STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) in routing and switching is a network protocol used to prevent loops in Ethernet networks where multiple paths between switches could cause broadcast storms and network instability. STP operates by dynamically selecting a single “root bridge” among interconnected switches and then disabling redundant paths to ensure a loop-free topology. It accomplishes … Read more
Port forwarding is used to redirect incoming network traffic from one port on a router or firewall to another port on a different device or server within a private network. It enables external users or devices to access specific services or applications hosted on devices behind the router or firewall. Common applications include hosting websites, … Read more
WAN, or Wide Area Network, traditionally refers to a network that spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple local area networks (LANs) or individual devices across different locations. It typically relies on dedicated hardware such as routers and leased lines to transmit data between sites. SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network, is a newer technology … Read more
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is primarily used for identifying and communicating with devices within a local network. It serves as a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces, such as Ethernet cards or Wi-Fi adapters, by manufacturers. MAC addresses are used at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model to facilitate … Read more
The term “default gateway” refers to a network device or router that serves as an access point or intermediary between devices on a local network and external networks, such as the internet. It acts as the gateway through which networked devices can communicate with devices outside their immediate network segment. The default gateway is essential … Read more
The subnet mask for a /25 network is 255.255.255.128. This corresponds to 25 bits allocated for the network portion of the IP address, leaving 7 bits for host addresses within each subnet. This subnet mask effectively divides the IP address space into smaller subnetworks, each capable of accommodating up to 126 usable IP addresses. A … Read more
Commonly used network services encompass a range of functionalities that facilitate communication, resource sharing, and access to information across networks. These services include: Email: Email services enable users to send and receive messages electronically over networks, often using protocols like SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) for sending and IMAP/POP3 for receiving emails. Email is widely … Read more
Netstat is used for a variety of network monitoring and diagnostic tasks. One primary use is to display active network connections, both incoming and outgoing, along with corresponding protocol information such as TCP or UDP. This functionality helps administrators and users identify which services are communicating over the network, monitor established connections, and understand the … Read more
Network services encompass a broad range of functionalities provided by computer networks to facilitate communication, resource sharing, and access to distributed resources. These services play crucial roles in enabling users and devices to interact, collaborate, and access information across networks. Some key functions of network services include: Communication: Network services enable users to communicate and … Read more
Ping works by sending ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) echo request packets to a specified destination, typically a remote host or server. The ICMP echo request asks the destination to send an ICMP echo reply back to the sender. When the destination receives the echo request, it responds with the echo reply if it’s configured … Read more