A Virtual Local Area Network, or VLAN, is a logical construct that can be configured within a switch that can be used to create distinct broadcast domains, which are partitioned and isolated in a computer network at the Data Link Layer, or Layer 2 of the OSI model. A VLAN enables the segmentation of a […]
Comparison of Fiber Optic vs Copper Ethernet Cables in Networking
Ever since the explosion in popularity of the Internet back in the late 1990s, networking technology companies have worked tirelessly to improve the infrastructure that supports it. From the earliest token-ring networks to the latest satellite swarm technology like SpaceX’s Starlink, there have been tremendous leaps forward. However, when it comes to Local Area Network […]
Understanding IP Prefix Lists in TCP/IP Networks (With Cisco Examples)
Prefix lists play an important role in networking by providing an efficient and scalable method for managing routing updates in large-scale networks. As a tool for implementing route filtering, they enable network administrators to selectively control the advertisement and acceptance of IP prefixes based on specific criteria. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into what […]
The Purpose of Routing Protocols in TCP/IP Networking
Networks that are based on the TCP/IP protocol stack rely on the Internet Protocol, or IP, to deliver end-to-end connectivity from the sending host to the receiving host. As such, each node along the path that the packets travel through must have enough information to know how to route the packet to the next hop […]
What is a Wildcard Mask – All About Wildcard Masks Used in Networking
A wildcard mask is a bitmask used with IPv4 to specify ranges of IP addresses, which are then leveraged by various features, including access control lists and routing protocols. There’s a lot more to wildcard masks than meets the eye, and they’re a lot more powerful than you may initially think. In this article, we’ll […]
Differences Between Routing, Forwarding, Switching in Networks
Terminology within networking can sometimes get confusing. Networking has many different terms that can be used in different ways depending on the context and the related technologies being discussed. Three of the most commonly used terms that can introduce some level of confusion are routing, forwarding, and switching. In this article, we’ll discuss how these […]
What is Asymmetric Routing – Causes and Problems in Networks
Asymmetric routing refers to a situation in which the path taken by data packets between two points in a network is not the same in both directions. In other words, the route that the packets follow from the source to the destination is different from the route they take when traveling back from the destination […]
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 […]
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 […]
Comparison of TCP/IP vs OSI Models in Networking
Communication is key in modern life. Emails, phone calls, video calls are obvious examples. But, video streaming, ecommerce, eLearning, gaming etc are also a kind of communication. We are performing some type of communication in most of our life aspects. Successful communication requires that all participating parties know how to “talk” to each other and, […]