N4N017: Routing Fundamentals

N Is For Networking

24:35

It’s the very first episode of The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr and our first guest is Phil Wang! And Phil’s subgenre is…This Place is Evil. We’re talking psychological torture, we’re talking gory death scenes, we’re talking Lorraine Kelly?! The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr is a brand new comedy podcast where each week a different celebrity guest pitches an idea for a film based on one of the SUPER niche sub-genres on Netflix. From ‘Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s’ to ‘Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead’, our celebrity guests will pitch their wacky plot, their dream cast, the marketing stunts, and everything in between. By the end of every episode, Jimmy Carr, Comedian by night / “Netflix Executive” by day, will decide whether the pitch is greenlit or condemned to development hell! Listen on all podcast platforms and watch on the Netflix Is A Joke YouTube Channel . The Big Pitch is a co-production by Netflix and BBC Studios Audio. Jimmy Carr is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer, touring his brand-new show JIMMY CARR: LAUGHS FUNNY throughout the USA from May to November this year, as well as across the UK and Europe, before hitting Australia and New Zealand in early 2026. All info and tickets for the tour are available at JIMMYCARR.COM Production Coordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries Production Manager: Mabel Finnegan-Wright Editor: Stuart Reid Producer: Pete Strauss Executive Producer: Richard Morris Executive Producers for Netflix: Kathryn Huyghue, Erica Brady, and David Markowitz Set Design: Helen Coyston Studios: Tower Bridge Studios Make Up: Samantha Coughlan Cameras: Daniel Spencer Sound: Charlie Emery Branding: Tim Lane Photography: James Hole…

about a year ago 49:48

MP3•Episode home

On today’s N Is For Networking, we explore the fundamentals of routing, focusing on layer 3 of the OSI model. We explain the concepts of routers, routing tables, and routing protocols, and discuss why it’s important to have a firm grasp of these concepts before you tackle advanced topics such as VXLAN and EVPN. Today’s... Read more »

30 episodes

#Tech #Packet Pushers

N4N017: Routing Fundamentals

N Is For Networking

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

30 episodes

#Tech #Packet Pushers

All episodes

1
N4N029: Four Goals of Network Design 1:04:17

2 days ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Let’s explore four goals of network design: stability, speed, scalability, and security. These goals are based on Ethan’s experience designing, building, and operating networks. Network architects and design experts might have other objectives, and that’s fine, but these four goals are the basis of today’s episode. Ethan and Holly discuss why these four goals are ... Read more »…

1
N4N028: The Wide World of WANs 1:01:13

9 days ago1:01:13

1:01:13

We wanted to do an episode on SD-WAN, but realized we needed to set the stage for how wide-area networking developed. That’s why today’s episode is a history lesson of the Wide Area Network (WAN). We talk about how WANs emerged, public and private WANs, how WANs connect to LANs and data centers, the care ... Read more »…

1
N4N027: Tunneling Quirks & Features 48:42

16 days ago48:42

48:42

On today’s show, we’re going to dig deeper into tunnels and explore some of the quirks and features of tunnels. This week we’ll discuss maximum transmission units (MTUs), maximum segment size, IP fragmentation and more. Today’s bonus material is more RFCs – RFC 4821 and RFC 8899. Episode Links: What Is a Tunnel? – N ... Read more »…

1
N4N026: What Is a Tunnel? 53:43

23 days ago53:43

53:43

Let’s dig into tunnels. While some network engineers may want to quibble, a tunnel is when you put one packet inside of another packet to carry it across a network (frames also come into the picture, so hold off on your follow-ups for now). On today’s N Is For Networking, Ethan and Holly explore this ... Read more »…

1
N4N025: DHCP – Someone Get Me an Address! 56:43

30 days ago56:43

56:43

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) assigns an IP address to a host that joins a network, along with other information necessary for the host to communicate. DHCP also has more to it, so this week’s episode is meant to be a solid introduction to this essential network protocol. We first discuss what it is ... Read more »…

1
N4N024: DNS Security, Record Types, and Reverse DNS 49:19

5 weeks ago49:19

49:19

This week we continue with DNS. In our last episode we covered the basics; today we expand our scope to cover topics such as security for DNS, reverse DNS, and DNS record types. For dessert this week, a serving of Raspberry Pi and Happy Eyeballs. Episode Links: DNS: Turning Names into Numbers – N Is ... Read more »…

1
N4N023: DNS – Turning Names Into Numbers 48:01

6 weeks ago48:01

48:01

The Domain Name System (DNS) keeps the Internet running. On today’s N Is For Networking podcast, we talk about how DNS transforms human-readable host names into IP addresses so that Internet traffic can be sent to the right place. We talk about root name servers, Top Level Domains (TLDs), and other elements of the DNS ... Read more »…

1
N4N022: SNMP Fundamentals 57:40

7 weeks ago57:40

57:40

Following last week’s introduction to network monitoring, we discuss the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), one of the most implemented types of network monitoring. We discuss how it is organized, operations that SNMP can perform, and versions of SNMP. This week’s bonus conversation is a discussion on the future for SNMP. Episode Links: MIB tree ... Read more »…

1
N4N021: Is It the Network? Network Monitoring Basics 56:03

8 weeks ago56:03

56:03

How do you know what is happening within your network, especially when something isn’t working? Network monitoring is the answer. On today’s show, we’ll start with the basics of network monitoring. We’ll cover what it is, how it’s used, and suggest some paid and open source network monitoring tools. This week’s bonus material is a ... Read more »…

1
N4N020: To Cert Or Not To Cert? 57:48

9 weeks ago57:48

57:48

To cert or not to cert? That is the question Holly & Ethan discuss on today’s episode. Will a certification really land you a networking job? Are certs the guaranteed path to tech career success? We consider this, talking through the benefits, challenges and even risks of networking industry certification. And there’s some bonus material, ... Read more »…

1
N4N019: Howdy, Neighbor! And Other Routing Stuff 42:36

10 weeks ago42:36

42:36

In today’s episode, we continue the discussion about routing and routing protocols by focusing on commonalities rather than differences among protocols such as OSPF, RIP, EIGRP, or BGP. We explain how, in general, routing protocols discover each other, communicate, maintain relationships, and exchange routing information. Next, we explore the topics of selecting best paths in ... Read more »…

1
N4N018: RIB vs. FIB & Administrative Distance or Route Preference 52:21

11 weeks ago52:21

52:21

Ready for more routing and routing protocols? Today we discuss the roles of the network operating system (NOS), routing protocols, the Routing Information Base (RIB), and the Forwarding Information Base (FIB). We also include the dynamics of routing protocols, the importance of hardware like TCAM for performance, and the concept of administrative distance or route ... Read more »…

1
N4N017: Routing Fundamentals 49:48

12 weeks ago49:48

49:48

1
N4N016: Routers Are Not Switches…Are They? 51:30

13 weeks ago51:30

51:30

The line between switches and routers can get a little blurry. On today’s N Is For Networking, we try to clear things up. We start by defining what a router and switch are, and then provide some historical and technical context to better understand the differences. Then we discuss how modern switches have evolved to ... Read more »…

1
N4N015: Spanning Tree Part 3 – Versions, States and Guards 41:58

14 weeks ago41:58

41:58

We’re back with the third and last (for now) installment of our spanning tree series. Today’s episode includes an explanation of spanning tree versions, 802.1D, 802.1w, 802.1s, and their practical implications for network design. The discussion then turns to BPDU guard for preventing loops and ensuring rapid connectivity. Bonus material on why you should or ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N014: Spanning Tree Part 2 – Root Bridge, Edge Port, Forwarding and Blocking 34:58

15 weeks ago34:58

34:58

Welcome to part 2 of our spanning tree series. We start with a quick review and then discuss root bridges, root ports, designated ports, and forwarding and blocked ports. We explain the impact of topology changes on spanning tree and network performance, and discuss how topology changes and convergence events are communicated. Last but not ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N013: Spanning Tree Part 1 – An Introduction and Broadcast Storms 52:33

16 weeks ago52:33

52:33

Spanning tree is a topic so mysterious and complicated that common advice is just to disable it. In today’s episode, we start a mini-series on spanning tree, hoping to better explain what it is and what it does. We begin with basic spanning tree terminology and its role in preventing loops in an Ethernet network. ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N012: Russ White On Why We Need Network Models 49:21

17 weeks ago49:21

49:21

Why do we need network models such as OSI? Network architect and author Russ White joins Holly and Ethan to talk about how network models can help engineers ask intelligent questions and understand networking problems. And OSI isn’t your only option–Russ digs into the RINA model and how it compares to OSI (which we covered ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N011: What’s the Difference Between LAG, MLAG, MC-LAG, and Stacking? 56:22

18 weeks ago56:22

56:22

In today’s episode, we address listener Kieren’s question about the differences between LAG, MLAG, MC-LAG, and stacking. We tackle the nuances of Link Aggregation (LAG) and the Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and explain their roles in redundancy and bandwidth efficiency. We also discuss the complexities and differences among vendors and overall benefits of Multi-Chassis ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N010: Why Was the Colon Chosen as a Delimiter in IPv6? 49:37

19 weeks ago49:37

49:37

It’s history day on N Is For Networking! We learn about the development of IPv6 directly from Bob Hinden, one of the pioneers who made it happen. Bob discusses his journey from early work on ARPANET to his significant contributions to IPv6. We also cover the transition from IPv4, the challenges faced during IPv6’s creation, ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N009: High-Speed Ethernet Lanes Explained 37:30

20 weeks ago37:30

37:30

On today’s episode, we’re explaining high-speed Ethernet lanes at the request of listener Matthew. We cover lanes, channels, and their physical representation in networking – think actual cables. We explain both 40Gb and 100Gb technologies and compare them to Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). We also have a discussion on standards and practical implications for ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N008: What Is a Default Gateway? 34:15

21 weeks ago34:15

34:15

Today’s topic is the default gateway, essential for routing traffic between networks. We explain its purpose, configuration, and the consequences of incorrect settings. Using home networks as an example, Ethan and Holly illustrate how default gateways enable devices to communicate with external networks. The discussion also covers routing tables, subnet masks, and the differences between ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N007: Performance vs. Cost 25:46

25 weeks ago25:46

25:46

When building your network and buying equipment, is performance or cost more important? On today’s episode, we discuss the balance between performance and cost in selecting networking equipment. We also cover other considerations, including why you should understand client and network needs, the fluid nature of pricing, and the necessity of creative problem-solving. Bonus material: ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N006: Packet Analysis Basics 34:12

25 weeks ago34:12

34:12

Packet analysis can be your friend for troubleshooting network problems. In this episode, hosts Ethan Banks and Holly Metlitzky explore packet analysis, They discuss tools such as Wireshark and Tcpdump, explain their functionalities, and talk about the importance of filtering data for effective analysis. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Wireshark and other tools themselves. ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N005: The Sort-of-Useful OSI Model 31:59

26 weeks ago31:59

31:59

Network engineers should be familiar with the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, a framework for understanding network communications. On today’s show, Ethan and Holly delve into each of the model’s seven layers to discuss their functions, associated protocols, and practical implications for modern networking. They also talk about how the OSI model is, in fact, ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N004: Essential Topics in Networking: Ethernet, NAT, and More 43:10

28 weeks ago43:10

43:10

What are the most essential topics to understand for a new networkers? Ethan Banks and Holly Metlitzky address a listener’s question about foundational topics, covering what a network is, the differences between packet-switched and circuit-switched networks, and the nature of the internet as a “network of networks.” They discuss the importance of Internet Protocol (IP), ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N003: What’s a VLAN? 30:50

29 weeks ago30:50

30:50

Today we explore Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). This topic was prompted by a question from college student Douglas. We’ll explain the fundamental concepts of VLANs, such as their role in segmenting and managing network traffic, and the technical details for implementation. We’ll also address key topics including VLAN tags, access and trunk ports, and ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N002: Bandwidth and Latency Explained 24:42

30 weeks ago24:42

24:42

In this episode of N Is For Networking, co-hosts Ethan Banks and Holly Metlitzky take a question from college student Douglas that turns into a ride on the networking highway as they navigate the lanes of bandwidth and latency. Ethan and Holly define the concepts of bandwidth and latency and discuss current data transfer protocols ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N001: Frames and Packets: What’s the Difference? 16:53

31 weeks ago16:53

16:53

Frames and packets: how are they different and why is it important to know those differences? On this first episode of N Is For Networking, join co-hosts Holly Metlitzky and Ethan Banks to learn the fundamentals about frames and packets, plus some bonus material on layers and addresses. N Is For Networking is the newest ... Read more »…

N Is For Networking

1
N4N000: Announcing N is For Networking – A New Podcast for the New Network Engineer 18:47

35 weeks ago18:47