Best Ospf Podcasts (2025)

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N4N041: Switched Virtual Interface (SVI) and Integrated Routing and Bridging (IRB) 49:58

Play Pause

9d ago49:58

49:58

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a Switched Virtual Interface (SVI) and Integrated Routing and Bridging (IRB), today’s show is for you! Ethan Banks and Holly Metlitzky start with some history and the basics of communication between layer 2 and layer 3 and then explain how the concepts of SVI and IRB... Read more »…

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N4N040: Mock Interview for a Network Administration Job 1:03:15

25d ago1:03:15

1:03:15

The job interview is an inescapable part of a career journey. Today on N Is For Networking, we conduct a mock interview with a candidate who’s applying for a junior network administration role. The goal is to give Toni Mrowetz, our candidate, feedback. At the same time, we hope this helps anyone listening who might... Read more »…

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N4N039: Configuring an IPsec Tunnel 1:01:20

1M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

We dive back into the world of IPsec with an episode dedicated to configuring IPsec tunnels. After discussing a listener comment regarding transport mode in IPsec tunnels, Ethan Banks and Holly Metlitzky work through topics such as multi-vendor IPsec configuration, licensing, and the details of configuration and routing. Bonus material: MTU size an…

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N4N038: Well Actually 02 – OSPF Multi-Area and LSA Types 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

We got some interesting listener feedback from our series on OSPF, so today’s N Is for Networking is another “Well actually” episode where we dig into that feedback. In particular, we’ll cover a defense of OSPF multi-area deployments, and dig into OSPF LSA types. Episode Links: OSPF Basics – N Is For Networking Episode 38... Read more »…

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N4N037: IPsec Basics 58:11

2M ago58:11

58:11

It’s time to talk crypto. No, not the Bitcoin kind. Ethan and Holly introduce the basics of IPsec, the protocol that authenticates and encrypts traffic between endpoints. They discuss what it is, how it provides trustworthiness and secrecy to IP traffic, and common use cases. They review the different types of IPsec protocols and modes,... Read mor…

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N4N036: OSPF Area Types 1:08:51

3M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Ethan and Holly bring you the last installment of the OSPF series discussing OSPF area types. They discuss why OSPF areas exist, do a quick recap of what OSPF areas actually are, and then introduce the different types of OSPF areas. Lastly, see if you can answer Ethan’s rapid-fire OSPF questions. Episode Transcript: This episode... Read more »…

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N4N035: Well Actually . . . Listener Comments and Corrections 46:35

3M ago46:35

46:35

We ask listeners for follow up and you’ve sent it in. On today’s show we respond to listener comments and corrections on tunneling, the link aggregation control protocol, link aggregation in general, and DHCP options. We also talk about the network engineering certification journey. If you’ve got a “Well, actually” or any other follow up,... Read m…

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N4N034: OSPF Network Types 43:10

3M ago43:10

43:10

Ethan and Holly continue their OSPF journey this week with OSPF Network Types. They discuss the two main OSPF network types used today: the broadcast and point to point networks. They also explain designated routers, backup designated routers, and when those are used and why. Lastly they discuss some soft skills – knowing your vendor... Read more »…

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N4N033: OSPF Neighbor Formation and Timers 56:52

4M ago56:52

56:52

Our OSPF series continues with a look at OSPF neighbor formation and related timers. We talk about the five major packet types that carry information among OSPF routers, how OSPF routers become neighbors, how they negotiate link-state database exchanges, keep-alive messages, and how they negotiate designated and backup routers when multiple devices…

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N4N032: OSPF Basics 56:47

4M ago56:47

56:47

By popular request (and now that we have some other background topics covered) we start our series on the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing protocol. We kick off the series with OSPF basics including Link State Advertisements, Link State Database, and other related essentials. We’ll explore additional OSPF topics over subsequent episodes. Thi…

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N4N031: When Is It Time For a Routing Protocol? 54:39

5M ago54:39

54:39

If you need to route in your network, you can program static routes into all your routing-capable devices. And this can work. But at some point, you’re probably going to want to switch to a dynamic routing protocol. On today’s N Is For Networking, Ethan and Holly discuss the differences between static and dynamic routes,... Read more »…

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N4N030: Network Shapes and Sizes 1:03:06

5M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

What shape is your network? In other words, what is its topology? On today’s episode, we discover the different types of network topologies and designs used in the enterprise, data center, and service provider networks. We cover leaf/spine, hub and spoke, point to point, mesh, and others. We also talk about how topologies affect traffic... Read mor…

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N4N029: Four Goals of Network Design 1:04:17

5M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Let’s explore four goals of network design: stability, speed, scalability, and security. These goals are based on Ethan’s experience designing, building, and operating networks. Network architects and design experts might have other objectives, and that’s fine, but these four goals are the basis of today’s episode. Ethan and Holly discuss why these…

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N4N028: The Wide World of WANs 1:01:13

5M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

We wanted to do an episode on SD-WAN, but realized we needed to set the stage for how wide-area networking developed. That’s why today’s episode is a history lesson of the Wide Area Network (WAN). We talk about how WANs emerged, public and private WANs, how WANs connect to LANs and data centers, the care... Read more »…

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N4N027: Tunneling Quirks & Features 48:42

6M ago48:42

48:42

On today’s show, we’re going to dig deeper into tunnels and explore some of the quirks and features of tunnels. This week we’ll discuss maximum transmission units (MTUs), maximum segment size, IP fragmentation and more. Today’s bonus material is more RFCs – RFC 4821 and RFC 8899. Episode Links: What Is a Tunnel? – N... Read more »…

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N4N026: What Is a Tunnel? 53:43

6M ago53:43

53:43

Let’s dig into tunnels. While some network engineers may want to quibble, a tunnel is when you put one packet inside of another packet to carry it across a network (frames also come into the picture, so hold off on your follow-ups for now). On today’s N Is For Networking, Ethan and Holly explore this... Read more »…

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N4N025: DHCP – Someone Get Me an Address! 56:43

6M ago56:43

56:43

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) assigns an IP address to a host that joins a network, along with other information necessary for the host to communicate. DHCP also has more to it, so this week’s episode is meant to be a solid introduction to this essential network protocol. We first discuss what it is... Read more »…

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N4N024: DNS Security, Record Types, and Reverse DNS 49:19

6M ago49:19

49:19

This week we continue with DNS. In our last episode we covered the basics; today we expand our scope to cover topics such as security for DNS, reverse DNS, and DNS record types. For dessert this week, a serving of Raspberry Pi and Happy Eyeballs. Episode Links: DNS: Turning Names into Numbers – N Is... Read more »…

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N4N023: DNS – Turning Names Into Numbers 48:01

6M ago48:01

48:01

The Domain Name System (DNS) keeps the Internet running. On today’s N Is For Networking podcast, we talk about how DNS transforms human-readable host names into IP addresses so that Internet traffic can be sent to the right place. We talk about root name servers, Top Level Domains (TLDs), and other elements of the DNS... Read more »…

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N4N022: SNMP Fundamentals 57:40

7M ago57:40

57:40

Following last week’s introduction to network monitoring, we discuss the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), one of the most implemented types of network monitoring. We discuss how it is organized, operations that SNMP can perform, and versions of SNMP. This week’s bonus conversation is a discussion on the future for SNMP. Episode Links: MIB…

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N4N021: Is It the Network? Network Monitoring Basics 56:03

7M ago56:03

56:03

How do you know what is happening within your network, especially when something isn’t working? Network monitoring is the answer. On today’s show, we’ll start with the basics of network monitoring. We’ll cover what it is, how it’s used, and suggest some paid and open source network monitoring tools. This week’s bonus material is a... Read more »…

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N4N020: To Cert Or Not To Cert? 57:48

7M ago57:48

57:48

To cert or not to cert? That is the question Holly & Ethan discuss on today’s episode. Will a certification really land you a networking job? Are certs the guaranteed path to tech career success? We consider this, talking through the benefits, challenges and even risks of networking industry certification. And there’s some bonus material,... Read m…

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N4N019: Howdy, Neighbor! And Other Routing Stuff 42:36

7M ago42:36

42:36

In today’s episode, we continue the discussion about routing and routing protocols by focusing on commonalities rather than differences among protocols such as OSPF, RIP, EIGRP, or BGP. We explain how, in general, routing protocols discover each other, communicate, maintain relationships, and exchange routing information. Next, we explore the topic…

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N4N018: RIB vs. FIB & Administrative Distance or Route Preference 52:21

8M ago52:21

52:21

Ready for more routing and routing protocols? Today we discuss the roles of the network operating system (NOS), routing protocols, the Routing Information Base (RIB), and the Forwarding Information Base (FIB). We also include the dynamics of routing protocols, the importance of hardware like TCAM for performance, and the concept of administrative d…

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N4N017: Routing Fundamentals 49:48

8M ago49:48

49:48

On today’s N Is For Networking, we explore the fundamentals of routing, focusing on layer 3 of the OSI model. We explain the concepts of routers, routing tables, and routing protocols, and discuss why it’s important to have a firm grasp of these concepts before you tackle advanced topics such as VXLAN and EVPN. Today’s... Read more »…

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N4N016: Routers Are Not Switches…Are They? 51:30

8M ago51:30

51:30

The line between switches and routers can get a little blurry. On today’s N Is For Networking, we try to clear things up. We start by defining what a router and switch are, and then provide some historical and technical context to better understand the differences. Then we discuss how modern switches have evolved to... Read more »…

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N4N015: Spanning Tree Part 3 – Versions, States and Guards 41:58

8M ago41:58

41:58

We’re back with the third and last (for now) installment of our spanning tree series. Today’s episode includes an explanation of spanning tree versions, 802.1D, 802.1w, 802.1s, and their practical implications for network design. The discussion then turns to BPDU guard for preventing loops and ensuring rapid connectivity. Bonus material on why you …

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N4N014: Spanning Tree Part 2 – Root Bridge, Edge Port, Forwarding and Blocking 34:58

9M ago34:58

34:58

Welcome to part 2 of our spanning tree series. We start with a quick review and then discuss root bridges, root ports, designated ports, and forwarding and blocked ports. We explain the impact of topology changes on spanning tree and network performance, and discuss how topology changes and convergence events are communicated. Last but not... Read …

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N4N013: Spanning Tree Part 1 – An Introduction and Broadcast Storms 52:33

9M ago52:33

52:33

Spanning tree is a topic so mysterious and complicated that common advice is just to disable it. In today’s episode, we start a mini-series on spanning tree, hoping to better explain what it is and what it does. We begin with basic spanning tree terminology and its role in preventing loops in an Ethernet network.... Read more »…

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N4N012: Russ White On Why We Need Network Models 49:21

9M ago49:21

49:21

Why do we need network models such as OSI? Network architect and author Russ White joins Holly and Ethan to talk about how network models can help engineers ask intelligent questions and understand networking problems. And OSI isn’t your only option–Russ digs into the RINA model and how it compares to OSI (which we covered... Read more »…

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N4N011: What’s the Difference Between LAG, MLAG, MC-LAG, and Stacking? 56:22

9M ago56:22

56:22

In today’s episode, we address listener Kieren’s question about the differences between LAG, MLAG, MC-LAG, and stacking. We tackle the nuances of Link Aggregation (LAG) and the Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and explain their roles in redundancy and bandwidth efficiency. We also discuss the complexities and differences among vendors and …

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N4N010: Why Was the Colon Chosen as a Delimiter in IPv6? 49:37

9M ago49:37

49:37

It’s history day on N Is For Networking! We learn about the development of IPv6 directly from Bob Hinden, one of the pioneers who made it happen. Bob discusses his journey from early work on ARPANET to his significant contributions to IPv6. We also cover the transition from IPv4, the challenges faced during IPv6’s creation,... Read more »…

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N4N009: High-Speed Ethernet Lanes Explained 37:30

10M ago37:30

37:30

On today’s episode, we’re explaining high-speed Ethernet lanes at the request of listener Matthew. We cover lanes, channels, and their physical representation in networking – think actual cables. We explain both 40Gb and 100Gb technologies and compare them to Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). We also have a discussion on standards and pract…

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N4N008: What Is a Default Gateway? 34:15

10M ago34:15

34:15

Today’s topic is the default gateway, essential for routing traffic between networks. We explain its purpose, configuration, and the consequences of incorrect settings. Using home networks as an example, Ethan and Holly illustrate how default gateways enable devices to communicate with external networks. The discussion also covers routing tables, s…

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N4N007: Performance vs. Cost 25:46

11M ago25:46

25:46

When building your network and buying equipment, is performance or cost more important? On today’s episode, we discuss the balance between performance and cost in selecting networking equipment. We also cover other considerations, including why you should understand client and network needs, the fluid nature of pricing, and the necessity of creativ…

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N4N006: Packet Analysis Basics 34:12

11M ago34:12

34:12

Packet analysis can be your friend for troubleshooting network problems. In this episode, hosts Ethan Banks and Holly Metlitzky explore packet analysis, They discuss tools such as Wireshark and Tcpdump, explain their functionalities, and talk about the importance of filtering data for effective analysis. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Wire…

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N4N005: The Sort-of-Useful OSI Model 31:59

11M ago31:59

31:59

Network engineers should be familiar with the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, a framework for understanding network communications. On today’s show, Ethan and Holly delve into each of the model’s seven layers to discuss their functions, associated protocols, and practical implications for modern networking. They also talk about how the OS…

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N4N004: Essential Topics in Networking: Ethernet, NAT, and More 43:10

12M ago43:10

43:10

What are the most essential topics to understand for a new networkers? Ethan Banks and Holly Metlitzky address a listener’s question about foundational topics, covering what a network is, the differences between packet-switched and circuit-switched networks, and the nature of the internet as a “network of networks.” They discuss the importance of I…

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N4N003: What’s a VLAN? 30:50

12M ago30:50

30:50

Today we explore Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). This topic was prompted by a question from college student Douglas. We’ll explain the fundamental concepts of VLANs, such as their role in segmenting and managing network traffic, and the technical details for implementation. We’ll also address key topics including VLAN tags, access and trunk po…

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N4N002: Bandwidth and Latency Explained 24:42

12M ago24:42

24:42

In this episode of N Is For Networking, co-hosts Ethan Banks and Holly Metlitzky take a question from college student Douglas that turns into a ride on the networking highway as they navigate the lanes of bandwidth and latency. Ethan and Holly define the concepts of bandwidth and latency and discuss current data transfer protocols... Read more »…

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N4N001: Frames and Packets: What’s the Difference? 16:53

1y ago16:53

16:53

Frames and packets: how are they different and why is it important to know those differences? On this first episode of N Is For Networking, join co-hosts Holly Metlitzky and Ethan Banks to learn the fundamentals about frames and packets, plus some bonus material on layers and addresses. N Is For Networking is the newest... Read more »…

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N4N000: Announcing N is For Networking – A New Podcast for the New Network Engineer 18:47

1y ago18:47

18:47

Welcome to N Is For Networking, the newest podcast on the Packet Pushers network, where we explain the jargon, acronyms, and concepts of the networking industry in plain language. Your hosts are Holly Metlitzky, an industrial engineer and now a network sales engineer; and Ethan Banks, a veteran network engineer. Together, they’ll educate and help..…

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IPv6 RIPng dynamic routing

15+ y ago

—

The linked video demonstrates RIPng, our first dynamic routing protocol for IPv6. This is a simple but inefficient routing protocol. The metric is based on number of router hops, with no provision for differentiating between links with drastically different bandwidth (a frame-relay hop has the same cost as a 10-gig-ethernet in RIPng). Each router m…

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IPv6 Static Routing

16y ago

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In this hands-on exercise, we configure IPv6 addresses on 3 routers in a triangle. Then we configure IPv6 static routes to allow the 6 IPv6 subnets (3 loopback, 3 P2P links) to be accessible on all 3 routers. Static routes are easy to understand. At first glance they appear simple. You just manually configure which next-hop to go to for each subnet…

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The need for QOS versus Net Neutrality

16y ago

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In 2003, I made a VOIP call from home while downloading a large email attachment. The DSL line saturated and my audio quality became horrible while VOIP packets (and email packets) were being dropped. Doubling the bandwidth to my home would not have solved this problem. The email download would simply have been faster, but the VOIP call would still…

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IPv6 theory

16y ago

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The linked video introduces IPv6 theory. IPv6 is the 128-bit address replacement for IPv4. The Internet is expected to run out of it's 4-billion IPv4 addresses in 2012. IPv6 will replace IPv4 at the network-layer of the OSI stack. By replacing one layer in the stack, most applications and most layer-2 network devices will continue to function. IPv6…

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IOS Version Selection Tactics

16+ y ago

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The linked video provides guidance for optimal IOS version selection. The large number of IOS versions makes choosing the best version for your router or switch difficult. You must pick the most reliable version which includes the features you need. Different IOS "packages" have different features. For example, the "LAN base" package includes basic…

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IOS Access Control Lists

16+ y ago

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In this video demonstration, we show an example of writing IOS Access Control Lists (ACL's) on a home router. We use the revision control system (RCS) to maintain the master ACL file and push the ACL's to the router via TFTP. This is similar to many production networks, where maintaing comments and old revisions of ACL's is a requirement. We also s…

1
IOS DHCP and NAT

16+ y ago

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IOS routers can act as DHCP clients and DHCP servers. They can also function as Network Address Translation (NAT) devices. In this video we show a demonstration using a 2621 as a DHCP client, server, and NAT translation device for my home network. It's important to understand that most IOS routers have relatively slow CPU's. An IOS router is fine a…

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Hot Standby Router Protocol

16+ y ago

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In this episode we show a video demonstration of the hot standby router protocol. This is a Cisco proprietary redundancy protocol. The purpose is to allow two routers to share one virtual IP address on an access subnet/vlan. Hosts on the subnet can use the virtual IP for their default route. This way if one router goes down the redundant router wil…