Here’s a solid toolbox of Windows PowerShell commands used for network troubleshooting, with quick notes on what each one is good for. I’ll try to group them by task so they are a little easier to remember. 1. Basic Connectivity & “Ping-Style” Tests Test-Connection PowerShell’s ping (ICMP echo) equivalent. Test-NetConnection More advanced tester: port check […]
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CellStream, Inc. – Telecom Consulting and Training! 1-Day, Instructor Led, Web Based Delivery or Self Paced, OnlineMinimum: 10 StudentsWeb Based Delivery: Max class size is 30On Site Delivery: Max class size is 20 Click here to go to the Online Class. Course Description: Network Troubleshooting Fundamentals for Technicians is a hands-on technical course that teaches learners
CSI-SP-008 – Network Troubleshooting Fundamentals for Technicians – 1D Read More »
The 169.254.x.x IPv4 address is called the APIPA address. APIPA stands for Automatic Private IP Addressing. It’s a fallback mechanism built into Windows (and most modern operating systems) to give your network interface a “link local” address when it can’t get one from a DHCP server. The APIPA IPv4 Addresses are any address in this
What is the 169.254.x.x IPv4 address? Read More »
I provide this information for reference when examining TLS in Wireshark. The TLS 1.2 protocol ladder (also called the TLS handshake ladder) describes the step-by-step sequence of message exchanges between a client and server as they negotiate a secure, encrypted connection. Think of it as a “ladder” where each side alternates rungs (messages) upward until
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Using a loopback adapter (also called a local loopback interface) for packet capture in Wireshark allows you to capture traffic that stays within your own computer — for example, packets exchanged between local applications via localhost or 127.0.0.1. Normally, this traffic never reaches a physical network interface, so a loopback capture is needed to see
What is the Adapter for loopback traffic capture in Wireshark? Read More »
Many technicians and network engineering staff, as well as IT staff, often need to “tap” into the Ethernet to capture and troubleshoot network traffic. A full-duplex tap (also called a network tap) is a hardware device placed inline on an Ethernet link that allows network engineers to capture all traffic traveling in both directions —
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I recently received an email requesting my thoughts on the top ten books for broadband technicians to have in their possession or library. Great question. After some thought, here are my top ten (in no particular order) recommended books and handbooks for broadband / fiber / telecom technicians. These cover theory, practice, installation, troubleshooting, standards,
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Let’s just start right out and say: contrary to the scare tactics made by some, that MPLS traffic has been exposed by the providers that operate MPLS, there has never been any validated evidence that such a breach has indeed ever occurred, other than some alleged errors in configuration. MPLS operates between L2 and L3
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MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is often regarded as one of the most elegant service provider networking technologies after TCP/IP itself because it solved several big problems introduced in the late 1990s (and I got to be part of that): For service providers, this was game-changing. Many argue that without MPLS, the explosion of managed VPNs,
MPLS – the Greatest Service Provider Technology of All Time Read More »
I am a ChatGPT subscriber to the basic (not PRO) service. I saw the following post on LinkedIn and was fascinated: Think about the implications. You don’t need to know how to use Wireshark other than to do a capture. You certainly don’t need to know how to troubleshoot packet captures as ChatGPT can do
Can ChatGPT 5 analyze PCAP’s? Read More »
With over 30 years of proven expertise in telecommunications and technology—leading my own successful consulting firm since 1998—I bring real-world experience, deep industry insight, and an engaging style to every stage. I have presented at national and international venues on topics ranging from advanced networking and emerging technologies to regulatory trends and practical implementation strategies.
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Great question. In one sentence it is a purple tool, meaning both! Wireshark itself is a passive tool, it is non-intrusive — it doesn’t create attacks — but it’s a force multiplier for both Red and Blue Teams depending on who controls the capture point and how the data is used. Let me dig a
Is Wireshark a Red Team or Blue Team Tool? Read More »
Before anything, I want to thank my user @LeoRegem on Discord for providing the information below. Thank you! Join us there is you want to comment. Here are the steps for capturing WLAN Wi-Fi packets on Android (basically getting into monitor mode and selecting channels, etc): Once you have this set, you can capture on
Capturing WLAN Wi-Fi Packets on Android Read More »
In Networking we have always used a Layered Model to represent and apply network functions and protocols and their relationships to one another. Whether you like 7 layers or 4 layers is all wasted argument to me. I am a packet guy, and in the packets the protocols are layered. Any manipulation of this either
Is Network Layering Going Away? Read More »
Knowing how to use nmap is critically important for cybersecurity professionals because it is one of the most powerful and versatile tools for network reconnaissance, security auditing, and vulnerability assessment. Nmap is to cybersecurity what a stethoscope is to a doctor—a diagnostic tool that’s fundamental to identifying issues, assessing risk, and maintaining a secure environment.
Using nmap for Cybersecurity Read More »