What is PPP, PPPoA and PPPoE?
PPP was designed to provide a connection between two devices. PPP comes with options including encryption, authentication and data compression. PPPoA is the standard for connection over an ADSL network. PPPoE is the standard for connection over an Ethernet network. More ...
The OSI Network Layer
The Network layer (OSI layer 3) uses routable protocols to deliver data packets to networks connected through routers. Routing is the process of moving data packets from one network or network segment to another. More ...
IPv6 Packet Fragmentation
Unlike in IPv4, an IPv6 router does not fragment a packet unless it is the source of the packet. The fields used in the IPv4 header for fragmentation do not exist in the IPv6 header. More ...
Pv6 Myths
There are several misperceptions or myths regarding IPv6. IPv6 has been around quite some time, initially introduced in 1995 with RFC 1883 and later obsoleted with RFC 2460 in 1998. Over the years, as IPv6 evolved and as people discussed the merits of the new protocol, certain misconceptions ensued. More ...
Free eBook: Introduction to 802.11 Wireless
The growth of wireless mobile devices is incredible. If you're an IT professional you'll need to understand wireless technology. This free ebook by Aaron Balchunas explains everything from radio frequency to wireless authentication protocols. More ...
Wireless Network Standards - 80211a, 80211b, 80211g, 80211n, 80216
This article describes the 80211a, 80211b, 80211g, 80211n, 80216, the current IEEE defined wireless protocol standards in use today, their bandwidth, maximum data rate, and coverage area. More ...
IPv6 Address Auto Configuration
When an IPv6 device first connects to a network, it can configure its own IPv6 address. It does this using a mechanism called MAC-to-EU164. More ...
Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), and Routing Convergence
A routing protocol advertises route information between routers. Dynamic routing protocols are available that allow a router's routing table to be updated as network conditions change. More ...
X.25 and Frame Relay Overview
Frame Relay originated as an extension of integrated services digital network (ISDN). Its designers aimed to enable a packet-switched network to transport over circuit-switched technology. The technology has become a stand-alone and cost-effective means of creating a WAN. More ...
A Simple Description of the IPv6 Header and Datagram
This article provides a simple description of the IPv6 header and datagram without a lot referring back to IPv4. More ...
PoE (Power Over Ethernet)
Say you want to mount a wireless access point (AP) on the ceiling. Although no electrical outlet is available, a switch feature called Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3at standard offers as much as 32.4W of power over a UTP cable. More ...
SYN-ACK Handshake to Establish a TCP Connection
TCP uses a SYN-ACK handshake to establish a connection. Three messages are required to establish a TCP connection between two hosts. More ...
Internet Protocol versions IPv4, IPv5 and IPv6
Internet Protocol is the part of the TCP/IP protocol that is responsible for addressing packets. IPv4 uses a 32-bit address IPv6 uses a 128-bit address. This article describes how IPv4 are converted to IPv6 addresses. More ...
IPv6 Multicast Addresses
An IPv6 multicast address defines a group of devices known as a multicast group. Unlike IPv4, there is no broadcast address in IPv6. Instead, IPv6 uses multicast. A packet sent to a multicast group always has a unicast source address. More ...
The OSI Physical Layer
The Physical layer (OSI layer 1) deals with the mechanical and electrical specifications of the network hardware. Layer 1 specifications define connectors, pin-outs, signal voltages, and related software. More ...
