N Is For Networking

Dive into the world of IPsec, the go-to protocol for securing internet traffic! Learn how it authenticates and encrypts communications, ensuring trust and secrecy. Discover its practical applications in SD-WAN and the challenges of key management. Explore the impact of quantum computing on encryption and the advantages of MACsec over IPsec. Unravel the complexities of integrating IPsec with NAT and tackle troubleshooting tips. This engaging discussion brings clarity to a tech essential that’s crucial for modern networking.

Ethan and Holly bring you the last installment of the OSPF series discussing OSPF area types. They discuss why OSPF areas exist, do a quick recap of what OSPF areas actually are, and then introduce the different types of OSPF areas.  Lastly, see if you can answer Ethan’s rapid-fire OSPF questions. Episode Transcript: This episode... Read more »

We ask listeners for follow up and you’ve sent it in. On today’s show we respond to listener comments and corrections on tunneling, the link aggregation control protocol, link aggregation in general, and DHCP options. We also talk about the network engineering certification journey. If you’ve got a “Well, actually” or any other follow up,... Read more »

Ethan and Holly continue their OSPF journey this week with OSPF Network Types. They discuss the two main OSPF network types used today: the broadcast and point to point networks. They also explain designated routers, backup designated routers, and when those are used and why. Lastly they discuss some soft skills – knowing your vendor... Read more »

Our OSPF series continues with a look at OSPF neighbor formation and related timers. We talk about the five major packet types that carry information among OSPF routers, how OSPF routers become neighbors, how they negotiate link-state database exchanges, keep-alive messages, and how they negotiate designated and backup routers when multiple devices are on the... Read more »

By popular request (and now that we have some other background topics covered) we start our series on the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing protocol. We kick off the series with OSPF basics including Link State Advertisements, Link State Database, and other related essentials. We’ll explore additional OSPF topics over subsequent episodes. This week’s... Read more »

If you need to route in your network, you can program static routes into all your routing-capable devices. And this can work. But at some point, you’re probably going to want to switch to a dynamic routing protocol. On today’s N Is For Networking, Ethan and Holly discuss the differences between static and dynamic routes,... Read more »

Discover the fascinating world of network topologies, from leaf/spine to hub and spoke designs. Learn how these configurations influence traffic management and network efficiency. Dive into the critical last mile of connectivity, which links homes to the internet, and explore the essential role of content delivery networks in streaming services. Understand the growing significance of edge networks in reducing latency for various industries. Join the conversation on evolving networking concepts and community engagement.

Discover the four essential goals of network design: stability, speed, scalability, and security. The hosts share insights on navigating design challenges and the importance of collaboration with specialists. They delve into the nuances of network latency and the significance of investing wisely based on specific needs. Scalability strategies are also discussed, highlighting how simple, efficient designs can accommodate future growth. Finally, the necessity of regular maintenance and community engagement is emphasized to enhance overall network performance.

We wanted to do an episode on SD-WAN, but realized we needed to set the stage for how wide-area networking developed. That’s why today’s episode is a history lesson of the Wide Area Network (WAN). We talk about how WANs emerged, public and private WANs, how WANs connect to LANs and data centers, the care... Read more »