What is TFTP vs FTP?

TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) are both protocols used for transferring files over a network, but they differ significantly in their features and capabilities. TFTP is a simpler, lightweight protocol designed for basic file transfer operations, whereas FTP is a more comprehensive protocol that supports a wider range of functionalities, … Read more

What is OSPF and why is it used?

OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a dynamic routing protocol used in computer networks to efficiently exchange routing information between routers. It calculates the shortest path to destination networks based on link costs and network topology, using a link-state routing algorithm. OSPF is widely used in large-scale networks due to its scalability, fast convergence, and … Read more

What are the 4 types of ARP?

ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) primarily operates at Layer 2 (data link layer) of the OSI model and is responsible for resolving IP addresses to MAC addresses within a local network segment. It does not strictly correspond to either Layer 3 or Layer 4 but is essential for facilitating communication between devices on the same network. … Read more

How does BGP use TCP?

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) uses TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) as its transport layer protocol for several reasons. TCP provides reliable, connection-oriented communication between BGP peers, ensuring that BGP messages are delivered accurately and in sequence. BGP relies on TCP’s mechanisms such as error detection, retransmission of lost packets, and flow control to maintain a stable … Read more

What is ARP used for?

ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is used in computer networking to map IP addresses to MAC addresses within a local network segment. Its primary function is to resolve or discover the hardware (MAC) address of a device based on its IP address. This allows devices to communicate directly on the same subnet without relying on higher-layer … Read more

What is EIGRP and why is it used?

EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) is a Cisco-developed routing protocol used within autonomous systems. It efficiently calculates routes and supports both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. EIGRP uses a metric based on bandwidth and delay by default, aiming to provide efficient routing and quick convergence in networks. EIGRP is used primarily for routing within autonomous … Read more

What is BGP and why is it used?

BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is a standardized exterior gateway protocol used to facilitate the exchange of routing and reachability information between different autonomous systems (ASes) on the internet. Unlike interior gateway protocols (IGPs) that operate within a single AS, BGP operates as an interdomain routing protocol, allowing routers in different ASes to exchange routing information … Read more

What is ICMP in the OSI model?

ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) operates at the Network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model. It is designed to support network-layer functions in IP networks, providing error reporting, diagnostics, and control messages. ICMP messages are encapsulated within IP packets and are used by network devices to communicate information about network conditions, errors, and status … Read more

What is MPLS and why is it used?

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a protocol-agnostic routing technique designed to efficiently direct data packets along predetermined routes across a network. It is used primarily in telecommunications and internet service provider (ISP) networks to improve the speed and efficiency of data transmission. MPLS operates by assigning short labels to data packets, which are used to … Read more

What is ICMP used for?

ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is primarily used for diagnostic and control purposes in IP networks. It allows network devices to exchange messages to report errors, provide feedback on network conditions, and manage network operations. ICMP messages are integral to network troubleshooting, facilitating tasks such as ping (Echo Request and Echo Reply), traceroute (path tracing), … Read more