N Is For Networking

Following last week’s introduction to network monitoring, we discuss the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), one of the most implemented types of network monitoring. We discuss how it is organized, operations that SNMP can perform, and versions of SNMP. This week’s bonus conversation is a discussion on the future for SNMP. Episode Links: MIB tree... Read more »

How do you know what is happening within your network, especially when something isn’t working? Network monitoring is the answer. On today’s show, we’ll start with the basics of network monitoring. We’ll cover what it is, how it’s used, and suggest some paid and open source network monitoring tools. This week’s bonus material is a... Read more »

To cert or not to cert? That is the question Holly & Ethan discuss on today’s episode. Will a certification really land you a networking job? Are certs the guaranteed path to tech career success? We consider this, talking through the benefits, challenges and even risks of networking industry certification. And there’s some bonus material,... Read more »

In today’s episode, we continue the discussion about routing and routing protocols by focusing on commonalities rather than differences among  protocols such as OSPF, RIP, EIGRP, or BGP. We explain how, in general, routing protocols discover each other, communicate, maintain relationships, and exchange routing information. Next, we explore the topics of selecting best paths in... Read more »

Ready for more routing and routing protocols? Today we discuss the roles of the network operating system (NOS), routing protocols, the Routing Information Base (RIB), and the Forwarding Information Base (FIB). We also include the dynamics of routing protocols, the importance of hardware like TCAM for performance, and the concept of administrative distance or route... Read more »

On today’s N Is For Networking, we explore the fundamentals of routing, focusing on layer 3 of the OSI model. We explain the concepts of routers, routing tables, and routing protocols, and discuss why it’s important to have a firm grasp of these concepts before you tackle advanced topics such as VXLAN and EVPN. Today’s... Read more »

The line between switches and routers can get a little blurry. On today’s N Is For Networking, we try to clear things up. We start by defining what a router and switch are, and then provide some historical and technical context to better understand the differences. Then we discuss how modern switches have evolved to... Read more »

We’re back with the third and last (for now) installment of our spanning tree series. Today’s episode includes an explanation of spanning tree versions, 802.1D, 802.1w, 802.1s, and their practical implications for network design. The discussion then turns to BPDU guard for preventing loops and ensuring rapid connectivity. Bonus material on why you should or... Read more »

Welcome to part 2 of our spanning tree series. We start with a quick review and then discuss root bridges, root ports, designated ports, and forwarding and blocked ports.  We explain the impact of topology changes on spanning tree and network performance, and discuss how topology changes and convergence events are communicated. Last but not... Read more »

Spanning tree is a topic so mysterious and complicated that common advice is just to disable it. In today’s episode, we start a mini-series on spanning tree, hoping to better explain what it is and what it does. We begin with basic spanning tree terminology and its role in preventing loops in an Ethernet network.... Read more »

Why do we need network models such as OSI? Network architect and author Russ White joins Holly and Ethan to talk about how network models can help engineers ask intelligent questions and understand networking problems. And OSI isn’t your only option–Russ digs into the RINA model and how it compares to OSI (which we covered... Read more »

In today’s episode, we address listener Kieren’s question about the differences between LAG, MLAG, MC-LAG, and stacking. We tackle the nuances of Link Aggregation (LAG) and the Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and explain their roles in redundancy and bandwidth efficiency. We also discuss the complexities and differences among vendors and overall benefits of Multi-Chassis... Read more »

It’s history day on N Is For Networking! We learn about the development of IPv6 directly from Bob Hinden, one of the pioneers who made it happen. Bob discusses his journey from early work on ARPANET to his significant contributions to IPv6. We also cover the transition from IPv4, the challenges faced during IPv6’s creation,... Read more »

On today’s episode, we’re explaining high-speed Ethernet lanes at the request of listener Matthew. We cover lanes, channels, and their physical representation in networking – think actual cables. We explain both 40Gb and 100Gb technologies and compare them to Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). We also have a discussion on standards and practical implications for... Read more »

Today’s topic is the default gateway, essential for routing traffic between networks. We explain its purpose, configuration, and the consequences of incorrect settings. Using home networks as an example, Ethan and Holly illustrate how default gateways enable devices to communicate with external networks. The discussion also covers routing tables, subnet masks, and the differences between... Read more »

When building your network and buying equipment, is performance or cost more important? On today’s episode, we discuss the balance between performance and cost in selecting networking equipment. We also cover other considerations, including why you should understand client and network needs, the fluid nature of pricing, and the necessity of creative problem-solving. Bonus material: ... Read more »

Packet analysis can be your friend for troubleshooting network problems. In this episode, hosts Ethan Banks and Holly Metlitzky explore packet analysis, They discuss tools such as Wireshark and Tcpdump, explain their functionalities, and talk about the importance of filtering data for effective analysis. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Wireshark and other tools  themselves.... Read more »

Network engineers should be familiar with the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, a framework for understanding network communications. On today’s show, Ethan and Holly delve into each of the model’s seven layers to discuss their functions, associated protocols, and practical implications for modern networking. They also talk about how the OSI model is, in fact,... Read more »

What are the most essential topics to understand for a new networkers? Ethan Banks and Holly Metlitzky address a listener’s question about foundational topics, covering what a network is, the differences between packet-switched and circuit-switched networks, and the nature of the internet as a “network of networks.” They discuss the importance of Internet Protocol (IP),... Read more »

Today we explore Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). This topic was prompted by a question from college student Douglas. We’ll explain the fundamental concepts of VLANs, such as their role in segmenting and managing network traffic, and the technical details for implementation. We’ll also address key topics including VLAN tags, access and trunk ports, and... Read more »