Packets DownRange
Product and software reviews as well as Certification topics, education resources for ISP-focused and network-focused readers. New Product launches
What’s new in 4.3 (2026-Jul-20 10:14): *) app: add Windows for arm64 version in file WinBox_Windows_arm64.zip;*) form: make multiline input field height logic as in WinBox v3;*) table: add quick comment feature (allow multi-row commenting);*) table: allow opening “Table settings” also via right mouse click;*) table: calculate implicit height to fit 16 regular rows including … Read more
Ever wondered what the effects of different combinations of PPPoE, GRE, and others have on the MTU of a packet? I am excited to announce the first of many J2 Network tools: the J2SW MTU and Encapsulation Calculator. You select the service MTU and the encapsulation used on the path. The calculator then works out … Read more
I am starting a type of blog post, I will start working into the rotation. These will be aimed at quick knowledge you should know along with an action. In our busy lives we don’t have time to read through 3 pages of text to do soemthign that takes less time to do than it … Read more
Justin Wilson announces his second children’s networking book, A Kid’s First Visit to an Internet Exchange. Follow Sam as he learns how networks meet, peer, and move Internet traffic.
Say that 3 times. I like these keystone style parch panels because they save so much time. No more punching down. https://amzn.to/4g3tJ8W
The Alta Labs Route10 includes dynamic routing support through FRRouting (FRR). This article walks through a complete BGP configuration example using private ASNs, a test prefix advertisement, inbound community tagging, and route filtering. It also covers where to access the FRR shell within the Route10 interface and how to verify that the BGP session is operating correctly.
1.5a Released on 06/03/2026 https://forum.alta.inc/t/route10-firmware-1-5a-released/6754
Mikrotik has added some new features to system…packages as far as updating goes. More info to come soon.
In this book, the character Sam visits a data center and learns about its facilities and operations. My primary aim is to convey information about the real infrastructure powering the modern Internet without making it boring or confusing.
From Cambium This email is to inform you that within the next ~24 hours, Cambium expects to release a new 25.0.1 as a replacement for 25.0. Cambium became aware of a longstanding issue for potential javascript execution on log pages. 25.0 was also discovered to have a bug with Technician level user access being allowed … Read more
In this interview, Dan discusses how Preseem helps wireless and fiber operators worldwide improve network quality of experience and streamline operations. The conversation covers how AI is being integrated into customer support roles to help non-technical staff handle complex tasks more effectively. Dan shares insights on current market trends for 2026, emphasizing AI’s natural application … Read more
PL stands for “Private Line.” It’s a Motorola trade name for what the industry calls CTCSS, which means Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System. In simple terms, a PL is a low-frequency tone your radio sends along with your voice.