Skip to main content

New Series: A-Z Protocols

Image created by ChatGPT

So far, I have finished two certifications: A+ and Network+. Do you want to know some of my favorite parts from studying for both exams? Protocols. 

If you look at the exam objectives for any CompTIA exam, you will notice that there are many port numbers, protocols, and plenty (nailed the alliteration) of abbreviations and acronyms you could be tested on. It can feel like a whirlwind to remember each one. If that's not enough, some acronyms are spelled the same but have entirely new meanings. I mean think about when you hear STP, what do you think of first?

Spanning Tree Protocol

Spanning Tree Protocol

Shielded Twisted Pair

Shielded Twisted Pair


I am starting a new series: an A-Z of Protocols, Ports, and Acronyms. I will go down the alphabet list discussing some of the most popular, useful, and historical terms used in the IT field. There will be:
  •  Definitions
  •  Examples
  •  Demos
  •  Troubleshooting Tips

This is my first time doing something like this and I'm excited to learn about ones I've never really heard of yet that keep (or have kept) our networks alive, past, present, and future. Whether you are preparing for a certification, troubleshooting in a home lab, or reminiscing on previous work on legacy systems, I hope you can join me along on this ride and learn together.

Is there a protocol that you would like to see explained? Feel free to drop the name in the comments!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Subnets: Key to Network Organization

Whether it is a to-do list or a big project, organization is key. We have busy lives. The task in itself can have several parts or may require some sort of collaboration with a partner or a team. A project may call to meet deadlines, which means keeping up with those crucial dates and having a system of order. Similarly, our networks are busy, transferring a great deal of data across links and nodes. The amount of traffic generated can lead to bottlenecks, packet loss, and delays. A network’s design can vary in complexity, depending on the environment or needs of a customer. Just as we find a manageable way to handle heavy workloads, our networks have a way of efficiently handling network traffic by creating "mini-networks" within our network. This process is called subnetting.   Why We Subnet To reduce congestion. Just as traffic in cities cause slowdowns and delays, too much traffic can lead to bottlenecks, packet loss, and delays. Subnetting breaks the netwo...

How to Set Up a Cisco Router as a DHCP Server (Step-by-Step Guide)

Lab time! Want to build a DHCP server?  In this lab, I will show you how to build your own DHCP server on a router using Cisco Packet Tracer, as shown above. By the end of this post, you will be able to create your own DHCP server with a Cisco 2911 router, perhaps in a home lab setting, and prepare you to build your own on other hardware.  Why a Router?  A DHCP server is a centralized, automated service that assigns important network configuration details to devices on a network, such as IP addresses. Without it, we would have to create manual entries for our entire network, which can be time-consuming and lead to errors. Traditionally, there are dedicated servers to handle these functions. There are many ways to implement a DHCP server in your topology, including a dedicated physical server, a virtual machine, cloud-based gateways, and firewalls. However, there are specific benefits to using a router as your DHCP server: Reduced infrastructur...

Why I Chose Networking: My 5 Whys

Image created by ChatGPT I recently rewatched an episode of The Art of Network Engineering where hosts Andy Lapteff  and William Collins  interviewed Muna Chimso about his dual experience in networking and programming. In their conversation, Andy asked a thought-provoking question:  "Why doesn't anybody want to go into networking?" It's a valid question. I have met people who struggle with networking, but that's not the point. Many are drawn to other fields: cybersecurity, programming, AI & machine learning, the cloud ... the list goes on. I reflected on the question for myself. What drew me to networking? Here are my 5 answers. Maybe you can relate. 1. Networking is everywhere Everything relies on a network. Think about it: our smartphones, operating systems, and driverless cars all rely on a network for communication. Because it is so pervasive, understanding networking can make troubleshooting quicker and easier. Improving your home network can be exciti...