February 27, 2026

What is a Network Packet Broker


    • Understanding Network Packet Brokers
    • What Is the Difference Between a Network Packet Broker and a Network TAP?
    • Network Packet Brokers Key Features
    • What are the key deployment modes for an NPB?
    • How to solve Network Challenges with a Network Packet Broker?
    • Next Generation Network Packet Broker
    • FAQs
    • Our Network Packet Broker Portfolio

Click here for more info

February 26, 2026

Hackers Use Fake CAPTCHA To Infect Windows PCs

Hackers Use Fake CAPTCHA To Infect Windows PCs

Hackers are abusing fake CAPTCHA pages on compromised or malicious websites to trick Windows users into installing malware on their systems. These CAPTCHA pages mimic familiar “prove you’re human” checks, often styled like Cloudflare or other widely used services, but instead of a normal visual challenge they prompt users to manually execute seemingly simple actions—such as pressing Windows + R, pasting a copied command, and hitting Enter—to complete the verification. What victims don’t realize is that these steps execute a hidden PowerShell command that initiates the malware installation process. (GBHackers Security)

February 25, 2026

The Case For Nmap Ping Only Subnet Scans

Why You Should Be Ping-Happy The Case for Quick Nmap Subnet Scans

Ever wonder which devices are actually alive on your network without calling up IT and asking for a census That’s where a simple Nmap ping scan comes in handy. 

By running a quick `nmap -sn -n 10.99.10.0/24`, I can get a list of all devices, response time and mac addresses that responded to my ping, no name resolution, no frills, just the facts. It’s like taking attendance in your network classroom—except the students don’t spend extra time proving their full name, and you don’t have to worry about someone doodling on the chalkboard.

February 24, 2026

When to Break Out the Spectrum Analyzer


Ever wondered what really lurks in the airwaves around you? In this lively webcast recap, Dan Jones walks us through the magic behind spectrum analysers — the tool that turns unseen RF chaos into visual clarity. If you’ve ever tried to design or troubleshoot a Wi-Fi network, you know it’s not just about access points and antennas; you’ve got to understand the jungle of interference, noise, and signal strength that lives between 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and beyond. This session demystifies how spectrum analysers measure that energy and why it matters.


But it’s not just theory. You’ll learn the real-world when: measuring noise floors to predict actual data rates, spotting rogue interference sources, and making smarter planning decisions. From crowded office environments to industrial floors with noisy gear, this webcast shows how and where spectrum analysis earns its keep — and where modern smart APs handle most of the heavy lifting on their own.


February 23, 2026

Free webcast: Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Playbooks: Repeatable Workflows for Common 802.11 Network Problems

Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Playbooks: Repeatable Workflows for Common 802.11 Network Problems

 CWNP is proud to present its February Spotlight featuring Mohsin Dar, CWNE #559, a distinguished professional whose journey exemplifies the depth and impact of world-class wireless expertise. As a seasoned Customer Success Engineer at Juniper Networks, Mohsin brings over nine years of hands-on experience in designing, supporting, and optimizing high-performance wireless networks across industries such as healthcare and education. His recognition as a Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) underscores both his technical mastery and his commitment to solving real-world connectivity challenges that matter to organizations today.  

February 21, 2026

The Technology Firm $25 Amazon Card Giveaway

 


Rules are pretty straightforward.

To qualify for this draw you have meet one of the following criteria:

- networkdatapedia/blog email list

- social media follower (youtube, linkedin, facebook or X)


Everyone who enters gets one ballot

Every correct answer gets you another ballot,

For example, if you get all 5 questions correct, you end up with 6 ballots.


Your data will not be sold, harvested or kept past this draw

If you submit more than one entry, only the first one will be used


DRAW will be March 1, 2026


https://thetechfirm.com/25000quiz/



February 19, 2026

Don’t Ghost Your Wi-Fi. Why Post-Deployment Checkups Matter

Don’t Ghost Your Wi-Fi. Why Post-Deployment Checkups Matter

Rolling out a new Wi-Fi network feels like crossing the finish line, but in reality, it’s more like the halfway point. Following up after deployment is where the real value shows up. It’s your chance to confirm that access points are behaving the way you intended, coverage is consistent, and users are actually getting the performance you designed for. Without that follow-up, small issues can quietly grow into big complaints later.

In the image I shared, it’s pretty obvious that users aren’t evenly distributed across the access points. One AP looks loaded while others are just hanging out, bored and underutilized. That imbalance might be due to AP placement, building layout, or client devices stubbornly sticking to a stronger-looking signal. Even if it’s “technically working,” it’s still worth digging into because uneven client distribution can tank performance for everyone connected to the busy AP.

February 18, 2026

From the web - Chris Greer and Dont Break DNS

Chris Greer and Dont Break DNS

Dive into the often-misunderstood world of DNS with **“Don’t Break DNS!! // Lesson 2”** from networking expert Chris Greer. While many assume DNS runs exclusively over UDP, this eye-opening episode in the "How DNS Works" series reveals the critical role TCP plays when responses grow too large for UDP packets. Using real-world examples and Wireshark packet captures, Chris demonstrates exactly what happens when a UDP reply gets truncated (the infamous TC flag), forcing the client to retry over a TCP connection. Whether you're troubleshooting mysterious resolution failures or simply want to deepen your understanding of core internet protocols, this lesson delivers clear, practical insights backed by key RFCs like 1123 and 5966.

February 17, 2026

$25 amazon card giveway

hi folks,


Thank you very much for getting the https://thetechfirmblog.blogspot.com/ to 25,000 views.


To show my appreciation and have some fun, I put together 5 questions to make up a draw.

Some questions will take you to some of our past and current sponsors.


Go to https://thetechfirm.com/25000quiz/ and have some fun



Draw date will be March 1, 2026


Free Webcast = Capture the Packets That Matter and Analyze Them Like a PCAP Pro

 

Capture the Packets That Matter and Analyze Them Like a PCAP Pro

Chris Greer, Chief Packet Head, Packet Pioneer 
Ward Cobleigh, Sr. Product Line Manager, VIAVI Solutions

In today’s data-driven networks, the ability to capture and analyze the right packets is what separates guesswork from true operational insight. The webcast “Capture the Packets That Matter and Analyze Them Like a PCAP Pro” delivers 45 minutes of actionable techniques designed for network engineers, security analysts, and IT professionals who want to go beyond basic packet dumps and extract real value from PCAP files. Hosted on BrightTALK’s leading B2B learning platform — trusted by millions of professionals worldwide — this talk blends expert guidance with practical demonstrations you can apply immediately.

Two Top Practitioners, One High-Impact Session

This webcast brings together Chris Greer, a renowned Wireshark expert (“Chief Packet Head”), and Ward Cobleigh, Senior Product Line Manager at VIAVI Solutions, for a deep dive into packet capture best practices. Chris breaks down his systematic approach to packet analysis, including his top filters and review techniques to help you sift through large captures with confidence. Ward then complements this with insights into advanced analysis workflows, showcasing how purpose-built tools can accelerate root-cause isolation and performance troubleshooting in complex environments.

Learn Faster and Troubleshoot Smarter

Whether you’re just getting started with packet capture or you’re looking to sharpen your existing skills, this webcast delivers practical strategies and expert tips that make PCAP analysis less daunting and much more productive. Attendees will walk away with clear steps to improve their packet troubleshooting work today — and the confidence to tackle even the toughest capture files with precision.

Engage with a Growing Network of Professionals

Presented on BrightTALK — a premier destination for B2B webinars and virtual learning that connects industry professionals with trusted expertise across technology and business topics — this webcast also gives viewers access to a community of like-minded peers and additional expert talks focused on network performance, cybersecurity, and operational excellence.




Click on the image to check out Majorgeek..
https://www.majorgeeks.com/







February 16, 2026

from the web: Free Cyber Security Course with Certificate


Here’s a review and promotional overview of the Introduction to Cyber Security course on Great Learning Academy:

The Introduction to Cyber Security course offered by Great Learning Academy is a solid starting point for anyone curious about how digital systems stay secure in an increasingly connected world. It’s a beginner-level, self-paced online course that sits at roughly 3.75 hours of learning time and has already attracted 230,000+ learners — signaling strong interest. The curriculum introduces foundational topics like cyber security fundamentals, types of cyber attacks, cryptography, risk assessment, and secure system design, all framed in an accessible way that doesn’t assume prior professional experience. There are built-in quizzes and case studies to reinforce learning, and while the core content is free to access, you can choose to pay a certificate fee upon completion to showcase your achievement on platforms like LinkedIn or your resume. 

February 13, 2026

Master DNS Basics Fast with Chris Greer

In this engaging video, networking expert Chris Greer takes viewers on a hands-on journey through the fundamentals of DNS (Domain Name System). Starting with the basics, he explains how DNS acts as the internet's phonebook, translating user-friendly domain names like wireshark.org into machine-readable IP addresses. Using simple tools like the nslookup command and Wireshark for packet capturing, Greer demonstrates a real DNS query in action, breaking down the four key packets involved: the initial UDP query to the resolver and the response with resolved IP addresses. He dives into essential details such as transaction IDs for matching requests and responses, recursion flags, and TTL (Time to Live) values that keep resolutions fresh in a dynamic online world.

February 12, 2026

from the web: Using Wireshark to analyze TCP SYN/ACKs to find TCP connection failures and latency issues.



In this video Mike goes through how to use Wireshark display filters and the conversation matrix to identify failed TCP connections and measure the roundtrip delay between the client and the server.




Telnet vs SSH



February 11, 2026

Who Invited This access-point?

Monitoring your Wi-Fi network isn’t just for giant enterprises with blinking racks of gear—it’s just as important for small offices and home labs. Systems like Ubiquiti UniFi don’t just move packets around; they actively watch what’s happening in your wireless environment and throw up alerts when something looks fishy. That “third-party access point broadcasting the same SSID” warning is a perfect example of your network politely saying, “Uh, hey… this doesn’t look like one of ours.”

At first glance, a duplicate SSID might seem harmless. Maybe a neighbor named their Wi-Fi the same thing as yours, or someone plugged in a cheap router without telling you. But in practice, this can cause real problems. Client devices can roam to the wrong access point, leading to slow speeds, dropped connections, or users getting kicked off the network for no obvious reason. Worse, if that rogue access point isn’t secured properly, it can become a security risk or even a sneaky man-in-the-middle opportunity.

February 10, 2026

Stanford free AI course - Transformers & LLMs (CME295)


If you’re fascinated by cutting-edge artificial intelligence and want to understand one of the most transformative technologies in modern AI, the Transformers YouTube playlist from Stanford Online is a must-watch resource. This thoughtfully curated playlist brings together videos that dive deep into Transformer architectures — the foundations behind powerful models like GPT and BERT that power natural language understanding and generation today. (YouTube)

What sets this playlist apart is its academic quality combined with accessible explanations. The content is delivered by Stanford educators and researchers, giving you insights directly from one of the world’s leading institutions in AI research. Whether you’re a student, a developer, or simply an enthusiast eager to stay ahead in the AI revolution, these videos break down complex ideas like self-attention and sequence modeling in ways that are both clear and engaging. (YouTube)

February 09, 2026

from the web : Why use a route map for redistribution?

from the web : Why use a route map for redistribution?

The post explains why using a route-map when redistributing routes between protocols (like RIPv2 into OSPF) is important: without one, a router will redistribute all routes indiscriminately, which can cause routing loops, security issues, or unintended route propagation. A route-map gives fine control over which prefixes are shared and allows modification of route attributes such as metrics, metric types, and tags before redistribution. The article walks through a lab topology where RIPv2 routes from one router are selectively redistributed into an OSPF domain using access lists and a route-map that sets different metrics for specific prefixes, demonstrating the configuration and the resulting routing table.

February 05, 2026

Free Seamless Mult-Computer Control with Deskflow

 

Free Seamless Mult-Computer Control

I tried Deskflow, the open-source keyboard and mouse sharing solution that lets you control multiple computers as one. Whether you’re working across Windows, macOS, Linux, or BSD machines, Deskflow turns your primary computer’s keyboard, mouse, and clipboard into a command center for all nearby systems — all without extra hardware or video switching. It’s like having a software KVM that actually simplified my setup, and love that its open source under the GPL-2.0 license.  

February 04, 2026

Reserving an IP on a Cudy Router Without Losing Your Mind

If you’ve ever gone hunting for a simple “DHCP Reservation” option on a Cudy router, you’ve probably discovered that Cudy likes to play a little game of hide-and-seek with its terminology. The feature is there, it works well, but it’s not always called what you expect. That’s why reserving an IP on a Cudy router is one of those tasks that feels harder than it should—until you know where to look. Once you crack the language barrier, though, the process is straightforward and incredibly useful.

The big benefit of reserving an IP address is consistency. Devices like printers, servers, or cameras really don’t appreciate surprises, and neither do the apps or computers that talk to them. By reserving an IP, you’re telling your router, “Hey, this device gets this address every time—no exceptions.” In my case, I used an HP DeskJet 2600 as the example in the video, because printers are famous for breaking the moment their IP address changes. One reservation later, and those “printer not found” errors magically disappear.

February 03, 2026

Free Stanford AI course - LLM Evaluation & Scaling

 

Free Stanford AI course - LLM Evaluation & Scaling

If you’re looking to elevate your understanding of deep learning and neural networks, this YouTube playlist is an invaluable resource you won’t want to miss. Carefully curated to take you from core fundamentals to advanced techniques, this collection of expert-led videos breaks down complex topics into lessons that are easy to follow and rich in insight. Whether you’re a beginner just stepping into the world of AI or a seasoned coder aiming to sharpen your skills, this playlist has something to offer at every level. 

What makes this playlist truly stand out is its focus on clarity and depth. Each video takes the time to explain not just how algorithms work, but why they work — giving you a deeper intuition that goes beyond memorization. From learning the mathematical foundations of machine learning to exploring hands-on coding examples and real-world applications, the playlist builds your confidence step by step. The result is a learning journey that feels structured, supportive, and highly informative.

February 02, 2026

From the web: Microsoft Confirms It Can Share Windows 11 BitLocker Keys With Law Enforcement

from the web: Microsoft Confirms It Can Share Windows 11 BitLocker Keys With Law Enforcement

Microsoft has basically confirmed that it can hand over BitLocker recovery keys to law enforcement if there’s a valid legal request.

BitLocker is the built-in disk encryption used on lots of Windows 11 machines, and many people don’t realize that the recovery keys get saved to Microsoft’s cloud by default — which means if the FBI or another agency gets a warrant, Microsoft can hand those keys over to help crack open a locked device. This hasn’t been widely known until recently, but reports say at least one case in Guam involving fraud investigations saw the FBI get the keys from Microsoft and use them to unlock encrypted laptops.

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