Information Technology BLOG

Automating VLAN Creation on Cisco Devices with Ansible

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 01:14:00 -0800

Automating VLAN Creation on Cisco Devices with Ansible

Ansible is a powerful automation tool that simplifies network management tasks, including creating VLANs on Cisco devices. For beginners, this guide will walk you through automating VLAN creation step-by-step, from setting up Ansible to deploying VLAN configurations.

What is a VLAN?

A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical group of devices within a network that can communicate as if they were on the same physical network, regardless of their physical location. VLANs improve network efficiency and security by segmenting traffic.

Why Use Ansible for VLAN Automation?

Consistency: Avoid manual configuration errors.
Efficiency: Configure multiple devices in seconds.
Scalability: Manage large-scale networks easily.
Flexibility: Supports various Cisco devices and integrates with other tools.

Prerequisites

Cisco Device Configuration:

Ensure your Cisco devices support SSH and are configured to allow Ansible to connect.

Enable SSH and set up a user with necessary privileges:

conf t
ip domain-name yourdomain.com
crypto key generate rsa modulus 2048
ip ssh version 2
username ansible_user privilege 15 secret your_password
line vty 0 4
transport input ssh
login local
exit

Ansible Installed on Your System:
- Install Ansible on your Linux/Windows machine:
```
sudo apt update && sudo apt install ansible -y  # Ubuntu
```
- Confirm installation:
```
ansible --version
```
Python Libraries: Install paramiko and netmiko for network automation:
```
pip install paramiko netmiko
```

Step 1: Set Up Ansible Inventory

The inventory file specifies the devices Ansible will manage. Create an inventory file (e.g., inventory.yml):

all:
  hosts:
    cisco_switch:
      ansible_host: 192.168.1.1  # Replace with your device IP
      ansible_user: ansible_user  # SSH username
      ansible_password: your_password  # SSH password
      ansible_network_os: ios

Save the file as inventory.yml.

Step 2: Create the Ansible Playbook

An Ansible playbook defines the tasks to be executed. Create a playbook named create_vlan.yml:

- name: Automate VLAN Creation on Cisco Devices
  hosts: cisco_switch
  gather_facts: no
  tasks:
    - name: Create VLAN
      cisco.ios.ios_config:
        lines:
          - vlan 10
          - name Marketing
        save_when: changed

    - name: Verify VLAN
      cisco.ios.ios_command:
        commands:
          - show vlan brief

Explanation of the Playbook

Module:
- cisco.ios.ios_config: Configures the Cisco device.
- cisco.ios.ios_command: Runs commands on the Cisco device.
Tasks:
- Create VLAN: Adds VLAN 10 with the name "Marketing."
- Verify VLAN: Executes the show vlan brief command to confirm VLAN creation.
save_when: changed: Ensures the configuration is saved only if there are changes.

Step 3: Install the Cisco Ansible Collection

Ansible uses collections for specific device types. Install the Cisco collection:

ansible-galaxy collection install cisco.ios

Step 4: Run the Playbook

Execute the playbook to create the VLAN:

ansible-playbook -i inventory.yml create_vlan.yml

Step 5: Verify the Results

Check the output to ensure the VLAN was successfully created. You can also manually verify by logging into the switch and running:

show vlan brief

Extending the Playbook

You can extend the playbook to create multiple VLANs. Modify the playbook as follows:

- name: Automate VLAN Creation on Cisco Devices
  hosts: cisco_switch
  gather_facts: no
  tasks:
    - name: Create Multiple VLANs
      cisco.ios.ios_config:
        lines:
          - vlan 10
          - name Marketing
          - vlan 20
          - name Sales
          - vlan 30
          - name IT
        save_when: changed

Common Troubleshooting Tips

SSH Connection Issues:
- Ensure the switch allows SSH and the Ansible user has the correct credentials.
- Test SSH connectivity using:
```
ssh ansible_user@192.168.1.1
```
Unsupported Modules:
- Ensure the Cisco device runs a compatible IOS version.
- Verify the cisco.ios collection is installed.

Playbook Errors:

Use the -vvv flag for detailed logs:

ansible-playbook -i inventory.yml create_vlan.yml -vvv

Conclusion

Using Ansible to automate VLAN creation on Cisco devices saves time and ensures consistency across your network. With a basic understanding of Ansible and some practice, you'll be ready to tackle more complex network automation tasks.

Ansible is an excellent tool for both beginners and experienced network engineers. Start small, and soon you'll be automating all aspects of your network!

20 Linux Commands for Listing Users, Folders, and Processes on Ubuntu and Red Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 01:06:00 -0800

Linux provides a variety of commands to retrieve information about system users, directories, and processes. This article presents 20 essential Linux commands for listing and managing users, folders, and processes, applicable to both Ubuntu and Red Hat systems.

1. Listing Users

cat /etc/passwd
Displays a list of all users on the system along with their user IDs, home directories, and shells.
getent passwd
Fetches user information from the system's databases, useful in environments with LDAP or NIS.
who
Shows all users currently logged in to the system.
w
Displays detailed information about logged-in users, including their active processes.
users
A simple command that lists the currently logged-in users.
id [username]
Displays user ID (UID), group ID (GID), and group memberships for a specific user.
finger [username]
Provides information about a user, including their real name, login time, and more. (May require installation: sudo apt install finger on Ubuntu, or sudo yum install finger on Red Hat).

2. Listing Folders and Files

ls
Lists files and directories in the current folder. Add options like -l (long format) and -a (hidden files) for more details.
Example: ls -la.
tree
Displays directories and their contents in a tree-like structure. (Install using sudo apt install tree or sudo yum install tree).
find /path/to/search -type d
Finds and lists all directories under a specified path.
Example: find /home -type d.
du -h --max-depth=1
Shows the size of directories in the current location, useful for identifying large folders.
df -h
Displays disk usage for mounted file systems, including directories.
stat [filename]
Provides detailed information about a file or directory, such as size, permissions, and last modification time.
lsblk
Lists all block devices and their associated mount points, useful for identifying file systems.

3. Listing Processes

ps aux
Displays all running processes, including user information, CPU usage, memory usage, and more.
top
Provides a real-time view of running processes and system resource usage.
htop
An interactive process viewer similar to top but with more features. (Install using sudo apt install htop or sudo yum install htop).
pidof [process_name]
Returns the Process ID (PID) of a specified process.
Example: pidof apache2.
pgrep [process_name]
Searches for processes based on their names and displays their PIDs.
Example: pgrep sshd.
kill -l
Lists all available signals you can send to processes. Combine this with kill [PID] to terminate or manage processes.

Examples for Common Use Cases

List All System Users

cat /etc/passwd | cut -d: -f1

List Active Processes for a User

ps -u [username]

List Large Files in a Directory

find /path/to/search -type f -size +100M

Find the Process Listening on a Specific Port

netstat -tulnp | grep [port_number]

Conclusion

These commands offer powerful ways to manage and monitor your Linux system. Whether you're an administrator or a curious user, mastering them will significantly enhance your Linux skills. Ubuntu and Red Hat both support these commands, ensuring versatility across distributions.

Do you have a favorite Linux command? Share it below!

30 Linux Commands You Should Know

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 07:53:00 -0800

Linux is a powerful operating system used by developers, system administrators, and tech enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you're new to Linux or brushing up on your skills, here are 30 essential commands every Linux user should know:

Start Learning Linux Fundamentals For Free

1. ls

Lists files and directories in the current directory.

ls

2. cd

Changes the current directory.

cd /path/to/directory

3. pwd

Prints the current working directory.

pwd

4. touch

Creates an empty file.

touch filename

5. mkdir

Creates a new directory.

mkdir new_directory

6. rm

Removes files or directories.

rm filename

Use rm -r for directories.

7. cp

Copies files or directories.

cp source destination

8. mv

Moves or renames files and directories.

mv oldname newname

9. cat

Displays the contents of a file.

cat filename

10. nano

Opens a simple text editor.

nano filename

11. vim

A powerful text editor.

vim filename

12. chmod

Changes file permissions.

chmod 755 filename

13. chown

Changes file ownership.

chown user:group filename

14. find

Searches for files and directories.

find /path -name filename

15. grep

Searches for patterns in files.

grep "pattern" filename

16. df

Displays disk space usage.

df -h

17. du

Shows disk usage of files and directories.

du -sh

18. top

Displays real-time processes and resource usage.

top

19. ps

Lists running processes.

ps aux

20. kill

Terminates processes by their PID.

kill PID

21. tar

Archives files and directories.

tar -cvf archive.tar files

Extract:

tar -xvf archive.tar

22. zip/unzip

Compresses and extracts files.

zip archive.zip files
unzip archive.zip

23. wget

Downloads files from the internet.

wget http://example.com/file

24. curl

Transfers data from or to a server.

curl http://example.com

25. ssh

Connects to a remote server via SSH.

ssh user@hostname

26. scp

Copies files over SSH.

scp file user@remote:/path

27. history

Displays the command history.

history

28. alias

Creates shortcuts for commands.

alias ll='ls -la'

29. sudo

Executes commands with superuser privileges.

sudo command

30. reboot

Restarts the system.

sudo reboot

Mastering these commands can significantly boost your productivity and efficiency in Linux. Practice them regularly to get comfortable with their usage.

Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP): A Comprehensive Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 07:48:00 -0800

Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP): A Comprehensive Guide

In networking, protocols play a vital role in ensuring efficient communication and connectivity between devices.

One such protocol is the Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP), which facilitates dynamic routing in non-broadcast multiple access (NBMA) networks.

This article explores the fundamentals, functionality, and applications of NHRP, providing a clear understanding of its importance in modern network architectures.

What is NHRP?

The Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP) is a networking protocol defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in RFC 2332. It is primarily designed for NBMA networks, such as Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). NHRP operates at the network layer and is responsible for discovering the next hop's IP address and mapping it to its corresponding NBMA address.

By resolving the next hop dynamically, NHRP optimizes data transmission paths, reducing latency and improving network efficiency. It is often used in conjunction with other protocols like Multiprotocol BGP (MBGP) or Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) for scalable and secure communication.

How Does NHRP Work?

NHRP functions through a client-server model involving two main components:

NHRP Clients: These are devices (e.g., routers) connected to the NBMA network that initiate requests to resolve next-hop information.
NHRP Server: Also known as the Next Hop Server (NHS), it maintains a database of mappings between IP addresses and their corresponding NBMA addresses. The NHS responds to resolution requests from clients.

The operation of NHRP can be summarized in the following steps:

Request: An NHRP client sends a resolution request to the NHS, seeking the NBMA address of the next-hop device for a specific destination IP address.
Resolution: The NHS checks its database for the mapping. If the entry exists, it replies with the NBMA address of the next hop.
Reply: The client receives the resolved address and uses it to establish a direct connection with the next hop.
Caching: For future efficiency, the client caches the resolved mapping locally.

This process enables dynamic and efficient routing within NBMA networks.

Key Features of NHRP

NHRP offers several features that enhance its utility in networking:

Dynamic Resolution: Unlike static mapping, NHRP dynamically resolves next-hop addresses, ensuring adaptability to network changes.
Scalability: It supports large and complex network topologies, making it suitable for enterprise and service provider environments.
Reduces Latency: By enabling direct communication between endpoints, NHRP minimizes hop counts and transmission delays.
Integration with Other Protocols: NHRP seamlessly integrates with protocols like DMVPN, enabling secure and efficient site-to-site communication.

Applications of NHRP

NHRP is widely used in scenarios requiring efficient routing in NBMA networks. Some common applications include:

Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN): NHRP is a critical component of DMVPN, enabling dynamic spoke-to-spoke communication in VPNs without the need for permanent tunnels.
Cloud Connectivity: It facilitates optimized routing between on-premises networks and cloud environments over NBMA connections.
Hybrid WAN Architectures: NHRP supports hybrid WAN setups by dynamically resolving optimal paths for data transmission.
Mobile Networks: It is used in mobile backhaul networks for efficient routing between base stations and core networks.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

Efficient Routing: Reduces unnecessary hops and optimizes data paths.
Dynamic Adaptation: Adapts to network topology changes in real time.
Resource Optimization: Minimizes bandwidth usage by avoiding redundant data forwarding.

Limitations

Complexity: Requires proper configuration and maintenance to function effectively.
Dependency on NHS: The protocol’s operation depends on the availability and reliability of the Next Hop Server.
Limited to NBMA Networks: Its applicability is confined to specific types of networks.

Conclusion

The Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP) is a powerful tool for optimizing routing in NBMA networks. By dynamically resolving next-hop addresses, it enhances network efficiency, scalability, and performance. Whether used in DMVPN setups, hybrid WANs, or cloud integrations, NHRP plays a crucial role in modern networking architectures. However, understanding its configuration and limitations is essential for maximizing its benefits.

For network engineers and IT professionals, mastering NHRP can provide significant advantages in designing and managing efficient, scalable networks.

Discover the Power of AI with Google AI Essentials Course

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:56:00 -0800

Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping industries and redefining the way we work, live, and innovate.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a budding data scientist, or a professional looking to upskill, the Google AI Essentials course is your gateway to understanding and applying AI concepts effectively.

Why Choose Google AI Essentials?

This course is designed for learners who want to grasp the foundational principles of AI and gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools and technologies. Here are some reasons why this course stands out:

Beginner-Friendly: No prior AI experience? No problem! This course simplifies complex concepts, making AI accessible to everyone.
Industry-Relevant Skills: Learn from Google’s expertise and stay ahead in the AI-driven job market.
Hands-On Projects: Apply your knowledge through practical exercises and real-world examples.
Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace, balancing your education with your personal and professional life.

What Will You Learn?

The Google AI Essentials course covers a wide range of topics, including:

Understanding AI fundamentals
Machine learning basics
Introduction to neural networks
Google’s AI and ML tools
Real-world applications of AI

By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in AI and the confidence to explore advanced concepts or start implementing AI solutions in your projects.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for:

Students and professionals interested in AI
Entrepreneurs exploring AI-powered business opportunities
Anyone curious about the potential of AI technologies

Why Invest in Your AI Education Now?

AI is not just a buzzword; it’s a transformative force driving innovation across industries. Companies worldwide are seeking professionals with AI expertise. By enrolling in this course, you position yourself as a valuable asset in a competitive job market.

Enroll Today!

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the pioneers of AI. Click here to enroll in the Google AI Essentials course today and take the first step towards mastering AI.

Empower yourself with knowledge and shape the future with AI. Your journey begins now!

Google Data Analytics Capstone, an interesting course

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:54:00 -0800

Are you eager to enhance your data analytics skills and showcase your expertise to potential employers?

The Google Data Analytics Capstone: Complete a Case Study course on Coursera is your gateway to mastering the real-world applications of data analysis.

This comprehensive course is designed to help you apply the knowledge gained from previous courses in the Google Data Analytics Certificate program to a hands-on project, setting you apart in a competitive job market.

Enroll now and start your journey!

What Makes This Course a Must-Have?

Hands-On Experience
- Gain practical experience by completing a capstone project.
- Work with real-world datasets to analyze and solve business problems.
- Showcase your skills by creating a professional case study.
Comprehensive Learning
- Learn how to clean, analyze, and visualize data using tools like R and spreadsheets.
- Develop critical thinking skills to interpret data effectively.
- Present your findings in a manner that resonates with stakeholders.
A Course Designed by Experts
- Created by Google, this course ensures industry relevance.
- Learn from experienced professionals who understand the demands of the analytics field.
Career Advancement
- Completing this capstone project demonstrates your ability to tackle real-world challenges.
- Enhance your portfolio with a tangible project that showcases your data analytics expertise.
- Open doors to career opportunities in data analytics, business intelligence, and more.

Who Is This Course For?

Aspiring Data Analysts: If you're starting your journey in data analytics, this course provides you with a strong foundation.
Professionals Looking to Upskill: Enhance your existing skills and transition to a data-centric role.
Students Completing the Google Data Analytics Certificate: Apply what you've learned and complete your certification.

Course Features

Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace with Coursera's online platform.
Supportive Community: Connect with peers and mentors to enrich your learning experience.
Globally Recognized Credential: Earn a certificate from Google to boost your resume.

Don’t Wait—Start Today!

The world of data analytics is evolving, and opportunities are abundant for skilled professionals. This course is your chance to gain practical experience, build a stellar portfolio, and position yourself for success in the data-driven economy.

Click here to enroll in the Google Data Analytics Capstone: Complete a Case Study now!

Transform your passion for data into a rewarding career. Your journey begins with this capstone project. Enroll today and take the first step toward achieving your goals!

Understanding the Role and Importance of a Web Application Gateway

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:51:00 -0800

In the modern digital age, where web applications form the backbone of countless businesses and services, ensuring their availability, performance, and security is paramount.

This is where a Web Application Gateway, often referred to as an Application Gateway, comes into play. Acting as a reverse proxy, it serves as an intermediary between external users and web applications hosted on servers.

Let’s dive deeper into its functions, features, and significance in today’s technology landscape.

What is a Web Application Gateway?

A Web Application Gateway is a network service designed to handle, optimize, and secure web traffic directed to web applications. It manages incoming requests, distributes traffic, protects against cyber threats, and ensures seamless user experiences. Positioned at the edge of a network, it functions as the first line of defense and the primary interface for users accessing a web application.

Unlike traditional load balancers, a Web Application Gateway provides advanced capabilities tailored specifically for web applications, making it an essential component in modern architectures.

Key Features of a Web Application Gateway

The Web Application Gateway is equipped with numerous features that make it indispensable for managing and protecting web applications. Below are its primary functionalities:

1. Load Balancing

Purpose: To distribute incoming traffic across multiple servers.
Benefit: Ensures high availability and reliability of web applications.
How it Works: By balancing the load, it prevents any single server from being overwhelmed, which could lead to slow performance or downtime.

2. SSL Termination

Purpose: To handle SSL decryption and encryption processes.
Benefit: Reduces the processing burden on backend servers and simplifies SSL certificate management.
How it Works: The gateway terminates SSL connections, decrypts the data, and forwards it to backend servers over plain HTTP or HTTPS.

3. Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Purpose: To protect applications from common web vulnerabilities.
Benefit: Safeguards against threats like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities.
How it Works: The WAF inspects incoming traffic and applies security policies to block malicious activities.

4. Routing Capabilities

Purpose: To route incoming requests based on specific criteria.
Benefit: Enables hosting multiple web applications on the same gateway and efficient traffic management.
How it Works: Routes requests to appropriate backend services using URL paths, headers, or other parameters.

5. Health Monitoring

Purpose: To ensure backend servers are functioning optimally.
Benefit: Guarantees that traffic is routed only to healthy instances.
How it Works: The gateway performs periodic checks on servers and removes unhealthy ones from the traffic pool until they recover.

6. Session Affinity

Purpose: To maintain user sessions by directing requests to the same backend server.
Benefit: Provides a consistent user experience, especially for stateful applications.
How it Works: Uses cookies or other identifiers to ensure session continuity.

7. Content Caching

Purpose: To store frequently accessed content temporarily.
Benefit: Reduces latency and server load, improving performance.
How it Works: The gateway caches static or dynamic content to serve subsequent requests more efficiently.

8. Custom Rules

Purpose: To allow specific traffic-routing logic based on business requirements.
Benefit: Tailors traffic management to unique organizational needs.
How it Works: Administrators define rules that dictate how traffic is handled under specific conditions.

Why Businesses Need a Web Application Gateway

With the exponential growth of online services, businesses face numerous challenges, including scalability, security, and performance. A Web Application Gateway addresses these challenges effectively by:

Enhancing Scalability: By distributing traffic evenly, the gateway ensures applications can handle spikes in user demand.
Improving Security: The integrated WAF and SSL termination protect sensitive data and application vulnerabilities.
Optimizing Performance: Features like caching and health monitoring ensure quick response times and high availability.
Simplifying Management: Centralized control over routing, security, and SSL certificates reduces administrative overhead.

Use Cases for Web Application Gateways

1. Scaling Web Applications

Businesses experiencing rapid growth or seasonal traffic spikes benefit greatly from the load-balancing capabilities of a Web Application Gateway. By evenly distributing user requests, the gateway prevents performance bottlenecks and ensures consistent availability.

2. Securing Web Applications

With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, protecting web applications is more critical than ever. The Web Application Gateway’s WAF acts as a shield, identifying and mitigating potential attacks before they reach the backend.

3. Hosting Microservices

In architectures utilizing microservices, the gateway’s routing capabilities play a vital role. Requests can be directed to specific microservices based on URL paths, headers, or other criteria, enabling seamless operation of complex systems.

4. Enhancing User Experience

By implementing session affinity and content caching, the Web Application Gateway ensures faster load times and uninterrupted user sessions, delivering a superior experience to end-users.

Examples of Web Application Gateways

Several solutions cater to the diverse needs of businesses, including:

Azure Application Gateway (Microsoft Azure):
- Cloud-based solution with integrated WAF.
- Ideal for businesses using Microsoft Azure services.
AWS Application Load Balancer (Amazon Web Services):
- Managed service supporting WAF integration.
- Perfect for applications hosted on AWS.
NGINX Plus:
- A software-based solution offering high flexibility.
- Suitable for on-premises or hybrid deployments.
F5 BIG-IP:
- Enterprise-grade solution known for its advanced load-balancing and security features.
- Best suited for large-scale enterprises.

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, the importance of a Web Application Gateway cannot be overstated. Its ability to manage traffic, enhance security, and optimize performance makes it a cornerstone of modern web architecture. By implementing a Web Application Gateway, businesses can ensure that their web applications remain resilient, secure, and responsive, even in the face of growing user demands and evolving threats.

Whether you’re a small business with a single application or an enterprise managing a complex network of services, investing in a robust Web Application Gateway is a decision that pays dividends in reliability, security, and user satisfaction.

Understanding FortiGate Application Control: A Comprehensive Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:09:00 -0800

Businesses and organizations face growing challenges in securing their networks against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

FortiGate Application Control emerges as a critical solution, providing administrators with the tools to monitor, manage, and secure application traffic effectively.

This article dives deep into what FortiGate Application Control is, its benefits, features, and how it enhances network security.

What is FortiGate Application Control?

FortiGate Application Control is a feature of Fortinet's FortiGate firewall that enables administrators to identify and control application traffic across their network. By leveraging a comprehensive database of application signatures, it ensures that network resources are utilized appropriately and safeguarded against potential threats.

Key Benefits of FortiGate Application Control

Enhanced Security: FortiGate Application Control allows businesses to block unauthorized applications that might pose a risk to their networks. This proactive approach minimizes vulnerabilities and prevents data breaches.
Improved Network Performance: By prioritizing critical applications and restricting bandwidth-hogging ones, Application Control ensures optimal network performance and resource allocation.
Regulatory Compliance: Organizations can enforce application usage policies that align with regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.
Comprehensive Visibility: Gain detailed insights into application usage patterns, enabling better decision-making and fine-tuned control.

Features of FortiGate Application Control

Extensive Application Database: FortiGate supports a robust database of application signatures, covering a wide range of protocols and platforms.
Granular Policy Controls: Administrators can define policies for specific applications, user groups, or devices, providing a tailored approach to network management.
Real-Time Monitoring: The feature includes dashboards and reporting tools that offer real-time insights into application traffic.
Integration with FortiGuard Labs: Continuous updates from FortiGuard Labs ensure the application database remains current, addressing emerging threats effectively.
SSL Inspection: FortiGate Application Control can inspect encrypted traffic, ensuring security without compromising performance.

How to Set Up FortiGate Application Control

Access the FortiGate Web Interface: Log in to the FortiGate web console with administrative privileges.
Enable Application Control: Navigate to the “Security Profiles” section and activate Application Control.
Create or Modify Policies: Define policies that specify allowed or blocked applications. These can be tailored to user roles or specific IP ranges.
Monitor and Optimize: Use the Application Control dashboard to monitor traffic and adjust policies as needed.

Use Cases for FortiGate Application Control

Enterprise Networks: Ensure employees access only approved applications, boosting productivity and reducing risks.
Educational Institutions: Limit access to non-educational applications during class hours, maintaining focus and security.
Healthcare: Protect sensitive patient data by controlling applications that interact with electronic health records.
Retail: Secure point-of-sale systems and prevent unauthorized application usage on the network.

Best Practices for Implementing FortiGate Application Control

Regularly Update Policies: Continuously review and update application control policies to adapt to changing network needs.
Monitor Traffic Patterns: Use FortiGate’s analytics tools to identify trends and potential threats.
Educate Users: Train staff on the importance of adhering to application policies to prevent accidental breaches.

Conclusion

FortiGate Application Control is a powerful tool for organizations looking to enhance their network security and efficiency. By offering granular control, real-time insights, and integration with a comprehensive threat intelligence system, it empowers administrators to secure their environments effectively. Whether you’re managing a small business network or a large enterprise, FortiGate Application Control is an indispensable component of modern cybersecurity strategies.

FAQs

Q: What types of applications can FortiGate Application Control manage? A: FortiGate can manage a wide range of applications, including social media platforms, streaming services, productivity tools, and custom enterprise applications.

Q: Is FortiGate Application Control suitable for small businesses? A: Yes, FortiGate Application Control is scalable and can be configured to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.

Q: Does FortiGate Application Control impact network speed? A: With proper configuration, FortiGate minimizes performance impact while ensuring secure and efficient traffic management.

How to Become a System Engineer: A Comprehensive Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:38:00 -0800

How to Become a System Engineer: A Comprehensive Guide

System engineering is a dynamic and rewarding career that involves designing, implementing, and managing complex systems. These systems span across industries, including IT, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. If you’re interested in becoming a system engineer, this guide outlines the essential steps and skills needed to launch and thrive in this field.

1. Understand the Role of a System Engineer

System engineers oversee the entire lifecycle of a system, from concept and design to deployment and maintenance. Their responsibilities include:

Defining system requirements.
Ensuring system integration and functionality.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Troubleshooting and optimizing systems.
Maintaining documentation and compliance standards.

System engineers need strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and effective communication abilities to coordinate with stakeholders and ensure project success.

2. Obtain Relevant Education

A strong educational foundation is crucial for aspiring system engineers. Consider the following steps:

a. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is typically the first step. Common majors include:

Systems Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Information Technology

b. Pursue Advanced Education (Optional)

While not always required, a master’s degree in systems engineering or a related discipline can enhance your knowledge and career prospects, especially for leadership roles.

3. Develop Core Technical Skills

System engineers must be proficient in both technical and analytical skills. Focus on developing:

a. Engineering Fundamentals

Systems design and modeling
Requirements analysis
Risk assessment and mitigation

b. IT and Software Skills

Networking and system architecture
Operating systems (Windows, Linux)
Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++)
Tools like MATLAB, AutoCAD, or similar engineering software

c. Project Management

Agile and Scrum methodologies
Resource and time management

4. Gain Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is invaluable in system engineering. Here’s how to build it:

a. Internships and Entry-Level Jobs

Seek internships or junior roles in engineering or IT to gain exposure to real-world projects.

b. Work on Projects

Collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, such as designing a prototype or contributing to a large-scale system integration task.

c. Learn from Mentorship

Connect with experienced system engineers who can provide guidance and insights into the industry.

5. Obtain Certifications

Certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional growth. Popular certifications for system engineers include:

Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) from INCOSE.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) for networking knowledge.
CompTIA Security+ for cybersecurity basics.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect for cloud systems.
ITIL Foundation Certification for IT service management.

6. Build Soft Skills

In addition to technical prowess, system engineers must excel in:

Communication: Articulating complex ideas to diverse audiences.
Problem-Solving: Addressing technical challenges creatively and efficiently.
Team Collaboration: Working effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
Adaptability: Keeping pace with technological advancements and changing requirements.

7. Network and Stay Updated

a. Join Professional Organizations

INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering)
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

b. Attend Industry Events

Participate in conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations.

c. Continue Learning

Stay current by taking courses, reading industry publications, and experimenting with new tools and technologies.

8. Advance Your Career

With experience and expertise, you can progress into advanced roles such as:

Senior System Engineer
Solutions Architect
Systems Engineering Manager
Technical Consultant

Conclusion

Becoming a system engineer requires a blend of education, technical proficiency, and practical experience. By following these steps and continually honing your skills, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in system engineering. Whether designing cutting-edge technology or optimizing existing systems, your contributions as a system engineer will be integral to innovation and efficiency across industries.

How to Become a Database Engineer: A Comprehensive Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:36:00 -0800

How to Become a Database Engineer: A Comprehensive Guide

Database engineers play a critical role in designing, managing, and optimizing data storage systems that power modern applications and services. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in database engineering, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and excel in this field.

1. Understand the Role of a Database Engineer

Before embarking on this career path, it’s essential to understand what database engineers do. Their responsibilities include:

Designing and creating databases.
Managing database performance and scalability.
Implementing security measures to protect data.
Developing and optimizing SQL queries.
Collaborating with software developers and system administrators.

Database engineers often work with relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle, as well as NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Cassandra.

2. Develop a Strong Educational Foundation

While it’s possible to become a database engineer without formal education, most employers prefer candidates with a degree in a relevant field, such as:

Computer Science
Information Technology
Software Engineering

During your studies, focus on courses that cover database management systems (DBMS), programming, data structures, and algorithms.

3. Learn Key Database Technologies

Familiarize yourself with essential database technologies and tools, including:

SQL (Structured Query Language): The backbone of relational databases.
Database Management Systems (DBMS): Learn systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.
NoSQL Databases: Explore MongoDB, Couchbase, or DynamoDB for handling unstructured data.
Cloud Database Services: Gain knowledge of AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, or Azure Database.

4. Master a Programming Language

Database engineers often work closely with software developers. Proficiency in programming languages can enhance your ability to integrate databases into applications. Popular languages include:

Python
Java
C#
PHP

5. Gain Hands-On Experience

Practical experience is crucial for developing your skills. You can:

Build personal projects that involve database design and management.
Contribute to open-source projects.
Participate in internships to gain real-world exposure.

6. Understand Database Design Principles

Learn how to design efficient and normalized databases. Key principles include:

Normalization: Reducing data redundancy.
Indexing: Improving query performance.
Data Modeling: Creating logical and physical models of your database.

7. Develop Problem-Solving Skills

Database engineers often troubleshoot performance issues and optimize queries. Practice solving problems related to:

Query optimization.
Deadlock resolution.
Data migration and replication.

8. Pursue Certifications

Certifications can validate your expertise and enhance your resume. Popular certifications include:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate.
Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) MySQL Database Administrator.
AWS Certified Database - Specialty.

9. Stay Updated with Industry Trends

The database field evolves rapidly with new technologies and methodologies. Stay current by:

Following industry blogs and forums.
Attending webinars and conferences.
Learning about emerging technologies like database automation and AI-driven database optimization.

10. Network and Build a Portfolio

Networking can open doors to job opportunities. Join professional groups, attend meetups, and connect with other database professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Additionally, maintain a portfolio of projects to showcase your skills to potential employers.

11. Apply for Jobs and Grow Your Career

When you’re ready, apply for entry-level positions such as Database Administrator or Junior Database Engineer. As you gain experience, you can advance to roles like Senior Database Engineer, Database Architect, or Data Engineer.

Conclusion

Becoming a database engineer requires a mix of technical skills, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation and position yourself for success in this rewarding field. Whether you’re managing massive data warehouses or optimizing high-traffic applications, a career in database engineering offers endless opportunities for growth and innovation.

How to Become a Network Engineer: A Comprehensive Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:35:00 -0800

How to Become a Network Engineer: A Comprehensive Guide

Network engineers play a critical role in designing, implementing, and maintaining the networks that connect businesses and individuals to the digital world. If you’re interested in this dynamic field, here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a network engineer.

1. Understand the Role of a Network Engineer

Before diving in, it’s essential to understand what network engineers do. Their responsibilities typically include:

Designing and implementing network solutions.
Configuring and maintaining routers, switches, and other networking devices.
Ensuring network security and reliability.
Troubleshooting network issues.
Optimizing network performance.

2. Obtain the Necessary Education

High School Preparation

Start by focusing on subjects like mathematics, computer science, and physics in high school to build a strong foundation.

Higher Education Options

Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is often preferred. Key courses include networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity.
Associate’s Degree or Certifications: For those seeking a quicker path, an associate’s degree combined with certifications can also open doors.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Lab Practice

Use networking simulators like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 to practice configuring networks in a virtual environment.

Internships and Entry-Level Roles

Seek internships or entry-level IT positions such as a Network Support Technician or Help Desk Support. These roles provide exposure to real-world networking tasks.

4. Earn Networking Certifications

Certifications are a cornerstone of a network engineer’s career, validating your skills and knowledge. Some of the most sought-after certifications include:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Covers fundamental networking concepts and is often the first step for aspiring engineers.
CompTIA Network+: A vendor-neutral certification focusing on basic networking knowledge.
Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA): Ideal for those working with Juniper devices.
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP): A more advanced certification for experienced professionals.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): For engineers focusing on network security.

5. Develop Key Skills

To succeed as a network engineer, you’ll need a mix of technical and soft skills:

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF).
Knowledge of network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls).
Familiarity with operating systems like Linux and Windows Server.
Understanding of cloud networking (AWS, Azure).
Experience with network monitoring tools.

Soft Skills:

Problem-solving abilities.
Communication skills for interacting with teams and clients.
Attention to detail.
Time management.

6. Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Networking technology evolves rapidly, making continuous learning essential. Keep up with trends such as:

Software-Defined Networking (SDN).
Network automation and scripting (e.g., Python, Ansible).
Cloud computing and hybrid networks.
Cybersecurity advancements.

Attend industry conferences, join online forums, and subscribe to networking blogs to stay informed.

7. Pursue Advanced Opportunities

As you gain experience, you can specialize in areas like:

Network Security: Focus on protecting networks from cyber threats.
Wireless Networking: Design and implement Wi-Fi networks.
Cloud Networking: Manage virtual networks in cloud environments.
VoIP and Collaboration Tools: Work with voice and video communication systems.

Advanced certifications like CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) or cloud certifications (AWS Certified Advanced Networking) can further boost your career.

8. Network and Build a Professional Profile

LinkedIn Presence: Create a detailed LinkedIn profile highlighting your skills and certifications.
Networking Communities: Join local or online IT groups to connect with professionals.
Portfolio: Showcase projects or case studies you’ve worked on to demonstrate your expertise.

9. Apply for Network Engineering Jobs

When you feel confident in your skills and experience, start applying for network engineering roles. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills, certifications, and accomplishments. Prepare for interviews by reviewing networking concepts and common troubleshooting scenarios.

Conclusion

Becoming a network engineer requires dedication, continuous learning, and practical experience. By following these steps and staying committed to your goals, you can build a successful career in this dynamic and rewarding field. Whether you start with formal education or certifications, the journey to becoming a network engineer is as fulfilling as the destination.

Understanding ELRP: Extreme Networks’ Loop Protection Protocol

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:26:00 -0800

Understanding ELRP: Extreme Networks’ Loop Protection Protocol

In network environments, loops can cause severe disruptions, including broadcast storms and degraded performance. Extreme Networks addresses this issue with the Extreme Loop Recovery Protocol (ELRP), a robust solution for detecting and mitigating network loops. Let’s explore the features, functionality, and benefits of ELRP.

What is ELRP?

ELRP (Extreme Loop Recovery Protocol) is a proprietary protocol developed by Extreme Networks to detect and prevent loops in Ethernet networks. Unlike spanning tree protocols (STP), which are designed to create a loop-free topology, ELRP works at Layer 2 to actively monitor and respond to loops dynamically.

How Does ELRP Work?

1. Loop Detection

ELRP operates by sending special loop-detection packets (probe frames) from one or more ports in a network. These packets traverse the network and, if a loop exists, are received back on the same originating port.

2. Immediate Response

When a loop is detected, ELRP can take automatic actions to mitigate the loop's impact:

Disabling Ports: ELRP can temporarily disable the affected port(s), effectively breaking the loop.
Alerting Administrators: ELRP generates notifications or logs to alert administrators of the detected loop.
Configurable Behavior: The actions taken by ELRP are highly customizable based on the specific requirements of the network.

Key Features of ELRP

1. Flexibility

ELRP can be configured on specific ports or VLANs, giving administrators granular control over where and how it operates.

2. Rapid Response

ELRP’s proactive approach to loop detection ensures minimal disruption compared to reactive protocols like STP. Its ability to quickly disable looped ports prevents network-wide issues.

3. Integration with Extreme Networks Hardware

As a proprietary protocol, ELRP integrates seamlessly with Extreme Networks’ switches and other networking equipment, offering optimal performance and reliability.

4. Minimal Overhead

The lightweight design of ELRP minimizes the impact on network resources while providing continuous protection.

Configuring ELRP

Configuring ELRP on an Extreme Networks switch involves a few key steps:

Enable ELRP: Activate the protocol globally or on specific VLANs.
Define Probes: Specify how often ELRP packets are sent and the timeout period.
Set Actions: Configure automatic responses, such as port disablement or logging.
Monitor: Use network management tools or the command line interface (CLI) to monitor ELRP’s operation and ensure proper functionality.

ELRP vs. Spanning Tree Protocol

While both ELRP and STP aim to address network loops, they operate differently:

STP: Creates a loop-free topology by blocking redundant paths and reconverging when topology changes occur. However, its reaction time can be slower.
ELRP: Focuses on real-time loop detection and resolution without altering the network topology.

In many networks, ELRP complements STP, providing an additional layer of protection and faster response to transient loops.

Benefits of ELRP

Enhanced Network Stability: Quickly resolves loops to maintain network performance.
Reduced Downtime: Minimizes the impact of loop-related issues with immediate action.
Proactive Monitoring: Continuous detection helps identify misconfigurations or faults that could lead to loops.
Ease of Use: Simplifies loop management with straightforward configuration and automated responses.

Conclusion

Extreme Networks’ ELRP is a powerful tool for maintaining network integrity and preventing disruptions caused by loops. Its real-time detection, flexible configuration, and seamless integration make it an essential feature in environments using Extreme Networks’ equipment. By proactively addressing loops, ELRP ensures a stable, efficient, and reliable network.

Top 10 OWASP Vulnerabilities: A Guide to Secure Web Applications

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:24:00 -0800

The OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) Top 10 is a widely recognized list of the most critical security risks to web applications. Understanding and mitigating these vulnerabilities is essential for developers, security professionals, and organizations aiming to secure their applications. Below, we delve into the 2021 OWASP Top 10, exploring each risk and its implications.

1. Broken Access Control

Access control ensures that users only have permissions appropriate to their roles. Broken access control occurs when restrictions are not enforced, allowing unauthorized users to access sensitive data or perform privileged actions.

Examples:
- Accessing admin functionality without proper credentials.
- Modifying URL parameters to view restricted data.
Mitigation:
- Implement robust role-based access control (RBAC).
- Use server-side checks for authorization.

2. Cryptographic Failures

Also known as sensitive data exposure, this occurs when applications fail to protect sensitive information through encryption and secure storage.

Examples:
- Using weak or outdated encryption algorithms.
- Transmitting data over unencrypted channels.
Mitigation:
- Use strong, modern encryption protocols (e.g., TLS 1.3).
- Store sensitive data securely and minimize its exposure.

3. Injection

Injection attacks occur when untrusted data is sent to an interpreter as part of a command or query, allowing attackers to execute malicious commands.

Examples:
- SQL Injection.
- Command Injection.
Mitigation:
- Use parameterized queries and prepared statements.
- Validate and sanitize all user inputs.

4. Insecure Design

Insecure design refers to the lack of security controls or patterns during the application’s architecture or development phase.

Examples:
- Absence of security requirements in the design phase.
- Failure to consider threat modeling.
Mitigation:
- Integrate secure design principles early in development.
- Conduct threat modeling and regular security reviews.

5. Security Misconfiguration

This risk arises from insecure default configurations, incomplete configurations, or ad-hoc security settings.

Examples:
- Leaving default credentials unchanged.
- Exposing unnecessary services or features.
Mitigation:
- Use automated tools to verify configurations.
- Harden servers and remove unnecessary services.

6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components

Using libraries, frameworks, or components with known vulnerabilities can compromise the entire application.

Examples:
- Using outdated third-party libraries.
- Failing to patch software.
Mitigation:
- Regularly update dependencies.
- Monitor for known vulnerabilities in components.

7. Identification and Authentication Failures

Authentication mechanisms are essential to verify the identity of users. Failures in this area can allow unauthorized access.

Examples:
- Weak password policies.
- Insecure session management.
Mitigation:
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Use secure session management techniques.

8. Software and Data Integrity Failures

These failures occur when software updates, critical data, or CI/CD pipelines lack integrity checks, leaving them vulnerable to tampering.

Examples:
- Using unsigned or unverified updates.
- Allowing unvalidated plugins.
Mitigation:
- Employ digital signatures for code and updates.
- Secure CI/CD pipelines with strong controls.

9. Security Logging and Monitoring Failures

Lack of proper logging and monitoring can delay the detection and response to security incidents.

Examples:
- Insufficient logging of critical events.
- Ignoring logs and alerts.
Mitigation:
- Implement comprehensive logging for all critical actions.
- Regularly review and respond to logs.

10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

SSRF occurs when an application fetches a remote resource without properly validating the user-controlled URL, allowing attackers to make unauthorized requests.

Examples:
- Accessing internal systems via crafted URLs.
- Extracting sensitive information from local services.
Mitigation:
- Enforce URL validation and whitelisting.
- Restrict outbound requests from the server.

Conclusion

The OWASP Top 10 serves as a cornerstone for web application security, highlighting the most pressing risks developers must address. Regularly updating knowledge of these vulnerabilities and implementing proactive measures is crucial for building secure, robust applications. Organizations should prioritize continuous education, secure coding practices, and ongoing risk assessments to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Booting a Linux Ubuntu Virtual Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:20:00 -0800

Booting a Linux Ubuntu Virtual Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Booting a Linux Ubuntu virtual machine (VM) involves several critical steps, each contributing to the process of initializing the system and getting it ready for use. Understanding these steps not only helps troubleshoot issues but also provides insight into the underlying workings of Linux. Here’s a breakdown of the booting process:

1. Starting the Virtual Machine

When you launch your VM through a hypervisor such as VirtualBox, VMware, or KVM, the virtualization software allocates system resources like CPU, memory, and storage to the virtual machine. The VM then acts as a simulated physical computer ready to boot the operating system.

Hypervisor Role: Ensures the virtual hardware environment is consistent.
BIOS/UEFI Initialization: The VM’s BIOS/UEFI firmware begins execution, initiating the boot process and locating the boot loader.

2. Loading the Boot Loader

The boot loader, typically GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) in Ubuntu systems, is responsible for loading the Linux kernel into memory.

Primary Tasks:
- Detects the available operating systems.
- Displays a boot menu for selecting the OS (if multiple are installed).
- Loads the kernel and initial RAM disk (initrd or initramfs) into memory.
Custom Configurations: GRUB can be customized to modify kernel parameters, which can be helpful for troubleshooting or performance tuning.

3. Kernel Initialization

The Linux kernel is the core of the operating system, and its initialization is a critical phase in the boot process.

Responsibilities of the Kernel:
- Detects hardware devices and initializes drivers.
- Mounts the root filesystem in read-only mode.
- Starts the first user-space process, typically init (or its modern replacement, systemd).
Kernel Parameters: You can pass parameters to the kernel via GRUB to adjust behavior during startup.

4. Starting the init System

Ubuntu uses systemd as its initialization system. systemd orchestrates the rest of the boot process by managing services and mounting file systems.

Key Tasks of systemd:
- Reads configuration files from /etc/systemd/.
- Starts essential services like networking, logging, and user interfaces.
- Establishes the target state (e.g., multi-user mode, graphical mode).
Systemd Units: A “unit” represents a resource or process managed by systemd, such as .service, .socket, or .mount files.

5. Enabling User Space

Once systemd completes its tasks, the system reaches a target state, and the user environment becomes available.

Login Services:
- Console login prompts for text-based access.
- Display manager (e.g., GDM, LightDM) for graphical login.
Filesystem Mounted in Read-Write Mode: The root filesystem is remounted in read-write mode, allowing users to make changes.

6. Post-Boot Activities

After booting, various background services continue running to maintain the system.

Services Include:
- SSH daemon for remote access.
- Cron jobs for scheduled tasks.
- System monitoring tools.
User Customizations: Start applications or scripts at login by configuring .bashrc, .profile, or desktop environment startup settings.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the boot process encounters issues, the following techniques can help:

Access GRUB Menu: Hold down the Shift key (BIOS systems) or press Esc (UEFI systems) during startup to modify boot parameters.
Check Logs: Use journalctl to view systemd logs or examine log files in /var/log/.
Recovery Mode: Boot into recovery mode from the GRUB menu for diagnostic tools and a root shell.

Understanding the boot process of an Ubuntu virtual machine is key for system administrators, developers, and hobbyists. Each step is crucial, from allocating resources to initializing user space, and knowing them in detail equips you to manage and troubleshoot Linux environments effectively.

Understanding the RADIUS Protocol: A Comprehensive Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:16:00 -0800

Secure and efficient user authentication and authorization are critical for managing access to networks and systems.

One widely used protocol for this purpose is the Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS).

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the RADIUS protocol, explaining its key components, functionality, and common use cases.

What is RADIUS?

RADIUS is a client-server protocol that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) for users accessing network resources. Developed by Livingston Enterprises in 1991, RADIUS is now a standard maintained by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and is widely used in enterprise and service provider networks.

How Does RADIUS Work?

The RADIUS protocol operates on a client-server model:

RADIUS Client: The device or application that requires user authentication. Examples include network access servers (NAS), VPN concentrators, and wireless access points.
RADIUS Server: The centralized server that processes authentication and authorization requests. It verifies user credentials and returns access decisions to the client.

Here is an overview of the RADIUS authentication process:

A user attempts to access a network resource by providing credentials (e.g., username and password).
The RADIUS client forwards the credentials to the RADIUS server in a secure manner.
The RADIUS server validates the credentials against a user database (e.g., Active Directory or an internal database).
If the credentials are valid, the server authorizes access and returns an "Access-Accept" message. Otherwise, it sends an "Access-Reject" message.
The RADIUS client grants or denies access based on the server's response.

Key Features of RADIUS

Centralized Management: RADIUS allows administrators to manage authentication policies and user credentials from a single location, simplifying network management.
Scalability: RADIUS can support large-scale networks with thousands of users and devices.
Encryption: While the actual credentials (e.g., passwords) are encrypted during transmission, other parts of the message are transmitted in clear text, which may require additional security measures such as IPsec or VPNs.
Extensibility: RADIUS supports various extensions and vendor-specific attributes (VSAs), enabling customization for specific network environments.

Common Use Cases for RADIUS

Wireless Network Authentication:
- RADIUS is often used in conjunction with IEEE 802.1X for securing wireless networks. It enables enterprise-grade authentication mechanisms such as EAP-TLS (Extensible Authentication Protocol - Transport Layer Security).
VPN Access:
- VPN concentrators rely on RADIUS servers to authenticate remote users before granting access to internal resources.
ISP Services:
- Internet service providers use RADIUS for authenticating subscribers and tracking their usage for billing purposes.
Device Authentication:
- RADIUS can authenticate devices accessing the network, such as IP phones or IoT devices, ensuring secure and controlled access.

Benefits and Limitations

Benefits:

Centralized control and management.
Compatibility with a wide range of devices and platforms.
Scalability to handle large user bases.

Limitations:

Lack of end-to-end encryption for entire messages.
Dependency on network connectivity between the RADIUS client and server.
Complexity in configuration and management for large or multi-vendor environments.

Alternatives to RADIUS

While RADIUS is widely adopted, other protocols like Diameter and TACACS+ offer additional features. Diameter, for example, provides enhanced security and scalability, making it suitable for next-generation networks. TACACS+, developed by Cisco, is often preferred for device management and offers more granular control over authorization.

Conclusion

The RADIUS protocol remains a cornerstone of modern network security, enabling organizations to implement robust authentication and authorization mechanisms.

By understanding its functionality, features, and use cases, network administrators can leverage RADIUS to enhance security and streamline access management across their infrastructures.

Whether securing a wireless network, managing VPN access, or supporting ISP services, RADIUS provides a reliable and scalable solution for AAA requirements.

DHCP Snooping

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 1 Apr 2021 10:52:00 -0700

Hello,

We're gonna talk about DHCP snooping,

DHCP SNOOPING is a technology that prevents our local network users or any device that should be asigned an ip address to contact a suspiciours dhcp server,

So we need to understand how DHCP process works first, in order to understand how we can protect our local users and their IP attributions.

There are four steps through which we need to pass in order to attribute an ip address from our internal dhcp servers or server/

First of all the client sends a DHCP discovery request in the form of a broadcast, then the DHCP server will go ahead and respond to that request with a DHCP offer frame, our client then goes ahead and accepts offer by issuing back a DHCP request for the address that was offered and then the DHCP server will send back an acknowledgment saying yes you can go ahead and use that ip and then it's installed in its database and our user starts to connect in a normal way on our internal network.

Example:

The problem comes into action when we have multiple DHCP servers on our network, and in real world we should have multiple dhcp servers in order to ensure a certain failover between them, that way if our primary server is down for a certain reason the users can ask ip addresses from the backup dhcp servers or server, so the client would still go ahead and do its discovery and all of the servers will go ahead and respond to that discovery probe and issue an offer.

The problem is that the client will accept whichever one it receives first and so on this example if the green one got there first that's the only one that would respond to and send a DHCP request back.

Then that DHCP server would go ahead and acknowledge that and install it in the database and if that particular DHCP server was a rogue, that client now it just got a bad address and may now be black hold it may be going somewhere it's not supposed to and things like that...

So what we want to do is try and mitigate that so let's pretend that this is what

we have for a network:

*We have two different switches on our data center switch which we call switch DC

*We have a DHCP server that's installed on GE 5/12.

*On our closets which we have multiple pcs that are sitting down there that's maybe in sitting in VLANs 5 & 6 and let's just say we have an uplink port back to switch DC that's on ge 1/1 and that happens to be a trunk.

*Now the switch DC also happens to have multiple VLANs which I've noted there you know

5, 6, 7, 8 then VLAN 15.

There's really three different things we want to go ahead and do:

It's really easy to install this

All we have to do is at the global level we want to go ahead and turn on IP dhcp snooping then at the interface level we want to tell it which interface to trust in other words which ones would we expect to see the dhcp servers responses coming back from.

Remember those two that we saw that the server sound those are the ones we want to have and then the last thing we do is we tell which VLANs does apply for.

If we take a look at the different scenario we just did we'd have here's the following things we do on those switches we first get into switch DC which is the one that we have our DHCP server on and we get into config terminal mode and we turn it on globally by saying IP dhcp snooping.

Now we go in just to the interface that the server is on which is GE5/12 and say IP dhcp snooping trust

The last thing to do is to say which VLANs we want to do the DHCP snooping on and you can go ahead and conglomerated a bunch of those together and so I did that in here where we do IP dhcp snooping VLAN 5-8 comma 15.

Last thing to do is go down to the closet switch we say closet 1 we get in config mode again once again to the global IP dhcp snooping get into the interface which on this case would be the uplink that's where we expect to see the server responses coming back from.

so only on that uplink everything else by default will be untrusted and on that interface we say DC simply trust and then since that switch happens to have two different VLANs 5 & 6 we also add in the IP dhcp snooping VLANs 5 & 6.

Understand DDOS ATTACK

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 1 Apr 2021 10:07:00 -0700

DDOS stands for "Distributed Denial of Service"

A DDOS attack is carried out by a network of machines, hence the notion of distributed attacks

These machines have been corrupted beforehand by cybercriminals through the spread of malware.

This network of infected machines is also called botnet.

The cybercriminal will execute a DDOS attack by ordering the botnet to saturate the service with many requests until it becomes unavailable, It is the concept of denial of service.

DDOS can be on a specified service, it can also be a network link, an infrastructure, a website, an application, etc...

It is noted that with the rise of the IoT or Internet of Things DDOS attacks gain in intensity since cybercriminals enroll unsecured IoT equipment in botnets.

Denial of service will prevent real users of the service from using it.

Another variant is DDOS attacks based on reflection and amplification, In this case, the cybercriminals will use machines accessible on the internet and therefore not corrupted.

These machines called "reflectors" are just intended to respond to requests from any source.

The cybercriminal will send requests to these reflectors using the victim's IP address as the source IP, the cybercriminal makes then an identity theft or rather an IP address.

The reflectors then think that it is the victim who made the request and they will therefore send their responses to the victim.

The reflectors will then create unsolicited traffic by the victim who then suffers a back attack.

Where this type of attack is dangerous is that there is an amplification effect. Indeed some protocols generate responses much larger than the request size.

We can for example cite the DNS protocols for Domain Name System or NTP for Network Time Protocol.

The amplification effect allows to saturate the victim's network bandwidth even faster, which results in denial of service.

The motives behind DDOS attacks can be very varied.

In the gaming environment where DDOS attacks are very numerous the goal is to slow down or even saturate the bandwidth of the other player, all this to prevent it from playing and in general the motive behind it is just either for fun or to piss off the other player.

Another case is the DDOS attacks which are carried out by the activists, we can take for example the case of the Anonymous group which DDOS attack campaigns against government or terrorist sites and there the motive behind it is rather convictions in particular the defense of individual freedoms.

Finally for companies, DDOS attacks are often the harbinger of a larger attack indeed cybercriminals often use DDOS attacks to test the defense and reaction capacity of companies.

DDOS attacks also allow cybercriminals to create a diversion to implement new malware at the same time or to extract data.

Here is a video explaining more in depth these fundamentals:

Understand_DDOS_ATTACK

Give me your opinion in the comments

350-401 ENCOR - Cisco - Network design basics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 1 Apr 2021 03:16:00 -0700

Hierarchial Network Design

What is a FLAT NETWORK?

Flat Networks are networks in which all computers, servers, printers are connected together using just layer 2 switches, there is no use of subnets in flat networks, in addition, all devices are located in the same broadcast domain and broadcast trafic is transmitted to all devices on the network and because of that BANDWIDTH is not used effectively.

FLAT networks CAN NOT meet the needs of most enterprise networks or small to medium size business.

What is a Hierarchical NETWORK?

Hierarchical Models allow to design the network by using different layers,

Layers of the Hierarchical Network are devided into specific functions that are categorized as CORE, DISTRIBUTION and ACCESS Layers.

This categorization privides FLEXIBLE design options and ease scaling of network devices.

Here is an overview that explains the difference between a flat Network VS Hierarchical Network:

As you can see that in the FLAT network model, all devices are just connected to a Layer 2 switch,

The first FLAT architecture represents a ONE LARGE BROADCAST DOMAIN which is NOT recommended.

In the second Model which is the HIERARCHICAL Network we have three Layers:

- ACCESS Layers

- DISTRIBUTION Layer

- Core Layer

And we can see that we have three seperate broadcast DOMAINS

Let's talk about HIERARCHICAL network layers in more details:

- In a local area network LAN environnement, the ACCESS LAYER provides the end devices access to the network, the ACCESS LAYER serves a number of functions including Layer 2 SWITCHING, HIGH AVAILABILITY, Port Security, QoS or Quality of Service Classification marking, ARP INSPECTION, Virtual ACCESS Control lists, Spanning Tree or STP, PoE or Power Over Internet etc...

- The DISTRIBUTION LAYER aggregates the data received from ACCESS LAYER Switches before it's transmitted to the CORE LAYER for routing to its final destination.

- DISTRIBUTION Layer can provide AGGREGATION of LAN (Local Area Network) or Wide Area Network Links (WAN).

The CORE Layer is also referred to as the network BACKBONE, it consists of high speed network devices such as CISCO CATALYST 6500 or 6800 models.

These Cisco equipments are designed to switch packets as faster as possible and interconnect multiple campus components such as DISTRIBUTION MODULES, Service Modules, the DATACENTER and the WAN

At the CORE LAYER, High Speed Switching is also considered as a main facor, which provides reliability and fault tolerance, scaling by using not so many equipements which they offer scalability due to their integrated circuits and better CPU, RAM etc...

FREE CCNP ENCOR 350-401 Videos - Module 1 and 2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0700

Here you can download all videos of CCNP ENCOR 350-401 From this page for FREE.

We have uploaded only the first 2 modules for the moment because we need to see whether people are interested or not in this series of videos.

If we have over 200+ downloads we will be uploading the rest of the videos for free also.

FREE CCNP ENCOR (350-401)

Module 2 Videos

Module 2 : NETWORK DESIGN BASICS

Video N° 3 : Cisco Switch Types : http://upload-4ever.com/d/IdB2

Video N° 2 : Network Topology Architectures : http://upload-4ever.com/d/IdAq

Video N° 1:  Hierarchical Network Design :  http://upload-4ever.com/d/IdAh

Module 1 Videos

Module 1 :  BASIC SWITCHING CONCEPTS

Video N° 4 : LAB  Multi Layer Switching Configuration : http://upload-4ever.com/d/IdAV

Video N° 3 : Multi Layer Switching: http://upload-4ever.com/d/IdAA

Video N° 2: VLAN and Trunking : https://www.upload-4ever.com/lmd7jm33geuq

Video N° 1 : Basic Switching Concepts : https://www.upload-4ever.com/mysj0lacvev5

The ads that are showing will be removed once we have the demanded number of downloads.

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A Switch is a networking device that connects devices together in a network by using packet switching to receive, process and forward data to the destination device.

A network switch is a multiple network switch that uses hardware addresses  to process and forward data at LINK LAYER which is the Layer 2 of the OSI model.

A switch also can be in Layer 2 and Layer 3!

In the case of a layer 3 Switch or we call it a multilayer switch which can also make routing in the Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI Model.

Layer 2 Switches make Switching based on the MAC Table, in fact they conserve a mac address table and forward the packets using the MAC ADDRESS Table.

This will provide us an efficient use of bandwidth.

Switches can provide equally power over ethernet or PoE, also a switch can participate in security which is a deeper topic.

What is a Broadcast domain?

A broadcast domain is a logical division of a network in which all nodes can reach each other by broadcast at DATA LINK Layer (Layer 2 of the OSI Model).

A broadcast dmain can be within the same local area network segment or it can be bridged to other local area network segments.

Any computer connected to the same switch is a member of the same broadcast domain.

Separating the network with VLANs creates new broadcast domain equally.
One VLAN equals 1 Broadcast domain.

Routers which are components of the Layer 3  (Network Layer) of the OSI Layer form Boundries.

What is a MAC address?

A MAC Address = Media Access Control Address is a 6 byte unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications at data link Layer (Layer 2 OSI layer).

Mac addresses are used as network address for most IEEE technologies including Ethernet and WiFi.

Logically MAC Addresses are used in the MEDIA ACCESS CONTROL protocol, sublayer of the OSI Model.

6 bytes = OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) + UAA (Universally Administered Address)

OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) is a 24 bit number that uniquely identifies a vendor, manufacturer or other organizations.

In the capture you can see the first part containing the OUI.

The second portion of a MAC Address is UAA or Universally Administreded Address.

The UAA is a uniquely assigned to a device by its manufacturer. (Just remember this, don't complicate things).

What is an Ethernet Frame :

An Ethernet packet (or Frame) has :

1- Preamble ( Provides SYNCHRONIZATION; means checks whether a packet is coming. )
2- SFD (Start of Frame Delimiter : Responsible for specifying the beginning of destination MAC ADDRESS on an ethernet packet.)
3- Receiver MAC ADDRESS (Or the destination MAC)
4- Sender MAC ADDRESS (Or the source MAC)
5- An Optional VLAN TAG
6- A Type field
7- A payload 
and 
8- The CRC Checksum

Basic Switching Process

If the destination MAC addess is found in the CAM table of the switch, the switch sends the frame out of the corresponding port : This process is called FORWARDING.

If the destination MAC address can not be found in the CAM Table, then the frame is sent to all other ports in the same VLAN and this process is called : FLOODING.

If the destination MAC address of the receiving frame is a BROADCAST ADDRESS which is : 
FFFF:FFFF:FFFF;  this time the frame is sent to all the ports in the same VLAN and this process is called also FLOODING.

 VLANs

VLAN = Virtual Local Area Network
1 VLAn = 1 Broadcast Domain 

We use VLANs for isolation, this way different VLANs can not communicate with each other without a L3 device (A L3 Device could be a router or a L3 Switch).

Benefits of Using VLANs

- Easy management
- Easy Error detection
- Better performance
-Cost reduction (less routers which are more expensive)
-Security 

Remember this :

- There are two modes in switch ports : ACCESS or TRUNK
- ACCESS = 1 VLAN = Access is known also as UNTAGGED
- TRUNK = Multiple VLANs = is known also as TAGGED.

LAYER 3 SWITCHING 

A Layer 3 Switch has SVI interfaces that could support routing.

Examples of Multilayer switches 

 - Cisco 4500
 - Cisco 6500

These models of multilayer switches can make Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 Routing in the same time and in this case we'll no longer need routers.

In order to activate the routing capabilities on a Layer 3 switch we need to put this command in the previliged mode 

#ip routing (if you do not put this command than your switch will never build a router table)

Than we will need to assign IP addresses to SVI interfaces.

Cisco beginner topic : Initial Switch configuration | IT NETWORKS AND SECURITY

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 07:09:00 -0700

Through this article we will jump into the very first step to learn how to configure a port on a cisco switch.

In order to configure a small network as a beginner first you need to know what is a switch (click me).

Basically cisco equipements are the most common switches so we are going to use the cisco syntax in this article, if you are interested in other equipements like huawei or, HP, ARUBA or others just leave a comment.

1 - Log to the switch using the login and the password (use the command >enable)

2 - Than you should enter the previliged mode wich is (#); using the command #configure terminal you will access this mode

3 - Choose the port that you need to configure examlpe:

#interface fastethernet 0/1

Than type this command

#switchport mode access

switchport means this port is going to switch packets

and it`s mode is ACCESS, means it will only drive one traffic.

After configuring this port you can now connect the PC to it and start pinging other devices on the same network...

Since a switch can have too many ports you will maybe need to seperate them into different network, it depends on the type of job of each employees.

that is why we use VLANs

check out VLANs in this link

Programming with Python : Installing Python on your Desktop | IT NETWORKS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 23:52:00 -0800

Installing Python on your Desktop

First of all, we need to install Python, In order to do that, we should go to PYTHON's official website and download it from there.

Here is a link to download Python

https://www.python.org/downloads/

Python is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS, choose the installation file based on the type of OS you're using.

On windows 10, The installation is very simple you'll need to download the executable and then simply launch it.

Do not forget to select "ADD PYTHON (Python version) to PATH" at the beginning of the installation process.

After the installation is complete and in order to test Python you can open a simple Command Line Prompt than just type "Python"

If it displays this kind of message :

Then everything is fine.

Try this message :

>>>print("Hello world")

and it will print out Hello World message

This is it!

enjoy

Learn more:

In Programing

How to install PYTHON 3.8.0 :
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/12/1-programming-with-python-installing.html

In Security

Endpoint introduction :
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/10/endpoints-introduction.html

Firewalls:
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/10/firewalls.html

Security Email Gateways:
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/10/secure-email-gateway.html

CyberSecurity Evolution : UnKnown Threats:
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/10/cybersecurity-evolution-unknown-threats.html

CyberSecurity Evolution : Known Threats
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/10/cybersecurity-evolution-known-threats.html

What is a Router ? | IT NETWORKS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:29:00 -0800

What is a router?

Routers are responsible for transmitting packets from one end host on the internet, maybe a laptop to and from other end-hosts that are connected to the internet like a web server that we are accessing.

Routers are not computers that you might recognize, routers are specialized pieces of
computer hardware that is built to do one task over and over and over again and that determines where a packet should go.

If the router only has two connections then when a packet comes in on one connection, it has to go out on the other and to some degree, there's no real point to have a router there at all same thing with the other direction because a router is on a destination for traffic it's just there to route traffic
to move it towards a destination that's an important distinction between end hosts and routers.

An end host can be a PC or a server...

Routers typically don't initiate that much traffic, they can initiate a little bit maybe using ICMP messages which are based on the Internet Control Message Protocol, to inform others on the internet about things that are happening.

Routers don't serve files to web users or do not provide a certain application they are conceived to route traffic.

Routers direct packets toward their destination once a router has one, two, three or more links then it starts to have a choice to make base on several conditions that are related to certain rules we call PROTOCOLs or some certain techniques to route traffic.

If a router receives packets faster than it can handle them, it can store them temporarily in its memory to try to process them, a very short time later, but if enough of those packets build up it has to start dropping them.

All routers are communicating with each other using the IP protocol and they do the Best-effort packet delivery trying to move the packet to its destination.

Here are some router models:

Cisco

What is a SWITCH ? | IT NETWORKS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 04:03:00 -0800

What is a SWITCH ?

A network Switch is a networking device that connects devices together, these devices could be, computers, printers, other switches, routers or even firewalls and servers..

It uses a technique that is called packet switching to receive, process and forward data to the destination

Unlike less advanced network HUBS a network switch forwards data only to one or multiple devices that need to receive it, rather than broadcasting the data out of each of its interfaces.

A network switch contains multiple ports and is considered as a network bridge that uses Hardware addresses or MAC addresses, to process and forward data at the link layer from layer 2 of the OSI model

Some switches can also process data at the network layer which is LAYER 3, and that happens by additionally incorporating routing functionality that most commonly uses IP address to perform packet forwarding. This kind of switches is known as LAYER 3 switches.

A Switch is a device that connects other devices, multiple data cables are plugged into a switch to enable communication between different network devices.

Switches manage data flow across a network by sending a received network packet only to one or more devices on which the packet is destined.
Each network device connected to an adapter can be identified by its network address, allowing the switch to regulate traffic flow, which increases the security and efficiency of the network.

A switch is smarter than a HUB, which simply retransmits packets out of every port, which makes a broadcast domain that can affect the network stability. A HUB is unable to distinguish different recipients.

Also, Switches may operate at one or more layers of the OSI model including the data link and network layers.

There are too many manufacturers of switches in networking:

Cisco

Huawei

Enterasys

CCNP UPSIDE DOWN : NEW CCNP 2020 NETCONF/YANG TOPIC | IT NETWORKS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 05:19:00 -0800

What are NETCONF and YANG??

1) Definitions

- Acronym : NETwork CONFiguration Protocol,

It is a network device management protocol, provides a mechanim for configuring devices and querying the network configuration protocol and status.

It looks just like SNMP !!

But as we already now SNMP uses MIB (Management Information Base) files to model data.

NETCONF uses YANG to describe the interaction models between the NETCONF client and server.

2) WHY would we use NETCONF and YANG?

Guys it`s the era of network automation !

Traditional CLI mode and SNMP do not meet the requirements of CLOUD BASED NETWORK because of these disadvanatges:

- Traditional CLI is based on MAN-MACHINE interfaces,
- Configurations are complex,
- Maintenance costs are too expensive and you know that configuration changes from a vendor to another and device interworking is hard.

Some vendor examples:

CISCO

JUNIPER

HUAWEI

HEWLETT PACKARD

A beginner engineer needs to learn each CLI configs and gets deep into them which will take lots of time and efforts which is very hard.

Here comes NETCONF and YANG !

Engineers will be able to perform automatic configuration without caring about heterogenous network equipements and this will be done from a GRAPHICAL APPLICATION.

NETCONF uses the C/S (Client /Server)communication mode, in most of the time we find an NMS, controller, or application which function as a CLIENT and a network device like a router, a switch which function as a SERVER.

Based on the same YANG model, the client generates XML packets that comply with NETCONF communication requirements and the server identifies the XML packets and performs related operations to achive communication.

Learn more:

In Programing

How to install PYTHON 3.8.0 :
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/12/1-programming-with-python-installing.html

In Security

Endpoint introduction :
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/10/endpoints-introduction.html

Firewalls:
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/10/firewalls.html

Security Email Gateways:
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/10/secure-email-gateway.html

CyberSecurity Evolution : UnKnown Threats:
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/10/cybersecurity-evolution-unknown-threats.html

CyberSecurity Evolution : Known Threats
https://itnetworks2020.blogspot.com/2019/10/cybersecurity-evolution-known-threats.html

AI : Artificial Intelligence | IT NETWORKS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 06:50:00 -0700

Definition:

AI or Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines.

Three main processes are used :

1- Learning: Acquiring specific pieces of information and rules
2- Reasoning: Conclude through rules
3- Self-connection

Two kinds of AI:

1- Weak Artificial Intelligence:

It is a system that repeats the same particular task like SIRI, this kind needs human intervention.

2- Strong Artificial Intelligence or known as Artificial GENERAL Intelligence

It is a system that recognizes human actions and abilities, it tries to find a solution when there is a problem, sometimes it replaces human work and tasks.

How Artificial Intelligence became alive?

Thanks to cheaper GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), BIG DATA and Algorithms that Artificial Intelligence became a reality.

Artificial Intelligence was programmed to treat special problems that a normal computer is not able to resolve on its own like perception, planning, problem-solving and the ability to manipulate and move objects. This is where Knowledge Engineering played a role...