Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Intro
Let’s imagine you’re a system administrator at a large company. You are implementing a new network of several hundred computers. All is fine and well until you realize: you have …
How to Subnet a Network
A properly designed subnet can do wonders for the security and performance of a network. The main idea in subnetting is to divide a network into smaller pieces, which we …
How To: Getting VPN to work through NAT firewalls
With the rising popularity of telecommuting and the increasing need to protect their electronic assets, companies large and small have been turning to Virtual Private Networking (VPN). The good news …
How To: Fixing DNS problems
The inability to open a website by name usually indicates a DNS (Domain Name System) problem. DNS is the service that converts the website URL, i.e. www.yahoo.com into the IP …
How To: Fixing Router Intermittent Connection Drops
This is one of the most frustrating problems that a broadband user faces. The ISP will probably blame the router. The router vendor will probably blame the ISP. The solution …
Routers vs. Firewalls
Review of the Basics We’re often asked at SmallNetBuilder what the advantages are of using a “high-end” or “enterprise” grade firewall, such as a Cisco PIX, Juniper Netscreen, etc., over …
Adding a Switch to a Router for more ports
I often see questions in the forums from people struggling with one of the most basic tasks in creating a home network: what to do when you run out of …
How Fast Is Your Network? Five Ways To Measure Network Speed
Knowing how fast your network can move data is a question for more than just tweakers and speed demons. It’s a key skill to have when testing out wireless, powerline, …
How To: Setting up File and Printer sharing between two routers
Introduction We often hear from people who have two (or more!) routers in their LAN and are trying to get Microsoft File and Printer sharing running among all their computers. …
VLAN How To: Segmenting a small LAN
Introduction What is a VLAN? Is it some sort of highly expensive technology or virtual reality? Not at all. VLANs are relatively simple, yet they offer a wide variety of …