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• IEEE 802 wireless standards

  IEEE 802 is a collection of networking standards that cover the physical and data link layer specifications for technologies such as Ethernet and wireless. Continue Reading

• gigabit (Gb)

  In data communications, a gigabit (Gb) is 1 billion bits, or 1,000,000,000 (that is, 10^9) bits. It's commonly used for measuring the amount of data that is transferred in a second between two telecommunication points. Continue Reading

• ingress filtering

  Ingress filtering is a method used by enterprises and internet service providers to prevent suspicious traffic from entering a network. Continue Reading

• multi-user MIMO

  Multi-user MIMO, or MU-MIMO, is a wireless communication technology that uses multiple antennas to improve communication by creating multiple connections to the same device at the same time. Continue Reading

• bogon

  A bogon is an illegitimate Internet Protocol address that falls into a set of IP addresses that have not been officially assigned to an entity by an internet registration institute, such as the IANA. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is Cisco Performance Routing (PfR)?
  • What is a MAC address and how do I find it?
  • What is cloud networking?
  • What is IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)?

  • What is TCP/IP?
  • What is ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)?
  • What is asynchronous?
  • What is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator)?

  View All Definitions

• network management system

  A network management system, or NMS, is an application or set of applications that lets network engineers manage a network's independent components inside a bigger network management framework and performs several key functions.Continue Reading

• host (in computing)

  A host is a computer or other device that communicates with other hosts on a network.Continue Reading

• Network as a Service (NaaS)

  Network as a service, or NaaS, is a business model for delivering enterprise WAN services virtually on a subscription basis.Continue Reading

• network configuration management (NCM)

  Network configuration management is the process of organizing and maintaining information about all of the components in a computer network.Continue Reading

• presentation layer

  The presentation layer resides at Layer 6 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model and ensures that communications that pass through it are in the appropriate form for the recipient application.Continue Reading

• campus network

  A campus network is a proprietary local area network (LAN) or set of interconnected LANs serving a corporation, government agency, university or similar organization.Continue Reading

• point-of-presence (POP)

  A point-of-presence (POP) is a point or physical location where two or more networks or communication devices build a connection from one place to the rest of the internet.Continue Reading

• green networking

  Green networking is the practice of selecting energy-efficient networking technologies and products and minimizing resource use whenever possible.Continue Reading

• attenuation

  Attenuation is a general term that refers to any reduction in the strength of a signal.Continue Reading

• cloud radio access network (C-RAN)

  Cloud radio access network (C-RAN) is a centralized, cloud computing-based architecture for radio access networks.Continue Reading

• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

  DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to dynamically assign an IP address to any device, or node, on a network so it can communicate using IP.Continue Reading

• load balancing

  Load balancing is a technique used to distribute network traffic across a pool of servers known as a server farm.Continue Reading

• data center interconnect (DCI)

  Data center interconnect (DCI) technology links two or more data centers together to share resources.Continue Reading

• Routing Information Protocol (RIP)

  Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a distance vector protocol that uses hop count as its primary metric.Continue Reading

• NOC vs. data center: What's the difference?

  Network operations centers and data centers are two facilities organizations use to store IT devices and manage operations. But they differ significantly in terms of purpose and operations.Continue Reading

• network availability

  Network availability is the amount of uptime in a network system over a specific time interval.Continue Reading

• How to use Nmap to scan a network for documentation

  Nmap might be more common for security tasks, but it's also useful for network documentation and inventory. Follow these best practices to make the most of Nmap scan results.Continue Reading

• NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration)

  NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration), also called MANO, is an architectural framework for managing and orchestrating virtualized network functions (VNFs) and other software components.Continue Reading

• How to set up a business Wi-Fi network

  A Wi-Fi network is a business necessity, but setting it up takes skill and effective troubleshooting. Learn how to make Wi-Fi work and keep it running smoothly.Continue Reading

• Wireless security: WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 differences

  As wireless networks have evolved, so have the protocols for securing them. Get an overview of WLAN security standards, and learn the differences among WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3.Continue Reading

• network traffic

  Network traffic is the amount of data that moves across a network during any given time.Continue Reading

• dynamic and static

  In general, dynamic means 'energetic, capable of action and/or change, or forceful,' while static means 'stationary or fixed.'Continue Reading

• routing table

  A routing table is a set of rules, often viewed in table format, that's used to determine where data packets traveling over an Internet Protocol (IP) network will be directed.Continue Reading

• traffic shaping

  Traffic shaping, also known as packet shaping, is a congestion management method that regulates network data transfer by delaying the flow of less important or less desired packets.Continue Reading

• throughput

  Throughput is a measure of how many units of information a system can process in a given amount of time.Continue Reading

• How to set up backup internet connections for home offices

  Reliable connectivity and secure access are must-haves for employees working from home. Here are ideas to consider when designing backup internet connections for home offices.Continue Reading

• open networking

  Open networking describes a network that uses open standards and commodity hardware.Continue Reading

• managed network services

  Managed network services are networking applications, functions and services that enterprises outsource to be remotely operated, monitored and maintained by a managed service provider (MSP).Continue Reading

• control plane (CP)

  The control plane is the part of a network that carries signaling traffic and is responsible for network routing.Continue Reading

• 3 types of wireless site surveys and how to conduct them

  Network teams can avoid signal coverage issues by performing different wireless site surveys as they evaluate new spaces, set up sites and operate the network.Continue Reading

• What is the difference between WLAN and Wi-Fi?

  Although the terms WLAN and Wi-Fi are used interchangeably, the two wireless technologies differ. Wireless LAN uses radio technology to connect nodes, while Wi-Fi is a type of WLAN.Continue Reading

• IPv4 vs. IPv6: What's the difference?

  IPv4 and IPv6 are two forms of IP addresses, but they differ in length and style. Compare the two, and find out why organizations might implement one over the other.Continue Reading

• east-west traffic

  East-west traffic, in a networking context, is the transfer of data packets from server to server within a data center.Continue Reading

• CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service)

  Citizens Broadband Radio Service, or CBRS, is the set of operational rules given to a slice of the shared wireless spectrum and the technologies used in that spectrum.Continue Reading

• Wireless access point vs. router: What's the difference?

  The choice of a wireless access point vs. a router for wireless network connectivity depends on the physical size of the network, needs of the organization and the number of users.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between 802.11ac vs. 802.11ax?

  The difference between 802.11ac and 802.11ax is significant. The two wireless standards differ notably in features such as AP capacity, spatial streams and data rates.Continue Reading

• wireless mesh network (WMN)

  A wireless mesh network (WMN) is a mesh network created through the connection of wireless access point (WAP) nodes installed at each network user's locale.Continue Reading

• CBRS vs. Wi-Fi: What's the difference?

  Citizens Broadband Radio Service enables private LTE networks and supports enterprise WAN deployments. But that doesn't mean Wi-Fi is going away anytime soon.Continue Reading

• VPN vs. zero trust vs. SDP: What's the difference?

  For strong network security, many vendors say VPNs don't cut it anymore. Enter the zero-trust security model and SDPs.Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 7

  Wi-Fi 7 is the pending 802.11be standard under development by IEEE.Continue Reading

• What is zero-trust network access? ZTNA basics explained

  Zero-trust network access is touted as the solution to replace the VPN. As the potential future of network security, learn more about ZTNA, including its benefits and challenges.Continue Reading

• network security

  Network security encompasses all the steps taken to protect the integrity of a computer network and the data within it.Continue Reading

• How to build a zero-trust network in 4 steps

  While network teams are responsible for deploying the elements of a zero-trust network, security teams should also be involved in developing the overall zero-trust framework.Continue Reading

• What is a cloud-native network function (CNF)?

  A cloud-native network function (CNF) is a service that performs network duties in software, as opposed to purpose-built hardware.Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6E

  Wi-Fi 6E is one variant of the 802.11ax standard.Continue Reading

• microsegmentation

  Microsegmentation is a security technique that splits a network into definable zones and uses policies to dictate how data and applications within those zones can be accessed and controlled.Continue Reading

• Tips to prepare for a network disaster recovery audit

  Enterprises can audit their network disaster recovery plans to ensure thorough protection and preparation. Consider factors like documentation, management support and audit type.Continue Reading

• Network bandwidth vs. throughput: What's the difference?

  Bandwidth and throughput both indicate network performance. The terms are often used together, but bandwidth refers to capacity, while throughput details how much data actually transmits.Continue Reading

• How does SD-access work?

  SD-access is a combination of two elements: SDN and the access edge. The result is a network with a centralized management system and improved security policies.Continue Reading

• VXLAN vs. VLAN: What's the difference?

  VLANs offer security and traffic management benefits but have limitations in routing and scale. VXLANs address those challenges by creating a Layer 3 network overlay.Continue Reading

• Understanding the FTP PORT command

  FTP uses control and data channels, each using a separate TCP port. Port 21 is for the control channel, and port 20 is for the data channel. Learn how these two channels are used.Continue Reading

• What an AI-driven network looks like

  Log analysis and wireless management are common AI use cases in networking. Future applications could include chatbot alerts, digital experience monitoring and traffic engineering.Continue Reading

• Best practices for DIY network automation

  Many network pros write their own automation scripts. These best practices help teams implement coding and tool set standardization, proper change management and immutability.Continue Reading

• network packet

  A network packet is a basic unit of data that's grouped together and transferred over a computer network, typically a packet-switched network, such as the internet.Continue Reading

• BGP vs. EIGRP: What's the difference?

  BGP is an exterior gateway protocol optimized for routing between large networks. EIGRP is an interior gateway protocol that is well suited for routing within smaller networks.Continue Reading

• A guide to distributed network architectures

  Distributed network architectures have become popular because of their adaptability, reliability and scalability. But every new technology also has its challenges.Continue Reading

• The role of name resolution in networking

  Name resolution is essential in converting hostnames and IP addresses for network communications. Here's how the process resolves hostnames, queries servers and finds IP addresses.Continue Reading

• An introduction to neutral host networks using private 5G

  Enterprises often use signal boosters and distributed antenna systems to improve carrier signal strength. Neutral host networks over private 5G could disrupt those methods.Continue Reading

• How to convert binary to decimal

  It's helpful for network admins to know how to convert binary to decimal, and vice versa, for IPv4 addressing, subnet masks, default gateways and network IDs.Continue Reading

• virtual network functions (VNFs)

  Virtual network functions (VNFs) are virtualized tasks formerly carried out by proprietary, dedicated hardware.Continue Reading

• network functions virtualization (NFV)

  Network functions virtualization (NFV) is a network architecture model designed to virtualize network services that have traditionally run on proprietary, dedicated network appliances.Continue Reading

• overlay network

  An overlay network is a virtual or logical network that is created on top of an existing physical network.Continue Reading

• VLAN (virtual LAN)

  A virtual LAN (VLAN) is a logical overlay network that groups together a subset of devices that share a physical LAN, isolating the traffic for each group.Continue Reading

• Understand the basics of 5G wireless networks

  To build a 5G network, the deployment mode, spectrum band and services are all important factors to understand and consider. Here's what you should know about the basics of 5G.Continue Reading

• virtual networking

  Virtual networking is the abstraction of network resources from the underlying physical network infrastructure.Continue Reading

• What is a protocol data unit (PDU)?

  In networking, a protocol data unit is the basic unit of exchange between entities that communicate using a specified networking protocol.Continue Reading

• Ethernet vs. Carrier Ethernet: How do they differ?

  Connectivity over longer distances and higher data rates are some of the major differences that separate Carrier Ethernet from traditional wired Ethernet.Continue Reading

• software-defined networking (SDN)

  Software-defined networking (SDN) is an architecture that abstracts different, distinguishable layers of a network to make networks agile and flexible.Continue Reading

• How network virtualization works

  Network virtualization uses abstraction to isolate applications and resources from the physical infrastructure. Benefits include faster provisioning, agility and operational efficiency.Continue Reading

• 6 types of network topologies

  Network topology is essential to network configuration, as it determines the arrangement of a network and defines how nodes connect. Here are six common types of network topologies.Continue Reading

• 5 basic network commands for Linux and Windows

  Linux and Windows use different network commands to run tasks that are common in both environments, such as network connectivity testing. But the commands often share similarities.Continue Reading

• Common types of enterprise network connections

  The goal of every network is to connect devices. The connections that form those links -- such as wired cabling and wireless technologies -- are crucial in network infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Power over Ethernet basics for network architects

  Power over Ethernet provides a way to supply electricity to low-power devices through a standard Ethernet cable. Learn about the different standards and PoE types.Continue Reading

• OSGi (Open Service Gateway Initiative)

  The OSGi (Open Service Gateway Initiative) specification is a Java framework for developing and deploying modular software programs and libraries.Continue Reading

• What is the role of machine learning in networking?

  Incorporating machine learning tools into a network can help teams predict traffic flows, generate smarter analytics, monitor network health, tighten security measures and more.Continue Reading

• network analytics

  Network analytics is the application of big data principles and tools to the data used to manage and secure data networks.Continue Reading

• SecOps and cybersecurity basics for NetOps teams

  To bridge the gap between NetOps and SecOps teams, network pros should know security fundamentals, including different types of attackers, attacks and available security services.Continue Reading

• application layer

  The application layer sits at Layer 7, the top of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model. It ensures an application can effectively communicate with other applications on different computer systems and networks.Continue Reading

• NetOps vs. DevOps vs. NetSecOps: What's the difference?

  DevOps, NetOps and NetSecOps ... oh my! These IT concepts have their differences, but at the end of the day, they're family. Here's how they relate.Continue Reading

• programmable network (network programmability)

  A programmable network is one in which the behavior of network devices and flow control is handled by software that operates independently of network hardware.Continue Reading

• The NetOps 2.0 era is here: A primer for networking pros

  Experts say inflexible legacy networks impede critical DevOps initiatives. Enter NetOps 2.0. This primer explains how automation and virtualization can help networks evolve.Continue Reading

• location-based service (LBS)

  A location-based service (LBS) is a software service for mobile device applications that requires knowledge about where the mobile device is geographically located.Continue Reading

• Configure DHCP failover for Windows Server

  DHCP is a critical service, and network admins should take the time to create fault tolerance. Windows Server makes it easy to configure both failover and load balancing.Continue Reading

• network automation

  Network automation is a methodology in which software automatically configures, provisions, manages and tests network devices.Continue Reading

• Try a network configuration quiz to study for Network+ exam

  Use these sample questions from CompTIA's 'Official CompTIA Network+ Self-Paced Study Guide (Exam N10-008)' in preparation for your certification exam.Continue Reading

• Study various network types, topologies for configuration

  Those looking to earn a Network+ certification need to learn about network types, topologies, network design best practices and more. James Pengelly's book covers those topics.Continue Reading

• Network design considerations for Network+ exam prep

  One of the first things network pros should learn is how to design a network. In this Q&A, author James Pengelly discusses best practices for network configuration.Continue Reading

• Network Time Protocol (NTP)

  Network Time Protocol (NTP) is an internet protocol used to synchronize with computer clock time sources in a network.Continue Reading

• How NetOps differs from traditional network operations

  When comparing NetOps and conventional network operations, network teams focus on automating repeatable tasks that correct problems rather than introducing new ones manually.Continue Reading

• Load sharing vs. load balancing: What's the difference?

  Load sharing and load balancing are two techniques that work to distribute traffic across a network. However, their methods of balancing differ significantly. Here's how.Continue Reading

• Why NetOps is a bridge to AIOps

  As IT infrastructure grows more complex, NetOps teams should identify ways to ensure their networks remain operational and perform at peak levels. One option is AIOps.Continue Reading

• Application vs. network load balancing: What's the difference?

  Network load balancing and application load balancing both handle traffic requests. But they process and direct those requests with different levels of speed and efficiency.Continue Reading

• access control list (ACL)

  An access control list (ACL) is a list of rules that specifies which users or systems are granted or denied access to a particular object or system resource.Continue Reading

• Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

  Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) refers to a suite of computer communication protocols that provide a standard way to transport multiprotocol data over point-to-point links.Continue Reading

• Intro to encapsulation and decapsulation in networking

  Encapsulation adds information to a packet as it travels to its destination. Decapsulation reverses the process by removing the info, so a destination device can read the original data.Continue Reading