Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.7.2, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# PacketPassers

Seasoned Network Engineer & Manager Blog

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://packetpassers.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [All Posts](https://packetpassers.com/all-posts/) - All Posts Copyright © Packet Passers 2025
- [Cisco Best Practices For Switches (and Routers)](https://packetpassers.com/cisco-switch-best-practice/) - A basic, minimum Cisco switch best practice configuration is necessary for function and security. It's essential to understand each command before use.
- [New Palo Alto Firewall Setup via the CLI](https://packetpassers.com/new-palo-alto-firewall-cli-setup/) - Here are my notes for the first-time setup of a Palo Alto Networks hardware firewall using the CLI and console port. The mgmt port can be static or DHCP.
- [New Palo Alto Firewall Web Setup](https://packetpassers.com/new-palo-alto-firewall-web-setup/) - Here are my notes for the first-time setup of a Palo Alto Networks hardware firewall using the web interface. Be aware of the default vwires!
- [Testing with iPerf - Command Line](https://packetpassers.com/testing-with-iperf/) - IPerf has been around for some time and has been through many versions. Version 2.1 is an update to include additional features with more accurate results.
- [Network Time Protocol - NTP](https://packetpassers.com/network-time-protocol-ntp/) - Time synchronization has and is very important for computers and networks. Computers in an AD network will retrieve time from the Domain Controller. But what about other devices like switches and firewalls?
- [Cisco Clear IP BGP Command](https://packetpassers.com/cisco-clear-ip-bgp-command/) - The "clear ip bgp" command is helpful when configuring, troubleshooting or updating configurations with BGP neighbors & is essential to know.
- [Cisco Virtual Routing & Forwarding (VRF)](https://packetpassers.com/cisco-vrfs/) - Cisco VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding) is a technology that allows having more than one routing table on a single router or switch.
- [Cisco Nexus (NX-OS) Command Cheat Sheet](https://packetpassers.com/cisco-nexus-cheat-sheet/) - I created this NX-OS (Nexus) cheat sheet when building out an extensive Nexus switch network that included multiple vPCs, using 5K, 7K, 9K units.
- [Palo Alto Networks NGFW DNS Proxy](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-dns-proxy/) - The Palo Alto Networks NGFW supports DNS Proxy. When you configure the firewall as a DNS proxy, it acts as an intermediary between hosts and DNS server(s).
- [Palo Alto Networks External Dynamic Lists](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-networks-edl/) - Palo Alto Networks provides two external dynamic lists (EDL) for blocking or allowing traffic. The EDL Hosting Service is beneficial for security policies.
- [VPN Encryption and Request Form](https://packetpassers.com/vpn-encryption-request-form/) - VPN encryption options have changed over time. I summarized the current ones and what is recommended. Also, made my VPN Request form available.
- [Palo Alto Networks Virtual Router for Testing an Additional ISP](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-networks-virtual-router/) - If you need to add an additional ISP to a Palo Alto Networks (PAN) firewall with an existing ISP circuit, place the second in its own Virtual Router (VR).
- [First Time Arista Switch Setup via the Command Line](https://packetpassers.com/new-arista-switch-setup/) - Here are my notes for the first-time setup of an Arista Switch using the CLI and console. Be aware of VRFs, SVIs, and SSH access.
- [SNMP v3 on Arista Switches](https://packetpassers.com/arista-switch-snmp/) - If you are still using SNMP v1 or v2 you should seriously consider SNMP v3. Here are my notes for SNMP v3 setup of a Arista Switch.
- [Palo Alto Networks (PCNSE) Certification Study Resources](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-networks-certification-study-resources/) - Here I compiled Palo Alto Networks certification study resources. The focus is on PCNSE, but it can apply to other PAN certifications.
- [Palo Alto Networks Rulebase Changes via CLI](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-networks-rulebase-changes-via-cli/) - A best practice is to use the Palo Alto Networks External Dynamic Lists (EDL) to block inbound and outbound traffic. Region Codes can be used to block traffic too.
- [Internet BGP with Arista – BEWARE!](https://packetpassers.com/internet-bgp-with-arista-beware/) - Are routers dead? I tested Internet BGP Peering with GNS3 using an Arista switch instead of Cisco. OSPF and iBGP are used with Palo Alto firewalls.
- [Multiple ISP Connectivity & Redundancy Options](https://packetpassers.com/multiple-isp-connectivity-redundancy/) - Many businesses have more than one Internet connection for redundancy. For redundancy, Most of the topologies in this post include two firewalls and ISPs.
- [Console (Serial) Port Cable Options](https://packetpassers.com/the-serial-console-port-cable-options/) - Network devices and workstations had a 9-pin Serial Port. Today, there are converters for the 9-pin cable, or better, an all-in-one cable.
- [Palo Alto Networks User-ID (Data) Redistribution](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-networks-user-id-redistribution/) - User-ID redistribution with Panorama is a way of sharing this information with multiple devices across the organization's geographical and cloud infrastructure.
- [How to Disable the GlobalProtect Download Page](https://packetpassers.com/how-to-disable-the-globalprotect-download-page/) - A PAN firewall configured as a GlobalProtect Portal or Gateway will display a page to download the client. This feature has created some downsides.
- [IP Geolocation and Why It’s Important (Critical)](https://packetpassers.com/ip-geolocation-and-why-its-important-critical/) - Most Next Generation Firewalls allow security policies to include IP geolocation. But what is IP geolocation? I explain what it is and what can go wrong.
- [Palo Alto Networks CLI Cheat Sheet](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-networks-cli-cheat-sheet/) - Palo Alto Networks firewalls are known for their GUI for management, the CLI is still used. There are some commands used at the CLI for troubleshooting.
- [Arista MLAG Configuration & Cisco vPC Comparison](https://packetpassers.com/arista-mlag-configuration-cisco-vpc/) - In this post, I will review a basic MLAG configuration on Arista switches and, during the MLAG configuration, compare Cisco’s vPC and MLAG.
- [Internet BGP with Arista – Part 2](https://packetpassers.com/internet-bgp-with-arista-part-2/) - Are routers dead? I tested Internet BGP Peering with GNS3 using an Arista switch instead of Cisco. OSPF and iBGP are used with Palo Alto firewalls.
- [Traveling Network Hardware Care Package](https://packetpassers.com/traveling-hardware-package/) - Hands-on Network Engineers, Architects, and support staff use many tools and parts. Here I list tools and parts I commonly keep handy for local and travel.
- [Palo Alto Networks Custom ACC Tab](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-networks-custom-acc-tab/) - I discuss the use of a custom ACC tab and provide instructions of importing a custom tab. Also, I have a custom ACC tab available for download.
- [ChatGPT and the Network Engineer - Part 1](https://packetpassers.com/chatgpt-network-engineer-part-1/) - Artificial Intelligence is here and not going anywhere. It will come to be a part of of our lives. This article is about the Network Engineer and ChatGPT.
- [ChatGPT and the Network Engineer - Part 2](https://packetpassers.com/chatgpt-network-engineer-part-2/) - Artificial Intelligence is here and not going anywhere. It will come to be a part of of our lives. This article is about the Network Engineer and ChatGPT.
- [Arista Switch Review - Replace Cisco?](https://packetpassers.com/arista-switch-review/) - Are Arista switches any good? My review is based on a long history with Cisco and my recent experience with Arista. Do they hold up to Cisco? Let's take a look.
- [ISACA CISM Exam Study Resources](https://packetpassers.com/cism-study-resources/) - As a manager, I have to change my thinking about data or network security. Also I need to change future of IT certifications, so I chose CISM for my next cert.
- [How Much Time Do We Really Have for Heads-Down Work?](https://packetpassers.com/how-much-time-do-we-really-have-for-heads-down-work/) - How much actual heads-down time do you or your team really get in a quarter? 🤔 You might be surprised 😯 — it’s far less than most leaders plan for.
- [The Missing Link in Project Management: Resource Load](https://packetpassers.com/the-missing-link-in-project-management-resource-load/) - #The missing link in project management is resource load. These are resources, or individual contributors who are the backbone to a task or project.
- [ChatGPT and Network Documentation - Part 3](https://packetpassers.com/chatgpt-and-network-documentation-part-3/) - Artificial Intelligence is here and not going anywhere. It will come to be a part of of our lives. This article is about the Network Engineer and ChatGPT.
- [Ubiquiti UDM Pro (Dream Machine)](https://packetpassers.com/ubiquiti-udm-pro/) - A Ubiquiti UDM Pro (Dream Machine) review by a seasoned Network Engineer. Does it hold up to expectations? My review after purchasing one for my home networks.
- [Ubiquiti UDM Pro Failover/Load Balance/PBR](https://packetpassers.com/ubiquiti-udm-pro-load-balance/) - The Ubiquiti UDM Pro (Dream Machine) provides excellent failover and load balance with two ISPs. Here, I describe ports, failover, and load balance with 2 ISPs.

## Pages

- [Packet Passers Home](https://packetpassers.com/) - My blog is technical info, and IT articles based on over twenty-five years of experience in Information Technology as a Network Engineer and Manager.
- [Services](https://packetpassers.com/services/) - Services Service 1 A short description of your service. Lorem ipsm dolor amet, consec tetur adipis cing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incid idunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exer citation ullamco la enim lorem. Contact Service 2 A short description of your service. Lorem ipsm dolor
- [The Technical Interview](https://packetpassers.com/the-technical-interview/) - In my search for other opportunities, I've had many technical assessments, which seemed more like a test, though it felt like a game show a few times.
- [Palo Alto Networks Posts](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-networks-posts/) - Palo Alto Networks Posts Palo Alto Networks Custom ACC TabJanuary 13, 2023 I discuss the use of a custom ACC tab and provide instructions of importing a custom tab. Also, I have a custom ACC tab available for download. Internet BGP with Arista – Part 2December 22, 2022 Are routers dead? I tested Internet BGP
- [Privacy Policy](https://packetpassers.com/privacy-policy/) - Who we are Our website address is https://packetpassers.com. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site, we collect the data shown in the comments form and the visitor's IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to
- [Terms and Conditions](https://packetpassers.com/terms-and-conditions/)
- [Test Page](https://packetpassers.com/test-page/) - Copyright © Packet Passers 2025 Hot Post
- [Thank you.](https://packetpassers.com/thank-you/) - Subscribe for emails and newsletters. Get notified when I add or update content. Also, when I have discounts with my practice tests.
- [Packet Passers Home Sandbox](https://packetpassers.com/home/) - My blog is based on over twenty-five years of experience in Information Technology as a Network Engineer and Manager in multiple industries.
- [Palo Alto Networks](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-networks/) - Palo Alto Networks Practice Tests, NAT Workbook, Notes & Articles This page is the central location for all my Palo Alto Networks information. Here you will find links to pages for my PCNSE Practice Tests, NAT Workbook, and other resources. PCNSE Practice Tests During my PCNSE study, as an alternative to creating flat notes to
- [Palo Alto - PCNSE Practice Tests (Exams)](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-pcnse-practice-tests/) - These practice tests/exams are not brain dumps and supplement training as outlined on the Palo Alto Networks certification page.
- [Palo Alto NAT Configuration Workbook](https://packetpassers.com/palo-alto-nat-config-workbook/) - I created the NAT Configuration Workbook to help others understand NAT concepts and configurations. Also, as a resource for PCNSE certification.
- [Over Twenty Years Experience, so?](https://packetpassers.com/twenty-years-experience/) - How much of the past should be mentioned in an interview and on a resume in a technically relevant industry? It depends on your experience and situation.
- [Packet Passers Email Subscription](https://packetpassers.com/email-subscription/) - Subscribe for emails and newsletters. Get notified when I add or update content. Also, when I have discounts with my practice tests.
- [Contact](https://packetpassers.com/contact/) - Contact Get in Touch Send Us a Message Contact Form Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * Email * Paragraph Text Comment Submit
- [Cisco](https://packetpassers.com/cisco/) - Cisco Cisco Posts Page: Click to go to the Cisco Posts Page GNS3 Labs Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP)https://gns3.com/marketplace/labs/virtual-router-redundancy-protocol-vrrp Group Encrypted Transport (GET) VPNhttps://gns3.com/marketplace/labs/get-vpn MPLS Dual Carrierhttps://gns3.com/marketplace/labs/mpls-dual-carrier IP SLA Static Route w/VPN Backuphttps://gns3.com/marketplace/labs/ip-sla-static-route-w-vpn-backup Copyright © Packet Passers 2025
- [IT Articles](https://packetpassers.com/it-articles/) - Here are the Information Technology articles I published on LinkedIn and created for this blog. They (most) are not technical, but based on my experience.
- [Cisco Posts](https://packetpassers.com/cisco-posts/) - Cisco Posts Arista Switch Review – Replace Cisco?April 24, 2024 Are Arista switches any good? My review is based on a long history with Cisco and my recent experience with Arista. Do they hold up to Cisco? Let's take a look. Arista MLAG Configuration & Cisco vPC ComparisonAugust 24, 2022 In this post, I will review
- [Other Posts](https://packetpassers.com/other-posts/) - Other Posts Assorted posts, unrelated to a specific company. ISACA CISM Exam Study ResourcesAugust 30, 2023 As a manager, I have to change my thinking about data or network security. Also I need to change future of IT certifications, so I chose CISM for my next cert. ChatGPT and Network Documentation – Part 3February 9,
- [Disclaimer](https://packetpassers.com/disclaimer/)
- [Copyright Notice](https://packetpassers.com/copyright-notice/) - Copyright © Packet Passers 2025 This website and its content are copyright of Packet Passers. All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following: You may print or download extracts to a local hard disk for personal and non-commercial use only.
- [About](https://packetpassers.com/about/) - About Me I'm a Network Manager and Engineer with over twenty-five years of experience with small and large diverse networks. I have studied for and earned multiple certifications, including Cisco CCNA, CCNA Security, CCNP Routing & Switching, CCNP Design, Palo Alto Networks PCNSA & PCNSE, AWS, and ITIL. I specialize in routing, switching, wireless, firewalls,
- [Certifications, experience, and the job search](https://packetpassers.com/certifications-experience-job-search/) - My goal with this article is not to knock anyone, certification, or preference of certification and experience, but to receive feedback.
- [Are you a Rock Star? Then Read Further!](https://packetpassers.com/are-you-a-rockstar/) - I find positions with a job description looking for a Rock Star, Ninja, or Superstar. The most common is Rock Star. Should I include this on my resume?
- [Assorted Content Page](https://packetpassers.com/assorted/) - Assorted Content Additional content will be added over time. Other Posts Page: Click to go to the Other Category Posts Page IT Articles This page is Information Technology articles I published on LinkedIn and created for this blog. They (most) are not technical but based on my experience. Future Content Copyright © Packet Passers 2025
- [Arista Posts](https://packetpassers.com/arista-posts/) - Artista Networks Posts Arista Switch Review – Replace Cisco?April 24, 2024 Are Arista switches any good? My review is based on a long history with Cisco and my recent experience with Arista. Do they hold up to Cisco? Let's take a look. Internet BGP with Arista – Part 2December 22, 2022 Are routers dead? I tested
- [Arista Networks](https://packetpassers.com/arista/) - Arista Networks Arista Posts: First Time Arista Switch Setup via the Command Line SNMP v3 on Arista Switches Internet BGP with Arista – BEWARE! Arista MLAG Configuration & Cisco vPC Comparison Internet BGP with Arista – Part 2 Arista Switch Review – Replace Cisco? Copyright © Packet Passers 2025
- [Change Management or is it Change Control? Or, a waste of time?](https://packetpassers.com/change-management-or-change-control/) - Change Management, also known as Change Control, is a process or procedure, usually in Information Technology, to minimize IT services or resources disruptions.

## My Templates

- [Default Kit](https://packetpassers.com/?elementor_library=default-kit)
- [POSTERITY DARK](https://packetpassers.com/?elementor_library=posterity-dark) - Posterity is The Future WHY CHOOSE US? We’re the posterity we make future! Nullam eget luctusisus, quis sollicitudin au. Suspendisse biendum congue purus,tristique. Crafted Design Nullam eget luctusisus sollicitudinau. Suspene biendum congue Professional Nullam eget luctusisus sollicitudinau. Suspene biendum congue Easy Customize Nullam eget luctusisus sollicitudinau. Suspene biendum congue Responsive Nullam eget luctusisus sollicitudinau. Suspene

## Categories

- [Cisco](https://packetpassers.com/category/cisco/)
- [Switching](https://packetpassers.com/category/switching/)
- [Palo Alto Networks](https://packetpassers.com/category/palo-alto-networks/)
- [Firewall Setup](https://packetpassers.com/category/palo-alto-networks/setup/)
- [Other](https://packetpassers.com/category/other/)
- [Testing](https://packetpassers.com/category/other/testing/)
- [Routing](https://packetpassers.com/category/cisco/routing/)
- [Arista](https://packetpassers.com/category/arista/)
- [Infrastructure](https://packetpassers.com/category/infrastructure/)
- [GlobalProtect](https://packetpassers.com/category/palo-alto-networks/globalprotect/)
- [PCNSE](https://packetpassers.com/category/palo-alto-networks/pcnse/)
- [ChatGPT](https://packetpassers.com/category/chatgpt/)
- [Ubiquiti](https://packetpassers.com/category/ubiquiti/)
- [Unifi](https://packetpassers.com/category/ubiquiti/unifi/)
- [IT Management](https://packetpassers.com/category/it-management/)

## Tags

- [Cisco](https://packetpassers.com/tag/cisco/)
- [Switching](https://packetpassers.com/tag/switching/)
- [Palo Alto Networks](https://packetpassers.com/tag/palo-alto-networks/)
- [Firewall](https://packetpassers.com/tag/firewall/)
- [Best Practice](https://packetpassers.com/tag/best-practice/)
- [CLI](https://packetpassers.com/tag/cli/)
- [Testing](https://packetpassers.com/tag/testing/)
- [Troubleshooting](https://packetpassers.com/tag/troubleshooting/)
- [Network Time Protocol](https://packetpassers.com/tag/network-time-protocol/)
- [NTP](https://packetpassers.com/tag/ntp/)
- [Routing](https://packetpassers.com/tag/routing/)
- [BGP](https://packetpassers.com/tag/bgp/)
- [VRF](https://packetpassers.com/tag/vrf/)
- [Nexus](https://packetpassers.com/tag/nexus/)
- [DNS](https://packetpassers.com/tag/dns/)
- [VPN](https://packetpassers.com/tag/vpn/)
- [Arista](https://packetpassers.com/tag/arista/)
- [Certification](https://packetpassers.com/tag/certification/)
- [Infrastructure](https://packetpassers.com/tag/infrastructure/)
- [GlobalProtect](https://packetpassers.com/tag/globalprotect/)
- [PCNSE](https://packetpassers.com/tag/pcnse/)
- [Hardware](https://packetpassers.com/tag/hardware/)
- [ChatGPT](https://packetpassers.com/tag/chatgpt/)
- [CISM](https://packetpassers.com/tag/cism/)
- [Ubiquiti](https://packetpassers.com/tag/ubiquiti/)
- [unifi](https://packetpassers.com/tag/unifi/)
- [IT-Management](https://packetpassers.com/tag/it-management/)
- [Project-Management](https://packetpassers.com/tag/project-management/)