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  🌐 Basic Network Device Types Every IT Professional Should Know Behind every email sent, every website accessed, and every cloud application running, there is a network working silently in the background. For anyone building a career in IT, understanding the fundamental network devices is not optional — it is essential. Let’s revisit the core components that form the backbone of every network infrastructure. 1️⃣ Router A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between different networks. Connects your internal network to the internet Determines the best path for data transmission Enables communication between multiple networks In simple terms, the router is the traffic controller of your network. 2️⃣ Switch A switch connects multiple devices within a Local Area Network (LAN). Connects PCs, printers, servers, and access points Uses MAC addresses to forward data intelligently Improves network efficiency compared to hubs The swit...

  🖧 Understanding the Physical Parts of a Network Switch The Backbone of Every Connected Organisation Behind every stable office network, every smooth video call, and every secure data transfer — there is a device quietly doing its job: the Network Switch. Often called the “box that connects devices,” a switch is far more than just a collection of ports. Each physical component plays a crucial role in ensuring communication is fast, secure, and reliable. Let’s break down the key physical parts of a network switch simply and practically. 1️⃣ Switch Chassis The outer metal body that houses all internal components. It can be: Fixed configuration or modular Rack-mounted (typically 1U or 2U) Desktop-mounted for small environments The chassis provides structure, protection, and airflow design for optimal performance. 2️⃣ Ethernet Ports These are the standard ports used to connect: PCs Servers Printers Access Points Depending on the environment, ports support different speeds: 10G (SFP...

  🌐 Understanding NAT Types in IPv4 A Fundamental Concept Every Networking Professional Should Master In today’s connected world, every organisation — from small offices to global enterprises — relies on secure and efficient internet connectivity. At the heart of this communication lies a powerful concept: Network Address Translation (NAT) . NAT allows private internal networks to communicate with the public internet, ensuring security, IP conservation, and controlled access . Understanding its types is essential for designing stable and scalable network infrastructures. Let’s simplify the three primary types of NAT in IPv4. 🔹 1️⃣ Static NAT (One-to-One Mapping) Definition: Static NAT maps one private IP address to one dedicated public IP address . Best Used For: Hosting internal servers Web servers Mail servers Any service that requires consistent external accessibility Because the mapping remains fixed, it ensures predictable and reliable communication ...

  How to Use VMware – A Step-by-Step Guide for IT Professionals Virtualisation is no longer an optional skill in IT — it is a core competency for every IT Support Engineer and System Administrator. Whether you are building a test lab, practising server configurations, or troubleshooting complex issues, virtualisation allows you to experiment safely — without touching production systems . Here is a simple and practical guide to getting started with VMware: ✅ Step 1: Install VMware Workstation Begin by installing VMware Workstation on your system. This software allows you to create and manage virtual machines on a physical computer. ✅ Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine Launch VMware and select “Create New Virtual Machine.” You can choose a guided setup for beginners or customise settings manually for more control. ✅ Step 3: Install the Operating System Mount the ISO file of your desired operating system (Windows, Linux, etc.) and proceed with installation — just like...

  🖥️ Server Room vs Data Centre Understanding the Real Difference in IT Infrastructure By Kamal Roy Many organisations use the terms Server Room and Data Centre interchangeably. However, in reality, they differ significantly in scale, resilience, redundancy, and strategic value . Understanding this difference is not just technical knowledge — it is about making the right infrastructure decision for long-term business success. 🔹 Server Room – The Foundation of Small to Mid-Sized Operations A Server Room is typically designed to support internal business operations within a single organisation. ✔ Common Characteristics: Small office-based setup 1–5 racks Limited number of servers, switches, NVRs, and storage devices Basic UPS backup (typically 5–30 minutes) Split air-conditioning for cooling Single ISP connection A server room is cost-effective and practical for small to medium-sized enterprises. It supports daily operations efficiently but usually...

  Server & Networking Interview Questions Every IT Professional Should Know Preparing for server-side and networking interviews requires more than definitions — it requires practical understanding and real-world experience. Below is a structured guide covering essential concepts frequently asked in technical interviews. 🔹 SERVER-SIDE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 1️⃣ What is a Server? ✅ Definition A server is a hardware or software system that provides services, resources, or data to other computers (clients) over a network. 🎯 Examples File Server → Stores and manages shared files Mail Server → Handles email communication. Domain Controller → Manages authentication and user access. 2️⃣ What is Active Directory? ✅ Definition Active Directory (AD) is a Microsoft directory service used to manage users, computers, groups, and policies within a domain environment. 🔹 Key Components Domain Organisational Units (OU) Users Groups Group ...