Introduction to What Is DHCP Snooping? In today’s digital network, protecting the network infrastructure against attacks is crucial. A malicious user can attack network devices and exploit DHCP to launch spoofing attacks. To prevent such threats, we use DHCP Snooping. DHCP snooping is a Layer 2 security feature that protects the network from spoofing attacks…
Introduction to Switch Port Security Nowadays, networks are the core elements of businesses, which ensures seamless communication and data transfer. However, if our switches are insecure, then it will open a door for hackers. Hackers can easily connect to the switches, leading to data breaches and unauthorized access. Cisco switch ports are turned on by…
Introduction Are you looking to make your network faster, more reliable, and more resilient? Let us dive into Layer 3 Etherchannel! There are two main types of etherchannel, which are layer 2 and layer 3 etherchannel. Layer 2 is configured on layer two devices, such as layer 2 switches, while layer 3 link aggregation operates…
Introduction It is essential to communicate devices in different VLANs for running operations smoothly. Switch virtual interface (SVI), making this with the help of the Layer 3 switch. Simply, SVI is the concept of intervlan routing through which we communicate different VLANs within the layer 3 switch. Thus, it eliminates the usage of external layer…
VLANs divide large networks into smaller parts, which helps reduce network congestion and facilitate troubleshooting. By default, VLANs don’t allow access to resources from other VLANs. However, if you want to access resources in other VLANs, then the concept of Intervlan routing is used to enable this. InterVLAN routing enables communication between different VLANs within…
Introduction to LACP link aggregation LACP link aggregation is a standard networking protocol that bundles multiple physical links into a single logical link. This process of bundling multiple physical links into one logical link is known as link aggregation. IEEE standardized it under 802.3ad in 2000, but later, in 2008, IEEE incorporated 802.3ad into the…
Introduction It is a method, which combines multiple physical links into a single logical link. The purpose of the etherchannel is to increase link bandwidth and redundancy between switches. We can also call etherchannel link aggregation technology. Through etherchannel, a network administrator can create a more efficient and resilient network infrastructure. What is Etherchannel? A…
Introduction MSTP or Multiple spanning tree protocol is based on IEEE 802.1s standard. MSTP is a protocol which maps multiple VLANs to a single instance.Before MSTP, normal STP 802.1d or Rapid STP 802.1 which maps single vlan to a single STP instance. MSTP uses the rapid spanning tree protocol featuressuch as fast convergence, port states,…
Introduction Rapid spanning tree protocol is the enhanced version of the legacy STP 802.1D which was designed primarily to improve the original STP. Its main objective is to prevent loops as well as reduce convergence time. Because, the IEEE 802.1D takes 30-50 seconds to fully functional, which is a great delay in modern digital networks….
Introduction Backbonefast is a Cisco proprietary feature that was designed to prevent loops in Cisco switches if redundant paths are available. Normally, we use backbonefast in legacy IEEE 802.1D STP protocol to improve its features like convergence time as well as a loop prevention mechanism. Normally, it works in indirect link failure. However, advancements in…
Introduction to Spanning Tree Uplinkfast Spanning tree uplinkfast is a feature in Cisco switches that keep leaf-node or access switches their ports in the root port while other ports are in blocking states. Data is sent to the root switch through the root port. When the root port becomes unavailable, then the blocked port will…
Introduction Spanning Tree Portfast is a feature in STP that allows an end device to connect to the switch immediately, bypassing the listening and learning states. It reduces the time taken by the STP and connects the end device to the switch immediately. The PortFast-enabled port is considered to be a designated port. It works…
Introduction Spanning tree protocol or STP is a layer 2 protocol that converts circular or redundant paths in a computer network into a treelike structure where nodes will have no loops. A tree in a computer network is a structure in which nodes are connected to the root switch. STP disables redundant links into block…
Introduction VTP VLAN trunking protocol is a layer 2 Cisco proprietary protocol that distributes VLANs across the whole network. It manages, creates, deletes, and renames VLANs on switches from a centralized location. It reduces the time required for configuring VLANs on each switch, so there is no need to configure the same VLAN on every…
Introduction Vlan tagging is the process through which a sender switch adds a header in a frame to identify the VLAN to which the frame belongs. If our LAN consists of more than two switches and each switch consists of more than one VLAN, e.g. switch1 has Vlan10 and Vlan20, and similarly, switch2 has Vlan10 and…
Introduction VLAN stands for virtual LAN, which is neither real nor physical but exists logically or logically. When learning how to set up VLAN, it’s important that different virtual LANs exist on the same switch but have different logical structure from one another. The primary purpose of the VLAN is to break a large broadcast…
Introduction Cisco is the leading company in computer networking equipment, especially routers. Cisco routers are renowned for their reliability and performance. CLI or command-line interface is a way through which we configure routers. However, Cisco also offers a Web User Interface (WebUI) that provides a more user-friendly way to manage your router. Moreover, there is…
Introduction The computer network is the backbone of modern communication through which we communicate. It lays down the foundation for connecting devices and enables them to share data and access resources through them. Understanding the components in computer network is very essential whether you’re studying for the CCNA exam or you studying computer networks in…
Introduction Cloud computing is an emerging technology reshaping many industries, especially computer networking. It helps businesses to grow and save money. Instead of installing applications on premises-network, companies now use their application on cloud-based networks that bring many benefits, such as easier management and robust security. In this article, we will explore the key benefits…
Introduction When we design a computer network, it depends on our needs, scope, and requirements of the network. If we have a small or medium organization, then obviously we will need small numbers of computers. But, if our organization is large, there will be dozens to hundred numbers of computers. However, to understand this question,…
Introduction In today’s world of network communication, protocol and standard in computer networks are the heart of every device. Various devices located in the world need to exchange data efficiently and accurately to perform tasks, and for this communication to happen smoothly. So, all of these devices need to follow the same rules for sending…
Introduction Earning the Cisco certifications is one of the most cases and desirable qualifications. CCNP vs CCNA are two certifications you’ll hit on your way to the top, from just starting out in networking or looking to take it up a notch. Each of these certifications is highly regarded in IT, but they come with…
What is CCNA? CCNA vs Network+ is a common comparison for those entering the networking field. CCNA is a popular certification in the computer networking field. Cisco Systems offers it, which is a leader in the networking field. In CCNA, we cover basic networking skills like API connectivity, API services, security and automation, etc. …
Introduction GLBP or Gateway Load Balancing Protocol is developed by Cisco in 2005, provides both redundancy and load balancing for IP traffic. It can allow multiple routers to share the outgoing traffic against a single virtual gateway. Unlike HSRP or VRRP, which provide only redundancy, but don’t distribute traffic across the routers. While the GLBP…
Introduction What is VRRP? VRRP or virtual router redundancy protocol is an essential high-availability protocol like HSRP, which is used in computer networking to ensure continuous and seamless network operation. It provides backup routers in the event when there is any failure in gateways. Network engineers designing and maintaining VRRP for reliable communication and resilient…
Introduction Today’s enterprise network wants to ensure 24/7 network availability for its users. Redundancy is a key feature of today’s network. Moreover, Redundancy helps us to ensure availability and minimize downtime for maintaining the smooth running of network operations. One of the main and famous redundancy protocols is the Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) which…
Port Address Translation Port address translation or PAT is a translation mechanism that translates multiple private IP addresses to a single shareable public IP address. An organization needs to conserve its public IP addresses. We can also use it for security purposes just like to protect an internal network from external threats. Today we use…
Dynamic NAT Dynamic means something related to automatic that doesn’t rely on human intervention.As defined in the previous blog, NATing allows us to communicate with the rest of the world through public IP addresses. One such translation method is dynamic nat. It is a translation method in which private network PCs communicate over the internet…
Introduction to 1-to-1 network address translation ( static NAT) Network address translation plays a crucial role in conserving IPv4 addresses. One of the main and most commonly used of NAT is 1-to-1 network address translation. We can also call it static NAT. This article will explore its details, configuration, use cases, and practical implementation. At…
Introduction Network address translation in our private network allows multiple devices to share a single IP address when they try to access the outside network. It conserves public IP addresses and hides private IP addresses by enhancing network security. We will define in this article, define NAT, its types, and its practical implementation in a…
Introduction ACLs help us to perform various security activities, like packet filtering and network classification. Configuring ACLs is useful when the network is smaller or has a few lines of ACEs. But, it becomes very hard for a device to manage and maintain when we configure so many ACLs on the router. To resolve this…
Introduction A computer network consists of various resources, and accessing those resources is a critical point in terms of security. Different ways are used to access those resources, but one of the most effective ways to manage is through the implementation of a Role-Based Access Control list (RBAC). What is Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Role-Based…
Introduction The named access control list is the enhanced version of the number ACL. Instead of using the number in ACL, named ACL uses a descriptive name for its identification. A named ACL permits or denies traffic based on descriptive names. We can configure both the ACLs, standard and extended ACLs, which allow for greater…
Introduction to Extended ACL Extended ACL is the advanced version of standard ACL. It is used to deny or permit any specific port or application, e.g. telnet, HTTP, SMTP, DHCP, DNS,, ICMP etc. Extended ACL has two ranges which are 100-199 and 2000-2699. We specify the source address as well as the destination address with…
Introduction ACL is a security feature in Cisco devices that either blogs or permits network traffic. Network administrators set the rules and filter the traffic according to the conditions. If the incoming traffic doesn’t meet the criteria, it is automatically discarded through an ACL. There are many types of ACL, but the standard access control…
Introduction to Access Control List What is an Access Control List? An access control list is a group of commands that work together to classify IP packets entering or leaving a router interface. We can define an ACL as a sequential list of rules that either will permit or deny the traffic based on the…
Introduction: The previous blog post discussed redistribution as translating routes among different routing protocols. In the last blog, we also completed redistribution between EIGRP and OSPF, where we redistributed EIGRP and ospf to each other. This blog will expand our lab topology and introduce RIP and static routes. We will redistribute RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, and…
Introduction Normally, large enterprises run various routing protocols in their organization to meet client requirements. Each client is running a different type of routing protocol. However, a problem of disconnectivity arises when different types of routing protocols operate in the same autonomous system. To solve this problem, we use redistribution, which connects different routing protocols…
Introduction Interior gateway routing protocols (IGPs) are the core of computer networking. Without them, we can’t connect devices. Different IGPs exist in the industry, but EIGRP and OSPF dominate in usage. Their functionality is connecting devices, but their ways of connecting devices differ. When considering EIGRP vs OSPF, both routing protocols have their own strengths…
Introduction to OSPF DR Election The OSPF DR election is crucial in multi-access OSPF networks like ethernet and Frame-relay, where more than one router is connected in the same segment. Its main aim is to reduce the traffic generated by OSPF’s enabled router. OSPF DR and BDR election Normally DR/BDR in OSPF takes place…
Introduction OSPF routing protocol is a dynamic routing protocol that dynamically learns routes from other routers and advertises these routes to other OSPF-speaking routers. so that, these information will reach all the OSPF’s routers. What is the OSPF routing protocol? OSPF routing protocol is the most widely used IGP routing protocol. it uses IP protocol…
Introduction EIGRP k values decide in the EIGRP routing protocol of how to reach a destination on the fastest path. EIIGRP doesn’t use a single value in its metric calculation, as with RIP and OSPF. However, EIGRP uses a combination of different values in its metric calculation. We know these different values as K values….
EIGRP OTP Introduction We use EIGRP OTP or EIGRP Over the Top on those routers that are not directly connected. It is used in the situation when your router is connected to the ISP’s routers but you don’t want to involve the service provider’s router in your routing process. Moreover, it is also used when…
Introduction The EIGRP stub router is a feature of the EIGRP routing protocol through which we limit the number of routes from being advertisement. Moreover, It is also a helpful feature for EIGRP Stuck in active state when EIGRP queries its neighbors for its failed route. The router will send a multicast query to all…
Introduction There are two types of router states in EIGRP, which are installed in a router’s routing table. The first one is passive, and the 2nd is active. The passive state is considered the best, while the active state is considered harmful. The passive state indicates the route is reachable, while the passive state represents…
Introduction Cisco developed EIGRP to improve efficiency and scalability in routing protocols. just as Cisco converted IGRP to EIGRP, Cisco also converted EIGRP from classic mode to EIGRP named mode to remove Deficiencies or defects in EIGRP classic mode. Classic mode is the old version of EIGRP, in which you have to enter protocol and…
Introduction Summarization is the reverse process of subnetting. It reduces the size of the routing table by combining several routes into one summary route. If a network is small, its routing table is fine, but if its size is increasing daily, it is difficult for network engineers to handle it due to its complexity. EIGRP…
Introduction Authentication is an essential factor for digital devices. If we connect the devices to the internet, then authentication becomes necessary. Authentication plays a vital role in data transmission. Without encryption and authentication, there is a risk of data alteration. By default, EIGRP uses no authentication between its routers. EIGRP uses MD5 and SHA-256 authentications….
Introduction EIGRP Feasible Distance and advertised distances are important in finding the best path from source to destination in EIGRP internetwork. Moreover, the link cost finds the path from source to destination in a network. EIGRP Feasible Distance Based on the lowest cost metric, the EIGRP enters its best route into its routing table. Specifically,…
Introduction EIGRP routing protocol can automate routing decisions and configuration based on the routing table. It has the feature of EIGRP variance command which allows a router for load balancing over unequal cost paths. Thus it sends routes on those paths that the router considers as backup paths. In other words, it sends the packet…