Here are some knowledge base articles I have generated as references to my other posts:
- Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attackA man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a cybersecurity attack where an attacker secretly intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two parties who believe they are directly communicating with each other. In this attack, the attacker positions themselves between the sender and the recipient, essentially “eavesdropping” on the communication flow. Here’s how a typical man-in-the-middle attack works: MITM attacks can occur in various scenarios, such as on public Wi-Fi networks, compromised routers or switches, or through DNS spoofing, where the attacker manipulates the DNS (Domain Name System) to redirect traffic to a malicious server. To protect against man-in-the-middle attacks, it is…
- MIMOs or Spatial StreamsThe terms 2×2, 3×3, and 4×4, when related to a wireless access point (WAP) or Wi-Fi device, refer to the number of spatial streams supported by the device’s antenna configuration. It indicates the number of simultaneous data streams that can be transmitted and received between the WAP and client devices. Let’s break it down: It’s important to note that for optimal performance, both the WAP and the client device need to support the same number of spatial streams. For example, if you have a 3×3 WAP, but your client device only supports 2×2 MIMO, the connection will be limited to…
- Non-Blocking ThroughputThe total non-blocking throughput of a network switch refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted simultaneously without any bottlenecks or congestion within the switch. It indicates the switch’s capacity to handle the aggregate traffic across all its ports. In a non-blocking switch, the switching fabric (internal architecture) is designed in such a way that it can handle the maximum data rate for all ports concurrently, ensuring that there are no data collisions or delays. Essentially, it means that every port on the switch can transmit and receive data at full speed simultaneously without any performance degradation….
- VLANA VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a virtual network created within a network switch. It allows you to logically divide a physical network into multiple isolated broadcast domains, even though the devices may physically be connected to the same switch. VLANs provide several benefits, including improved network security, enhanced performance, and simplified network management. When you create a VLAN on a network switch, you are essentially segmenting the switch into separate virtual switches, each with its own broadcast domain. Devices within the same VLAN can communicate with each other as if they were connected to the same physical network,…
- OpenVPNOpenVPN is an open-source virtual private network (VPN) protocol and software application that provides secure and encrypted communication over untrusted networks, such as the internet. It is widely used for creating secure connections between remote users or branch offices and a central network infrastructure. OpenVPN uses a client-server architecture, where the OpenVPN server is installed on a central network or VPN gateway, and the OpenVPN client is installed on the devices that need to establish a secure connection. The protocol operates on the Transport Layer (Layer 4) of the OSI model and supports various encryption algorithms and authentication methods. Key…
- Dual-WANDual-WAN (Wide Area Network) refers to a networking setup or feature that allows a device, typically a router, to simultaneously utilize two separate WAN connections for internet connectivity. WAN connections are typically provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and can include technologies such as Ethernet, DSL, cable, fiber optic, or wireless connections. In a dual-WAN configuration, the router is equipped with two WAN ports, each connected to a different internet connection. The router intelligently manages the traffic between these two connections, providing several benefits: Dual-WAN configurations are commonly used in small and medium-sized businesses, remote offices, or residential setups where…
- Computer RacksA computer rack, also known as a server rack or equipment rack, is a specialized enclosure or framework designed to hold and organize various IT equipment, servers, networking devices, and other electronic components. It provides a centralized and structured environment for housing and managing these devices. A computer rack typically consists of a metal frame with mounting slots or holes at regular intervals, called rack units (U). The most common rack unit height is 1.75 inches (44.45 mm). The equipment to be installed is placed within the rack and secured using screws or other mounting mechanisms. Racks can vary in…
- Switch ChipsA switch chip, also known as an Ethernet switch chip or network switch chip, is an integrated circuit (IC) designed specifically for network switches. It provides the necessary functionality to enable the routing and switching of data packets between different network devices connected to the switch. In the context of a router, a switch chip is important for its LAN ports because it allows the router to function as a switch as well. Here’s why it’s important: Overall, a switch chip in a router’s LAN ports allows for effective traffic management, port expansion, optimized local network connectivity, and simplified network…
- PoE – Power Over EthernetPoE, PoE+, and Passive PoE are different implementations of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, which allows electrical power to be transmitted along with data over Ethernet cables. This eliminates the need for separate power cables and simplifies the installation of network devices. It’s important to note that when using PoE or PoE+, you need compatible network devices (both the switch and the powered device) that support the respective PoE standard to ensure proper power delivery and device operation.
- iPhone Wi-Fi CapabilitiesStarting with the iPhone XR and up to the most recent models, Apple’s iPhones support both Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standards. It’s worth noting that even if an iPhone supports Wi-Fi 6, the actual performance benefits will depend on the network infrastructure and the capabilities of the router or access point it is connected to. For optimal Wi-Fi 6 performance, it’s recommended to use a compatible Wi-Fi 6 router or access point.
- Galaxy and Pixel’s Wifi SupportSamsung and Google Pixel devices also support both Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standards. Here’s a breakdown for recent models: Samsung: Google Pixel: The actual performance benefits of Wi-Fi 6 will depend on the network infrastructure and the capabilities of the router or access point. For optimal Wi-Fi 6 performance, it’s recommended to use a compatible Wi-Fi 6 router or access point.
- Difference between Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6The main differences between Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) lie in their performance, speed, capacity, and efficiency. Here’s an overview of the key distinctions: 1. Speed and Throughput:Wi-Fi 5: Wi-Fi 5 supports a maximum data transfer rate of up to 3.5 Gbps in ideal conditions. It operates on the 5 GHz frequency band and offers substantial performance improvements over its predecessor, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). Wi-Fi 6: Wi-Fi 6 provides even higher speeds, with a maximum data transfer rate of up to 9.6 Gbps. It operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands and utilizes advanced technologies…
- Dual-Band vs Tri-Band Access PointsThe main differences between dual-band and tri-band wireless access points (WAPs) lie in the number of available frequency bands and the potential for increased network capacity. Here’s an overview of each: 1. Dual-Band Wireless Access Point:A dual-band WAP operates on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These bands have different characteristics that can impact network performance. – 2.4 GHz band: This band has a longer range and better penetration through walls and obstacles. However, it is more susceptible to interference from other devices like microwaves and cordless phones. The 2.4 GHz band provides broader coverage but may experience…
- VPN NetworksA VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure and encrypted connection that allows you to access the internet or other private networks while maintaining privacy and security. It creates a private tunnel between your device and the VPN server, encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through the server before reaching its destination. Here are some reasons why you might want a VPN network on your home internet connection: 1. Enhanced Privacy: A VPN adds an extra layer of privacy by encrypting your internet traffic. This prevents your ISP (Internet Service Provider), government agencies, or other potential snoopers from monitoring…
- Managed Vs. UnManaged Wireless NetworksThe main difference between a managed and unmanaged wireless access point (WAP) lies in the level of control and features they offer for network management. Here’s an overview of each: 1. Unmanaged Wireless Access Point:An unmanaged WAP is a basic plug-and-play device that operates independently without any centralized control or management interface. It provides a wireless connection to devices but typically lacks advanced features and configuration options. Unmanaged WAPs are generally suitable for small-scale deployments or home networks where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are prioritized. They are typically easy to set up and require minimal technical knowledge. Key characteristics of unmanaged…
- WPA2, WPA3 and Wireless Network SecurityWPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) and WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) are security protocols used to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access and secure the data transmitted over them. Here’s an overview of both protocols: 1. WPA2:WPA2 is the predecessor to WPA3 and has been widely used as the primary security protocol for Wi-Fi networks. It provides strong encryption and authentication mechanisms to safeguard wireless communications. WPA2 supports two main security modes: – WPA2-Personal (WPA2-PSK): This mode uses a pre-shared key (PSK) that is shared among all devices connected to the network. It employs the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for…
- Mesh Networks and Extending Wireless CoverageA mesh network is a type of wireless network architecture that consists of multiple interconnected devices, called nodes, working together to extend wireless coverage. Unlike a traditional wireless network setup where devices connect directly to a central access point, a mesh network allows devices to communicate with one another and dynamically route data between nodes to reach the intended destination. In the context of extending wireless coverage, a mesh network can be used to address areas in your home or office where the wireless signal from a single wireless access point (WAP) may be weak or inaccessible. Here’s how it…
- Carrier-grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT)Carrier-grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT) is a technique used by internet service providers (ISPs) to alleviate the shortage of available public IPv4 addresses. Due to the exponential growth of internet-connected devices, the pool of available IPv4 addresses has become limited. CGNAT allows multiple customers to share a single public IPv4 address by translating their private IP addresses to a smaller set of public IP addresses. However, CGNAT can introduce certain constraints and challenges when trying to use VPN or other services: To overcome these challenges, there are a few possible solutions: It’s important to note that CGNAT is a temporary…
- Designing a wired network best practicesHere are some best practices for designing a wired network in a small office or home office, including planning for wireless networks: Remember, these best practices provide a foundation for designing a wired network in a small office or home office. It’s always recommended to consult with a professional network engineer or IT consultant for a more tailored approach based on your specific requirements.
- NSA Best PracticesIn February 2023 the National Security Agency (NSA) published a Cybersecurity Information Sheet, detailing Best Practices for Securing your Home Network, available here: https://media.defense.gov/2023/Feb/22/2003165170/-1/-1/0/CSI_BEST_PRACTICES_FOR_SECURING_YOUR_HOME_NETWORK.PDF There are 14 different topics that I will cover is