Networking & Infrastructure
Networks, security, and system administration
122 episodes
#3907: Why the DNS Postman Metaphor Fails Learners
The postal metaphor for DNS is everywhere—but it's failing millions of learners. Here's what works better.
#3904: Manual NAT vs Double NAT: The Measurable Reality
Tracing OPNsense packet paths and quantifying double NAT's real latency cost.
#3902: Manual Network Config Demystified
Why your Linux box asks for gateway, subnet mask, and IP separately — and what each actually does.
#3901: Traceroute Beyond the Basics: Path Diagnostics
Discover what traceroute actually reveals about network paths, firewalls, and multi-WAN failover.
#3892: Unlocking Hidden Android Cellular Diagnostics
Fix slow Android data by using hidden settings like dialer codes, APN configs, and band selection—no root required.
#3884: Why Your Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Might Make Things Worse
Most people either under-provision or over-provision their home networks. Wi-Fi 7 makes both mistakes more expensive.
#3883: Inside OPNsense Tunables: Kernel Variables Explained
What OPNsense tunables actually do, how they work under the hood, and when to touch them.
#3808: Tracing a Packet: 3 Home Switches vs the Internet Backbone
Three home switches add 36 microseconds. Your cable modem adds 5-15 milliseconds. Let's follow a packet from phone to Google News.
#3807: Why Cloud Servers Cluster in Only a Dozen Cities
Submarine cables, carrier hotels, and network effects concentrate cloud infrastructure in just 15-20 metro areas worldwide.
#3804: Stateful Firewalls vs. Modern Threats
Is a basic firewall still enough in 2026? We break down what each security layer actually catches—and misses.
#3803: Can You Touch Your Cloud?
Boutique cloud operators let you visit your rack. Here’s how dedicated hosting works in 2026.
#3802: What's Really in That Private Network Cable?
Virtual cables, MPLS circuits, and dark fiber — how cloud providers connect data centers behind the scenes.
#3797: How Self-Reverting Watchdogs Save Broken SSH Sessions
A dead man's switch for server configs that automatically rolls back risky changes when connectivity drops.
#3793: Solving the Bulk Redirect Problem for System Migrations
What tools exist for managing bulk redirect mappings when QR codes are already stuck on physical assets?
#3791: Who Still Runs Windows Server in 2026?
Windows Server still holds 32% of x86 server shipments. Here's where it's the rational choice.
#3790: Server Distro Showdown: BTRFS, ZFS & Pragmatic Picks
Why filesystem support often picks your distro — and what "support" actually means in practice.
#3787: Proxmox vs Stock Linux for Home Servers
When rebuilding a home server, should you install Proxmox or just use stock Linux with KVM? We break down the tradeoffs.
#3786: When Your DNS Dies: Home Network Failure Cascade
One dead server, ZFS corruption, and a DNS collapse that takes down everything—including your ability to fix it.
#3785: Standalone GPON ONTs: Your Fiber Upgrade Guide
Fiber-to-fiber SFP sticks vs traditional ONT bridges — what works, what doesn't, and why your ISP might block you.
#3781: Peer-to-Peer Backup: Brilliant or Overcomplicated?
Can a blockchain-inspired network replace your backup drive? We explore the promise and hidden pitfalls.
#3749: Triage When Everything Breaks at Once
When a roof leak, server failure, and lease termination hit simultaneously, here's how to prioritize.
#3748: Your Backup Is Probably Corrupted Right Now
How to catch ZFS pool degradation before your backup faithfully preserves garbage for weeks.
#3738: How to Run Ethernet Through Walls (Without Tearing Everything Open)
Conduits, fish tape, and the difference between DIY and calling a pro — a practical guide to running cable through walls.
#3689: Can You Navigate by the Stars When GPS Fails?
If GPS goes down, can you find your position using just the night sky and your phone? Yes — here’s how.