Archive

Lab: Kubernetes The Hard Way by Kelsey Hightower

What I Actually Learned I recently finished Kubernetes The Hard Way, and I’m glad I didn’t rush it. This wasn’t about getting a cluster running as fast as possible. It was about slowing down and understanding what Kubernetes is actually doing underneath all the abstractions we usually

💡 From Compatibility Fixes to Full-Field Automation

How one field automation suite turned daily bottlenecks into instant actions. When your tools start saving you time, you realize you’ve built something bigger than a workaround. Two months ago, I shared how I rebuilt our Meraki automation tools to run natively on macOS. Since then, I’ve gone

First Time with the Catalyst 9300-NM-8X: Field Lessons from a Real-World Stack

Last week I had my first experience working with the Cisco Catalyst 9300-NM-8X module and deploying a pair of Catalyst 9300 48UPOE switches in a live environment. I manually installed the NM-8X module into one of the switches and used Cisco’s stacking cables to connect both devices. Once the

Studying Cloud in the Clouds

30,000 feet in the air, EC2 console open, mind focused. I didn’t take this flight to relax—I took it to keep building. Right now, I’m preparing for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate exam, targeting a November 2025 pass. But it’s not about chasing certs for

💻 Solving a Compatibility Gap & Creating New Network Automation Tools

When your tools don’t work on your platform, build your own to keep the workflow moving. At work, we have great automation tools for Meraki network management, but they’re designed for Windows. I work on a Mac, so instead of switching systems, I decided to create my own

🔧 From Field Work to Cloud Confidence: My Layer 1 to Automation Path

Lately, I’ve been investing more deeply into my networking foundation — not just in terms of installs or checklists, but in how I think about the future of network operations. As part of that, I recently completed three focused Cisco Meraki certifications: * Meet Meraki * Implementing Cloud Switching and Wireless * Securing

5 Months In: Building Wireless Networks, One Site at a Time

I’m five months into my role as a Wireless Install Technician at Pinnacle Communications, and the learning has been fast-paced and hands-on every step of the way. Real-World Networking, Real Results This position has taken me across the country, installing and configuring HSIA (High-Speed Internet Access) systems in hotels

What I’ve Been Working On 🚀

It’s been a busy time, and I wanted to take a moment to update what I’ve been working on. New Role & Hands-On Networking Experience I recently started as an Install Technician at Pinnacle Communications, focusing on High-Speed Internet Systems (HSIA) deployments. This role has given me hands-on

Simplifying Container Management with Docker Compose and Portainer

In my previous posts, I discussed how Docker helps streamline deploying and running applications in isolated containers. It eliminates the "works on my machine" problem by bundling applications with their dependencies. But as your projects grow, managing multiple containers manually can get overwhelming. This is where Docker Compose

GitHub Docker Install Script

Here's a future-proof Bash script for installing the latest Docker on Ubuntu Server along with a step-by-step guide explaining each command. This script follows best practices and ensures security by using the official Docker repository. Docker Installation Script Script: install_docker.sh #!/bin/bash # install_docker.sh -

Nginx Deployment Guide

Deploying and Managing an NGINX Container with Docker NGINX (pronounced "engine-x") is a high-performance, open-source web server and reverse proxy server. Known for its speed, scalability, and efficiency, NGINX is widely used to serve static content, load balance traffic, and handle reverse proxying. It's a popular

Simplified Docker Installation on Ubuntu Server

This is a simplified hands-on approach. I have a GitHub script that automates this, but since it's your first time installing Docker, it's best to do it manually. Follow these steps to quickly install Docker and deploy a container on your Ubuntu Server: 1. Update Package

Why Docker, Installing Docker & Deploying a container

Here's a small article introducing Docker and explaining its benefits, followed by simplified installation steps for Ubuntu Server and deploying an Nginx container. I broke each topic into sections so you wont get overwhelmed. Why Docker? In the world of software development and deployment, Docker has revolutionized the

FortiGate Migration: Success in Client Deployment and Enhanced Security Part 4 of 4

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 After two weeks of rigorous testing in my home lab, I’m excited to announce the successful deployment of the FortiGate 60F in my client’s environment! The client is thrilled with the transition and is already leveraging the comprehensive UTM features of the

FortiGate Migration Update: Smooth Transition and Next Steps Part 3 of 4

Part 1 Part 2 Part 4 It’s been a week since I completed the migration from OPNsense to the FortiGate 60F in my home lab, and I’m excited to share that the transition has been a success! The FortiGate 60F is now my main firewall/router, and I’

FortiGate Migration Completed in Home Lab: Next Steps and Upcoming Guide Part 2 of 4

Part 1 Part 3 Part 4 I'm excited to share that I've successfully completed the migration from OPNsense to FortiGate 60F in my home lab! This hands-on test environment allowed me to validate the setup and functionality of the FortiGate 60F, ensuring it meets the requirements

My Next Project: FortiGate Migration and Deepening Network Expertise Part 1 of 4

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 As I continue my journey into network security and administration, I'm excited to take on my next project: migrating a client's setup from OPNsense to the FortiGate 60F. This transition aligns with my current focus on mastering Fortinet technologies, as

DHCP Server Configuration Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide for configuring a DHCP server on a Cisco router in Packet Tracer, connecting the router to a switch and one end device (PC) that will receive its IP address from the router via DHCP. Scenario Overview * Router: Acts as a DHCP server. * Switch: Connects the

Multi-Area OSPF Configuration Guide

To create a multi-area OSPF configuration in Cisco Packet Tracer, you can follow the same basic steps as outlined, with a few modifications to introduce multiple OSPF areas. Here's an enhanced step-by-step guide: Recommended Devices in Packet Tracer * Cisco 2911 Routers: Use three of these routers (R1, R2,

Router-on-a-Stick (ROAS) Configuration Guide

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for configuring Router-on-a-Stick in Packet Tracer using a Cisco router, switch, two VLANs, and two end devices (each in separate networks). This setup allows a router to route traffic between VLANs using a single physical interface (via subinterfaces). Scenario Overview * Router: Cisco router with