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!"
CCNA November 1, 2019

Introduction to Router Redundancy

A virtual router is a method to prevent a single point of failure at the default gateway. To implement virtual router redundancy, several routers are configured to work jointly as a single router to the hosts on the LAN. The routers share an IP address and a MAC address and act as a single virtual […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Understanding default gateway limitations in computer networks
CCNA November 1, 2019

Default Gateway Limitations: Impact on Connectivity and Performance

Hosts at the access layer of a hierarchical network take advantage of the alternate default gateways. If a gateway (router interface) fails, the hosts configured with that gateway are cut off from outside networks. A method is needed to provide alternate default gateways in switched networks where two or more routers are connected to the […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
CCNA October 31, 2019

How to Troubleshoot Spanning-Tree Protocol

In most networks, the best Spanning-Tree Protocol topology is determined as part of the network blueprint. The Spanning-Tree Protocol is implemented by configuring Spanning-Tree Protocol priority and cost values. Several things could go wrong. You can expect something, but your switches can give you something different. Situations also occur when the Spanning-Tree Protocol was not […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
CCNA October 30, 2019

How to Configure Spanning-Tree Mode – Rapid PVST+

The default configuration of the spanning-tree protocol (STP) on a Catalyst 2960 Series switch is PVST+. A Catalyst 2960 series switches support PVST+, Rapid PVST+, and MST, but only one version can be active for all VLANs. Rapid PVST+ is the Cisco execution of RSTP supporting RSTP on a per-VLAN basis. We can control the […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
CCNA October 29, 2019

What is PVST+ Load Balancing? – Exclusive Explanation

Network load balancing is the technique to manage traffic across a network without the use of complex routing protocols such as BGP. Network Load Balancing divide load across multiple links, which use the network resources more efficiently and avoid network overload. Load balancing may be accomplished through software or hardware. Now, look at the topology […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Network diagram showing spanning tree configuration with bridge IDs and VLANs
CCNA October 28, 2019

How to Configure PortFast and BPDU Guard – Explained

The switch port directly connected to an end station cannot create bridging loops. So, the port can rapidly enter the forwarding state by skipping the listening and learning state. Portfast is a Cisco proprietary solution that allows the switch port to skip the listening and learning state and immediately enter the forwarding state. It is […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Network diagram showing spanning tree configuration with bridge IDs and VLANs
CCNA October 27, 2019

How to Configure Spanning-Tree Bridge ID – Briefly Explained

When configuring a specific switch as a Root Bridge, the bridge ID priority value must be adjusted to be lower than the bridge priority values of all the other switches on the network. There are two different methods for configuring the bridge priority value on a Cisco Catalyst switch. Method 1 To ensure the switch […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
CCNA October 26, 2019

What is RSTP and Rapid PVST+: Exclusive Details

RSTP- IEEE 802.1w is the advanced version of STP, providing faster convergence than CST but holding with the same single root bridge in the topology. Most parameters in RSTP are the same as STP, so users who understand STP can effortlessly configure the RSTP. Rapid PVST+ is the Cisco proprietary of RSTP on a per-VLAN […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
CCNA October 25, 2019

What is PVST+ – Exclusive Explanation

The original IEEE 802.1D standard spanning tree protocol assumes only one spanning-tree instance for the entire switched network, regardless of the number of VLANs. A network running cannot ensure load balancing because one uplink must block for all VLANs but the CPU is free because there is only one instance of spanning tree working. The […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
CCNA October 24, 2019

Explain Types of Spanning-Tree Protocols

Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) ensures network availability with redundant paths without a loop. Several types of spanning-tree protocols have appeared since the original IEEE 802.1D. The default spanning-tree mode for Cisco Catalyst switches is PVST+, which is enabled on all switch ports. The different types of spanning-tree protocols are:- Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) The STP is the […]
Asad Ijaz Read More
Forum