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. […]
Comparison of NAT vs PAT in TCP/IP Networks for IP Translation
Network Address Translation (NAT) is a feature that enables the translation of IPv4 addresses. It is most often used to translate private IPv4 addresses to public routable IPv4 addresses. This feature has almost singlehandedly vastly increased the longevity of the IPv4 protocol as the primary Network Layer protocol running on the Internet, since it resolves […]
Comparison of OSPF vs RIP/RIPv2 Routing Protocols in IP Networks
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) are two of the most well-known Internal Gateway Protocols (IGPs) among network professionals and enthusiasts alike. Both are among the oldest routing protocols developed for IP networks, but they have evolved in very different ways, and are ultimately used today for very different purposes. Let’s […]
Comparison of EIGRP vs OSPF Routing Protocols
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Enhanced Interior Gateway Protocol (EIGRP) are two of the most popular Internal Gateway Protocols (IGPs) employed in today’s modern IP networks. Both are mature protocols, having been around for decades, and are extremely reliable, flexible, and highly configurable. And yet, they are surprisingly dissimilar in their architecture, implementation, and […]
12 Best Computer Networking Books for Beginners & Experts
I have read tens of books (both in ebook format and also hard copy textbooks) in my networking professional career over the last 18 years. In fact, all of my preparation for my Cisco and other IT certifications was based on book studying (in addition to hands-on practice of course). Personally, I believe that having […]
10 Networking Companies Like Cisco (Competitors)
Every network engineer is familiar with Cisco, and with its multiple brand acquisitions, it’s even become a household name for consumers in addition to business professionals. Cisco isn’t the only major player in the hardware and TCP/IP networking game, however. This technology giant has at least a dozen formidable competitors, many of which have developed […]
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 […]
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 […]
Comparison of IP Layer 3 Packet vs Layer 2 Frame in Networking
Prepare to peek under the covers of how your data can travel from as little as a few inches to thousands of miles from device to device and through tens of network devices in the path. In this article, we will explore the differences between a layer 3 Internet Protocol (IP) Packet and a layer […]
What is an SFP Port-Module in Network Switches and Devices
A Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) Port on a network switch is an Ethernet Interface which has been designed to allow a small module (which contains a connector and small circuit board) to be inserted into the switch. This device is called an SFP Module. There are different types of SFP modules and SFP ports, […]
8 Different Types of VLANs in TCP/IP Networks
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a fundamental concept in TCP/IP computer networks and every professional in this field must have a deep understanding of this technology. In networking, VLANs are implemented and configured on Ethernet Switches and they work at OSI Layer 2. They are a method to logically separate Layer 2 Ethernet […]
Comparison of Static vs Dynamic Routing in TCP/IP Networks
“Packet Routing” is the primary operation in TCP/IP networks that establishes communication from a source device located on one network to a destination device located on another network. Image Credit Within the OSI model, routing is a Layer 3 process which groups Internet Protocol (IP) data into Packets that are put inside of Frames (Layer […]
Comparison of “peer-to-peer” vs “client-server” Network Models
A computer network is made up of software and hardware components that allow one device to communicate with another. Hardware provides the set of instructions that utilizes the networking equipment for data transmission, whereas software specifies the sequence of commands (communication protocol) that uses the hardware equipment for data transmission. A basic data transfer is […]