BGP: What is the no_export Community?
In this post, I will dive into what the no_export attribute is, how it works, and when you should use it.
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Using Point-to-Point OSPF and example configurations
In this post, I will break down what OSPF point-to-point mode is, when to use it, and why it might be your best option.
Vendor Quirks & Common Pitfalls in BGP Configuration
In this post, I walk through some key quirks and common pitfalls you might encounter when configuring BGP on MikroTik RouterOS (v6 & v7), Cisco IOS, Juniper Junos, and Arista EOS.
Why ISP-Specific Training is Critical to…well duh…ISPs. Part 1
ISP-specific training focuses on the unique challenges and technologies Internet Service Providers face. Unlike general networking or CompTIA-style certifications, this type of training zeroes in on real-world field scenarios
MikroTik vs Cisco: How BGP varies between platforms. The 10,000 foot view
MikroTik vs Cisco: How BGP Works on Each Platform When it comes to Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), both MikroTik and Cisco routers offer powerful capabilities to participate in dynamic interdomain routing. However, there are some significant differences in configuration syntax, defaults, feature sets, and operational behavior between the two platforms. Whether you’re migrating between them … Read more
Packets Down Range #36: BlueBird, Cisco, HOUIX
Summer is finally here in Indiana. The leaves are green, the birds are chirping, and the Internet is humming along. Let’s get right into PDR #36. Interconnection & Data Center News•KC-IX/HOUIX expands into Fibertown. •Rich Miller shares his top 5 data center podcasts. ISP News•Emergent and Microsoft connect to deliver IoT. •Comcast unveils Gateway for … Read more
Cisco BGP Troubleshooting: Essential Commands Every Network Engineer Should Know
When BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) misbehaves, the ripple effect can be massive—routes disappear, prefixes flap, and connectivity grinds to a halt. Whether you’re managing a large enterprise edge or an ISP core, knowing how to quickly diagnose BGP issues on Cisco routers is critical. Here’s a hands-on guide to the most useful Cisco IOS BGP … Read more
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 post, we’ll explore what a trunk port is, why it’s used, and how Cisco, Dell, … Read more
What is a Data Center Interconnect
As you become more familiar with Cisco Data Center terminology, you will encounter the term DCI. A DCI is a Data Center Interconnect. DCIs typically fall into three categories. Dark Fiber (CWDM/DWDM)MPLS Layer 2 VPN (VPWS/VPLS)MPLS Layer 3 VPN A DCI is basically a LAN extension over one of the above methods.
Packets Down Range #31: Hedge Podcast, Microsoft, Cisco, Arista.
It’s been a busy almost spring so far. One of the highlights of the past few months was being invited to do a Hedge Podcast with Russ White and Tom Ammon. It was a great time. We talked about the unpopular opinion of accepting prefixes smaller than /24. On to other news… Data Center News … Read more
How to prepare for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam
Before diving into the study strategies, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of the CCNA exam: Now, let’s explore a comprehensive study approach for success in the CCNA exam: Gather Study MaterialsAcquire the necessary study materials, including official Cisco CCNA study guides, video courses, practice exams, and virtual labs. Ensure that the resources you choose … Read more
What is BGP next-hop-self and why you should care?
In this blog post, we’ll demystify the concept of next-hop-self in BGP, why it’s crucial, and how it affects routing decisions. What Is Next-Hop-Self in BGP? In BGP, the “next hop” is the IP address used to reach a particular network or destination. The “next-hop” IP address is vital for making routing decisions and forwarding … Read more