The Tetris of Networking: MTU

Just like a game of Tetris, managing a network requires fitting different pieces together perfectly. And if you've ever played Tetris, you know that the wrong piece can ruin everything. Similarly, in the world of networking, setting the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) is like choosing the right Tetris block - it needs to fit just right. Today, we’re going to laugh our way through setting the MTU to either 1580 or 9000 on Mikrotik (versions 6 and 7) and Cisco routers (Nexus and 9000 series). Why these numbers? Well, because in the Tetris world of networking, these are the blocks that just fit!

Mikrotik Routers: MTU Settings as Fun as a Game of Tetris Mikrotik routers, with their RouterOS, are like the straight Tetris blocks - they're straightforward and get the job done. Let's see how to set them up:

• RouterOS v6 (The Classic Level): Open the terminal, and let's start stacking:

/interface ethernet set [find name=ether1] mtu=1580        

• Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try 9000 for jumbo frames:

/interface ethernet set [find name=ether1] mtu=9000        

• RouterOS v7 (The New Challenger): Similar commands, but imagine you've leveled up:

/interface ethernet set [find name=ether1] mtu=1580        

• And for the jumbo frame enthusiasts:

/interface ethernet set [find name=ether1] mtu=9000        

Cisco Routers: Navigating the Tetris Maze Cisco routers, whether it's the Nexus or the 9000 series, are like those tricky Z and S Tetris blocks. They might look intimidating, but with the right approach, they fit perfectly.

• Cisco Nexus Series (The Tricky Middle Levels): Log in and brace yourself:

configure terminal interface ethernet 1/1 mtu 1580 exit        

• Or, if you want to go big:

configure terminal interface ethernet 1/1 mtu 9000 exit        

• Cisco 9000 Series (The Boss Level): Similar to the Nexus, but with a boss-level attitude:

configure terminal interface ethernet 1/1 mtu 1580 exit        

• And for the final boss move:

configure terminal interface ethernet 1/1 mtu 9000 exit        

Why MTU 1580 or 9000? Because Tetris! Why these specific MTU settings? Well, it's like choosing the straight block or the square block in Tetris. The 1580 setting is perfect for when you have VLAN tags that add a little extra size, just like when you need that one block to fit snugly.

The 9000 setting, on the other hand, is for when you're feeling bold and ready for jumbo frames - like going for that four-line Tetris clear!

Conclusion Adjusting the MTU settings on your Mikrotik and Cisco routers can be as satisfying as clearing four lines in Tetris with a straight block. Whether you go for 1580 or 9000, remember, it's all about how well you fit the pieces together in the grand game of networking.

Keep your wits sharp, your reflexes quicker, and maybe - just maybe - you'll beat the high score in your network's performance. Game on! ???????