Browsed by
Author: Afzal Badshah, PhD

Introduction to Routing in Computer Networks

Introduction to Routing in Computer Networks

Comments 224 Comments

Routing is an important function in computer networking that involves directing data packets from one device to another across a network. It ensures that information reaches its destination efficiently and accurately. Routers are the key devices responsible for making routing decisions in a network. A detailed tutorial can be found here. This page will not be updated further; therefore, visit this one. Routing is divided into two categories. Understanding Static Routing Static routing is a routing method where network administrators…

Read More Read More

cables connected to ethernet ports
Lab Activity: Switch | VLAN Configuration in Cisco Packet Tracer

Lab Activity: Switch | VLAN Configuration in Cisco Packet Tracer

Comments 671 Comments

The objective of this lab activity is to familiarize students with the basic configuration of a Cisco switch using Cisco Packet Tracer. Students will learn essential switch configuration commands and understand how to set up and manage switch interfaces. Additionally, they will learn how to configure VLANs on packet tracers. Learn more about physical and virtual LANs. Equipment and Software Requirements Topology Setup Basic Switch Configuration Access the Cisco switch CLI or use the graphical interface in Packet Tracer. Configure…

Read More Read More

Introduction to Cisco Packet Tracer – Basics and Installation

Introduction to Cisco Packet Tracer – Basics and Installation

Comments 12 Comments

Welcome to this tutorial on Cisco Packet Tracer, a powerful simulation tool used for network and system modelling. Whether you’re a networking enthusiast, student, or IT professional, understanding the basics of Cisco Packet Tracer is essential for simulating and practising networking scenarios. This tutorial will guide you through the fundamentals of the Cisco Packet Tracer and walk you through the installation process. What is Cisco Packet Tracer? Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation tool developed by Cisco Systems. It…

Read More Read More

CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) and VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Masking)

CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) and VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Masking)

Comments 147 Comments

In the domain of networking, two pivotal concepts revolutionized the way we allocate and manage IP addresses: CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) and VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Masking). CIDR emerged as a response to the limitations of traditional IP addressing, introducing a more flexible and efficient approach to representing IP address ranges. On the other hand, VLSM, a crucial extension of CIDR, empowers network administrators with the ability to optimize subnetting by allowing variable-length subnet masks. Together, CIDR and VLSM have…

Read More Read More

Understanding the Basics of Software Design

Understanding the Basics of Software Design

Comments 2,686 Comments

Software design is a crucial step in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) that bridges the gap between user requirements and actual software implementation. This process involves transforming user needs, as documented in the Software Requirement Specification (SRS), into specific and detailed software requirements. By doing so, it provides a blueprint for programmers to follow during coding and implementation. Essentially, software design shifts the focus from the problem domain to the solution domain, outlining how the requirements outlined in the…

Read More Read More

Understanding the Domain Name System (DNS)

Understanding the Domain Name System (DNS)

Comments 16 Comments

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a critical part of the internet that helps translate human-readable domain names, like www.afzalbadshah.com, into machine-readable IP addresses, such as 192.0.2.1. This tutorial will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of DNS, its structure, and how it works. DNS, the Domain Name System, is a decentralized naming system that connects domain names with IP addresses. It serves as the internet’s “phonebook,” making it easier for users to access websites and online resources by using…

Read More Read More

Routing on Internet

Routing on Internet

Comments 199 Comments

A router is a network device that plays a crucial role in computer networking by connecting different networks together and directing the flow of data between them. It operates at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and is responsible for routing data packets from their source to their destination. Routers are fundamental components in the functioning of the internet and in local area networks (LANs). Router is a Layer 3 (OSI model) device, primarly responsible for routing…

Read More Read More

System Modeling in Software Engineering​

System Modeling in Software Engineering​

Comments 7,671 Comments

System modelling is a critical process in software engineering and various other fields that involves creating simplified, abstract representations of complex systems. The primary purpose of system modelling is to understand, analyze, and communicate the structure, behaviour, and interactions of a system. Graphical Modeling Graphical modelling is a method of representing information, systems, or processes using visual elements such as diagrams, charts, graphs, and symbols. It is a way to convey complex concepts, relationships, and structures in a more intuitive…

Read More Read More

An In-Depth Study of Network Devices

An In-Depth Study of Network Devices

Comments 2,742 Comments

Today, we will delve into the world of network devices. These devices are the backbone of modern communication, allowing data to flow seamlessly across local and global networks. We’ll study six essential network devices in detail: Let’s begin with the first device: 1. Repeater 2. Hub 3. Switch 4. Bridge 5. Router 6. Gateway Along with the above devices, a number of other network devices, such as Firewall, Load Balancer, Proxy Server, Access Point, Modem, Content Delivery Network (CDN), VoIP…

Read More Read More

Packet and Frames in Computer Networks

Packet and Frames in Computer Networks

Comments 705 Comments

Packets, frames, and error detection are fundamental concepts in computer networking and data communication. These terms are used to describe how data is structured, packaged, and transmitted in a network, as well as how errors in data transmission are identified and handled. Let’s explore these concepts: What are Packets? A packet is a small unit of data that is transmitted over a network. It typically includes both the data to be sent and control information, such as the source and…

Read More Read More