Mani Poopal
Lead Networking Instructor
Mani brings real-world enterprise networking experience to every class. His hands-on approach ensures students don't just memorize commands, they understand the why behind every configuration.
20+
Years in the field
2,500+
Students trained
5
Courses taught
Credentials
CCIE-certified with over 20 years in enterprise networking. Former senior network architect at a Fortune 500 company.
Courses Mani teaches
Articles by Mani
VLANs Explained: How One Switch Becomes Many Networks
What VLANs actually do, access vs trunk ports, how 802.1Q tagging works on the wire, and the exam traps Cisco loves, with diagrams. Core CCNA switching knowledge.
OSI Model vs TCP/IP Model: A CCNA Layer-by-Layer Guide
OSI vs TCP/IP explained layer by layer: the 7 OSI layers, the 4 TCP/IP layers, how they map, and how to troubleshoot with them. Core CCNA knowledge.
Subnetting Made Simple: A Practical Guide for Network Engineers
Learn subnetting from scratch with real examples, a fast calculation method, and practice problems you can solve in your head.
The Complete CCNA 200-301 Study Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know to prepare for the CCNA exam, from study strategies to lab practice tips from our lead instructor.
Are IT Certifications Still Worth It in 2026?
We break down the ROI of popular IT certifications with salary data, job market trends, and real student outcomes.
AWS vs Azure vs GCP: Which Cloud Certification Should You Get?
A side-by-side comparison of the three major cloud platforms and their certification paths for 2026.
How to Switch Careers into IT (With No Experience)
A step-by-step roadmap for career changers, including which certifications to start with and how to land your first role.
The Cybersecurity Career Path: From Security+ to CISSP
Map out your cybersecurity career from entry-level to senior roles, with the certifications that matter at each stage.
