Networking¶

in Networking
4 min read

QoS: Prioritising Traffic for Smooth Performance

Part 18 of the networking and home lab series.

Picture this: you're on an important video call, and suddenly, your screen freezes. Or maybe you're in the middle of a heated online game, and your character lags just as you're about to secure victory. Annoying, right? This is where Quality of Service (QoS) comes into play. It's the unsung hero working behind the scenes to ensure your critical network traffic gets the red-carpet treatment it deserves.

in Networking
4 min read

How the Internet Actually Works (ISPs, IXPs, Routing)

Part 17 of the networking and home lab series.

Introduction

Imagine the internet as a sprawling metropolis, full of roads, bridges, and highways. It's vast, complex, and constantly buzzing with activity. But how does it all come together? This post will take you on a journey through the architecture of the internet, exploring the key components like ISPs, IXPs, and routing protocols that make it all tick.

in Networking
4 min read

VPNs: Secure Tunnels for Remote Access and Privacy

Part 16 of the networking and home lab series.

Ah, VPNs—those mysterious things that techies rave about and adverts promise will make you invisible online. But what are they really? Let's dive into the world of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and see how they work, why they matter, and how you can use them to boost your security and privacy.

in Networking
4 min read

Virtual LANs (VLANs): Network Segmentation 101

Part 15 of the networking and home lab series.

Ever found yourself buried under a pile of network cables, wondering if there's an easier way to manage your growing home network or small business setup? Well, you're in luck. Virtual LANs (VLANs) are like the Swiss Army knife for network segmentation, allowing you to slice and dice your network logically without splurging on extra hardware. This post will walk you through the basics of VLANs, why they matter, and how you can deploy them effectively in both home and business environments.

in Networking
3 min read

Encryption Basics: Protecting Data in Transit and at Rest

Part 14 of the networking and home lab series.

Ah, encryption. It's the secret sauce that keeps your data safe from prying eyes, much like a lock on your front door keeps out unwanted visitors. In this post, we'll take a stroll through the fundamental principles of encryption, touching on symmetric key methods, asymmetric encryption, and examples such as HTTPS and full-disk encryption. Whether you're new to this or just need a refresher, grab a brew, and let's dive in.

in Networking
4 min read

Authentication, Authorisation, Accounting (AAA)

Part 13 of the networking and home lab series.

In the world of network security, AAA doesn't stand for "Amateur Athletes Association" or anything to do with batteries, but rather, it represents a foundational concept: Authentication, Authorisation, and Accounting. These three pillars are essential in ensuring secure access to networks and data, whether you're managing an enterprise network or setting up a secure home environment.

in Networking
4 min read

Firewalls: What They Are and Why You Need One

Part 12 of the networking and home lab series.

Picture this: your network is like a bustling football stadium. You’ve got fans coming in and out, each with their own agenda. Some just want to enjoy the match (your regular traffic), while others might be up to no good (malicious actors). The firewall is your security team, checking tickets and ensuring only the right people get through. Without it, chaos reigns supreme.

in Networking
4 min read

Common Application Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, IMAP

Part 11 of the networking and home lab series.

Introduction

Imagine the Internet as a sprawling city. There are roads (networks) and buildings (servers), but what really matters to us are the services—shops, offices, and homes—that we access using these roads. Application-layer protocols are like the signposts and rules that guide us through this city to get what we need. They dictate how our data is packaged, sent, received, and interpreted across networks. Today, we'll take a tour of some popular ones: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, and IMAP. We’ll explore how they interact with users and why they're important.

in Networking
3 min read

DNS: The Internet's Directory Service

Part 10 of the networking and home lab series.

Introduction - What is DNS? (Domain Name System)

Imagine needing to call someone but only having their phone number. You'd have to remember every single one, which would make your brain ache more than listening to a manager who just discovered Agile! Luckily, we have phonebooks (or contact lists on mobiles these days), so we can use names instead of numbers.

in Networking
3 min read

TCP vs UDP: Choosing the Right Transport Protocol

Part 9 of the networking and home lab series.

In the world of networking, choosing the right transport protocol is a bit like picking the ideal vehicle for your journey. Need to transport delicate goods across town? Perhaps a well-sprung van would do. Racing against time? A nimble motorbike might be your best bet. Similarly, when it comes to data transmission over networks, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) are our two trusty steeds.