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
19 Dec 2024
Network design principles for effective architectures
It's important for network architects to consider several factors for an effective network design. Top principles include flexibility and scalability, redundancy and security. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2024
The business case for AI-driven network orchestration
Organizations that are considering AI-driven network orchestration will find it has many business cases -- chief among them are reduced Opex and efficient resource use. 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Definition
18 Jan 2023
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
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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
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Definition
17 Jan 2023
attenuation
Attenuation is a general term that refers to any reduction in the strength of a signal. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Definition
28 Dec 2022
plane (in networking)
A plane is an integral component of telecommunications architecture and networks. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Definition
16 Dec 2022
network availability
Network availability is the amount of uptime in a network system over a specific time interval. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Definition
02 Dec 2022
network traffic
Network traffic is the amount of data that moves across a network during any given time. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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