Alta Labs releases IpSec “Turbo”
1.5a Released on 06/03/2026 https://forum.alta.inc/t/route10-firmware-1-5a-released/6754
More from Packets DownRange
Networking guides, field notes, and updates from Justin Wilson.
Mikrotik quietly adds features to the Winbox package updates
Mikrotik has added some new features to system…packages as far as updating goes. More info to come soon.
What PoE+++ Is and Why High-Power Ethernet Matters
Learn what PoE+++ is, how 802.3bt increases Ethernet power delivery, and why high-wattage PoE matters for Wi-Fi, cameras, switches, and ISP deployments.
Kids Visit to a Data Center Book is now published
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.
ARIN Consulting, IP Geolocation Corrections, and IPv6 Services
Need help with ARIN requests, IP geolocation corrections, IPv6 planning, or IP address management? Justin Wilson helps ISPs, data centers, and enterprises manage network resources.
IS AI the “killer app” IPv6 needs to further deployment?
AI agents change network traffic patterns completely. Instead of humans opening browsers and apps, autonomous systems start talking directly to APIs, databases, sensors, and other agents. IPv6 removes the address limitations and NAT complexity that break large-scale AI communication.
The Access Network and How the Last Mile Actually Works
Learn how ISP access networks work using fiber, Satellite, LTE, DOCSIS, and fixed wireless to deliver Internet to customers
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.
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