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
-
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
-
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
-
Definition
18 Jan 2023
green networking
Green networking is the practice of selecting energy-efficient networking technologies and products and minimizing resource use whenever possible. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Jan 2023
attenuation
Attenuation is a general term that refers to any reduction in the strength of a signal. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Jan 2023
A guide to network APIs and their use cases
An API enables communication between two applications, while a network API provides communication between the network infrastructure -- and its protocols -- and applications. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
06 Jan 2023
Five networking trends teams should focus on in 2023
Distributed IT and hybrid work create network complexity, which is driving adoption of AIOps, network and security convergence, multi-cloud, private 5G and digital twins in 2023. Continue Reading
-
Definition
04 Jan 2023
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
-
Definition
04 Jan 2023
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
-
News
03 Jan 2023
Multi-cloud networking trends to watch in 2023
As multi-cloud networking becomes an industry standard, enterprises increasingly seek tools to wrangle data, services and security in a sprawling network that can span countries. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Dec 2022
plane (in networking)
A plane is an integral component of telecommunications architecture and networks. Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Dec 2022
fully qualified domain name (FQDN)
A fully qualified domain name (FQDN) is the complete address of an internet host or computer. Continue Reading
-
Feature
22 Dec 2022
Are private wireless networks worth the investment?
Private wireless networks enable more control over networks, but they aren't right for every organization. Here's what to evaluate for a private wireless network deployment. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Dec 2022
kinetic energy
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, observable as the movement of an object or subatomic particle. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Dec 2022
Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a distance vector protocol that uses hop count as its primary metric. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Dec 2022
Arista's new switches support 800GbE for hyperscalers
Arista's new switches provide more options for enterprises and higher speeds for bandwidth-hungry hyperscalers. The latest hardware is generally available. Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Dec 2022
5 sustainability initiatives in the telecommunications industry
Telecom operators have committed to sustainability plans to reduce carbon emissions and energy use. But they also face challenges, like competing goals and behavioral changes. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Dec 2022
network availability
Network availability is the amount of uptime in a network system over a specific time interval. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Dec 2022
T-Mobile expands fastest 5G coverage to 260 million
T-Mobile has expanded its mid-band 5G coverage across most of the nation, pulling further ahead of rivals Verizon and AT&T. Continue Reading
-
Definition
14 Dec 2022
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
-
Tip
13 Dec 2022
An overview of wireless WAN
Hybrid work, modernized cellular networks, and the convergence of 5G and software-defined networking are driving factors in the maturation of wireless WAN. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Dec 2022
Juniper's CN2 supports Kubernetes networking on AWS
Juniper simplifies Kubernetes networking on Amazon's Elastic Kubernetes Service by adding virtual networks and multi-dimensional segmentation in the hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Dec 2022
Ensure network resilience in a network disaster recovery plan
A network disaster recovery plan doesn't always mean network resilience. Learn how factors like funding, identifying potential risks and constant updates make a difference. Continue Reading
-
Definition
09 Dec 2022
wireless backhaul
Wireless backhaul is the use of wireless communication systems to transport data between the internet and subnetworks. Continue Reading
-
Definition
07 Dec 2022
fixed wireless
Fixed wireless networking refers to the operation of wireless devices in fixed locations such as homes and offices. Continue Reading
- Definition 02 Dec 2022
-
Definition
02 Dec 2022
network traffic
Network traffic is the amount of data that moves across a network during any given time. Continue Reading
-
Definition
02 Dec 2022
dynamic and static
In general, dynamic means 'energetic, capable of action and/or change, or forceful,' while static means 'stationary or fixed.' Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Dec 2022
MAC address (media access control address)
A MAC address (media access control address) is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to each device connected to the network. Continue Reading
-
Definition
30 Nov 2022
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
-
News
28 Nov 2022
Ciena acquires Benu and Tibit for PON, edge
Ciena acquires Benu for advanced subscriber management and Tibit for pluggable PON technology that connects to existing hardware. Acquisitions bring engineers during shortage. Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Nov 2022
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
-
Definition
22 Nov 2022
throughput
Throughput is a measure of how many units of information a system can process in a given amount of time. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Nov 2022
Cisco lays off staff, cuts office space in $600M restructuring
Cisco's shake-up will affect about 4,000 workers as the company doubles down on security, enterprise networking and its platform strategy. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Nov 2022
com
On the Internet, "com" is one of the top-level domain names that can be used when choosing a domain name. Continue Reading
-
Answer
18 Nov 2022
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
-
Definition
17 Nov 2022
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
-
Definition
17 Nov 2022
control plane (CP)
The control plane is the part of a network that carries signaling traffic and is responsible for network routing. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Nov 2022
USART (universal synchronous/asynchronous receiver/transmitter)
A USART (universal synchronous/asynchronous receiver/transmitter) is hardware that enables a device to communicate using serial protocols. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 Nov 2022
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
-
Opinion
15 Nov 2022
The multi-cloud networking mandate
With most organizations using more than two public clouds, new multi-cloud networking strategies are essential to enable cross-cloud traffic and visibility across multiple clouds. Continue Reading
-
Definition
15 Nov 2022
coulomb (C)
A coulomb (C) is the standard unit of electric charge in the International System of Units (SI). Continue Reading
-
Answer
10 Nov 2022
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
-
Answer
09 Nov 2022
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
-
Definition
09 Nov 2022
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
-
Tip
07 Nov 2022
Include VXLANs in data centers for quicker network speeds
VXLANs add network isolation and enable organizations to scale data center networks more efficiently. Consider VXLANs to expand a data center network and improve performance. Continue Reading
-
Answer
07 Nov 2022
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
-
Tip
04 Nov 2022
Troubleshoot wireless network connection problems in 10 steps
When troubleshooting wireless network issues, several scenarios can emerge. But valuable end-user insights can help network administrators root out problems. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Oct 2022
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
-
Tip
25 Oct 2022
The 4 different types of wireless networks
The four types of wireless networks -- wireless LAN, wireless MAN, wireless PAN and wireless WAN -- differ when it comes to size, range and connectivity requirements. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 Oct 2022
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
-
Tip
24 Oct 2022
How to set up a VPN for enterprise use
VPNs are nearly ubiquitous, but does your organization know how to deploy one? Learn about use cases, requirements, deployment options and best practices for VPN deployment. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Oct 2022
How to perform VLAN troubleshooting
Common VLAN issues include physical connectivity problems, duplex mismatches, forwarding loops, unicast flooding and Layer 3 configuration errors. These troubleshooting steps can help. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Oct 2022
DPUs vs. SmartNICs: What storage admins need to know
To determine whether a SmartNIC or DPU is right for their organization, admins must understand the capabilities of different kinds of NICs and DPUs. Continue Reading
-
Definition
03 Oct 2022
personal area network (PAN)
A personal area network (PAN) interconnects technology devices, typically within the range of a single user, which is approximately 10 meters or 33 feet. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Oct 2022
4 tips for network capacity planning and provisioning
To avoid network overprovisioning, teams should review baselines and roadmaps, assess limitations and consider business strategy changes when focusing on network capacity planning. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Sep 2022
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
-
Feature
12 Sep 2022
How AI and ML in Open RAN alleviates network complexity
Incorporating AI and ML into Open RAN networks could help MNOs simplify operations and deliver 5G enhanced capabilities of high bandwidth, low latency and quality of service. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Sep 2022
DNS server troubleshooting for Linux and Windows
Steps in DNS server troubleshooting include checking the DNS status, looking at zone configurations and evaluating logs. Follow these best practices for Windows and Linux servers. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
01 Sep 2022
How to create and add an SPF record for email authentication
Learn how to create Sender Policy Framework records to list authenticated mail servers for an email domain to fight spam, phishing, email forgery and other malicious email. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Aug 2022
VMware CEO reveals big changes amid multi-cloud shift
VMware plans to change products, strategic direction and marketing to keep up with customers rushing to deploy multi-cloud architectures. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Aug 2022
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
-
News
18 Aug 2022
Cisco earnings improve with easing supply shortage
Cisco expects component shortages to continue through fiscal 2023, holding revenue growth to between 4% and 6%. Component prices could ease after the current quarter. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Aug 2022
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
-
Definition
16 Aug 2022
Starlink
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation system that aims to deliver global internet coverage. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 Aug 2022
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
-
Definition
12 Aug 2022
Spine-leaf (spine-leaf architecture)
Spine-leaf, or leaf-spine, is a two-layer network topology composed of spine and leaf switches. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
10 Aug 2022
Learn to perform a DNS backup and restore
DNS outages cause connectivity issues that prevent basic tasks from executing properly. Understand how to perform a restore for a DNS zone, which is not always intuitive. Continue Reading
-
Definition
10 Aug 2022
Stefan-Boltzmann constant
The Stefan-Boltzmann constant, symbolized by the lowercase Greek letter sigma (σ), is a physical constant expressing the relationship between the heat radiation emitted by a black body and its absolute temperature. Continue Reading
-
Definition
08 Aug 2022
domain
Specific to the internet, the term domain can refer to how the internet is structured, and domain also refers to how an organization's network resources are organized. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Aug 2022
Troubleshoot name resolution on Windows, Linux and macOS
Network administrators can troubleshoot name resolution using a variety of methods, including ping, nslookup and PowerShell cmdlets. Here are some troubleshooting best practices. Continue Reading
-
Definition
02 Aug 2022
streaming media
Streaming media is video or audio content sent in compressed form over the internet and played immediately over a user's device, rather than being saved to the device hard drive or solid-state drive. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Jul 2022
How vendors support sustainable networking initiatives
Organizations are focusing on sustainability in all business divisions, including network operations. These tools could help organizations make their enterprise networks green. Continue Reading
-
Definition
20 Jul 2022
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
-
News
12 Jul 2022
Counterfeit scheme trafficked in $1 billion in Cisco gear
A Florida man has been charged with running a counterfeit operation that duped hospitals, schools, government agencies and the military. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jul 2022
Chinese vendor H3C introduces first Wi-Fi 7 router
The H3C Magic BE18000, powered by a Qualcomm chipset, offers several significant Wi-Fi 7 features, including multilink operation and 320 MHz of channel bandwidth. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Jul 2022
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
-
Tip
06 Jul 2022
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
-
News
06 Jul 2022
Evernote, Home Depot outsource network management
Offloading daily network management to networking vendors allowed Home Depot and Evernote to direct in-house IT staff to business-critical projects. Continue Reading
-
Tip
05 Jul 2022
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
-
Tip
28 Jun 2022
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
-
Opinion
27 Jun 2022
5 factors that form the future of Wi-Fi
For businesses, mounting ownership costs, unrealistic performance expectations, client device chaos and competing technologies all play a role in the future of Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Jun 2022
virtual network functions (VNFs)
Virtual network functions (VNFs) are virtualized tasks formerly carried out by proprietary, dedicated hardware. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Jun 2022
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
-
Definition
16 Jun 2022
converged network adapter (CNA)
A converged network adapter (CNA) is a single network interface device that provides the functionality of both a Fibre Channel (FC) host bus adapter (HBA) and a TCP/IP Ethernet network interface card (NIC). Continue Reading
-
Definition
10 Jun 2022
overlay network
An overlay network is a virtual or logical network that is created on top of an existing physical network. Continue Reading
-
Definition
09 Jun 2022
What is network virtualization? Everything you need to know
Network virtualization is a method of combining the available resources in a network to consolidate multiple physical networks, divide a network into segments or create software networks between VMs. Continue Reading
-
Definition
03 Jun 2022
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
-
Tip
03 Jun 2022
5 network virtualization challenges and how to solve them
The challenges of network virtualization include an overhaul of network architecture, thorough staff training and breaking down knowledge silos among IT departments. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Jun 2022
How zero trust unifies network virtualization
The combination of zero trust and network virtualization creates opportunities to strengthen security policies, increase cross-domain collaboration and improve overall visibility. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 May 2022
What software-defined LAN means for campus virtualization
LAN virtualization has long encompassed VLANs to segment network traffic. But software-defined LAN is emerging with zero-trust strategies to provide more comprehensive security. Continue Reading
-
Definition
31 May 2022
virtual networking
Virtual networking is the abstraction of network resources from the underlying physical network infrastructure. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 May 2022
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
-
Tip
24 May 2022
How enterprise networks use WAN virtualization
SD-WAN is the most common form of WAN virtualization. But virtual WAN strategies are evolving to include software-defined perimeter and cloud concepts. Continue Reading
-
Answer
20 May 2022
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
-
Tip
12 May 2022
The role of network virtualization and SDN in data centers
SDN, zero trust and infrastructure as code are popular forms of network virtualization within the data center, moving away from manual VLANs toward policy-driven virtualization. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 May 2022
Carrier network virtualization leads to enterprise services
Starting with MPLS VPNs and SD-WAN, new carrier network virtualization options, like 5G network slicing, are becoming virtual enterprise network services, and more will follow. Continue Reading
-
Definition
11 May 2022
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
-
News
09 May 2022
Cisco warns of hardware failure in DIMM memory components
A manufacturing defect affecting some DIMMs made in late 2020 could cause persistent memory errors and server failure. Cisco recommends customers replace impacted DIMMs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 May 2022
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
-
Tip
05 May 2022
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
-
Tip
27 Apr 2022
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
-
Tip
26 Apr 2022
Windows Server 2022 security hardening guide for admins
Emerging threats continue to target the Windows ecosystem, but there are multiple methods to make it tougher to be the victim of a malicious hack attempt. Continue Reading