In this tutorial we will describe how to setup a Cisco Meraki WiFi Access Point (AP) together with several other useful details, so let’s get started. A Meraki access point is different to a Cisco AireOS Access point because it doesn’t need a separate Wireless LAN Controller or an embedded controller such as Mobility Express […]
10 Best Network Traffic Analyzer (NTA) Software Tools
If you’ve ever wondered why your company’s network seems to slow down at times, or how efficiently your employees are using their networked devices, then it’s time you implement a network analysis strategy. Network Traffic Analyzer (NTA) tools can help you find bottlenecks in traffic, analyze what types of network traffic is being used within […]
11 Best Alternatives to Putty as SSH and Telnet Clients (For Connecting Remotely to Devices)
PuTTY is a free terminal emulation tool that’s been available for 20 years. Originally released for Microsoft Windows, this versatile remote administration tool can be used to access workstations, servers, network devices etc using various protocols such as secure shell connection (SSH), Telnet, Rlogin etc. While it continues to be popular for accessing network devices […]
11 Free TFTP Server Software for Windows Computers (Useful in Cisco Networks)
I first got acquainted with TFTP at the beginning of my networking career. The first use-case of TFTP protocol is when I first upgraded the IOS firmware of a Cisco router using a little software utility called “TFTPD32”. Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) software provide a key service to many network and system administrators for […]
Cisco Switch Layer2 Layer3 Design and Configuration
Layer2 and Layer3 switches are the foundation of any network. After all, any network devices (routers, firewalls, computers, servers etc) have to be connected to a switch. Sooner or later, as a network engineer you will be faced with the task of deploying a switch network for a customer or for your own company. Therefore, learning […]
12 Best SFTP Server Software for Windows (Free & Paid)
With the rise of distributed networks, finding a secure way to transfer files and data is essential. That’s where software products like Secure File Transfer Protocol, better known as SFTP, comes in. File Transfer Protocol has been around since 1971; the encrypted version was developed in 1994. This popular file transfer communication protocol is able […]
Description of Switchport Mode Access vs Trunk Modes on Cisco Switches
In this article, we will discuss a couple of core concepts of network switching which are about Access and Trunk ports and how to configure them using “switchport mode access” and “switchport mode trunk” commands on Cisco switches We will also delve into what a VLAN is, why they’re used and how all of this […]
Comparison of VLAN vs Subnet in TCP/IP Computer Networks
A few decades ago, flat networks were the norm. I remember in my very first job as a network engineer, most of our clients’ networks consisted of a single broadcast domain (VLAN) and a huge single flat Layer 3 network (usually in the 10.0.0.0 range). As time passed by and networks started to become bigger […]
Configuring Connection Limits on Cisco ASA Firewalls – Protect from DoS
The Cisco ASA firewall offers excellent protection for Denial of Service attacks, such as SYN floods, TCP excessive connection attacks etc. Using the new Policy Framework functionality, the ASA administrator can configure granular controls for TCP Connection limits and timeouts. For example, we can control and limit the maximum number of simultaneous TCP and UDP connections […]
Configuring AAA Authentication-Authorization-Accounting on Cisco ASA Firewall (TACACS+, RADIUS)
When it comes to authentication services in networking and IT systems in general, the best practice is to have a centralized authentication system which contains the user account credentials in a secure way and controls all authentication and authorization. This is why Active Directory in Microsoft environments is such a useful and powerful authentication scheme. […]
How to Scan an IP Network Range with NMAP (and Zenmap)
This tutorial marks the beginning of a series of network security and penetration testing articles that I will be posting on this website. The purpose of this article is to describe how to perform a simple NMAP scan of an IP range/subnet on a network. There are hundreds of scan options with NMAP but I […]
Comparison of Cisco CCNA vs CCNP Certifications
Professional Certifications are crucial in the IT world. From an employer’s perspective, they demonstrate deep knowledge in complex areas and verification of your abilities as a professional. For entry-level and veteran IT professionals, they reflect much more. The certification process allows you to grow, progress in your career and drive the passion that contributes to […]
All About Syslog Protocol (What is Syslog, Default Port, Purpose etc)
In this article we’ll discuss and examine the Syslog Protocol which runs over its default UDP port 514 (or the secure TCP port 6514), and also describe the characteristics and usefulness of Syslog in networks. All computer systems and network devices generate a historical record of events that take place on the device. This record […]