Cisco

How to Setup VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) on Cisco Switches In our last article about VLAN’s (Read ore about it on the What is a VLAN? How to Setup a VLAN on a Cisco Switch article), we learned about how VLAN’s provide greater performance and security for your LAN. Unfortunately, if you have more than…

Preventing network loops with Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) 802.1d Have you ever had a loop in your LAN?  You don’t want one and neither do your users.  A loop in your LAN can bring down the whole network.  You can avoid a loop by using Spanning Tree protocol (STP).  Let’s find out what Spanning Tree is,…

The ping command is irreplaceable when it comes to troubleshooting. At some point, you will undoubtedly use this command to solve a networking problem. But how do you properly use this command in the Cisco IOS? There is more to it than you might think. What Are The Basics of Ping? The ping command works…

Most Cisco devices do not have a graphical Web-based interface by default.  You must configure them from the command line using the serial-based console port on the switch or router.  While there are a variety of serial terminal emulation programs available, most people use HyperTerminal to do this because it is included free with Windows. …

In Part 1 of this article, we explained how access-lists work. In this article, we’ll take a sample network and explain how to create and apply an access-list. Remember that an Access-List (ACL) is used to specify network traffic. Once you specify traffic with an ACL, you can then do a variety of things with…

A Cisco IOS Access-List (ACL) is used to specify network traffic. Once you specify traffic with an ACL, you can then do a variety of things with it. For example, you could allow it, deny it, limit it, or use it to restrict routing updates. In this article, we will learn the basics of Cisco…

Your company is connected to the Internet, right? (everyone nod your head yes) So what WAN protocol do you use to connect to the Internet? Chances are, that if you have a T1 leased line to the Internet or a private network between locations, you use one of these three WAN Protocols: HDLC, PPP, or…

So many new or aspiring network administrators have asked me “what is the best router to use to learn the Cisco IOS?”, or “what is the best router to use to practice for your CCNA exam?”, or even, “what is the best router to use to connect your home or small business to the Internet?”….

Just like any important server on your network, Cisco routers and switches need to be periodically backed up. You don’t want your router to crash one day, get a replacement, and spend days trying to recreate the configuration file. To prevent this, make sure you backup your configurations with TFTP. Let’s find out how to…

Why is your router’s Ethernet interface called Ethernet0/0 on one router but Ethernet 3/0 on another router? Where do these names come from? This article will explain how Cisco router interfaces get their names. Where do Router Interfaces get their names? Router interfaces get their names when the router boots.  A “device discovery” takes place…