July 2023 - Ben Paxton

Powering the Digital World: Unveiling the Crucial Role of Servers in Modern Computing

In the realm of modern computing, servers stand as the backbone of digital infrastructure, powering websites, applications, and services that have become an integral part of our daily lives. As we navigate the vast landscape of data-driven technologies, it is crucial to understand the functionalities and significance of servers. In this blog post, we will…
Exploring Application Hosting Options in Azure: Web Apps, Containers, and Virtual Machines

Application hosting is a critical aspect of modern cloud computing, providing businesses with the ability to deploy and manage their applications in a flexible and scalable manner. Microsoft Azure offers a range of hosting options, including web apps, containers, and virtual machines, to cater to diverse application requirements. In this blog post, we will explore…
Safeguarding the Edge: Exploring the Significance of Endpoints in Network Security

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, network endpoints stand as the first line of defense against potential threats. Endpoints, which include devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and IoT devices, are critical touchpoints where users access network resources and data. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of endpoints, exploring their functionalities,…
Demystifying Resource Requirements for Virtual Machines in Azure

Virtual machines (VMs) serve as the backbone of modern cloud infrastructure, providing businesses with the flexibility and scalability to run their applications and workloads. Understanding the resources required for virtual machines in Azure is essential for optimizing performance, ensuring efficient resource allocation, and achieving cost-effectiveness. In this blog post, we will delve into the key…
Empowering Network Management: Controllers, Cisco DNA Center, and Wireless LAN Controllers

In the fast-paced world of networking, efficient management of network infrastructure is paramount to ensure seamless connectivity and enhanced user experiences. Controllers, including Cisco DNA Center and Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC), play a pivotal role in centralized network management, enabling administrators to efficiently configure, monitor, and troubleshoot network devices. In this blog post, we will…
PHCCC: Next Level – Moving to Layer 3 Switching

Since the last project, Pea Hill Creek Coffee Company has aquired a new switch for it’s network. The old switch, a Cisco 2960 was a Layer 2 switch, which means it did not have any routing capablities, and only had Fast Ethernet interfaces. The new switch, a Cisco Catalyst 3650 is a Layer 3 switch,…
Exploring Virtual Machine Options in Azure: Azure VMs, Virtual Machine Scale Sets, Availability Sets, and Azure Virtual Desktop

Virtual machines (VMs) play a critical role in modern cloud computing, offering businesses the flexibility and scalability to deploy and manage applications and workloads. In the Azure ecosystem, several virtual machine options are available to cater to diverse needs. In this blog post, we will explore Azure virtual machines, Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets, availability…
Empowering Seamless Connectivity: Unraveling the World of Wireless Access Points

In today’s fast-paced digital era, wireless connectivity has become an integral part of our daily lives. Wireless Access Points (APs) play a pivotal role in enabling seamless communication and access to network resources. In this blog post, we will explore the functionalities, significance, and impact of Wireless Access Points in modern networking environments. Join us…
Choosing the Right Compute Type in Azure: A Comparison of Containers, Virtual Machines, and Functions

Microsoft Azure offers a range of compute options to meet the diverse needs of businesses and developers. Choosing the right compute type is crucial for optimizing performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. In this blog post, we will compare three popular compute options in Azure: containers, virtual machines, and functions. By understanding the characteristics, use cases, and…
PHCCC: First Big Network Changes – Configuring VLANs

NOTE: Some steps in this configuration can be shorted with abbreviations, grouping interfaces or not exiting configuration modes after the end of every step. This demonstration has been written up in a way that makes it easy to break out into just the step we want to focus on if there is a discussion later.…
Unveiling the Power of Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches in Modern Networks

In the realm of networking, Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches are essential devices that play a pivotal role in data communication and network management. As we embark on a journey to understand the intricacies of these switches, we’ll explore their functionalities, significance, and how they impact network efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll delve…
Navigating Azure’s Hierarchy: Resource Groups, Subscriptions, and Management Groups

Microsoft Azure provides a comprehensive cloud platform that allows businesses to leverage a wide range of services and resources. To effectively manage and organize these resources, Azure employs a hierarchical structure consisting of resource groups, subscriptions, and management groups. In this blog post, we will explore the hierarchy of resource groups, subscriptions, and management groups…
Fortifying Network Security with Next-Generation Firewalls and IPS/IDS

In today’s digitally interconnected world, ensuring robust network security is of utmost importance for organizations. Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) and Intrusion Prevention Systems/Intrusion Detection Systems (IPS/IDS) serve as formidable guardians against evolving cyber threats. In this blog post, we will explore the functionalities, significance, and synergy of these security solutions in fortifying network infrastructures. Let’s dive…
Unraveling the Role of Routers in Network Communication

In the world of networking, routers play a crucial role in shaping data flow across networks. These devices act as gateways, connecting different networks and facilitating the transfer of data between them. Understanding the fundamentals of routers is essential for anyone working in the field of networking. In this blog post, we will explore the…
From Beans to Business: PHCCC

In this series of blog posts, we will follow Pea Hill Creek Coffee Company on it’s journey from small time coffee to a multi-location enterprise. Each post will focus on one step of the journey, detailing the next challenge to overcome and the steps we took to meet that challenge. Let’s jump in and get…
Simplify Azure Governance and Management with Azure Management Groups

Managing resources effectively in the cloud is essential for organizations to maintain control, compliance, and efficiency. In the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, Azure Management Groups play a crucial role in simplifying governance and streamlining resource management. In this blog post, we will explore Azure Management Groups, their significance, and how they empower businesses to organize and…
Azure Subscriptions: Empowering Cloud Journey with Flexible and Scalable Access

Azure subscriptions play a pivotal role in Microsoft Azure’s cloud platform, providing organizations with access to a rich set of services and resources. In this blog post, we will explore Azure subscriptions and their significance, highlighting their role in enabling businesses to leverage the power of Azure for their unique needs. By understanding Azure subscriptions,…
Understanding Network Components: Unraveling the Backbone of Modern Networks

In the interconnected world of IT, network components form the backbone of seamless communication and data exchange. Aspiring network professionals and IT enthusiasts must comprehend the role and functions of these components to build robust and efficient networks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key network components, from routers and switches to next-generation firewalls…
Unleashing the Power of Azure Resources and Resource Groups: Simplifying Cloud Management

Microsoft Azure offers a vast array of resources and services that empower businesses to build, deploy, and manage applications and infrastructure in the cloud. In this blog post, we will explore Azure resources and resource groups, fundamental concepts that streamline cloud management and provide organizational structure within the Azure platform. By understanding Azure resources and…
Exploring Azure Datacenters: The Backbone of Microsoft Azure

Azure datacenters serve as the foundation of Microsoft Azure’s global cloud infrastructure, supporting the delivery of reliable and scalable services to businesses and organizations worldwide. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Azure datacenters, their significance, and the key elements that make them the backbone of the Azure platform. By understanding…
Achieving Resilience and High Availability with Azure Availability Zones

Ensuring high availability and resilience of applications and services is critical in today’s digital landscape. Microsoft Azure offers a robust solution with Azure Availability Zones. In this blog post, we will explore Azure Availability Zones, their significance, and how they contribute to building fault-tolerant and highly available cloud infrastructures. By understanding Azure Availability Zones, businesses…
Azure Regions, Region Pairs, and Sovereign Regions: Understanding the Microsoft Azure Global Infrastructure

Microsoft Azure, a leading cloud computing platform, operates a vast global infrastructure to provide services to businesses and organizations worldwide. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of Azure regions, region pairs, and sovereign regions. By understanding these key elements of the Azure global infrastructure, businesses can make informed decisions and leverage the…
Navigating Shared Responsibility in Cloud Computing: Understanding Roles and Responsibilities

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, offering a wide range of services to meet diverse needs. When it comes to cloud adoption, understanding the concept of shared responsibility is crucial. In this blog post, we will explore the shared responsibility model in cloud computing, focusing on Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as…
Demystifying Cloud Service Types: Understanding IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS

Cloud computing offers a variety of service types to cater to diverse business needs. In this blog post, we will explore three fundamental cloud service types: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). We will delve into their definitions, functionalities, and suitable use cases. By understanding…
Mastering Cloud Computing: Exploring Models, Shared Responsibility, and Pricing

In today’s tech-driven world, cloud computing has taken center stage, revolutionizing how we harness technology resources. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the core aspects of cloud computing, including its definition, the shared responsibility model, various cloud models (public, private, and hybrid), suitable use cases, pricing models, and the fascinating concept of serverless computing.…
Unleashing the Power of Cloud Services: Exploring the Benefits

Cloud services have emerged as a game-changer in the world of technology, offering a wide range of benefits to businesses of all sizes. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the advantages of leveraging cloud services, including high availability and scalability, reliability and predictability, security and governance, and enhanced manageability. By harnessing these benefits, organizations…