network performance Archives

Understanding default gateway limitations in computer networks

Default Gateway Limitations: Impact on Connectivity and Performance

Posted on November 1, 2019 by Asad Ijaz

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… Read more

How to Configure Spanning-Tree Mode – Rapid PVST+

Posted on October 30, 2019 by Asad Ijaz

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… Read more

Network diagram showing spanning tree configuration with bridge IDs and VLANs

How to Configure Spanning-Tree Bridge ID – Briefly Explained

Posted on October 27, 2019 by Asad Ijaz

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… Read more

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.

How to Verify Interface Settings

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Asad Ijaz

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… Read more

Cisco switch port configuration diagram showing duplex and speed settings for Ethernet ports.

Mastering Duplex and Speed Settings for Ethernet Switches in 2025

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Asad Ijaz

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… Read more