BGP Communities Explained for Regional ISPs and IX Networks
How BGP communities help ISPs control inbound traffic, reduce costs, and steer routes between peers without relying on AS path prepending.
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MTO, MPO cables, and what they mean for modern connectivity
Learn how MPO and MTP fiber cables are used in modern data centers for 100G and 400G networking, breakout connections, structured cabling, and high-density fiber deployments.
EVPN-VXLAN for Regional ISPs: Extending Layer 2 Without Spanning Tree
Large VLAN domains depend on spanning tree. Every topology change triggers recalculation and temporary forwarding loss. EVPN-VXLAN replaces large Layer 2 domains with routed underlays and distributed MAC learning. Regional ISPs use this to connect data centers, IX edge infrastructure, and broadband aggregation networks without stretching spanning tree across sites VXLAN encapsulates Ethernet frames inside … Read more
Understanding Leaf and Spine Switching in Modern Data Centers
A leaf-and-spine design is a data center network topology that removes the traditional three-tier hierarchy and treats every path equally. Traditional three-tier networks build layers like access, distribution, and core. This structure creates choke points when traffic has to move northbound through specific devices. A leaf and spine fabric flattens that design so every leaf … Read more
Layer 2 protocols you should know as a network person
Layer 2 protocols you should know as a network person
I achieved my Alta Labs Altitude 1000 Certificate
I’m happy to share that I’ve obtained a new certification: Altitude 1000
Russ White:Computer Network Design Complexity
Russ White is teaching a class over at O’Reilly about Computer Network Design Complexity and Tradeoffs.
“Path Hunting” in BGP
2 minutes read time Author: Justin Wilson Path hunting in BGP shows up when the network loses a route and has to figure out what comes next. You do not usually notice it during steady state. You notice it when traffic starts taking odd paths, and latency does not line up with what you expect. … Read more
Packets Down Range #40:Mike Hammett on data centers , Streamline, Aspire
Welcome to Packets Down Range #40. Lots of projects are going on here. I have been behind on getting these out.
Defining the network edge for modern networks
The network edge is one of those terms that sounds precise until you try to pin it down. Ask a few engineers where the edge is, and you will get a few different answers.
Data Center tool kits every technician should have
Anyone who has been to a data center has run into the problem of not having the correct tool. In this article, I discuss various tools you should have