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 ping and traceroute for verifying inter-VLAN routing between Host1 (VLAN 100) and Host2 (VLAN 200) via a router with fa0/0 interface.
CCNA August 24, 2019

Verifying Inter-VLAN Routing Using Ping and Tracert Commands

Inter-VLAN routing enables communication between devices on different VLANs, a critical concept. Verifying host-to-host connectivity ensures proper configuration and operation of inter-VLAN routing. This article explores the ping and tracert utilities, essential tools for network engineers to test connectivity and troubleshoot issues. When configuring the Inter-VLAN routing, we must verify the host-to-host connectivity and data […]
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CCNA August 24, 2019

Router-on-Stick Inter-VLAN Routing – Exclusive Explanation

In a previous lesson, legacy inter-VLAN routing requires multiple physical interfaces on the router and the switch. However, in the ‘Router-on-stick’ configuration, only one physical interface is needed on both sides. The Router-on-a-stick allows routing packets to subnets associated with VLANs connected to a router 802.1Q trunk. The Router-on-Stick uses a VLAN trunking configuration and […]
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Network diagram illustrating Legacy Inter-VLAN Routing with a Cisco 2950 switch and a router, showing VLAN 100 (192.168.100.0/24) and VLAN 200 (192.168.200.0/24) connected via FastEthernet ports.
CCNA August 24, 2019

Master Legacy Inter-VLAN Routing (Updated 2025)

As we learned, each VLAN usually works on its own subnet. The network switches mainly work at layer 2 of the OSI model, so they do not examine the logical addresses. Therefore, for traffic between VLANs, inter-VLAN routing is required. The Legacy Inter-VLAN routing is the first solution for traffic between different VLANs. It relies […]
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Diagram comparing Distance Vector and Link-State routing protocols, featuring routers, topology, routing tables, LSAs, and SPF algorithm — ideal for CCNA/CCNP learners.
CCNA August 24, 2019

What is Dynamic Routing Algorithms (Updated 2025)

Dynamic routing is a networking technique that provides optimal data routing. The network administrators and engineers configure a dynamic routing protocol on the network interfaces. The protocol running on the router learns about other routers automatically and also dynamically exchanges routing information with other routers. Dynamic routing protocols perform several activities, including network discovery and […]
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CCNA August 24, 2019

Master How to configure Static Route – IPv4 and IPv6 (Updated 2025)

We can configure static or dynamic routes after configuring directly connected interfaces. Static routes are manually configured and provide a clear path between two networking devices. However, they must be manually reconfigured if the network topology changes, which is the main disadvantage of static routes. It is more secure and efficient than dynamic routes. It […]
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Diagram illustrating Administrative Distance (AD) in Cisco networking with EIGRP (AD 90), OSPF (AD 110), and a table of default AD values for route sources.
CCNA August 23, 2019

What is Administrative Distance – Explain

In network environments, routers often receive multiple routes to the same destination from different sources, such as routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, EIGRP, RIP), static routes, or directly connected networks. To select the most trustworthy route, Cisco routers use Administrative Distance (AD), a critical concept in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum. This article explains AD’s […]
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Diagram illustrating equal-cost load balancing and EIGRP unequal-cost load balancing with routers R1, R2, and R3.
CCNA August 23, 2019

What is Network Load Balancing

Routers use administrative distance (AD) to prioritize routes learned from different routing protocols when multiple paths to a destination exist. AD is a value assigned to each routing protocol, with lower values indicating higher preference (e.g., EIGRP AD is 90, OSPF AD is 110). If multiple paths exist within the same protocol (same AD), the […]
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Illustration showing three connected routers with a laptop and server, depicting routing paths using solid and dashed lines on a teal background with the title "Router Path Selection".
CCNA August 23, 2019

Mastering Router Path Selection: Best Path Determination (Updated 2025)

Understanding how routers select the best path for packet forwarding is a cornerstone of networking and a key topic for CCNA and CCNP certification exams. Routers use their routing tables to determine the optimal path based on metrics like administrative distance and protocol-specific values. This article dives into the mechanics of path selection, including directly […]
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Illustration depicting Cisco router interface settings verification using CLI commands. A terminal window with “Router# show interfaces” and a Cisco router icon with a checkmark emphasize diagnostics, configuration validation, and network reliability.
CCNA August 20, 2019

How to Verify Interface Settings

As a network engineer, ensuring that Cisco router interface settings are correctly configured is critical for maintaining network performance, security, and reliability. Verifying these settings involves checking interface settings status, IP configurations, duplex settings, and other parameters to ensure they align with the network design. This article provides a step-by-step guide to verifying Cisco router […]
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