (IP) networks. It uses the shortest path first (SPF) routing algorithm, is an Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP), and is used within Autonomous Systems (ASes). In OSPF, each router maintains a complete map of the network topology. When a change occurs in…
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What is Routing Information Protocol – RIP v1 and v2 – The Definitive Guide
In this post, we’ll define what is Routing Information Protocol or RIP and how it works, and show its pros and cons before diving into details like versions (RIP v1 and v2), timers, update types, and configuration. We will also discuss split horizon, authentication support, summarization and filtering techniques, and how to originate a default route in RIP. Let us get started. What is Routing Information Protocol RIP? RIP is one of the dynamic routing protocols and the first distance-vector routing protocol that uses the hop count as a routing metric. A lower hop count is preferred. Each router between the source…
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Understanding Dynamic Routing Protocols Types [with Infographic]
Dynamic Routing Protocols Types and their Details In my previous post, we discussed what routing is and who does it work. In this article, we will focus on understanding Dynamic Routing Protocols types. How many commonly used routing protocols are out there, and how can they be grouped. We will also examine their functions, advantages, and disadvantages. In the upcoming posts, we will dive deep into each type of routing protocol separately. What are the Routing Protocols in Computer Networks? Routing protocols are the protocols used by routers to exchange routing information with other routers. This information is further used to…
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What is a floating static route, and its characteristic?
What is a floating static route, and what are its characteristics? This post will show how to configure a floating static route and provide a workflow and example configuration for real-world scenarios. What is a floating static route? As the name suggests, a floating static route is used in lifesaving situations as a float when the primary route to a destination network is down. A floating static route is a type of static route that can provide a backup path for a primary static or dynamic route in the event of a link failure. Because lower AD (Administrative Distance) is always preferred, you must configure it…
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What is a Routing table, explained with Show IP Route Command Cisco
What is a Routing table and show ip route command? We, as network engineers, frequently use the show ip route command to examine and manage the routing table on a router. In this article, we will explain what is a routing table, the types of routes it contains, the ip routing table example, and the show ip route command in detail. I would suggest reading my article on routing first. You can also read about the OSI model and TCP/IP model to get a good grasp of the overall networking concepts. What is a routing table, and why is it…
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Best Computer Networking Course Online for Beginners with Ratings
The 18 Best Beginner-friendly Computer Networking Courses Online – 2022 As the world becomes more digital, computer networking becomes increasingly important. However, finding the best computer networking course online can be difficult if you’re pursuing a career in computer networking. So we’ve compiled the 18 best online computer networking courses and their ratings in June 2022. We’ve got you covered, from free classes for beginners to paid courses for a bit more experienced network engineers. In addition to this information, we’ve also provided details of chapters and features to help you decide which course is best for you. So whether…
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What is Routing in Networking, and How Does Routing Work?
What is Routing in Networking – How Does Routing Work? Routing in networking is used to connect devices and systems worldwide. Routing’s primary job is to take data packets from one network and send them to another network. As network traffic grows, efficient and accurate routing is crucial to ensure data is delivered to the correct destination on time and with minimal or no losses. The recent Facebook outage was one eye-opener of how critical routing is. This article talks about routing in networking and discusses routing devices or routers, routing tables, different types of routing, and routing protocols. What is routing in networking? IP…
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Comparison between TCP IP vs OSI Model (with Cheatsheet PDF)
Similarities and differences between TCP/IP vs OSI Model (with Cheatsheet PDF and Infographic) The TCP IP vs OSI Model debate has been around for years. Which one is better? What are the similarities and differences? Let’s take a look. What is the TCP IP reference model? TCP IP protocol was first developed by DARPA in the 1960s and recognized throughout the world after 1983. The TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) reference model is a conceptual model similar to the OSI model that characterizes the functions of a networking system. It divides these functions into four abstraction layers used…
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What are the 4 layers of the TCP IP model?
What are the 4 layers of the TCP IP model in networking? The TCP IP model is a four-layer communication model that breaks down communication into manageable chunks. This makes it possible to standardize the process of communication without relying on software and hardware providers. As a result, companies can save time and money while still ensuring reliable communication. This post will look into all 4 layers of the TCP IP model in depth. I would suggest you read about the OSI model, OSI model cheat sheet Infographic, IP subnetting, VLANs, and VLAN tagged vs. untagged topics to grasp the basic understanding of networking.…
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OSI Model Cheat Sheet Infographic
OSI Model Cheat Sheet Infographic for Quick Reference In my last post, I wrote about the OSI Model and its 7 layers of networking, so here is an OSI Model Cheat Sheet Infographic to help you remember all the details. This cheat sheet will give you a quick glance at the functions of each OSI layer, along with the data unit, protocols, and device types used on each layer. Understanding these core concepts of the OSI model will help you choose the best technology for your desired outcome. You can further read about the TCP/IP model, IP subnetting, VLANs, and VLAN tagged…
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OSI Model and its 7 Layers of Networking
OSI Model Explained: 7 Layers of Networking Have you ever wondered how data travels across the globe in the blink of an eye? The answer lies in 7 layers of the OSI model, which governs how data is transmitted between devices. These layers represent 7 layers of networking used to describe the different tasks at each layer. The OSI model is also helpful in identifying and troubleshooting networking problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the OSI model in depth. Let us get started. What is OSI full form, and what OSI means? OSI stands for Open System Interconnection and is a…
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Difference between Spanning Tree versions: MSTP vs RSTP vs STP vs PVSTP
What is the Difference between spanning tree versions: MSTP vs RSTP vs STP vs PVST When it comes to configuring Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) on network devices, there are several options to choose from. The four most common are: Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), STP, and Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Protocol (PVSTP). But what’s the difference between them? Let’s break it down further with this comparison sheet between MSTP vs RSTP vs STP vs PVSTP. Hope you have gone through my previous articles on STP, RSTP, and MSTP, if not then I would recommend reading through…
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What is MSTP – Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol
What is MSTP(Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol)? Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) is an IEEE standard that allows a single physical network switch to support multiple spanning-tree instances. The MSTP standard is useful for companies with lots of VLANs in the network and wants separate spanning-tree instances for groups of VLANs. This blog post will discuss What is MSTP or Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol, its core components, its real benefits and drawbacks, configuration, and best practices. I would highly recommend you to read about Spanning Tree Protocol, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol, VLANs, VLAN tagged vs untagged, and VLAN Trunking Protocol topics to grasp the basic…
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Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol – What Is RSTP In Networking?
Explain Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol – What Is RSTP In Networking? Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is the successor and enhanced version of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). The purpose of RSTP is to provide significantly faster convergence while still backward compatible with spanning tree protocol (802.1d). In this article, we will discuss what is RSTP in networking, what problems it solves, its core components, and the real benefits of using this protocol in your network. I would highly recommend you to read about Spanning Tree Protocol, VLANs, VLAN tagged vs untagged, and VLAN Trunking Protocol topics to grasp the basic understanding of Spanning…
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STP – Spanning Tree Protocol explained in detail
STP – Spanning Tree Protocol Explained in-depth A Spanning Tree Protocol or STP is a layer2 protocol used to prevent loops in a network by ensuring that a single path exists between any two nodes in the network. In this blog post, I will explain the Spanning Tree protocol, what problems it solves, it’s core components, how it works, and how to configure it, along with best practices. One more thing before we begin, I will use Spanning Tree Protocol, Spanning Tree, Spanning Tree, or STP interchangeably in this post; all have the same intent. Also, bridge and switch meanings…
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What is an EtherChannel in Networking – The Beginner’s Guide
The Beginners Guide to What is an EtherChannel Technology EtherChannels are a great way to increase bandwidth, redundancy, and load balancing capability in the network. This article will discuss What is an EtherChannel, why we need it, how it works, different types and modes of EtherChannel, a sample configuration, best practices, and how to troubleshoot it. Let’s get started. What is an EtherChannel? EtherChannel is a Cisco technology that bundles two or more physical Ethernet links into a single logical link without being blocked by STP. As a result, it provides higher overall bandwidth, fault tolerance, redundancy, and load balancing.…
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VLAN Trunking Protocol: What is VTP in Networking
What is VTP in networking: VLAN Trunking Protocol If you are a network administrator, then you should know that managing VLANs can be time-consuming and prone to mistakes in large networks with numerous interconnected switches. The VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) lets you manage your VLANs from a central device, with the resulting configuration distributed automatically to other devices. You can save time and avoid errors by using the VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP). In this blog post, we will discuss What is VTP in networking, what problems it solves, it’s core components and the real benefits of using this protocol in…
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What is Auto Negotiation in Ethernet – with Infographic
What is Auto Negotiation in Ethernet (Infographic) and how does it work? I’ve seen network issues crop up regularly in a network engineer’s day-to-day work, and when they do, it’s mostly the result of misconfigured or mismanaged devices. I can tell you that, in my experience, auto-negotiation issues are among the most common problems I have seen in a network, and that’s a good thing because they can be easy to find (if you understand how it works and knows where to look) and can be quickly remediated. In this blog post, we will discuss what is auto negotiation in…
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A Simple Guide to Ethernet Switch vs Hub vs Router and How They Work
Comparison between Different Network Devices – Ethernet Switch vs Hub vs Router This blog post will help you understand the comparison between Ethernet switch vs hub vs router and how they work. You’ll also learn which device is best for your home or office. Whether it’s an ethernet hub, repeater, splitter, ethernet switch, or router, all of this equipment is utilized to extend the network‘s reach. Devices may have similar functions, yet they all have unique applications. So let’s get started straight with the ethernet hub vs switch vs router comparison table. I would also recommend you to read about…
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What is the Definition of a Computer Network: Components, Uses, and Types
What is the definition of a computer network? Computer networks are the foundation of the modern business world. They’re the connections that carry network traffic and link together the hardware and software of every digital device. Without a well-designed and functioning network, businesses and individuals wouldn’t be able to collaborate, share, or make their daily lives more efficient. This article will help you understand the definition of a computer network, its advantages, components, types, and uses. I would also recommend you to further read about VLANs, VLAN tagged vs untagged, and VLAN Trunking Protocol topics to grasp the basic understanding of…
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VLAN Tagged vs Untagged – What is the difference?
VLAN Tagged vs Untagged Tutorial After reading an in-depth article about VLANs, you might still have questions about the differences between VLAN tagged vs. untagged? This blog post will discuss this topic in easy to understand language. Let’s briefly discuss the VLAN and VLAN tag and then dive into the difference between Vlan tagged vs. Untagged. VLANs:- Virtual LANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, works on the Data link layer of the OSI model. VLANs help create virtual separations within a switch that provide distinct logical LANs or segregated broadcast domains that each behaves as if they were configured on…
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