Cisco packet tracer for iPhone / Android

I never knew about these apps but they are great! Wish I had them when studying. Good fun for messing about with on the train / commute.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cisco-packet-tracer-mobile/id1015041980?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netacad.PacketTracerM&hl=en_GB (UK Store)

With the Americas running out of IPv4, it’s official: The Internet is full - Ars

The march towards IPv6 continues with Ars reporting that ARIN is started to exhaust its stock of IPv4 as well with only 17 millions unique public IP addresses left in reserve. 

Story here:
http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/06/with-the-americas-running-out-of-ipv4-its-official-the-internet-is-full/

Devolo DLAN av200 powerline adapters

So I inherited some Powerline adapters from some tenants that moved out. Probably because the small one made a worrying humming sound when plugged in. That got thrown and and Ethernet cable was run to where I wanted to use the main adapter. I wanted wireless coverage for the garden given that summer is getting closer and it works perfectly. 

A quick firmware upgrade and config and it was dead simple. There is a shorter character limit on the SSID as I couldn't put the main homes wifi SSID in but apart from that I was impressed. 

It replaced our Netgear N2200 that I was trying to get working as a wireless hotspot on the end on an ethernet cable but it was causing either DCHP or routing issues when setup correctly (i.e. DHCP disabled and a static route to the gateway).

http://www.devolo.com/en/Downloads/dLAN-200-AVplus

The Register: I want SDN and I want it now!

The for SDN arguement:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/02/14/i_want_sdn_and_i_want_it_now/

FreeNAS 9.2.1-RELEASE announced

Seems to get better and better with every update! The plugins are also being well maintained.

I've not fully played with Plex yet but that looks pretty capable as well.

http://www.freebsdnews.net/2014/02/08/freenas-9-2-1-release-announced/

OS X 10.9 brings fast but choppy Thunderbolt networking.

http://arstechnica.com/apple/2013/10/os-x-10-9-brings-fast-but-choppy-thunderbolt-networking/

I passed my Cisco CCNA exam today.

Wayhey, about time!

The next home-networking revolution will be wired

Anything to reduce the amount of cables I have behind my Amp and computer is considered a big step forward!

It has great potential, especially with the built in PoE! You could power, TV's, VoIP phones, games consoles etc with no need for all those separate power cables!

The real plus is for PC's that can function on less than 100W. You eliminate the display / power / network cable and just have one for them all. (I didn't mention audio as HDMI can carry that).

It's doesn't quite match up to DisplayPort's 17.28 Gbit/s transfer rate as it only manages 10.2 Gbit/s bit i'm sure as the standard develops it will catch up. Its good enough for 4K. 

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2036527/the-next-home-networking-revolution-will-be-wired.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDBaseT

http://www.hdbaset.org/spec2

Cisco Packet Tracer 6.0.1

I'm a little behind with this. With Cisco's whole move to the new NetSpace portal it looks like there was a new version of Packet Tracer. 6.0.1 offers new features but has the same look and feel to it.

Straight from the FAQ:

Packet Tracer 6.0.1 is a major release that includes the following functionality:

● Supports IOS 15.2 and its licensing methodology
● Enhanced IPv6 support
● Supports new devices such as ISR 1941, ISR 2901, ISR 2911, terminal server interface, and servers with 2 network interface cards
● Supports Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) and ACL sequence numbers
● Provides new capability with PT LAN and WAN Multiuser Servers to create multiuser games and activities
● Provides new capability with PT Bridge to connect real network equipment to Packet Tracer environment

Its disappointing to see they have missed OS X once more, it can't be a world away from the Ubuntu install. I haven't tried it on Ubuntu yet but I wonder if you still need to install the dependencies that come with programs like Wine in order for it to work still or if they have started including them like they should!

Comments or thoughts? Leave them below!

Cisco Evolves Associate-Level Certifications, Redesigns CCNA Routing and Switching Certification to Support Next-Generation Job Roles - The Network: Cisco's Technology News Site

Long over due if you ask me!

My guess is some CCNP has migrated downwards as well as some newer technologies which have become more mainstream have entered the syllabus. I'd like to think some redundant technologies have left but I bet they haven't.. 

Well worth checking out the topics (icnd2 v2 here, Cisco login required).

What looks new to me:

• Recognize High availability (FHRP) 
• VRRP 
• HSRP 
• GLBP 
• Cellular 3G / 4G 
• Discuss Multi area (OSPF) 

Not sure if Etherchannels is now more in-depth but it has its own bullet point. Feel free to correct me in the comments section.

As I recently started studying again and passed the ICND1 i'm in the curious position of wondering if I am able to take the ICND2 v2 and have that qualify for a full CCNA. I don't see why it shouldn't. The next big question then is should I bother with an unfamiliar exam format with additional content when the chances of an employer asking between the differences is minimal.
The only argument I have for that is that some fundamental knowledge might be missed on the track into the CCNP.

I think i'm going to keep going on the ICND2 v1 syllabus and hopefully will have an answer to the above question before I sit the exam. If I can find some decent resources I might go and sit version 2 for sheer curiosity (as well as knowing I have an updated qualifications).

So remember:
ICND1 v1.1 640-822 becomes ICND1 v2 100-101
ICND2 v1.1 640-816 becomes ICND2 v2 200-101

You'll be able to take the v1.1 exams up until October 1st 2013.

[Update] It looks like you can mix and match the exams. 

Official link:

Cisco Evolves Associate-Level Certifications, Redesigns CCNA Routing and Switching Certification to Support Next-Generation Job Roles - The Network: Cisco's Technology News Site

More reference:

http://www.globalknowledge.co.uk/content/files/documents/cisco_ccna_update_flyer.pdf

Todd Lammle:
http://www.lammle.com/blog/3344/ciscos-ccent-huge/

TalkTalk offering better HomePlug AV adapters.

TalkTalk are offering re-branded Dlink HomePlug AV adapters to customers who struggle to get WiFi around the home. It's a nice move and if they can get a good wholesale price it might even be a bit of a money spinner.

I know Sky do the wireless adapters for the set top boxes and these are cheaper but sometimes aren't the best for streaming if you have a weak signal...

I've recently been given some Devolo dLAN AV Wireless HomePlug adapters (Even better was they were free when they cost >£50) so i'll have to give them a try sometime.


http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2013/03/isp-talktalk-uk-prep-new-500mbps-powerline-and-wifi-adapters.html

6UK Scrapped After Failing to Encourage IPv6 Adoption Among UK ISPs

Not a great thing to see. There are a few IPv6 ISP's out there but most of the top ones are not rolling it out right down to the end user.

http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2012/12/6uk-to-be-scrapped-after-failing-to-encourage-uk-ipv6-adoption.html

More info ok the UK government and requirements for new network equipment:
https://update.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/psn_common_req_0.pdf

Opinion on USB 3 micro connector...

Who the hell thought this form factor was a good idea... Thats ridiculous and mobile phone manufactures will hate it! The whole point of them pain painstakingly designing normal sized USB 3 ports into the same form factor was for compatibility. Why they couldn't have miniaturised and split the extra contacts around the edge of the current form factor I don't know... 

Picture source: Wikipedia

Update: I wonder if Apple can fit USB3 down the lightening connector. If they pull it off I think other manufactures will be up in arms wanting a smaller form factor for their devices. Circuit board space matters to them! 

Huawei offers access to source code and equipment

This really does need the US to come out and reveal the 'smoking gun' that was the base of their ruling.

Yes it looks like Huawei have previously copied source code and been naughty on a few occasions but unless someone can prove they are breaching security then its a bit of a brand demanding exercises and nothing more in my opinion.. Huawei certainly seem keen to open up their source code to particular parties, thats not to say its the same across their products but it certain is a positive move.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20053511

Network boffins say Terabit Ethernet is TOO FAST

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/09/28/terabit_ethernet_too_fast/

Networking industry to collaborate on TERABIT Ethernet

Got to love that opening sentence in the article:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/20/ieee_terabit_ethernet_group/