Most networks currently run on hardware-based routers from vendors like Cisco, Foundry, and Juniper. Computing power has advanced to the point where this is not necessary. General purpose computing platforms can replace these expensive dedicated hardware routers. These software routing platforms usually run on some version of free or inexpensive Unix. These are a few of the competing open source routing software packages. Quagga Quagga is a routing software suite, providing implementations of OSPFv2, OSPFv3, RIP v1 and v2, RIPv3 and BGPv4 for Unix platforms, particularly FreeBSD, Linux, Solaris and Read More

The IP address is a logical address assigned to a network card in order to establish communication over the network and identify the computer over it. Network administrators usually assign IP addresses based on certain rules and regulations. Reasons to Change an IP Address Even if someone is part of a small network routed through a single IP address, the people outside that network can only see the IP address of the gateway being used. If someone is directly connected to the Internet cloud, it is basically the same thing. Read More

A polar orbit is an orbit of any object in space, natural or synthetic, that passes around the Earth in a North-to-South direction rather than a West to East direction, which is known as an “equatorial orbit”. Polar orbits are advantageous because they will eventually travel across every possible latitudinal and longitudinal position on the Earth, allowing satellites that depend on a polar orbit to monitor the Earth much better than any other type of orbiting satellite.   How Polar Orbit Works Polar-orbiting satellites are launched in the same way Read More

Potassium Perchlorate (Potassium Chlorate (VII), perchloric acid, potassium salt, peroidin, and KClO4) is an inorganic salt that is used as a strong oxidizer. The function of potassium perchlorate’s oxidizer trait really depends on the chemical use. Potassium Perchlorate can be found in the following common items: Fireworks – Fireworks have many chemical compounds inside them, which create the flashing spectacle. One of the major components is an oxidizer. Potassium perchlorate is perfect for this as it is quite affordable. Stars and Sparklers – Stars and Sparklers that use a combination Read More

MSK (Minimum Shift Keying) is a type of continuous frequency shift modulation that is used to transfer radio signals from satellites and radio broadcasting to mobile devices and vice versa. Unlike other forms of frequency modulation, MSK produces a half sine wave that limits problems associated with non-linear distortion. What is GMSK? GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying) is a type of MSK that uses the same basic concepts, but applies a Gaussian filter to a signal before its frequency is modulated. A Gaussian filter uses a square wave to shape Read More

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory. It derives its name from the fact that any piece of data stored on it can be accessed at any time. RAM however stores data for as long as the computer is switched on or is in use. It is the most common type of computer memory available today. The very first form of RAM was the magnetic core memory. It was in use till the introduction of static and dynamic integrated RAM. Prior to that, computers utilized vacuum tubes, Read More

User Datagram Protocol or UDP is part of the Internet Protocol suite. By using UDP, programs running on different computers on a network can send short messages known as Datagrams to one another. UDP can be used in networks where TCP is traditionally implemented, but unlike TCP, it does not guarantee reliability or correct data sequencing. Datagrams may go missing without notice or arrive in a different order from how they were sent. David P. Reed formulated the protocol in 1980 and officially defined it in RFC 768. UDP uses Read More

You can manually connect to a Netgear router by plugging an Ethernet cable into both the router and computer. Once this connection is established, you can type 192.168.1.1  (the default IP address) in the browser in order to access the Netgear router interface. A dialog box should appear asking for the username and password, which is “admin” and “password”, respectively, by default. This type of connection is mostly used to resolve wireless problems or to set up a router for the first time. How To Wirelessly Connect To A Netgear Read More

Middleware is a type of computer software that connects other types of software and applications together. It contains services that allow different components and processes that are running to interact at the same time. This allows the computer to run at a more efficient speed. In other words, middleware allows for the data that is found in database to be transferred and used in another database. Another use for it – or definition for it – is that it connects an operating system on one side and an application on Read More

The FC connector is a fiber optic connector with a threaded body which was designed for use in high-vibration environments. It is widely used with both single-mode and multi-mode fiber. The fiber’s ending point is implanted in a 2.5 mm ferrule (metal cap or band placed on a wooden pole to avoid splitting) made of Zirconium Oxide ceramic or stainless steel. The tip is then furnished to create a rounded surface, called "physical contact". This surface profile means that when the fibers are connected they come in contact only at Read More