When network demand exceeds available bandwidth, performance suffers—unless you implement effective traffic management. In this episode, we explore bandwidth shaping, queuing, and prioritization techniques that allow administrators to control how data moves through the network. You'll learn about traffic classification, QoS (Quality of Service), and how to assign priority to real-time traffic like VoIP and video conferencing.

We also dive into policing, traffic marking (like DSCP and CoS), and methods for dropping or delaying packets under congestion. These techniques are especially useful in WAN links, cloud connections, and wireless networks. Whether you're preparing for the exam or optimizing a production environment, understanding bandwidth management gives you control over network performance under load.

Not all routing protocols are created for the same environment. This episode explains the difference between Interior Gateway Protocols (IGPs) and Exterior Gateway Protocols (EGPs). IGPs like RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP are designed to operate within a single administrative domain or autonomous system, focusing on fast convergence and ease of configuration. In contrast, EGPs such as BGP handle routing between autonomous systems across the public internet and prioritize stability and policy control over speed.

We also discuss the administrative and policy implications of using EGPs, such as filtering, route aggregation, and peering agreements. You’ll learn how networks choose which type of protocol to use depending on their role and size, and how scope influences scalability and control. Understanding routing scope helps you design the right solution for enterprise and ISP-grade networks alike.

As networks grow in size and complexity, distance vector routing protocols become inefficient. This episode introduces link-state and hybrid routing protocols—more sophisticated tools for modern routing. We begin with OSPF, a link-state protocol that uses a cost metric and maintains a full map of the network. You'll learn how areas and LSAs (Link-State Advertisements) work, how OSPF selects the shortest path using Dijkstra’s algorithm, and how it quickly converges after changes.

We then explore EIGRP, Cisco’s hybrid protocol that combines features of both distance vector and link-state models, offering fast convergence and granular control. Finally, we introduce BGP, the backbone of internet routing, and explain how it uses path vector logic to manage routes between autonomous systems. Understanding these protocols is critical for the exam and essential for working in any medium-to-large network environment.

Dynamic routing protocols automate the process of finding and maintaining routes between networks, and this episode introduces one of the earliest and most basic forms: distance vector routing. You’ll learn how distance vector protocols like RIP (Routing Information Protocol) use hop count to determine the best path and how they periodically exchange full routing tables with neighboring routers. We discuss how distance vector protocols are simple to implement but come with scalability and convergence limitations.

We also cover key concepts like split horizon, route poisoning, and hold-down timers, which help prevent routing loops and maintain stable networks. While RIP may be considered outdated for large-scale deployments, it is still foundational to understanding how routing works. This episode prepares you for more advanced dynamic protocols and ensures you can interpret RIP behavior and configuration on both the exam and in lab environments.

Static routing gives administrators full control over network paths, making it a foundational concept for simple and secure routing environments. In this episode, we explain how static routes are configured manually, how they’re added to the routing table, and what benefits they offer in terms of predictability and control. You'll learn how to define destination networks and next-hop addresses, and how static routes interact with dynamic routing protocols.

We also explore administrative distance—the value routers use to rank the trustworthiness of different routing sources. You'll see how static routes often take precedence over dynamic ones due to their lower administrative distance, unless otherwise configured. This episode is perfect for understanding route priority, control, and how to set up routing in networks that don’t require constant change.

Routing is how networks communicate across different IP subnets, and it’s the heart of data delivery beyond the local segment. This episode introduces you to the core responsibilities of routers, how they build and consult routing tables, and what role gateway IPs play in guiding traffic between networks. You'll learn about route metrics, next-hop decisions, and how routers use Layer 3 logic to deliver packets to the correct destination.

We also discuss real-world use cases, including routing in small offices, multi-site enterprises, and internet connections. Understanding what routing is and how it works is essential for everything from configuring home routers to managing complex, multi-homed enterprise networks. If you’re preparing for the Network Plus exam, this episode sets the groundwork for the more advanced routing concepts that follow.

The Internet of Things (IoT) and SCADA systems have introduced a new layer of complexity and risk to network environments. In this episode, we explain what these systems are, how they function, and how they're used in industries ranging from manufacturing to building automation. You'll learn how these devices often use lightweight protocols and operate with limited security, making them vulnerable if not properly managed.

We discuss common challenges, including device discovery, segmentation, and patching. You'll also hear how to secure IoT with techniques like VLAN isolation, MAC filtering, and gateway-based inspection. These systems may seem small, but their impact on uptime, safety, and compliance is significant. Understanding how to integrate and protect IoT and SCADA systems is becoming a critical skill for every network professional.

Modern networks support a wide array of devices beyond computers and servers. In this episode, we look at how VoIP phones, network printers, HVAC controls, and other connected endpoints behave on the network. You’ll learn how these devices obtain IP addresses, how they interact with services like DNS and DHCP, and how they are typically segmented using VLANs for security and manageability. Each device type has unique behavior that must be considered when troubleshooting or designing a network.

We also explore the implications of firmware updates, default passwords, and unsupported protocols often used by these devices. Because these endpoints can be overlooked, they are frequent targets for security threats and performance issues. This episode helps you identify and manage the non-traditional devices that increasingly occupy IP space and network resources.

Firewalls are the gatekeepers of the network, filtering traffic based on defined rules to enforce security policy. In this episode, we explore the various types of firewalls, including packet-filtering, stateful, and next-generation firewalls. You’ll learn how stateful inspection tracks the state of active sessions, allowing for dynamic rule evaluation instead of static filtering. This approach improves security by only allowing return traffic that matches an existing session.

We also dive into how access control lists (ACLs) are implemented, how firewalls handle NAT, and how rule order and default-deny policies can lead to unexpected behavior. You'll leave this episode with a clear understanding of how firewalls protect against unauthorized access while still allowing legitimate traffic to flow. Whether configuring home firewalls or enterprise-level appliances, mastering these principles is essential for effective traffic control and exam success.

Intrusion detection and prevention systems are vital for securing the network against both known and emerging threats. In this episode, we explain the difference between IDS (which monitors and alerts) and IPS (which actively blocks malicious traffic). You'll learn how these devices analyze traffic using signature-based detection, anomaly detection, and heuristics. We discuss inline vs. passive deployment and what role these systems play in a layered defense strategy.

We also cover common placement strategies—whether at the perimeter, on internal segments, or between VLANs—and how these systems integrate with SIEM platforms for centralized alerting. False positives, tuning, and log review are all part of effective deployment and response. Understanding IDS/IPS functionality is key to both exam readiness and real-world security operations.