--- title: "Alex DeKalb (@Alexdekalb) | Hashnode" description: "Network automation and Cisco. Read the latest articles by Alex DeKalb on Hashnode." url: "https://hashnode.com/@Alexdekalb" --- @Alexdekalb # Alex DeKalb @Alexdekalb · Buffalo, NY · Joined February 2024 Network automation and Cisco [Website](https://linktr.ee/AlexDeKalb) ### [4 Essential Steps to Secure Your Home Network and IoT Devices](https://alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev/4-essential-steps-to-secure-your-home-network-and-iot-devices?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) Securing your home network and IoT devices doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a concise guide to protect your privacy and secure your digital life. 1. Lock Down Your Network Why it Matters IoT devices, while convenient, can pose significant secur... 3 min read · [alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev](https://alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev/4-essential-steps-to-secure-your-home-network-and-iot-devices?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) [Mar 14, 2025](https://hashnode.com/posts/4-essential-steps-to-secure-your-home-network-and-iot-devices/67d47cc51238187f74c9670c) ### [Troubleshooting Common Network Issues: A Systematic Approach](https://alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev/troubleshooting-common-network-issues-a-systematic-approach?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) Overview For network administrators, the ability to quickly and efficiently troubleshoot network issues is not just a skill—it's an art. The complexity of modern networks, with their blend of wired and wireless technologies, cloud services, and diver... 3 min read · [alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev](https://alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev/troubleshooting-common-network-issues-a-systematic-approach?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) [Feb 11, 2024](https://hashnode.com/posts/troubleshooting-common-network-issues-a-systematic-approach/65c91971bd33768424c24675) ### [Network Automation with Ansible: A Guide for the Modern SysAdmin](https://alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev/network-automation-with-ansible-a-guide-for-the-modern-sysadmin?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) Overview In the realm of network management, efficiency and reliability are paramount. Automation emerges as a crucial strategy to achieve these goals, allowing sysadmins to streamline operations, reduce manual errors, and significantly improve netwo... 3 min read · [alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev](https://alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev/network-automation-with-ansible-a-guide-for-the-modern-sysadmin?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) [Feb 11, 2024](https://hashnode.com/posts/network-automation-with-ansible-a-guide-for-the-modern-sysadmin/65c9183fea27cf009dddb352) ### [Configuring VTP Version 3 on Cisco Switches](https://alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev/configuring-vtp-version-3-on-cisco-switches?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) GNS3 Lab https://youtu.be/vsHDyc8y7TY Overview Virtual Trunking Protocol (VTP) is a Cisco-proprietary protocol that simplifies the management of VLANs across a network. By using VTP, network administrators can add, delete, and rename VLANs on a pro... 3 min read · [alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev](https://alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev/configuring-vtp-version-3-on-cisco-switches?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) [Feb 11, 2024](https://hashnode.com/posts/configuring-vtp-version-3-on-cisco-switches/65c916713a51344993b46825) ### [Why you SHOULD integrate LibreNMS into your network](https://alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev/why-you-should-integrate-librenms-into-your-network?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) Let me start by saying I will be the first person to tell you that LibreNMS is in no ways perfect. I will follow up by saying that LibreNMS has not only made me look like a networking pro, but has saved my butt multiple times. So for this article I'm... 3 min read · [alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev](https://alex-dekalb-blog.hashnode.dev/why-you-should-integrate-librenms-into-your-network?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed) [Feb 10, 2024](https://hashnode.com/posts/why-you-should-integrate-librenms-into-your-network/65c7d08cf47d0fe00e50ba62)