Category: CCNA

Cisco Certified Network Associate certification resources

Cisco switch ports with Ethernet cables, illustrating Auto-MDIX automatic cable detection for straight-through and crossover connections.
CCNA June 5, 2019

What is Auto-MDIX Cisco? – Everything to Know

Auto-MDIX (Automatic Medium-Dependent Interface Crossover) is a feature supported on Cisco switches and routers that automatically detects and configures the required cable type (straight-through or crossover) for Ethernet connections. This eliminates the need for network administrators to select or use specific cables when connecting devices manually. Historical Context In the past, connecting two network devices...
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Cisco switch port configuration diagram showing duplex and speed settings for Ethernet ports.
CCNA June 5, 2019

Mastering Duplex and Speed Settings for Ethernet Switches in 2025

Duplex and Speed settings are the most basic settings for each switch port. By default, Cisco switches will auto-negotiate the speed and duplex settings. However, the switch port and connected devices, such as a computer or another switch, can mismatch the duplex and speed settings. Two types of duplex settings are used for communications on an...
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Close-up of Ethernet switch ports with data packets flowing, illustrating memory buffering concepts
CCNA June 5, 2019

Mastering Ethernet Switch Memory Buffering: Techniques for 2025 Networks

Ethernet switches employ memory buffering to manage data traffic efficiently, ensuring frames (data units) are temporarily stored when destination ports face congestion. Effective buffering is crucial to prevent frame loss, which can degrade network performance, increase latency, and trigger retransmissions, ultimately impacting user experience and reliability. This article explores buffering methods, their evolution, and their...
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Diagram illustrating the fundamentals of network switching and its components.
CCNA June 5, 2019

Switching Fundamentals – Everything to Know

An Ethernet switch is a Layer 2 device. Therefore, the switch uses MAC addresses for switching decisions. It is unaware of the protocol being carried in the data portion of the frame, such as an IPv4 packet. The Ethernet hub repeats bits out of all ports except the incoming port, but an Ethernet switch consults...
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Image illustrating the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) in network communication.
CCNA June 4, 2019

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)

The source host uses Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) to determine the destination MAC address. Although the destination MAC address can be a unicast, broadcast, or multicast, the source MAC address must always be unicast. Every device with an IP address on a network also has an Ethernet MAC address. When a device sends an Ethernet...
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Diagram illustrating unicast, multicast, and broadcast addresses in network communication.
CCNA June 4, 2019

Mastering Unicast, Multicast, and Broadcast Addresses in 2025

In Ethernet, Multicast, and Broadcast Addresses always describe a group of recipients. However, the unicast explains communication where data is sent from one point to another. Unicast Address A unicast address means a packet has been sent from a single source to a specific destination. All Ethernet and IP networks support unicast transmission. A unicast...
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Diagram illustrating the structure and function of a MAC address
CCNA June 4, 2019

Understanding MAC Addresses: Structure, Importance, and How to Find Them in 2025

A media access control address, or a device’s MAC address, is a worldwide unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller. It is also known as “hardware address” or “physical address” and is very important for communication within network segments. Most IEEE 802 network technologies, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, use a Media Access Control address for within-network...
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Diagram illustrating the structure and fields of an Ethernet frame.
CCNA June 4, 2019

Ethernet Frame Structure: A Guide to IEEE 802.3 in 2025

In 2025, the Ethernet frame structure, defined by IEEE 802.3, is the backbone of wired and wireless networking, enabling reliable data transfer in everything from smart homes to data centers. This guide explores the components of an Ethernet frame, their roles, and their relevance in modern networks like 400GbE and IoT. Overview of Ethernet Frame...
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Diagram illustrating the Data Link layer divided into LLC and MAC sublayers.
CCNA June 3, 2019

Understanding LLC and MAC Sublayers in the Data Link Layer (2025)

In 2025, the Data Link Layer is critical for reliable network communication, enabling devices to transfer data efficiently across wired and wireless networks. Its two sublayers—Logical Link Control (LLC) and Media Access Control (MAC)—play distinct roles in framing, addressing, and error control. This guide explores their functions, differences, and relevance in modern networking, from Ethernet...
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Illustration of an Ethernet port with the text "Different Ethernet Standards" on a blue background.
CCNA June 3, 2019

Ethernet Standards: The Backbone of Modern Networking in 2025

In 2025, Ethernet standards remain the cornerstone of reliable, high-speed networking for homes, businesses, and data centers. From streaming 8K videos to powering smart cities, Ethernet’s balance of speed, affordability, and scalability makes it the go-to technology for wired networks. This guide explores Ethernet’s evolution, key standards, and how to choose the right one for...
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