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, […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]