Understanding Switch Trunk Ports: Cisco vs. Dell and Other Vendors
In modern networking, switch trunk ports play a vital role in ensuring smooth communication across VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). While the concept of a trunk port is consistent across networking vendors, the implementation details can vary. In this blog …
What is the Global BGP Routing Table?
The Global BGP Routing Table is a comprehensive database that contains all the IP address prefixes (routes), which are advertised by ASNs, and the associated paths to reach them across the internet.
Securing MikroTik Routers with SSH Keys
This blog post walks you through the steps to configure SSH key-based authentication on MikroTik routers with practical examples.
Setting Up a BGP Peer with Mikrotik RouterOS Version 7
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is an essential protocol for internet routing, enabling autonomous systems (AS) to communicate and exchange routing information. Mikrotik RouterOS Version 7 introduced significant enhancements to its BGP implementation, making it more powerful and versatile. This guide …
Understanding Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) in BGP
A critical component of BGP’s functionality is the Autonomous System Number (ASN). But what exactly is an ASN, and why is it so important?
How Does TCAM Work in Routers?
In a previous post, I asked if TCAM is still needed in modern routers. In this post, I will examine how TCAM works in routers and provide some more insight into TCAM. In a router, TCAM stores and processes rules …
How Route Servers Work on an Internet Exchange Point (IXP)
In the world of Internet connectivity, Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) play a crucial role in facilitating efficient traffic exchange between networks. Within this ecosystem, route servers act as intermediaries to streamline the process of establishing connections, known as peering, between …
Overview of OSPF and BGP Differences and why
Having done consulting for years I saw many instances where BGP, especially ibgp, was used where OSPF would have been a better fit. Sometimes, this was for a specific reason; sometimes, it was just not knowing better. I am from …
Understanding the Different Types of OSPF Areas: A Guide
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is one of the most widely used link-state routing protocols in large enterprise networks, known for its scalability and efficiency in handling complex topologies. One of the key features that makes OSPF flexible is its …