Network infrastructure
Network hardware and physical appliances, such as routers, switches, gateways, hubs and bridges, serve as the vital foundation of network infrastructure. Common network protocols and more emergent network software also play major roles in any architecture. While networking has shifted to software-centric principles, see how traditional network infrastructure keeps pace.
Top Stories
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Tip
10 Mar 2025
The 4 different types of wireless networks
The four types of wireless networks -- wireless LAN, wireless MAN, wireless PAN and wireless WAN -- differ in size, range and connectivity requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2025
802.11 standards: How do 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be differ?
Wi-Fi standards -- 802.11ac, 802.11ax and 802.11be -- differ based on frequency bands, spatial streams and maximum data rates, with 802.11be offering the most significant improvements. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Nov 2015
Open Networking User Group debate: The pro-hardware transcript
Check out the pro-hardware side of the Open Networking User Group debate at its Fall 2015 conference where hardware squared off against software. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Nov 2015
ONUG 'Great Debate': The pro-software transcript
Check out the pro-software side of ONUG's debate at its Fall 2015 conference in a hardware versus software faceoff. Continue Reading
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News
11 Nov 2015
NIA: Midokura's open source MidoNet doesn't hold back
Midokura wins this month's Network Innovation Award for MidoNet Community Edition, an open source version of its flagship product. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2015
Juniper pricing to reflect industry shift to software
Juniper pricing for networking products is changing, as the company prepares to become a software business, moving away from per-port pricing. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Nov 2015
When will enterprises be ready to use SDN?
After years of hype, high-profile mergers and proven use cases, enterprises hesitated to use SDN. Is it finally time for it to secure a spot in mainstream networks? Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2015
ONOS project hits 11,000 downloads in first year
This week, ONOS appoints a community manager; Pluribus demonstrates a hyper-converged infrastructure; Oracle launches a cloud-deployable signaling router. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2015
The mistake that could make NFV MANO irrelevant
In this week's round-up of blog posts from around the Web, an analyst takes a closer look at NFV management and orchestration (MANO), explaining why it could play second-fiddle to OpenStack. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Oct 2015
Persuading management to support the IT buying process
What steps should you take to get your network buying needs approved by top management? One piece of advice: Learn what your manager needs. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2015
Brocade makes the enterprise wireless network more open
Brocade has partnered with two more Wi-Fi vendors to offer enterprise customers a more flexible wireless network. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2015
HP rallies partners around OpenSwitch as Cisco replacement
The HP-led OpenSwitch community is likely to attract the interest of large enterprises with Web-scale data centers. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2015
Cisco Mobility Express aims to make wireless easier
In this week's blogs, analysts discuss Cisco Mobility Express and examine whether enterprise networks can really handle an explosion of Internet of Things devices. Continue Reading
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Buyer's Guide
05 Oct 2015
Wireless LAN technology: A buyer's guide
This SearchNetworking buyer's guide explores wireless LAN technology to help you buy the right wireless LAN equipment for your enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2015
Cisco to open SDN framework to nonpartner products
Cisco is preparing to open up ACI, the company's SDN framework, to nonpartner products that provide Layer 4-7 network services. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2015
SDN/NFV end-games, paths forward remain in flux
In this week's blogs round-up, an analyst predicts that SDN/NFV will see decisive changes in 2016, while a blogger says open source SDN projects are gaining steam. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Sep 2015
What's the best way to handle end-of-sale devices on your network?
A majority of organizations have end-of-sale and end-of-life devices on their networks. What's the best way to ensure your equipment is up to date? Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2015
HP adds Pica8 to broaden use of Altoline SDN switch
HP agrees to resell the Pica8 network operating system on the Altoline SDN switch. Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2015
Comcast to offer enterprise network management services
Comcast enters the market for enterprise network management services as more large companies opt to have other businesses handle networking chores in data centers. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2015
Latest Brocade ODL controller, apps ease use of open source in cloud
Brocade has released an ODL controller upgrade and apps for building private and public clouds based on OpenDaylight and OpenStack. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2015
Wi-Fi update 802.11ac set to take over in 2016
Research firm IDC expects the latest Wi-Fi update 802.11ac to account for the majority of access point shipments and revenue in 2016. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2015
VMware updates SDN platform for data center networking
VMware releases a new version of its SDN platform. Network administrators are expected to welcome the latest NSX features. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2015
Xirrus unveils high-capacity 802.11ac Wave 2 access point
Xirrus plans to release in October an 802.11ac Wave 2 access point. The device is expected to fill a niche in the wireless market. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Aug 2015
NIA: Saisei's FlowCommand SDN appliance secures network flows
Saisei, our latest Network Innovation Award winner, uses its FlowCommand virtual SDN appliance to control network flows and prevent individual users from hogging bandwidth. Continue Reading
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News
21 Aug 2015
Container IT gets boost with Docker enhancement
In this week's SN blogs, analysts discuss Docker, the real value of an industry certification and the capabilities of a new Linux project aimed at virtualized environments. Continue Reading
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News
18 Aug 2015
Big Switch SDN fabric gets better OpenStack, VMware support
The Big Switch SDN fabric upgrade improves OpenStack and vSphere support for cloud providers and high-scale data centers. Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2015
Analysts: SDN wouldn't have prevented United Airlines network outage
Some speculate that SDN could prevent a network outage like the one that brought United Airlines to a screeching halt. Others, however, say the industry needs an SDN reality check. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2015
Google Fiber targets San Antonio for fiber optic cable rollout
Google Fiber plans to lay 4,000 miles of fiber optic cable in the San Antonio area; FCC voted to revise IP transition rules. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Aug 2015
SDN monitoring means new transitions for engineers
SDN network management means tools are transforming from listening mode to active mode. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2015
ICYMI: Brocade assists CERN with open SDN
Brocade teams up with CERN openlab to create an SDN strategy for the "new IP," while Fujitsu offers Midokura's software in its OpenStack cloud architecture. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2015
News recap: FCC OKs $48.5 billion AT&T-DirecTV deal
After a year of review, the FCC approved the AT&T-DirecTV acquisition. Additionally, the FCC might add mobile speeds to its broadband review. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2015
Juniper rise could be good news for enterprise tech buyers
Juniper Networks is selling to more enterprises, a trend that could heat up the competition for the wallets of tech buyers. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2015
ICYMI: Masergy expands cloud marketplace with Microsoft Azure
Masergy has added the Microsoft Azure cloud platform to its cloud marketplace, while Sonus demonstrated that its SDN controller can be used with Skype for Business. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2015
SN blogs: Hybrid approach to corporate WAN merits study
This week, analysts examine the advantage of hybrid WANs and discuss the emergence of Microsoft as a viable MDM provider. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2015
News recap: Wi-Fi Aware to connect nearby smartphones
New Wi-Fi Aware will enable smartphones within close proximity to communicate with each other; a new program will provide Internet access to public housing residents. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2015
Plexxi aims low-latency switch at emerging workloads
Plexxi launched a low-latency switch that's suitable for high-frequency financial trading. The Switch 2 Series is also aimed at analytics applications and cloud data centers. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2015
IEEE group advocates random MAC addresses for Wi-Fi security
An IEEE group advocates random MAC addresses for increased Wi-Fi security, while networking pros say enterprise security isn't strong enough for moving applications to the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2015
Extreme adds muscle to Wi-Fi appliances
Extreme Networks introduces Wi-Fi appliances that can manage considerably more access points than previous versions. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2015
Ethernet switch market to hit $25 billion; Verizon feels mobile carrier war
In telecom news, the Ethernet switch market is expected to reach $25 billion, while Verizon's Q4 report shows the impact of mobile carrier competition. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2014
Three ways to measure wireless network performance
Trying to find ways to assess your wireless network performance? Here are some tools that can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2014
With MPLS-TP and SDN, a simpler dynamic control plane
MPLS-TP transforms carrier networks for packet switching, but SDN could take it a step further. Combining the technologies, engineers could reduce complexity in the dynamic control plane and gain flexible service creation. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2014
VMware NSX locks network security down with micro-segmentation
At VMworld 2014, VMware highlighted the network security benefits of NSX, with micro-segmentation that makes every VM an island. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2014
F5 BIG-IQ meets VMware NSX for L4-7 orchestration
Cloud architects can now automate the instantiation of F5 network services on VMware NSX networks through new F5 BIG-IP integration with NSX. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jul 2014
Will MPLS traffic engineering technology help you?
MPLS traffic engineering can improve VPN performance to ensure data travels the most efficient path. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2014
GENEVE primer: The answer to network virtualization interoperability?
The GENEVE network encapsulation protocol is more flexible than VXLAN and NVGRE. Will it bring interoperability to network virtualization overlays? Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jul 2014
Don't ignore this great wireless training resource
Online wireless support communities are a great resource for IT professionals who need their questions answered quickly. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Apr 2014
Identify this network convergence nomenclature: You could be a winner
As the admin and platform owner of a project, Patrick Hubbard has to monitor everything, and he coined a new term that describes that responsibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2014
Hyper-V networking: The three virtual switches that fuel connectivity
In this Hyper-V networking primer, learn about the three virtual switches behind Microsoft virtualization connectivity. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Aug 2013
Are there alternatives to the OpenFlow protocol?
Jason Edelman explains OpenFlow protocol alternatives and what's important in determining which southbound protocol will work for you. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jun 2013
compatibility
In the world of IT, compatibility refers to the ability of software and hardware from different sources to work together without having to be altered to do so. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2013
News briefs: Red Hat OpenShift Online goes live; Lenovo pushes cloud
This week, Red Hat's OpenShift Online rolls out for commercial use, Lenovo enters the cloud market and NTT deploys VMware network virtualization. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jun 2013
What is Ethernet-dedicated Internet?
Ethernet-dedicated Internet is a continuous, high-bandwidth way for enterprises to connect their LANs to the public Internet and to streamline the performance of their WAN. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2013
Interop Conference 2013
Your home for all the news at Interop Conference 2013. Cloud computing, SDN, big data, virtualization, data center networking and more from New York City. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2013
Primer: A new generation of programmable ASICs
Programmable application-specific integrated circuits allow the data plane of switches to support new technologies, like software-defined networking. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2013
How to plan for a campus core switch refresh: Basic requirements
Network architects and engineers discuss the features and functions they look for when planning a campus core upgrade. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2013
Centralized vs. decentralized SDN architecture: Which works for you?
Two SDN architecture models -- centralized and decentralized -- have much in common, but key differences center on the use of the OpenFlow protocol. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Mar 2013
NVGRE (Network Virtualization using Generic Routing Encapsulation)
NVGRE (Network Virtualization using Generic Routing Encapsulation) is a network virtualization method that uses encapsulation to create large numbers of virtual LANs (VLANs) for subnets that can extend across dispersed data centers and Layers 2 and 3. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2013
Networking 2012: Top ten news stories of the year
The top ten networking news stories of 2012 reflect the tectonic shift in network technology, including software-defined networking and BYOD Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
19 Dec 2012
Networking 2012: Top ten news stories of the year
The top ten networking news stories of 2012 reflect the tectonic shift in network technology, including software-defined networking and BYOD Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Nov 2012
Will we ever need 400 Gigabit Ethernet enterprise networks?
With 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet so new, what could possibly drive the need for 400 Gigabit Ethernet in the enterprise? Hint: It’s not just the WAN. Continue Reading
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Report
18 May 2012
Interop 2012: Conference Coverage recap
Check out our news, views and video from Interop 2012 in Las Vegas, which covered new service offerings, product announcements and networking trends. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jun 2011
Multiple access point configuration: Distinguish transmitted signals
Lisa Phifer explains multiple access point configuration when a device tries to differentiate transmitted signals from each point and explains potential issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2010
Using virtual appliances and desktop virtualization
IT organizations are implementing desktop virtualization and virtual appliances for virtual WAN optimization and virtual application delivery, but there are challenges to overcome along the way. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2009
Avaya-Nortel acquisition: Infamous end; questionable beginning
The Avaya-Nortel acquisition was one of the more notable top networking stories of 2009, marking the end of a legacy player and a questionable beginning for Avaya as it struggles with whether to integrate the Nortel data networking portfolio. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Feb 2009
Difference between circuit-switching and packet-switching in examples
What is the difference between a circuit switching and packet switching? Our networking fundamentals expert gives examples of packet switching and circuit switching in this response. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2008
NIS (Network Information System)
NIS (Network Information System) is a network naming and administration system for smaller networks that was developed by Sun Microsystems. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2007
ROADM (reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer)
An ROADM (reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer) is a device that can add, block, pass or redirect modulated infrared (IR) and visible light beams of various wavelengths in a fiber optic network. ... (Continued) Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2007
Optical networks: Core network design best practices
Core optical network design must take into consideration network requirements specific to the core, including a high degree of aggregation, low reconfigurability, and large geographic scope, while confronting such challenges as router adjacency, service interconnection and overall management. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Apr 2007
What equipment do I use to connect two LANs in different cities? What are the steps?
How do you connect two LANS from different cities? VPN expert Sampath Ramaswami notes the steps to be taken, in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2007
Cisco wireless access point configuration from scratch
Learn what the Cisco 1242 wireless access point can do for you and how to configure one from scratch. This tip covers basic security settings, enabling the wireless radios, and how to make a successful connection. The 1242AG is a powerful business-grade wireless AP with lots of features. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Dec 2006
What is the relationship between network cable frequency and its bandwidth?
Learn about the relationship between the network cable's frequency and its bandwidth capacity, the frequency formula and its physics in this expert response by Carrie Higbie. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Nov 2006
LAN administration guide
LAN administration is an arduous task and your responsibilities often involve many different aspects and may include many tasks. This guide will help you with each step and task. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Nov 2006
Half duplex vs. full duplex Ethernet 10BASE-T topologies
Ever wonder why half duplex Ethernet 10BASE-T topologies have a slower data transmission rate than full duplex Ethernet 10BASE-Ttopologies? Find out in this expert response by Lindi Horton. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Nov 2006
What are the fundamental principles of CDMA?
In this Q&A, our expert, Lindi Horton gives us an explanation of what CDMA is and what some of its fundamental principles are. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Nov 2006
Introduction -- Chapter 1 of 'Network Analysis, Architecture and Design'
This chapter introduces the analysis, architecture, and design processes. Described are the fundamental concepts of the processes of network analysis, architecture, and design; systems and services; as well as their characteristics and prepares the reader for the analysis process. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2006
IP addressing and subnetting: Calculate a subnet mask using the subnet's formula
IP addressing and subnetting are an important part of networks. Learn how the subnet's formula works and why it's important to know how to calculate the subnet mask "longhand." Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2006
Network test plan: Checklist for architecture changes
For every change you make to your network architecture, you should have a test plan and a backout plan. In this tip, learn how to build a test plan and review a sample checklist of things to include. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Oct 2006
Mobility -- Chapter 5 of 802.11 Wireless LAN Fundamentals
Mobility, Chapter 5 of 802.11 Wireless LAN Fundamentals, covers the characteristics of roaming, Layer 2 roaming, Layer 3 roaming and an introduction to mobile IP. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Oct 2006
The most commonly used network operating system
In this Q&A, Lindi Horton answers the question "What network operating system is more currently and commonly used?" Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Oct 2006
OSI: Securing the stack, Layer 2 -- Understanding the role of ARP
Security expert Michael Gregg continues his layer-by-layer discussion of OSI model network security with this tip on the vulnerabilities present in Layer 2, the Data Link Layer, and specifically addresses the Address Resolution Protocol. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Sep 2006
maximum segment size (MSS)
The maximum segment size (MSS) is the largest amount of data, specified in bytes, that a computer or communications device can handle in a single, unfragmented piece. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2006
OSI: Securing the stack, Layer 1 -- Physical security threats
Security expert Michael Gregg kicks off his layer-by-layer discussion of OSI model network security with this tip on securing Layer 1 against physical security threats. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2006
Duplex mismatch
What is duplex, and what is the difference between half and full duplex? What is a duplex mismatch? How can autonegotiation help or hurt your network? How can you resolve duplex conflicts? In this tip, David Davis helps networking engineers and newcomers understand the issues behind one of the most troublesome problems plaguing today's networks. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Aug 2006
Kbps (kilobits per second)
In the U.S., Kbps stands for kilobits per second (thousands of bits per second) and is a measure of bandwidth (the amount of data that can flow in a given time) on a data transmission medium. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2006
DNS for a wireless network: Router Expert
DNS services are essential for building a secure wireless LAN. Our Router Expert provides complete instructions for setting up a DNS server, including implementing BIND, configuring a non-authoritative server and creating zone files. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2006
Security and the TCP/IP stack
Each layer of TCP/IP has security mechanisms, protocols, and applications. This tip describes the more popular ones that are associated with each layer of TCP/IP. Continue Reading
- Answer 05 Jun 2006
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Quiz
29 May 2006
Wireless networking (CWNA)
Do you think you know a lot about wireless networking? Are you interested in taking the Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) exam? Test your knowledge with our 13-question quiz on wireless networking! Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Apr 2006
Why is the cable supporting my LAN experiencing abnormal attenuation?
Why is the cable supporting my LAN experiencing abnormal attenuation? Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2006
Configuring and troubleshooting wireless LAN clients
An understanding of wireless LAN (WLAN) client and WLAN access point communication mechanisms is critical to anyone attempting to initially connect or troubleshoot a WLAN connection. In this tip, Robbie Harrell discusses some of the issues that can be dealt with on the client side when a user experiences WLAN connectivity problems. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2006
Lesson 2: How to build a secure wireless infrastructure
In Lesson 2 of Wireless Security Lunchtime Learning, you'll learn how to build a secure wireless infrastructure by understanding the myriad security standards and features that Wi-Fi products boast, as well as how traditional wired network devices and configurations can be applied to a WLAN. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2006
Using your WIDS to monitor WLAN performance
"Wireless intrusion detection" -- the very name brings to mind security. But many WIDS products can also be used to monitor WLAN performance, providing valuable insight for trouble-shooting, fine-tuning, and usage planning. This tip explains how to leverage your WIDS get more from your WLAN. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2006
Wi-Fi vulnerability assessment checklist
Vulnerability assessments can help you find and fix WLAN weaknesses before attackers take advantage of them. But where do you start? What should you look for? Have you covered all the bases? This checklist will help to answer these questions. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2006
Using VLANs to compartmentalize WLAN traffic
Virtual LANs have long been used within enterprise networks to create logical workgroups, independent of physical location or LAN topology. This tip describes how to use these same VLAN capabilities, found in both wired and wireless devices, to tag and compartmentalize Wi-Fi traffic, supporting your company's security and traffic management policies. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2006
Combining 802.1X and VLANs for WLAN authorization
Many WLAN owners know that 802.1X/EAP makes it possible to authenticate individual wireless users. But did you know that 802.1X can also be used to funnel wireless traffic onto VLANs, enforcing user or group-based permissions? This tip explains how to use RADIUS attributes returned by 802.1X to supply VLAN tags, establishing that critical link between authentication and authorization. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2006
IP network design, part 4: LAN design
This final section of the IP network design series relates to the issues encountered with campus LAN design. The benefits of Ethernet switching over a traditional hub environment are first explained. The motivation behind the deployment of virtual LANs (VLANs) is explored along with the issues faced when planning and configuring VLANs. This article also discusses techniques for ensuring a scalable and resilient campus network design. The Spanning Tree Protocol is also addressed and how it can be optimized on a large switched network. Finally, the design issues associated with an IP telephony rollout are covered in the conclusion of this article. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2006
Implementing software restriction policies
This tip explains how you can use software restriction policies to keep your workstations in pristine shape and cut down on help desk calls at the same time. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2006
Router Expert: Initial configuration of a Cisco 1200 802.11g WLAN access point
Our router expert continues his series on building a secure wireless LAN with a Linux base. This article explains how to utilize a single Cisco 1200 series access point to provide access to three different IP network segments using VLANs and multiple service set identifiers. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2006
LAN connectivity problem: Blame DNS, NIC or firewall?
ITKnowledge Exchange member "BinooDas1234" had connectivity issues with a troublesome LAN, and fellow techies jumped in to help out. But does the answer lie in the DNS configuration, the NIC drivers or elsewhere? Here is a portion of the conversation. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2006
IP network design, part 2: The IP addressing plan
The IP addressing plan is the foundation upon which a successful logical design is built. Part two of this tip explains how to formulate a scalable IP addressing plan that can support the network as it grows. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2005
Router Expert: Building VLAN interfaces in Linux and IOS
Segmenting a wireless LAN with VLANs can increase security. Find out from our router expert how to support VLAN interfaces in Linux and Cisco IOS. Continue Reading
- Answer 07 Nov 2005