Author: Asad Ijaz

NetworkUstad's lead networking architect with CCIE certification. Specializes in CCNA exam preparation and enterprise network design. Authored 2,800+ technical guides on Cisco systems, BGP routing, and network security protocols since 2018. Picture this: I'm not just someone who writes about tech; I'm a certified expert in the field. I proudly hold the titles of Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). So, when I talk about networking, I'm not just whistling in the dark; I know my stuff! My website is like a treasure trove of knowledge. You'll find a plethora of articles and tutorials covering a wide range of topics related to networking and cybersecurity. It's not just a website; it's a learning hub for anyone who's eager to dive into the world of bits, bytes, and secure connections. And here's a fun fact: I'm not a lone wolf in this journey. I'm a proud member and Editor of Team NetworkUstad. Together, we're on a mission to empower people with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. So, if you're ready to embark on a tech-savvy adventure, stick around with me, Asad Ijaz Khattak. We're going to unravel the mysteries of technology, one article at a time!"
Diagram illustrating the configuration of a static route with a next-hop address between Router0 and Router1, showing the 'ip route' command and routing table entry.
CCNA August 26, 2019

How to Configure Static Route with Next-Hop Address (Updated 2025)

Static routing is a fundamental skill for network engineers, essential for directing traffic in small to medium-sized networks or as a backup in dynamic routing environments. For students, understanding how to configure static routes using next-hop addresses is critical for mastering Cisco router configurations. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to configure static routes, understand […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Network topology diagram showing four routers (Router0 to Router3) with labeled IP addresses and next-hop connections
CCNA August 26, 2019

What is the Next-Hop in Networking?

The next-hop is a routing term referring to the neighboring router that a data packet can traverse next. It is part of a series of routers connected in a network and represents the next possible destination for a data packet. Each router maintains a routing table with a next-hop address, calculated based on the routing […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Diagram illustrating the syntax and parameters of the Cisco ip route command, including network address, subnet mask, next-hop IP address, administrative distance, route name, permanent flag, and tag number, designed for CCNA and CCNP study.
CCNA August 26, 2019

Master IP Route Command – Complete Explanation (Update 2025)

The ip route command is a fundamental tool used to configure static routes in Cisco networking devices. Static routes provide a secure and efficient way to direct traffic in small to medium-sized networks, improving performance and predictability. In this article, we’ll explore the ip route command, its syntax, parameters, and practical applications in detail, tailored […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Diagram showing a network topology with a host, Router3, Router1, Router2, and a web server, highlighting primary and floating static routes.
CCNA August 25, 2019

How to configure Floating Static Route

Static routes are manually configured paths in a router’s routing table, offering precise control over traffic flow. Unlike dynamic routing protocols like EIGRP or OSPF, static routes are ideal for small networks or backup scenarios. Floating static routes enhance this by serving as a backup path with a higher administrative distance (AD), activating only when […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Diagram illustrating summary static routes with Router R1 summarizing four networks (10.10.0.0, 10.10.1.0, 10.10.2.0, 10.10.3.0) into a single 10.10.0.0/22 route via Serial0/0/0 interface.
CCNA August 25, 2019

What is Summary Static Route? – Briefly Explained

Static routes are manually configured entries in a router’s routing table, directing traffic to specific destinations. Unlike dynamic routing protocols like OSPF or EIGRP, static routes offer simplicity and control, making them ideal for small networks or specific scenarios like stub networks or default gateways. For CCNA and CCNP students, mastering static routes and their […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Cisco network topology diagram showing stub router (Router0) connected to Switch1 and laptops, with core routers Router3, Router1, Router2, and IP subnets like 10.10.10/24 for illustrating stub networks and default routes.
CCNA August 25, 2019

What is Stub Network? – Introduction

As a network engineer preparing CCNA and CCNP students for real-world Cisco deployments, understanding stub networks and routers is crucial. These concepts help optimize routing in environments with limited paths, reducing unnecessary overhead from dynamic protocols. In this article, we’ll explore definitions, topology analysis, configuration examples, advantages, troubleshooting, and more. We’ll base our discussion on […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
CCNA August 25, 2019

Static Routing vs Dynamic Routing – Complete Explanation

Routing is the process of selecting paths in a network along which to send network traffic. It forms the backbone of all data communication in IP networks, enabling devices to exchange data across different networks. Routers, the critical devices in this process, forward packets based on the destination IP address, learning about remote networks through […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Diagram illustrating inter-VLAN routing using Switch Virtual Interface (SVI) on a Layer 3 switch connecting VLAN 100 (192.168.100.0/24) and VLAN 200 (192.168.200.0/24) with sample PCs.
CCNA August 25, 2019

What is Switch Virtual Interface (SVI) – Everything to Know

Switch Virtual Interfaces (SVIs) are a cornerstone of modern enterprise networking, enabling efficient inter-VLAN routing on multilayer switches. This guide, designed for CCNA and CCNP students, explores the evolution of Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, SVI configuration, verification, troubleshooting, and real-world applications. Whether you’re preparing for certification exams or deploying networks, this article provides […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Schematic diagram of Layer 3 switch enabling inter-VLAN routing with IP addresses between VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 in a Cisco network
CCNA August 25, 2019

Unlock Layer 3 Switches Mastery: Essential Cisco Guide for CCNA and CCNP Success in 2025

In the world of networking, understanding the OSI model’s Layer 3 is crucial for anyone preparing for CCNA (200-301) or CCNP Enterprise. This layer, known as the Network layer, handles logical addressing using protocols like IP and is responsible for packet forwarding between different networks, including path determination and routing through intermediate devices like routers. […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Network diagram for troubleshooting Inter-VLAN issues featuring Router01, Switch01, and VLAN-connected laptops.
CCNA August 25, 2019

Troubleshooting Inter-VLAN Issues – Briefly Explained

If you are using a legacy Inter-VLAN routing, ensure that the switch ports connecting to the router interface are configured in the correct VLAN. This is a very common issue with a switch port and requires troubleshooting. If a switch port is not configured to the correct VLAN, the devices on that VLAN cannot communicate […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Forum