Troubleshooting a network requires many different investigative skills, tools, and methodologies. One procedure that is particularly useful when investigating various network problems is being able to determine the IP address of a host on the network when given only its MAC address. In this article we’ll take a look at how to find an IP […]
What is Cisco IOS – Overview and Description of Cisco’s Operating System
Cisco’s Internetworking Operating System, or IOS, is a family of network operating systems that is used on several models of the company’s routers and switches. IOS enables routing, switching, internetworking, and a variety of telecommunications functions on a whole series of Cisco network device platforms. IOS has gone through several phases of evolution, and any […]
What is OSPF NSSA (Not So Stubby Area) and How is it Configured?
In this article we will explain and discuss OSPF Not So Stubby Area (NSSA) and also how to configure this Area type on Cisco routers. OSPF is a link state dynamic routing protocol that is used by routers to share routing information. This allows routers to inform each other of the paths that should be […]
How to Configure a Loopback Interface on Cisco Router & Switch
A loopback interface is a virtual interface that can be created within a network device and behaves much the same as a physical interface. Loopback interfaces can be configured on a Cisco router or a switch and have many uses. In this article, we’ll examine what they are, how they can be configured, and how […]
Comparison of BOOTP vs DHCP Protocols in Computer Networks
Layer 3 addressing can become difficult to manage in a network especially if you have an extensively large number of host devices. With tens, hundreds, or even thousands of hosts in many enterprise networks, the need for an automated mechanism for assigning IP addresses and other network parameters was realized very early on. In this […]
Pros and Cons of SD-WAN in Networks – Description and Discussion
A Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is a concept that has been around for over a decade. SD-WAN is a WAN architecture that uses software-defined network technology to deliver a high availability, low cost, and highly flexible WAN connections over the Internet and other public networks. In this article, we will attempt to shed […]
Comparison of GNS3 vs EVE-NG vs Packet Tracer for Networks Simulation
I have had many years of experience training students and professionals in networks and telecommunications. In those years, I have found time after time that the single most important activity a trainee can do to learn networking concepts is to spend time in the lab. Creating network topologies and applying the theory learned in the […]
Subnetting vs Supernetting – What’s the Difference? (Explanation Guide)
Subnetting and supernetting are two processes that are applied to IPv4 address spaces. Each one serves a different purpose and can be used in various applications. In this article, we’ll examine and compare Subnetting vs Supernetting in IP networks and see how they are applied to various aspects of network design and configuration. Structure of […]
Cisco Command to Test a Copper UTP Ethernet Cable on a Switch
Troubleshooting physical layer problems on UTP Ethernet cabling can sometimes be a nightmare. Dealing with patch cables is a snap, but what happens if your structured cabling has a fault, or if a newly created UTP cable results in intermittent connectivity? Further still, what if you don’t have direct access to the faulty cabling because […]
Comparison of Distance Vector vs Link State Dynamic Routing Protocols
Dynamic routing protocols are used by Layer 3 network devices to automatically share routing information. Various routing protocols have been developed over the years, but most fall into one of three categories: Interior Gateway Protocol – Distance vector, such as EIGRP or RIP Interior Gateway Protocol – Link state, such as OSPF or IS-IS Exterior […]
Top 10 Network Administrators Software Tools (Free&Paid)
A carpenter is only as good as his hammer. A knight is only as good as his sword. A writer is only as good as his pen. These experts would amount to very little if they didn’t have their respective tools to get their jobs done well. Similarly, a network administrator is only as good […]
Comparison of H323 vs SIP Protocols Used in VoIP and IP Telephony
Voice over IP (VoIP) is a technology that allows you to transmit voice over an IP network. This enables both telephony and data to be transmitted over the same network packet-based infrastructure. There are two fundamental protocols used to transmit the signaling that is necessary to make IP telephony operate correctly. These protocols are Session […]
Comparison and Differences Between IPv4 vs IPv6
The Internet Protocol (IP) is the fundamental protocol that enables end-to-end communication between hosts on the Internet. Living in the Network Layer of the OSI model, IP is able to reach the intended host by simply using the destination IP address and the routing protocols that have been configured on the networks between the hosts. […]