internet

What is a networking packet?

As we use the internet to send and receive data, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanics that allow this to happen. One of the most fundamental components of this process is the packet. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at packets, how they are used on the internet, and why they are so important. In conclusion, packets are the heartbeat of the internet, playing a critical role in enabling the flow of data over the network. Whether you...

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A tool to find out if BGP is lying to you

APNIC has a bog article on detecting “bgp lies”. https://blog.apnic.net/2021/05/24/a-tool-to-detect-bgp-lies/Do you ever wonder whether you can really trust other networks, such as your provider(s) and peers? More precisely, wouldn’t you like to be able to tell if the traffic you send always flows through the paths received in the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)? Could it be that, for some prefixes, the forwarding path might differ?

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Common ISP outage causes

Over the years I have been able to narrow the most common reasons a service provider goes down or has an outage. This is, by no means, an extensive list.   Let’s jump in. Layer1 outages Physical layer outages are the easiest and where you should always start. If you have had any kind of formal training you have ran across the OSI model.  Fiber cuts, equipment failure, and power are all physical layer issues.  I have seen too many engineers spend time looking...

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New Speed Test server for Patreons

This content is for Patreon subscribers of the j2 blog. Please consider becoming a Patreon subscriber for as little as $1 a month. This helps to provide higher quality content, more podcasts, and other goodies on this blog.To view this content, you must be a member of Justin’s Patreon at $4 or more Unlock with PatreonAlready a qualifying Patreon member? Refresh to access this content.

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The problem with speedtests

Imagine this scenario. Outside your house, the most awesome superhighway has been built.  It has a speed limit of 120 Mile Per Hour.  You calculate at those speeds you can get to and from work 20 minutes earlier. Life is good.  Monday morning comes, you hop in your 600 horsepower Nissan GT-R, put on some new leather driving gloves, and crank up some good driving music.  Your pull onto the dedicated on-ramp from your house and are quickly cruising at 120 Miles an...

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J2 briefing: Zayo acquisition, more wifi6, NTIA changes

Hello, welcome to Monday May 13th 2019, my name is Justin and this is the ISP news you need to know. Zayo to be Acquired https://investors.zayo.com/news-and-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2019/Zayo-Announces-Definitive-Agreement-to-be-Acquired-by-Digital-Colony-and-EQT/default.aspx Zayo to be acquired by Digital Colony Partners and EQT Infrastructure fund for $14.3 Billion in cash.  This continues the trend of telecom companies being bought by equity funds.  This is what it appears at least. Cnet article on WIFI6 https://www.cnet.com/news/wi-fi-6-and-what-it-means-for-you/#ftag=CAD590a51e A few weeks I did an article on WIFI6.  CNET has a broader overview for those...

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