Traffic Analysis Tools - Part 1

 Throughput Testers

To test the performance of your network, you can transfer a large file between 2 PCs. Take the size of the data and divide it by the time it took for the transfer to complete. There are several online throughput calculators to help you.

The best way to test throughput on your network is to perform the test during the busy part of the day.

Here is a listing of a few throughput testers:

• iperf: iperf
• Ttcp: Ttcp
• bwping: bwping

Security Checklist: Internet, Physical, Human Related Preventions

 Digital Defense Checklist

The following video is closely related to the security that needs to be employed to keep our data safe. This is a good site to use to lock down areas that you might have missed:

Video Types, Connectors, Audio, Video

 Video Types & Connectors

This post will help those taking the CompTIA ITF+ and A+ exams

Our goal is to show a visual representation of the connectors, whether they use analog or digital signals, and if they provide video only or video & audio.

Composite video provided video and audio. The video signal was analog only. The connecting cables are called RCA connectors.

The VGA (Video Graphics Array) provided an analog signal for video, no audio, The connector has 15 pins.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is used for video only. The connector dictates what signal is being provided. 

DVI-A signal is analog only

DVI-D signal is digital only

DVI-I can be used with either analog or digital signals.

DisplayPort provides a digital signal for video and audio. A dual monitor setup can be used with a single DisplayPort connector on the PC. The monitors can be daisy-chained.

Thunderbolt provides both video and audio in a digital format. Just like DisplayPort it only needs one port for dual monitors. Thunderbolt is also used for data transfer.

HDMI delivers both video and audio in a digital format.

Security Onion Solutions Link to Their Videos

 Security Onion Solutions

Most of you know that I took down all the videos that I did not create. There was quite an interest in some of the content that was taken down. Here is a link to the 9 Security Onion Solutions videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDlgDE-vbJ8&list=PLljFlTO9rB17E0hOetV_R4Lc0WbEy8q_Y

Windows 10 & - Msinfo32 - System Information

 Msinfo32 - System Information

Use the command "msinfo32" on any Windows PC to find things like BIOS version, PC make & Model, installed RAM, processor speed and mode, etc.

 Wire Frequencies & Max Data Rates

IEEE Standard	Wi-Fi Generation	Frequency	Max Data Rate
802.11a		5 GHz	54 Mbps
802.11b		2.4 GHz	11 Mbps
802.11g		2.4GHz	54 Mbps
802.11n	Wi-Fi 4	2.4 / 5 GHz	600 Mbps
802.11ac	Wi-Fi 5	5 GHz	6.9 Gbps
802.11ax	Wi-Fi 6	2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz	9.6 Gbps
802.11be	Wi-Fi 7	2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz	46.1 Gbps

 Note: 802.11 ac is also backwards compatible to the 2.4GHz frequency

 Note: 802.11 be just came out in 2024 and not on the exam yet

OSI Mnemonics

 OSI Mnemonics Memorization Chart

This is meant to help those studying for CompTIA Network+ & A+

           

7. Application	All	Away
6. Presentation	People	Pizza
5. Session	Seem	Sausage
4. Transport	To	Throw
3. Network	Need	Not
2. Data Link	Data	Do
1. Physical	Processing	Please

The second column is read from the top down while the third column is read from the bottom up.

SSID, BSSID, ESSID, & IBSS

 Differences Between Wireless Networks

This post will help with CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ exams.

BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) - This is the MAC address of the WAP (Wireless Access Point). There should never be 2 WAPs with the same BSSID, if so one of them is most likely an evil twin used capture traffic and credentials.

ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) - Naming all of your WAPs the same name for easier transition of your wireless devices in your company as users move through the building, such as different floors.

IBSS (Independent Basic Service Set) With this method a WAP is not needed. The systems connect directly to each other, ad-hoc.

SSID (Service Set Identifier) the broadcast name of a WAP. Changing the name from the default name to a unique name makes it easier for users to know which WAP to connect.

Security+ Exam Example & Instructions

 SECURITY+ (SY0-701) EXAM INSTRUCTIONS

Security+ Exam 90 minutes

Passing score 750 out of 900

Normally 75 to 85 questions, maximum of 90 questions

First few questions are simulations

Everything else is multiple choice.

If there are round radio buttons for the answers, there is only one answer.

If there are squares, at the end of the question it will tell you to Choose / Select 2, 3 or 4.

At the very top right is the timer.

Below that is a “Flag for Review” button, answer something in case you run out of time.

At the bottom right is the next button.

At the bottom left is the “Review All” button.

In the review window you might see “Incomplete” meaning you didn’t answer the question, or you didn’t select enough answers.

Also in the review window you will see “Flagged for Review”, once you have selected your answer uncheck the flag at the upper right corner.

If you are unsure about an answer, eliminate the options you know are wrong, and take your best guess.

Do not leave a question unanswered.