# Network Operations Published articles for Network Operations. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## Forensic Walkthrough of a Compromised MikroTik Router and Its Persistence Mechanisms DevFeed: [Forensic Walkthrough of a Compromised MikroTik Router and Its Persistence Mechanisms]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-09-16T13:32:46Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [MikroTik](), [Vulnerabilities](), [Persistence](), [remote access](), [backdoor](), [ssh]() Tags: [backdoor](), [cybersecurity](), [firmware](), [forensics](), [incident-response](), [mikortrick](), [mikrotik](), [network-operations](), [network-security](), [persistence](), [remote-access](), [security](), [ssh](), [vulnerabilities]() ### AI overview A forensic walkthrough examines a compromised MikroTik router in a honeypot. The intruders established persistence and remote access through scheduled tasks, scripts, new users, and tunnels. The author suspects, but cannot prove, that the compromise involved the MikroTrick RouterOS vulnerability chain. ### Source excerpt What it looks like when an intruder tries to make your own router work against you. A note before we start: Anything in this post that could identify my network, my organization, or my router's real hostname and IP address has been redacted or made generic. The attacker's own infrastructure, such as IP addresses, ports, ... Read more The post A first-hand forensic walkthrough of a real router compromise appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## What N, N+1, 2N, and 2(N+1) Mean in a Data Center DevFeed: [What N, N+1, 2N, and 2(N+1) Mean in a Data Center]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-08-27T13:59:08Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [datacenter](), [data]() Tags: [2n-redundancy](), [capacity](), [colocation](), [components](), [cooling](), [data-center](), [data-center-power](), [equipment](), [internet-architecture](), [maintenance](), [n-plus-1-redundancy](), [network-operations](), [power-distribution](), [system](), [ups]() ### AI overview This article explains what data center redundancy ratings N, N+1, N+2, 2N, and 2(N+1) indicate about component capacity, failures, maintenance, cooling, and alternate paths. ### Source excerpt Have you ever looked at a data center marketing slick and wondered what N, N+1, 2N, and 2(N+1) actually mean? The main thing they tell you is how many components can fail before the system drops below the capacity needed to support the load. When I evaluate a data center, I want to know what ... Read more The post What N, N+1, 2N, and 2(N+1) Mean in a Data Center appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## Troubleshooting Tarana Wireless Customer Connections DevFeed: [Troubleshooting Tarana Wireless Customer Connections]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-08-04T18:18:31Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [Network]() Tags: [access-point](), [isp](), [latency](), [network-operations](), [network-troubleshooting](), [rf](), [rf-troubleshooting](), [signal](), [tarana](), [transmission](), [troubleshooting](), [wireless](), [wireless-networking](), [wisp]() ### AI overview This troubleshooting guide explains why a single metric cannot establish the health of a Tarana wireless customer connection. It recommends evaluating RSSI, SNR, modulation rate, retransmissions, latency, sector utilization, and trends together to identify signal limitations, interference, changing RF conditions, and their effects on throughput. ### Source excerpt Troubleshooting Tarana wireless customer connections means looking at RSSI, SNR, modulation, retransmissions, latency, sector utilization, and trends together. The post Troubleshooting Tarana Wireless Customer Connections appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## Why Your Traffic Didn't go the way you expected DevFeed: [Why Your Traffic Didn't go the way you expected]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-07-28T15:16:02Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [BGP](), [Routing (disambiguation)](), [networking]() Tags: [bgp](), [fd-ix](), [network-engineering](), [network-operations](), [networking](), [peering](), [routing](), [routing-table](), [transit]() ### AI overview This troubleshooting article explains why traffic may not use an expected peering path even when a BGP session is established. It focuses on routing-table selection, Local Preference, BGP policy, and the possibility that return traffic follows a different path. ### Source excerpt 3 Mintue read timeJustin Wilson PacketsDownRange A common problem I run into when diagnosing route issues is traffic not going across the path it's supposed to. An established BGP session only means the routers successfully exchanged routes. It says nothing about which route your router actually installed in the forwarding table. Let's get into some ... Read more The post Why Your Traffic Didn't go the way you expected appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## Understanding BGP Route Types: Full Routes vs Partial vs Default vs Customer Routes DevFeed: [Understanding BGP Route Types: Full Routes vs Partial vs Default vs Customer Routes]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-07-24T16:28:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [BGP](), [networking](), [Routing (disambiguation)](), [Internet](), [gateway](), [Networks]() Tags: [bgp](), [cpu](), [flexibility](), [internet-architecture](), [isp](), [memory](), [network-engineering](), [network-operations](), [route](), [router](), [routing](), [routing-policy](), [routing-table](), [traffic-engineering](), [visibility]() ### AI overview This article explains BGP route choices, comparing default routes, full routes, partial routes, and customer routes. It describes the tradeoffs between small routing tables, Internet visibility, traffic engineering control, and router resource requirements. ### Source excerpt 5 minute read time.Justin Wilson j2sw.com When you configure a BGP session, one of the first questions is what routes you actually want to receive. If you have ever filled out a questionnaire with Hurricane Electric or another transit provider, they ask you what "kind" of routes you want. In this article, I plan to ... Read more The post Understanding BGP Route Types: Full Routes vs Partial vs Default vs Customer Routes appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## What Is IPoE? DevFeed: [What Is IPoE?]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-07-24T12:15:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [DHCP](), [Ethernet](), [Networks](), [Protocol (disambiguation)](), [gateway]() Tags: [broadband](), [dhcp](), [dns](), [ethernet](), [ipoe](), [mtu](), [network-operations](), [pppoe](), [router](), [vlan]() ### AI overview This article explains IPoE, or IP over Ethernet, as an access model in which a customer router uses DHCP to obtain an IP address and network configuration directly, without establishing a PPPoE session or storing login credentials. It describes DHCP relay and Broadband Network Gateway processing and outlines subscriber-identification methods such as VLANs, access ports, DHCP Option 82, circuit identifiers, ONT details, and MAC authentication. ### Source excerpt 4 minutes read time.Many of us ISP veterans are familiar with Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE), also referred to as Triple P O E. PPPoE is showing its age. It showed its age 15 years ago. DHCP was the simple fix for modern networks. It had less overhead and was simple. Now along comes IPoE. ... Read more The post What Is IPoE? appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## Useful Python Libraries Every Network Engineer Should Know DevFeed: [Useful Python Libraries Every Network Engineer Should Know]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-07-21T12:35:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [Python](), [Library](), [networking](), [Code]() Tags: [apis](), [automation](), [bgp](), [cisco](), [code](), [devops](), [firewalls](), [library](), [netops](), [network](), [network-engineering](), [network-operations](), [python](), [python-libraries]() ### AI overview This article introduces Python libraries for network engineering, explaining how they support device connections, API interactions, automation, configuration backups, audits, and reports. It discusses Netmiko, NAPALM, Nornir, Paramiko, and Requests. ### Source excerpt A Python script usually spends very little time doing actual Python work. Most of the actual work comes from libraries that know how to connect to network devices and do the work. They interact with APIs. Once you understand what each library does, you can spend less time writing code and more time solving network ... Read more The post Useful Python Libraries Every Network Engineer Should Know appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## Python Automation Script Ideas for Network Engineers DevFeed: [Python Automation Script Ideas for Network Engineers]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-07-20T20:33:48Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [Python](), [networking](), [Automation](), [BGP]() Tags: [automation](), [devops](), [network](), [network-operations](), [python](), [scripts]() ### AI overview This tutorial presents Python automation script ideas for network engineers. It covers running commands across devices, scanning configurations, generating inventory reports, monitoring optical power, and verifying BGP sessions. ### Source excerpt Python has become one of the most valuable tools in a network engineer's toolbox. You do not need to write thousands of lines of code or become a software developer to get value from it. If you are kind of old school like me, anything other than bash scripting might be new. In this article, ... Read more The post Python Scripts Every Network Engineer Should Know appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## RFC 10005: BGP Community for link capacity DevFeed: [RFC 10005: BGP Community for link capacity]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-07-01T13:31:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [BGP](), [standard](), [Load Balancing](), [Network]() Tags: [bgp](), [capacity](), [internet](), [load-balancing](), [network](), [network-operations](), [rfc](), [rfc-10005](), [route](), [routers](), [routing](), [standard](), [traffic]() ### AI overview RFC 10005 defines a BGP extended community for carrying link bandwidth information in routes. When multiple BGP paths are eligible, routers can use the value to weight traffic according to link capacity, while normal best-path policy still determines route eligibility. The RFC is currently a draft. ### Source excerpt RFC 10005 defines a BGP extended community that lets a router attach link bandwidth information to a route. Another router can use that value when it spreads traffic across multiple BGP paths. RFC 10005 matters because links are not always of the same capacity. This RFC provides routers with a standard way to carry bandwidth ... Read more The post RFC 10005: BGP Community for link capacity appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## What Is NBASE-T? More Bandwidth Without Replacing Your Cabling DevFeed: [What Is NBASE-T? More Bandwidth Without Replacing Your Cabling]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-06-25T03:44:25Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [Ethernet](), [Network](), [Hardware](), [Wi-Fi 7]() Tags: [2-5g-ethernet](), [cabling](), [cat5e](), [cat6](), [ethernet](), [hardware](), [interface](), [nbase-t](), [network](), [network-operations](), [speed](), [structured-cabling](), [use-cases](), [wi-fi-7](), [wifi-7]() ### AI overview This tutorial explains how NBASE-T provides 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps Ethernet speeds between traditional Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet over existing copper cabling. It covers auto-negotiation, RJ-45 compatibility, and use cases such as Wi-Fi access points and security cameras. ### Source excerpt NBASE-T bridges the gap between 1 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet by supporting 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps over existing copper cabling. Learn how it works, where it makes sense, and what network engineers should look for when deploying and troubleshooting multi-gigabit links. The post What Is NBASE-T? More Bandwidth Without Replacing Your Cabling appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## Don't forget Google SAS retires June 2027. DevFeed: [Don't forget Google SAS retires June 2027.]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-06-23T19:34:33Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [SAS](), [Google](), [Google Cloud Platform (GCP)](), [migration](), [service]() Tags: [2026](), [3ghz](), [cbrs](), [cloud](), [deployments](), [existing](), [google](), [google-cloud](), [migration](), [net-11](), [network-operations](), [operational](), [retirement](), [sas](), [service](), [wireless-networking]() ### AI overview Google Cloud Spectrum Access System (SAS) is being retired. It stopped accepting new customers on June 10, 2026, will remain operational for existing customers during the transition, and is scheduled to shut down on June 10, 2027. ### Source excerpt In case you forgot: RETIREMENT NOTICE Google Cloud Spectrum Access System (SAS) is being retired. Starting June 10, 2026, we are no longer accepting new customers. The service will remain fully operational for existing customers during the transition period and will be shut down on June 10, 2027. Please review the migration steps below for instructions on ... Read more The post Don't forget Google SAS retires June 2027. appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## What makes a good data center? DevFeed: [What makes a good data center?]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-06-22T11:25:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [datacenter](), [Monitoring](), [IXP]() Tags: [colocation](), [cooling](), [data-center](), [dc](), [infrastructure](), [ixp](), [monitoring](), [network-operations](), [power](), [remote](), [technology-industry-commentary]() ### AI overview The article presents a personal, surface-level framework for evaluating data centers, focusing on power redundancy, cooling and temperature monitoring, carrier diversity, interconnection neutrality, and physically diverse carrier routes. ### Source excerpt A good data center is not about lobby photos or vendor language. It is about clean power, working cooling, clear cable paths, useful remote hands, and gear that can be repaired without fighting the building. The post What makes a good data center? appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## What is the difference between latency and Jitter DevFeed: [What is the difference between latency and Jitter]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-06-19T15:16:46Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [Latency](), [Network]() Tags: [jitter](), [latency](), [network](), [network-operations](), [network-troubleshooting](), [perfomance](), [qos](), [wireless]() ### AI overview The article explains that latency is the time a packet takes to travel between endpoints, while jitter is variation in packet arrival times. It describes how routes, distance, transit links, wireless interference, queues, and retransmissions can affect these conditions, and why speed tests may miss jitter that harms VoIP calls. ### Source excerpt Latency is the time a packet takes to make the trip. Jitter is the swing between packets. One makes the path feel far away. The other makes voice, video, gaming, and remote desktop feel broken. Tags: jitter, latency, network troubleshooting, packet loss, QoS, ISP networks, wireless networks, network The post What is the difference between latency and Jitter appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## Fiber Optic Cable Colors Explained: Yellow, Orange, Aqua, Green, and More DevFeed: [Fiber Optic Cable Colors Explained: Yellow, Orange, Aqua, Green, and More]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-06-16T13:03:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [datacenter](), [Networks](), [Ethernet]() Tags: [color](), [data-centers](), [ethernet](), [fiber](), [fiber-colors](), [multi-mode](), [network](), [network-operations](), [single-mode](), [upc](), [yellow]() ### AI overview This article explains how fiber-optic patch-cable jacket colors commonly indicate fiber types, supported wavelengths, or connector styles. It describes yellow single-mode fiber, orange OM1 and OM2 multimode fiber, and aqua OM3 and OM4 multimode fiber, while noting that color improves identification and troubleshooting but does not affect light transmission. ### Source excerpt Fiber optic patch cables come in several colors, each helping identify the fiber type or connector style inside the network. Learn what yellow, orange, aqua, lime green, blue, and green fiber cables typically represent in data centers, ISPs, and telecommunications networks. The post Fiber Optic Cable Colors Explained: Yellow, Orange, Aqua, Green, and More appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## What PoE+++ Is and Why High-Power Ethernet Matters DevFeed: [What PoE+++ Is and Why High-Power Ethernet Matters]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: j2sw Published: 2026-06-10T04:56:41Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Justin Wilson (j2sw)]() Topics: [Ethernet](), [networking](), [Wi-Fi](), [Digital signage](), [clients]() Tags: [cameras](), [cooling](), [ethernet](), [heat](), [it-operations](), [network-operations](), [networking](), [poe](), [power](), [usb](), [wi-fi-6](), [wireless]() ### AI overview This article explains PoE+++ as a common reference to IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 or Type 4, which can deliver about 60 to 90 watts over all four Ethernet pairs. It describes how higher power enables devices such as Wi-Fi access points, PTZ cameras, digital signage, and thin clients, while increasing the importance of cable quality, heat management, switch cooling, and overall PoE budgets. ### Source excerpt Learn what PoE+++ is, how 802.3bt increases Ethernet power delivery, and why high-wattage PoE matters for Wi-Fi, cameras, switches, and ISP deployments. The post What PoE+++ Is and Why High-Power Ethernet Matters appeared first on Justin Wilson (j2sw). ## Postgres hidden gems DevFeed: [Postgres hidden gems]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Map Published: 2018-01-31T20:55:56Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Craig Kerstiens]() Topics: [PostgreSQL](), [Database](), [Replication](), [Network Operations](), [Statistics]() Tags: [functions](), [jsonb](), [lateral](), [network-operations](), [postgres](), [postgresql](), [psql](), [replication](), [statistics](), [text](), [unicode](), [window-functions]() ### AI overview The article collects PostgreSQL features that the author and contributors consider useful or easily overlooked. It highlights capabilities including ltree, citext, date arithmetic, jsonb, lateral joins, window functions, custom foreign data wrappers, replication slots, range types, statistics, logical decoding, and psql features. ### Source excerpt Postgres has a rich set of features, even when working everyday with it you may not discover all it has to offer. In hopes of learning some new features that I didn't know about myself as well as seeing what small gems people found joy in I tweeted out to see what people came back from. The response was impressive, and rather than have it lost into ether of twitter I'm capturing some of the responses here along with some resources many of the features. @listrophy - $ brew postgresql-update database Though personally I prefer Postgres.app ;) @pat_shaugnessy - ltree Pat has a great post that walks through ltree @billyfung - citext A really handy datatype for case insensitive text @eeeebbbbrrrr - date math with intervals I couldn't agree more on this one, working with time in Postgres is the easiest time I've every had @DataMiller - The jsonb datatype and lateral joins I'd argue it's hard to claim now JSONB is a hidden gem, but lateral joins are certain a great one @ideasasylum - row_number() over(partition http://orders.site_id order by orders.created_at) Window functions are definitely a handy feature was my hidden (to me) discovery this week @franckverrot - Index access method, and custom FDWs @jonjensen0 - Set-returning functions and custom aggregate functions can be very helpful. @ascherbaum - psql -x Psql is indeed awesome and can be well tuned @Abstr_ct - The fact that the docs are fantastic and all hidden gems are actually readily available. Oh, and pl/brainfuck obviously @Halpin_IO - Subnetting and network operations @jkatz05 - Replication slots, both physical and logical. They've made setting up replication infinitely easier. And range types. Because they're awesome. @petereisentraut - Unicode table borders @_avichalp Notify/listen @simonw - The fact that GIN indices can make LIKE queries run fast even if the % isn't just at the end of the string @javisantana - it has a statistics system to plan queries that can be used by the user when accuracy does not matt