Top five routing & switching tips of '05

Our router tips offer you specific technical advice related to configuring and implementing routers, switches and associated equipment. Here we present you with the top five routing and switching tips from 2005.

1. The art of networking
   There are levels of routing and switching that can be accomplished with minimal effort to establish simple connectivity, and then there are more advanced levels, achieved through careful tuning and consideration that result in a work of art. If you aspire to this level, these tips will help you design a more elegant network.

2. Multi Router Traffic Grapher
   The Multi Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) is a piece of free software released under the GNU General Public License. Among its features is the ability to archive past traffic data. This short review from Informit examines this invaluable tool for diagnosing network problems.

3. Cisco interface addressing
   Cisco routers have long offered different ways of addressing their interfaces. There is the basic "ip address" command, as well as the multinetting and subinterface methods. In this tip, we'll look at the differences and when you might or might not want to use these.

4. Practical configurations: Verification, troubleshooting commands
   This tip on verification and troubleshooting in networking configuration teaches simple commands that will help not only in making a network run more smoothly, but also in learning how the individual protocols work.

5. Hardening your router in 9 easy steps
   For most enterprise LANs, the router has become one of the most critical security appliances in use. Configured properly, it can keep all but the most determined bad guys out, and if you want, it can even keep the good guys in. Here are nine easy steps that you can take to ensure that you have a brick wall protecting your network and not an open door.

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RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary acoustic coupler  (SearchNetworking.com) Broadband over Power Line  (SearchNetworking.com) CDDI  (SearchNetworking.com) chiral fiber  (SearchNetworking.com) fiber jumper  (SearchNetworking.com) grey route  (SearchNetworking.com) keystone jack  (SearchNetworking.com) patch cord  (SearchNetworking.com) WAN interface card  (SearchNetworking.com) wrap plug  (SearchNetworking.com)

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