Cabling issues often cause network problems, says Fluke Networks

The goal of this procedure is to eliminate all network meshes by changing the network topology. Usually, there are a considerable number of possible topology states. This procedure chooses one topology that minimizes network losses, considering all activated constraints and without creating isolated sub-systems. At the beginning of the procedure, all switchable elements of the considered voltage level are switched on. After that, an iterative process follows and contains the following core: 1.  Load flow calculation. 2.  Determination of the element with the lowest apparent power from the all the switchable elements and elements that are not yet worked off. 3.  The found element is switched off. 4.  If the system contains an isolated part or if any constraint is violated, the element is switched on again and is marked as worked off. The iteration continues until there is no switchable element or element that is not yet worked off. Usually, the resulting system contains no meshes. If this is not desired, one must deactivate the "Switchable" option of the elements that must not be switched off. The "Switchable" option exists only for lines and cables. If the “Prevent overloaded elements” option is activated, the procedure contains an additional check. An element is switched off only if the number of overloaded elements is not increasing. If the “Prevent limit violations of node voltages” option is activated, elements are switched off only if the number of voltage violations is not increasing. If the procedure is not able to eliminate all meshes, there may be too many constraints. The optimization problem contains the following constraints: •Maximum element loadings •Node voltage limits •Set of non-switchable elements

The goal of this procedure is to eliminate all network meshes by changing the network topology. Usually, there are a considerable number of possible topology states. This procedure chooses one topology that minimizes network losses, considering all activated constraints and without creating isolated sub-systems. At the beginning of the procedure, all switchable elements of the considered voltage level are switched on. After that, an iterative process follows and contains the following core: 1.  Load flow calculation. 2.  Determination of the element with the lowest apparent power from the all the switchable elements and elements that are not yet worked off. 3.  The found element is switched off. 4.  If the system contains an isolated part or if any constraint is violated, the element is switched on again and is marked as worked off. The iteration continues until there is no switchable element or element that is not yet worked off. Usually, the resulting system contains no meshes. If this is not desired, one must deactivate the "Switchable" option of the elements that must not be switched off. The "Switchable" option exists only for lines and cables. If the “Prevent overloaded elements” option is activated, the procedure contains an additional check. An element is switched off only if the number of overloaded elements is not increasing. If the “Prevent limit violations of node voltages” option is activated, elements are switched off only if the number of voltage violations is not increasing. If the procedure is not able to eliminate all meshes, there may be too many constraints. The optimization problem contains the following constraints: •Maximum element loadings •Node voltage limits •Set of non-switchable elements

Summary Checklist for a Proper Infrastructure: 1.Designed hierarchically (Core, Distribution, Access) 2.Segmented into VLANs based on function and security requirements 3.Redundant paths for critical links and devices 4.Secure administrative access (SSH/HTTPS, AAA) 5.Logical and documented IP addressing scheme 6.Dynamic routing protocol (e.g., OSPF) implemented for larger networks 7.Enterprise-grade Wi-Fi with proper security (WPA2/3-Enterprise) 8.Centralized monitoring (SNMP) and logging (Syslog) in place 9.Physical cabling is standards-based and well-labeled 10.Comprehensive and up-to-date documentation exists for all of the above Welcome for a full Implementation. Thanks

Spanning Tree Protocol (#STP), defined by IEEE 802.1D, prevents switching loops in Ethernet networks by blocking redundant paths. It’s usually enabled by default on managed switches and ensures a stable, loop-free topology while preserving backup links for fault tolerance. This helps avoid problems like broadcast storms and MAC table confusion that can degrade network performance. 🔁 #STP Major Processes 🔹Topology Discovery and Loop Detection STP begins by selecting a Root Bridge and building a logical Layer 2 topology using Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs). Each switch evaluates its connections to determine if any redundant paths could form a loop. 🔹Loop Prevention via Port Blocking If a loop is detected, STP places one or more ports into a blocking state, effectively creating a logical open circuit. This ensures that only the shortest, loop-free path remains active while keeping backup links available for failover. 🔹Continuous Monitoring and Recovery STP constantly monitors the network topology. If an active link fails, STP recalculates the topology and unblocks previously disabled ports to restore connectivity, maintaining both redundancy and and loop-free operation. This dynamic process allows STP to balance fault tolerance with network stability, making it essential for any switched Ethernet environment.

Did you know that over one-third of network reliability issues stem directly from cabling problems? These issues can lead to significant financial losses, often amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in hourly downtime. Discover the hidden costs of unreliable cabling and why investing in quality infrastructure is crucial for network stability. Watch the full video by clicking here. https://bit.ly/4fTxKuy #cablingquality #networkstability #cablingcertification #connecttowhatspossible

I have implemented a VLAN segmentation and inter-VLAN routing setup using one Layer 3 switch and two Layer 2 access switches. VLAN Creation: VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 were created to logically segment the network. Devices in VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 were assigned to different ports on the Layer 2 switches. Trunk Configuration: The uplink ports between the Layer 2 switches and the Layer 3 switch were configured as 802.1Q trunk links, carrying traffic for both VLANs. Inter-VLAN Routing: On the Layer 3 switch, SVIs (Switch Virtual Interfaces) were created for VLAN 10 and VLAN 20, each assigned an IP address to serve as the default gateway for devices in the respective VLANs. IP routing was enabled on the Layer 3 switch, allowing devices in VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 to communicate with each other through Layer 3 switching. Result: Devices connected to VLAN 10 and VLAN 20, even though separated by different Layer 2 switches, can now communicate successfully via the Layer 3 switch. This design improves network segmentation, scalability, and security while still allowing controlled communication between VLANs

🔹 Day 14 – The Elevator System: STP Think of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) like an elevator system in a building: In a building with multiple elevators (paths), not all elevators run at full capacity all the time. Some elevators are kept inactive or on standby to prevent collisions or traffic jams. When one elevator (path) fails, the standby elevator immediately becomes active so people (data) can still move efficiently. 🔹 How STP Works in Networking Purpose: Prevent layer 2 loops in Ethernet networks. Loops Problem: Loops cause broadcast storms, multiple frame copies, and MAC table instability. STP Solution: STP selects a “root bridge” (main floor/elevator hub). It disables extra paths (blocks some ports) to ensure one loop-free path between switches. If an active path fails, STP reactivates the blocked port to maintain connectivity. 🔹 Types of STP STP (802.1D) → classic, slower convergence RSTP (802.1w) → faster, modern version MSTP (802.1s) → multiple spanning trees for VLANs 🔹 Key Takeaways STP is like traffic management in a multi-elevator system. It prevents network loops while keeping backup paths ready. Understanding STP is essential for network stability, especially in redundant topologies. #30DaysOfNetworking #Networking #TechEducation #IT #NetworkEngineer #Learning

Here’s a structured list of OSPF troubleshooting steps you can follow when OSPF is not forming adjacency or routes are missing: --- 🔎 OSPF Troubleshooting Steps 1. Check OSPF Process Status Verify OSPF is enabled: show ip ospf Ensure the OSPF process is running on the router. 2. Verify OSPF Neighbor Relationship Use: show ip ospf neighbor Confirm neighbors are in Full/2-Way state. If stuck in Init/ExStart/Exchange/Loading, there may be mismatched settings. 3. Check Interface Configuration Use: show ip ospf interface Verify correct OSPF network type (broadcast, point-to-point, NBMA). Ensure interface is up/up. 4. Match OSPF Parameters Area ID must match on both ends. Hello/Dead intervals must be identical. Authentication settings (if configured) must match. MTU mismatch can prevent adjacency. 5. Check Network Statements Ensure correct networks are advertised: show running-config | section ospf Verify the network command includes correct interfaces. 6. Verify OSPF Router ID Use: show ip ospf Each router must have a unique Router ID. 7. Check LSDB (Link-State Database) Use: show ip ospf database Confirm LSAs are received from neighbors. 8. Routing Table Verification Use: show ip route ospf Ensure OSPF routes are installed in the routing table. 9. Check Passive Interfaces Make sure no required interfaces are accidentally set as passive.

Today case study challenge: BGP Load Balancing: Design Perspective BGP chooses a single best path by default. ECMP (Equal-Cost Multi-Path) allows multiple paths, but with design trade-offs: ✅ Advantages Better Link Utilization: Distributes traffic across multiple paths. Redundancy: Automatic failover if one path fails. Data Center Optimization: Spine-leaf and multi-homed topologies benefit. ❌ Limitations Limited ECMP Paths: Hardware may support 4–16 only. Traffic Asymmetry: Can break firewalls or affect voice/video. No Bandwidth Awareness: Equal split regardless of link capacity. Convergence & Troubleshooting: Multiple paths increase complexity and packet reordering risk. 💡Design Tip: Service Providers: Prefer best-path-only for stability. Enterprises: Use ECMP carefully; consider PBR or traffic engineering. Data Centers: Modern hardware + high-scale ECMP = optimal load distribution.

🔹 Spanning Tree Optimization – Making Layer 2 Networks Smarter 🔹 Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is essential to prevent loops in Layer 2 networks. But by default, it can cause slow convergence and suboptimal paths. That’s why optimizing STP is crucial for a stable and efficient network. ⚡ Key Optimizations: 1️⃣ Rapid STP (RSTP – 802.1w): Faster convergence than classic STP. 2️⃣ PortFast: Instantly brings end-device ports online, skipping delays. 3️⃣ BPDU Guard: Protects PortFast ports by shutting them if a switch is plugged in. 4️⃣ Root Bridge Placement: Always set your core/distribution switch as the Root to ensure optimal paths. 5️⃣ MSTP (Multiple STP): Groups VLANs into instances for better scalability in large networks. ✅ Benefits of STP Optimization: Faster recovery from failures Efficient traffic flow Stronger security at the edge Better scalability in complex environments In modern networks, STP tuning is not optional—it’s a best practice for reliability and performance. Picture Credits:Respective Owner Picture Source:Social Media #spanningtree #optimization #scalability #efficient #trafficflow #security