Networking
How your home network really works, and how to make it faster and safer. From Wi-Fi basics to routing protocols.
RIPv2 vs OSPF vs EIGRP: What My Dissertation Taught Me About Routing Protocols
I tested RIPv2, OSPF and EIGRP on the same GNS3 lab for my degree dissertation. Here's how each works, how fast each converged, and which to use when. Free cheat sheet.
How I Installed and Use Sniffnet to Monitor My Network on Linux
How I installed Sniffnet on Linux (the .deb package and the AppImage) and how I use it day to day to see what's happening on my network.
Home Networking Tips: Simple Setup Tweaks to Get Online Smarter and Safer
Practical tweaks for your home network: router placement, Wi-Fi security, fixed IP addresses, guest networks, QoS, parental controls and backups.
5 Tools to Help You Monitor Your Network Like a Pro
Five network monitoring tools for home and small office: GlassWire, Wireshark, Fing, PRTG and NetWorx. What each does, who it's for and which to try first.
How to Assign a Static IP Address in Windows 10 and 11
Give your Windows 10 or 11 PC a fixed IP address, step by step, plus how to pick an address that won't clash with other devices.
IP Addresses Explained: A Short History from ARPANET to IPv6
What an IP address is, where IPv4 came from, why we ran out of addresses, how IPv6 fixes it, and the difference between public, private, static and dynamic addresses.
How to Set Up a Basic Home Network: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
A plain-English guide to setting up a home network: connecting the router, securing the admin login and Wi-Fi, guest networks and keeping firmware updated.