To increase bandwidth on a given Cisco network device, typically etherchannel technology is used to accomplish this task. In most scenarios, etherchannel is used between two switches to provide additional bandwidth to the uplink connections. In less common instances, Network cards in servers that have drivers supporting the proprietary technology will be configured [...]

There are scenarios where it would be desirable for a host or group of hosts to take a different route through the network than what is considered the normal path.  Consider this as creating a detour of sorts, forcing an alternate route to the destination.  This can be accomplished on a selective basis, by picking [...]

This article describes how to secure a Cisco device before putting into production.

The most important element to spanning tree is the root bridge placement. If no other element of spanning tree is manually configured on your network, the root bridge should definitely be set.

Another best practice article explaining the proper method for redistributing a static route into a routing protocol with the most control