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 Jul 2024
7 steps to set up a home network
This guide teaches networking newbies how to set up a home network, from understanding hardware components to managing network performance and security. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2024
Cloud networking sustainability strategies yield benefits
As enterprises seek ways to reduce their environmental footprints, one popular way is to migrate on-premises networking infrastructure to third-party CSPs. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2023
forward error correction (FEC)
Forward error correction (FEC) is a method for obtaining error control in data transmission in which the source (transmitter) sends redundant data and the destination (receiver) recognizes only the portion of the data that contains no apparent errors. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2023
VMware remakes NSX for companies using multiple clouds
VMware designed NSX+ to simplify multi-cloud networking for customers. The update will eventually replace NSX and the more advanced NSX-T within VMware Cloud. Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2023
SDI swaps Cisco wired, wireless LAN for Nile NaaS
Supply chain software maker SDI claims it cut LAN costs by a third with Nile. But Gartner says NaaS is unlikely to become a dominant option for on-premises networking. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Aug 2023
serial peripheral interface (SPI)
A serial peripheral interface (SPI) is an interface commonly used in computers and embedded systems to facilitate short-distance communication between a microcontroller and one or more peripheral integrated circuits (ICs). Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Jul 2023
Networking vs. telecom: What's the difference?
Networking describes how devices interconnect to share resources with each other. Telecom, which includes networking, broadly refers to the exchange of data across long distances. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2023
fediverse
The fediverse is a collection of independently hosted interconnected server instances. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2023
An introduction to smartNICs and their benefits
SmartNICs offload packet processing tasks from server CPUs, freeing up resources for application performance. They can run packet capture and load balancing, among other tasks. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2023
IOTech Edge Connect frees data from factory floor devices
IOTech designed Edge Connect to collect data from operational technology and send it to IT systems that monitor and control devices in manufacturing and other industries. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2023
SmartNICs and the need for evolving network infrastructure
SmartNICs can meet the increasing demand for high performance, low latency and secure data transfer. But the implementation of smartNICs requires reliable network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jul 2023
bridge
A bridge is a class of network device designed to connect networks at OSI Level 2, which is the data link layer of a local area network. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jul 2023
network fabric
'Network fabric' is a general term used to describe underlying data network infrastructure as a whole. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2023
Prosimo offers free multi-cloud connectivity
The new MCN Foundation can find and connect to public clouds and provide visibility. The company's full-stack product powers the limited free version. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2023
Cisco to add SamKnows broadband visibility to ThousandEyes
SamKnows data in ThousandEyes will let enterprises monitor the broadband connections of employees working from home. The information can help companies troubleshoot problems. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jun 2023
blade server
A blade server, sometimes referred to as a high-density server, is a compact device containing a computer used to manage and distribute data in a collection of computers and systems, called a network. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jun 2023
Traditional networks vs. IoT networks: What's the difference?
An enterprise network is a system of interconnected devices that share information, while IoT is a system of devices connected to the internet that provides key analytics. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2023
loose coupling
Loose coupling is an approach to interconnecting the components in a system, network or software application so that those components, also called elements, depend on each other to the least extent practicable. Continue Reading
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Quiz
28 Jun 2023
10 edge computing quiz questions
Edge computing isn't new, but it has grown in popularity due to 5G and the influx of IoT devices. This quiz covers edge computing basics, such as pros, cons and differentiators. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2023
Cisco acquires Accedian for Network Assurance portfolio
Cisco expects Accedian to bolster its Network Assurance portfolio for service providers. The product line provides network troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and remediation. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2023
uplink and downlink
In satellite telecommunication, a downlink is the link from a satellite down to one or more ground stations or receivers, and an uplink is the link from a ground station up to a satellite. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2023
Nessus
Nessus is a platform developed by Tenable that scans for security vulnerabilities in devices, applications, operating systems, cloud services and other network resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2023
logical network
A logical network is a software-defined network topology or routing that is often different than the physical network. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2023
geostationary satellite
A geostationary satellite is an Earth-orbiting satellite placed at an altitude of approximately 22,300 miles or 35,800 kilometers directly above the equator. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jun 2023
peer-to-peer (P2P)
Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a decentralized communications model in which each party has the same capabilities and either party can initiate a communication session. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jun 2023
Evaluate top 5G fixed wireless access benefits
Fixed wireless access, when enabled by 5G, makes wireless network connectivity accessible to users at affordable rates. Learn the benefits FWA brings to operators and enterprises. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2023
New Cisco tools aim to enable green networks, data centers
At Cisco Live 2023, Cisco unveiled new products and updates to its portfolio to help organizations create sustainable data center networks as they modernize their infrastructures. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
09 Jun 2023
The networking imperative for AI applications
Networking is vital to support the requirements of AI applications. Technologies such as smartNICs and RDMA can improve efficiency and scalability. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2023
Cisco releases plans for Networking Cloud
Cisco's introduction of Networking Cloud lacked technical details and delivery dates for the high-level console for accessing all the company's network management platforms. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points)
CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points) is a protocol that enables an access controller to manage a collection of wireless termination points. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2023
infrared radiation (IR)
Infrared radiation (IR), sometimes referred to simply as infrared, is a region of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum where wavelengths range from about 700 nm to 1 mm. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2023
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is the protocol that enables the global routing system of the internet. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2023
How to interact with network APIs using cURL, Postman tools
Network engineers can use cURL and Postman tools to work with network APIs. Use cases include getting interface information and manipulating device configuration data. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2023
Modular network design benefits and approaches
Modular network design is a strategic way for enterprises to group network building blocks in order to streamline network maintenance, additions and troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 May 2023
An overview of 802.1X authentication methods and EAP
Enterprises use 802.1X authentication to manage their wireless LANs, and that process relies on the Extensible Authentication Protocol and its various types. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 May 2023
CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit)
A CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit) is a hardware device about the size of a modem. It converts a digital data frame from local area network (LAN) communication technology into a frame appropriate for a wide area network (WAN) and vice versa. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 May 2023
data streaming
Data streaming is the continuous transfer of data from one or more sources at a steady, high speed for processing into specific outputs. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2023
9 ways to make network modernization work
More cloud computing, container networking and network capacity are some of the ways businesses could modernize their networks. AI and automation can help, too. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2023
SONiC NOS faces challenges fitting in with mainstream
Gartner estimates that fewer than 200 enterprises have SONiC in production, out of a potential data center market of 100,000. One startup describes the NOS as 'a mess' to deploy. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 May 2023
12 common network protocols and their functions explained
Networking makes the internet work, but neither can succeed without protocols. Common network protocols and their functions are key for communication and connection across the internet. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2023
frequency band
In telecommunications, a frequency band -- sometimes called a band -- refers to a specific range of frequencies in the electromagnetic frequency spectrum assigned to certain applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2023
LA County Registrar's network extends voting accessibility
LA County Registrar's modernized network uses technologies such as 5G, SD-WAN and AI in voting centers across the county to make voting more accessible to constituents. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 May 2023
Aruba Atmosphere '23 emphasizes agility matters
HPE Aruba Networking positioned its Atmosphere conference as looking at what comes next, but the subtext was all about agility as the company tightens its integration. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2023
mutual exclusion (mutex)
In computer programming, a mutual exclusion (mutex) is a program object that prevents multiple threads from accessing the same shared resource simultaneously. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2023
7 factors to consider in network redundancy design
Network pros should consider multiple factors when adding redundancy to network design, including network equipment, protocols, backup, processing and subnet connections. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2023
Baptist Health leaves Cisco for Arista
Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Fla., expects Arista's single wired, wireless and data center network operating system to eliminate partial outages during infrastructure upgrades. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2023
Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)
Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) is a North American standard for synchronous data transmission over optical fibers. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2023
SDN controller (software-defined networking controller)
A software-defined networking controller is an application in SDN architecture that manages flow control for improved network management and application performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2023
5 steps to achieve UC network modernization for hybrid work
The shift to hybrid work is putting new demands on the unified communications network infrastructure. Split tunneling and an enterprise CDN are two ways to meet those needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Apr 2023
fax
A fax -- short for 'facsimile' and sometimes called 'telecopying' -- is the telephonic transmission of scanned-in printed material, including text or images. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Apr 2023
Clos network
A Clos network is a type of nonblocking, multistage switching network used today in large-scale data center switching fabrics. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2023
collision in networking
In a half-duplex Ethernet network, a collision is the result of two devices on the same Ethernet network attempting to transmit data at the same time. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2023
Smart contracts, blockchain and decentralized computing
Industries such as manufacturing and finance are turning to decentralized computing technologies, in the form of smart contracts and blockchains, to solve complex problems. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2023
keystone jack
A keystone jack is a female connector used in audio, video and data communications. It serves as a receptacle for a matching plug, which is a male connector of the same type as the jack. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2023
encapsulation (object-orientated programming)
In object-oriented programming (OOP), encapsulation is the practice of bundling related data into a structured unit, along with the methods used to work with that data. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Apr 2023
baseband
Baseband in the transmission of communications signals means only one path is available to send and receive digital signals between devices. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Apr 2023
broadband
Broadband refers to telecommunications in which a wide band of frequencies is available to transmit information. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Apr 2023
fiber to the home (FTTH)
Fiber to the home (FTTH), also called fiber to the premises (FTTP), is the installation and use of optical fiber from a central point to individual buildings to provide high-speed internet access. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2023
Manchester encoding
In data transmission, Manchester encoding is a form of digital encoding in which a data bit's state -- 0 or 1 -- is represented by the transition from one voltage level to another. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2023
CDN (content delivery network)
A CDN (content delivery network), also called a content distribution network, is a group of geographically distributed and interconnected servers. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2023
session layer
The session layer is Layer 5 of the OSI communications model. It is the long-lived logical connection that persists between endpoints over time. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2023
transport layer
The transport layer is Layer 4 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model. It is responsible for ensuring that the data packets arrive accurately and reliably between sender and receiver. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Apr 2023
HAProxy
HAProxy is a high-performance, open source load balancer and reverse proxy for TCP and HTTP applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Apr 2023
ACK (acknowledgement)
In some digital communication protocols, ACK -- short for 'acknowledgement' -- refers to a signal that a device sends to indicate that data has been received successfully. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Mar 2023
unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is a ubiquitous type of copper cabling used in telephone wiring and local area networks (LANs). Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2023
computer network
A computer network is a group of interconnected nodes or computing devices that exchange data and resources with each other. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2023
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a switching mechanism used in wide area networks (WANs). Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Mar 2023
client-server
Client-server is a relationship in which one program, the client, requests a service or resource from another program, the server. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Mar 2023
Beyond metrics, network SLAs should measure business ops
Enterprises need to ensure network service-level agreements provide a comprehensive view of network service performance to support business operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Mar 2023
ONOS (Open Network Operating System)
Open Network Operating System (ONOS) is an OS designed to help network service providers build carrier-grade software-defined networks architected for high scalability, availability and performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2023
Explore private wireless network vendor options
Private wireless networks can be difficult to deploy. Networking vendors -- such as Celona, Cradlepoint and Extenet -- offer services that could simplify the process. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Mar 2023
telematics
Telematics is a term that combines the words telecommunications and informatics to describe the use of communications and IT to transmit, store and receive information from devices to remote objects over a network. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2023
5 steps to migrate from MPLS to SD-WAN
To migrate from MPLS to SD-WAN, you need a plan. Use these five steps as a guideline to avoid MPLS contract disasters, unexpected costs and delayed installation. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2023
Configure NIC teaming in Windows Server
NIC teaming maximizes network bandwidth and provides redundancy benefits. These steps guide users through NIC teaming configuration in Windows Server with GUI and PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
WAN (wide area network)
A wide area network (WAN) is a geographically distributed private telecommunications network that interconnects multiple local area networks (LANs). Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2023
White box networking use cases and how to get started
Rising cloud costs have prompted organizations to consider white box switches to lower costs and simplify network management. Here's what to know about white box networking. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2023
network operating system (NOS)
A network operating system (NOS) is a computer operating system (OS) that's designed primarily to support workstations, PCs and, in some instances, older terminals that are connected on a local area network (LAN). Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2023
SD-branch
SD-branch is a single, automated, centrally managed software-centric platform that replaces or supplements an existing branch network architecture. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2023
network protocol
A network protocol is a set of established rules that specify how to format, send and receive data so that computer network endpoints, including computers, servers, routers and virtual machines, can communicate despite differences in their underlying infrastructures, designs or standards. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2023
physical layer
The physical layer is the first and lowest layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2023
network switch
A network switch connects devices in a network to each other, enabling them to talk by exchanging data packets. Switches can be hardware devices that manage physical networks or software-based virtual devices. Continue Reading
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Quiz
06 Mar 2023
9 practice questions on twisted-pair network cables
Take this practice quiz on twisted-pair cables, sampled from 'Networking Essentials: A CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Textbook,' to test your understanding for the certification exam. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Mar 2023
An introduction to twisted-pair cable wiring
This excerpt from 'Networking Essentials: A CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Textbook' provides an overview of twisted-pair network cables and acts as a study tool for the exam. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Mar 2023
Considerations for configuring twisted-pair cables
In this Q&A, author Jeffrey Beasley discusses what students who plan to take the CompTIA Network+ exam should know about twisted-pair cables, from configuration to troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Mar 2023
computer system
A computer system consists of hardware components that have been carefully chosen so that they work well together and software components or programs that run in the computer. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2023
coaxial cable
Coaxial cable is a type of copper cable specially built with a metal shield and other components engineered to block signal interference. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2023
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
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Definition
27 Feb 2023
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
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Tip
24 Feb 2023
A primer on hyperscale data centers
Hyperscale data centers can hold thousands of servers and process much more data than an enterprise facility. However, they can be difficult to build and maintain. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2023
controller (computing)
A controller, in a computing context, is a hardware device or a software program that manages or directs the flow of data between two entities. In computing, controllers may be cards, microchips or separate hardware devices for the control of a peripheral device. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2023
ingress filtering
Ingress filtering is a method used by enterprises and internet service providers to prevent suspicious traffic from entering a network. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2023
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
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News
21 Feb 2023
Technology trends behind Cisco, Arista earnings
Cisco and Arista's latest earnings reports show that companies are upgrading campus networks and distributing more applications across cloud and edge environments. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
Extreme Networks extends network fabric to the edge
Extreme Networks extends its SD-WAN network fabric to the edge to unify wired, wireless and WAN networking for simpler network control and more application performance monitoring. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Feb 2023
How hybrid access as a service supports hybrid work
Hybrid access as a service from a startup helped a global company secure optimized connectivity over home broadband connections. Could HAaaS replace VPNs? Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2023
host (in computing)
A host is a computer or other device that communicates with other hosts on a network. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2023
The features of multi-cloud networking architecture
Enterprises are looking for multi-cloud networking features that include programmability, security integration and end-to-end visibility in a consumption-based model. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jan 2023
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
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Tip
20 Jan 2023
How cloud-managed Wi-Fi simplifies policy and AP controls
Cloud-managed Wi-Fi provides IT groups with several benefits, including policy enforcement, network management and consistent AP configuration across multiple sites. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jan 2023
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
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Feature
18 Jan 2023
Enterprises consider NaaS adoption for business agility
As enterprises accelerate toward digitization of their complete IT stack, NaaS -- which can lower costs, increase QoS and improve business agility -- has become a viable option. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jan 2023
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