Pankaj Sharma’s Post

🔹 Access Port vs Trunk Port in Networking 🔹 In switching, ports are used to connect devices and carry VLAN traffic — but not all ports work the same. Here’s the difference 👇 ⚙️ Access Port Carries traffic for only one VLAN. Used to connect end devices like PCs, printers, or IP phones. Adds or removes VLAN tags automatically (frames are untagged when sent to devices). Example: Port assigned to VLAN 10 → all traffic from that port belongs to VLAN 10. ⚙️ Trunk Port Carries traffic for multiple VLANs at once. Used between switch-to-switch or switch-to-router connections. Frames are tagged with VLAN IDs (using IEEE 802.1Q). One VLAN (native VLAN) can remain untagged. 💡 In short: ➡️ Access Port = One VLAN (for end devices) ➡️ Trunk Port = Multiple VLANs (for inter-switch communication) #Networking #Switching #VLAN #AccessPort #TrunkPort #NetworkEngineer #CCNA #CCNP #NetworkBasics #DataCommunication #Cisco #NetworkAdmin #LAN #NetworkingCommunity #Ethernet #OSIModel #IT #ComputerNetworks #NetworkDesign #NetworkSupport #CyberSecurity #NetworkInfrastructure #NetworkingWorld #TechLearning #ITInfrastructure #NetworkExperts #NetworkingFundamentals #NetworkConfiguration #SwitchingConcepts

🚀 Network Lab Task | Build Network Topology Configuration & Security Implementation 🌐 Designed and configured a complete enterprise-level network topology in Cisco Packet Tracer, integrating routers, switches, wireless access points, and end-user devices for full-scale connectivity and security testing. 🔧 Key Implementations: ✅ Assigned and verified IP addressing across all routers and devices. ✅ Configured RIP dynamic routing — ensuring private IPs were excluded from advertisements. ✅ Deployed Dynamic NAT (1.1.1.55) on Router R1, enabling private hosts to access public networks seamlessly. ✅ Implemented Access Control Lists (ACLs) to block Telnet from private users to Router R3, enhancing network security. ✅ Added a Web Server on Router R2 to simulate real-world service hosting and public accessibility. ✅ Verified full network connectivity and reachability (Ping tests) across all nodes including wireless clients. 💡 This project strengthened practical knowledge of: Dynamic Routing (RIP) NAT & Public Access Configuration Access Control Lists (ACLs) Network Security & Segmentation 🌟 Hands-on experience like this bridges the gap between theory and real-world implementation, building a strong foundation in networking and cybersecurity. #Networking #Cisco #CyberSecurity #PacketTracer #NetworkEngineer #Routing #NAT #ACL #ITProjects #CCNA #NetworkSecurity #TechSkills #RoutingAndSwitching #LearnNetworking #HandsOnLab #NetworkingCommunity #NetworkDesign #NetworkAutomation #ITStudent #CiscoNetworking #CyberDefense

🌐 Top Networking Devices Every IT Professional Should Know! 💡 Networking is the backbone of every organization — connecting systems, people, and data seamlessly. Here are the core networking devices that keep everything running behind the scenes 👇 1️⃣ Router – Connects multiple networks together and directs data packets to their destinations. 2️⃣ Switch – Connects devices within a local area network (LAN) and forwards data intelligently to the right device. 3️⃣ Hub – A basic device that broadcasts data to all connected devices (less secure and less efficient than a switch). 4️⃣ Modem – Converts digital data from a computer into a signal suitable for transmission over telephone or cable lines (and vice versa). 5️⃣ Access Point (AP) – Provides wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) for devices within a network. 6️⃣ Firewall – Monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic based on security rules — your first line of defense! 7️⃣ Gateway – Acts as a “translator” between different network systems or protocols. 8️⃣ Repeater – Amplifies and retransmits signals to extend network range. 9️⃣ Bridge – Connects two LAN segments and manages data flow between them. 🔟 Network Interface Card (NIC) – Hardware that enables devices to connect to a network. 💡 These devices work together to ensure data flows securely, efficiently, and reliably across all corners of your network. #Networking #ITInfrastructure #Cisco #NetworkEngineer #CyberSecurity #TechCareers #CCNA #ITSupport #SystemAdmin #ITKnowledge

The fastest way to “get” networking? See how bits become business. From MAC to IP, switches to routers, and OSI to TCP/IP—this guide is a treasure for turning theory into intuition. What I found most practical 🌐⚙️ 🔹 Mental models that click: the 7-layer OSI stack with the clean visual on page 18 and the OSI↔TCP/IP side-by-side on page 21—perfect for troubleshooting workflows. 🔹 Devices demystified: hubs vs. switches vs. routers (Layers 1–3) with crisp diagrams that explain collision/broadcast domains at a glance. 🔹 Ports you actually use: compact tables for DNS 53/UDP, HTTPS 443/TCP, RDP 3389/TCP and more (pp. 101–103) to speed up firewall rules and packet captures. 🔹 Subnetting made friendly: step-by-step examples and reference tables (pp. 167–175) so you can go from /24 to /26 without second-guessing. 🔹 Cabling choices: when Cat6a, fiber, or plenum-rated cable matters for speed, distance, and safety. Which visual or table would you hand to a new teammate first? Drop your pick, share your go-to tip, and follow Wojciech Ciemski for more sharp, actionable finds. 🚀 #Networking #OSIModel #TCPIP #ITInfrastructure #Subnetting #CCNA #CyberSecurity

🌐 Top Networking Devices Every IT Professional Should Know! 💡 Networking is the backbone of every organization — connecting systems, people, and data seamlessly. Here are the core networking devices that keep everything running behind the scenes 👇 1️⃣ Router – Connects multiple networks together and directs data packets to their destinations. 2️⃣ Switch – Connects devices within a local area network (LAN) and forwards data intelligently to the right device. 3️⃣ Hub – A basic device that broadcasts data to all connected devices (less secure and less efficient than a switch). 4️⃣ Modem – Converts digital data from a computer into a signal suitable for transmission over telephone or cable lines (and vice versa). 5️⃣ Access Point (AP) – Provides wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) for devices within a network. 6️⃣ Firewall – Monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic based on security rules — your first line of defense! 7️⃣ Gateway – Acts as a “translator” between different network systems or protocols. 8️⃣ Repeater – Amplifies and retransmits signals to extend network range. 9️⃣ Bridge – Connects two LAN segments and manages data flow between them. 🔟 Network Interface Card (NIC) – Hardware that enables devices to connect to a network. 💡 These devices work together to ensure data flows securely, efficiently, and reliably across all corners of your network. Which one do you configure or troubleshoot most often? 👇 Share your experience in the comments! #Networking #ITInfrastructure #Cisco #NetworkEngineer #CyberSecurity #TechCareers #CCNA #ITSupport #SystemAdmin #ITKnowledge #InformationSystemsEngineer

🌐 EVER WONDERED HOW LARGE NETWORKS STAY ORGANIZED, SECURE, AND EFFICIENT? THE SECRET IS VLAN – VIRTUAL LOCAL AREA NETWORK! 💡 🔹 WHAT IS A VLAN? A VLAN LOGICALLY DIVIDES A SINGLE PHYSICAL NETWORK INTO MULTIPLE VIRTUAL NETWORKS. IT LETS YOU GROUP DEVICES BY DEPARTMENT, FUNCTION, OR SECURITY LEVEL — EVEN IF THEY’RE NOT IN THE SAME LOCATION. 🔹 WHY IT MATTERS: ✅ IMPROVES SECURITY – HR AND FINANCE TRAFFIC STAYS ISOLATED ✅ REDUCES NETWORK CONGESTION – LIMITS BROADCAST TRAFFIC ✅ INCREASES FLEXIBILITY – CHANGE NETWORK STRUCTURE WITHOUT MOVING CABLES ✅ SIMPLIFIES MANAGEMENT – EASY TO ORGANIZE DEVICES LOGICALLY 🔹 REAL EXAMPLE: VLAN 10 → HR VLAN 20 → FINANCE VLAN 30 → IT VLAN 40 → GUEST NETWORK EACH VLAN OPERATES LIKE ITS OWN MINI-NETWORK, AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THEM REQUIRES A ROUTER OR LAYER 3 SWITCH. 🔹 TWO KEY PORT TYPES: • ACCESS PORT → CONNECTS END DEVICES (E.G. COMPUTERS, PRINTERS) • TRUNK PORT → CARRIES MULTIPLE VLANS BETWEEN SWITCHES OR ROUTERS 💡 VLANs ARE THE FOUNDATION OF SECURE AND SCALABLE NETWORK DESIGN — THEY KEEP DATA FLOWING EFFICIENTLY WHILE PROTECTING SENSITIVE INFORMATION. Dr Iretioluwa Akerele Luke Iheme #NETWORKING #VLAN #CYBERSECURITY #SYSTEMADMIN #ITINFRASTRUCTURE #CISCO #NETWORKENGINEERING

🌐 Top Networking Devices Every IT Professional Should Know! 💡 Networking is the backbone of every organization, connecting systems, people, and data seamlessly. Here are the core networking devices that keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes: 1️⃣ Router: Connects multiple networks together and directs data packets to their destinations. 2️⃣ Switch: Connects devices within a local area network (LAN) and forwards data intelligently to the appropriate device. 3️⃣ Hub: A basic device that broadcasts data to all connected devices (less secure and less efficient than a switch). 4️⃣ Modem: Converts digital data from a computer into a signal suitable for transmission over telephone or cable lines (and vice versa). 5️⃣ Access Point (AP): Provides wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) for devices within a network. 6️⃣ Firewall: Monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic based on security rules, acting as your first line of defense. 7️⃣ Gateway: Acts as a “translator” between different network systems or protocols. 8️⃣ Repeater: Amplifies and retransmits signals to extend network range. 9️⃣ Bridge: Connects two LAN segments and manages data flow between them. 🔟 Network Interface Card (NIC): Hardware that enables devices to connect to a network. These devices work together to ensure data flows securely, efficiently, and reliably across all corners of your network. Which one do you configure or troubleshoot most often? Share your experience in the comments! #Networking #ITInfrastructure #Cisco #NetworkEngineer #CyberSecurity #TechCareers #CCNA #ITSupport #SystemAdmin #ITKnowledge

⚙️ Static vs Dynamic IP Addressing Every device that connects to a network needs an IP address, but how it gets that address can be very different. That is where Static and Dynamic Addressing come in. Static Addressing is when an IP is manually assigned to a device. It does not change unless updated by an administrator. This works best for servers, printers, and routers, devices that must always be reachable at the same address. The advantage is stability and predictability. The drawback is that in large networks, managing many static addresses can take time and careful planning. Dynamic Addressing uses DHCP to automatically assign IPs whenever a device connects to the network. The address may change over time, but this method makes managing large networks much easier. Laptops, phones, tablets, and other devices that connect frequently benefit most from dynamic addressing. It also helps optimize the use of available addresses without wasting resources. In practice, networks often use a mix of both methods. Static addressing is used for critical devices that need consistent access, while dynamic addressing is used for general devices that join and leave the network frequently. This balance ensures that networks remain both stable and flexible. In short, static provides reliability and dynamic provides flexibility. Both work together quietly in the background, making sure every device on a network can communicate efficiently. #Networking #IPv4 #IPv6 #ITLearning #CyberSecurity #TechLearning #NetworkEngineer #ITStudents #NetworkingBasics

Cisco Switch and Router Configuration – Key Concepts for Network Engineers. 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨 𝐀𝐂𝐈 𝐋4-𝐋7 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 (𝐏𝐁𝐑) 👨💻 Cisco ACI provides the capability to insert Layer 4–7 devices such as firewalls and load balancers into the fabric using Service Graphs. These devices can be seamlessly placed between Endpoint Groups (EPGs) or Endpoint Security Groups (ESGs) to inspect or control traffic. One of the most powerful features in ACI is Policy-Based Redirect (PBR) — allowing traffic between EPGs/ESGs to be steered towards an L4–L7 device (e.g. a firewall) for further security enforcement. 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐛, 𝐈: 1. Configured Cisco ACI L4–L7 PBR 2. Validated the configuration end-to-end 3. Used ELAM to visualize the packet walk: Source Host ➝ Firewall ➝ Destination Host #freepalestine #Cisco #Networking #CCNA #RouterConfiguration #SwitchConfiguration #Routing #Switchting #NetworkEngineer #LearnNetworking #CCNA2025 #TechEducation #CCNP2025

🔍 Layer 2 vs. Layer 3 Switch — Still Confused? You’re Not Alone! 👨💻 Many Fortinet engineers and network admins often ask: “If both are called switches, what really makes a Layer 3 switch different from a Layer 2 switch?” 🤔 It’s a key question — because the switch you deploy directly affects your FortiGate integration, SD-Branch design, and overall network scalability. ⚙️ Layer 2 Switch (Data Link Layer) Operates with MAC addresses Forwards frames within the same LAN ❌ Cannot route between VLANs or networks ✅ Ideal for FortiLink-managed access switching under a FortiGate 🌐 Layer 3 Switch (Network Layer) Operates with IP addresses Routes traffic between VLANs and subnets (like a router) Combines switching + routing capabilities ✅ Great for core or distribution layers in Fortinet SD-Branch or Campus setups 🚀 When to Use Which 👉 Layer 2: Perfect for simple access networks managed by FortiGate via FortiLink 👉 Layer 3: Best for segmented, scalable environments that require inter-VLAN routing and policy control #Fortinet #Networking #Switching #Layer2 #Layer3 #SDBranch #FortiGate #FortiLink #NetworkEngineering #ITInfrastructure #Cybersecurity #TechEducation