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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Feature
30 Jul 2021
Enterprises look to formalize WFH network architecture
As work-from-home programs prove they're here to stay, enterprise network teams are assessing their network designs to ensure adequate support and performance for home offices. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2021
File Transfer Access and Management (FTAM)
File Transfer Access and Management (FTAM) is an OSI application Layer 7 protocol that standardizes how files are accessed and managed in a distributed network file system. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jul 2021
An introductory overview of 5G network capabilities
In this Q&A, author William Stallings discusses 5G services, such as network slicing and QoS, and other topics covered in his book, '5G Wireless: A Comprehensive Introduction.' Continue Reading
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Quiz
29 Jul 2021
Test your knowledge in this 5G QoS quiz
In this quiz, test your knowledge of network slicing, QoS, and other technologies and practices related to 5G networking. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jul 2021
frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)
Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) transmission is the repeated switching of the carrier frequency during radio transmission to reduce interference and avoid interception. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jul 2021
asymmetric communications
Asymmetric communications is a term pertaining to any system in which the data speed or quantity, when averaged over time, is different in one direction from the other. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2021
preboot execution environment (PXE)
Preboot execution environment (PXE), pronounced pixie, is a set of standards that enables a computer to load an operating system (OS) over a network connection. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2021
BGP vs. OSPF: When to use each protocol
BGP and OSPF are two of the most common routing protocols. While BGP excels with dynamic routing for large networks, OSPF offers more efficient path choice and convergence speed. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jul 2021
Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP)
Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) is a connection-oriented network protocol for transmitting multiple streams of data simultaneously between two endpoints that have established a connection in a network. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jul 2021
port
A port in computing has three main uses, each as a type of receptacle in networking, computer hardware and software. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jul 2021
FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface)
FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) is a network standard that uses fiber optic connections in a local area network (LAN) that can extend in range up to 200 kilometers (124 miles). Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jul 2021
passive optical network (PON)
A passive optical network (PON) is a system commonly used by telecommunications network providers that brings fiber optic cabling and signals all or most of the way to the end user. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jul 2021
megabits per second (Mbps)
Megabits per second (Mbps) are units of measurement for network bandwidth and throughput. It is used to show how fast a network or internet connection is. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2021
Experts discuss stretched VLAN use cases, MEC and more
In this networking blog roundup, experts give reasons to stretch VLANs, discuss benefits of deploying private MEC with 5G, and differentiate between junior and senior IT engineers. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2021
DTMF (dual tone multi-frequency)
Dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) is the sounds or tones generated by a telephone when the numbers are pressed. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2021
American Wire Gauge (AWG)
American Wire Gauge (AWG) is the standard way to denote wire size in North America. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jul 2021
committed information rate (CIR)
Committed information rate (CIR) is the guaranteed rate at which a Frame Relay network will transfer information under normal line conditions. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jul 2021
port number
Port number is a way to identify a specific process to which an internet or other network message is to be forwarded when it arrives at a server. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jul 2021
anti-replay protocol
The anti-replay protocol provides Internet Protocol (IP) packet-level security by making it impossible for a hacker to intercept message packets and insert changed packets into the data stream between a source computer and a destination computer. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jul 2021
BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol)
BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol) is an internet protocol that lets a network user automatically be configured to receive an IP address and have an operating system booted without user involvement. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jul 2021
Switched Multimegabit Data Service (SMDS)
Switched Multimegabit Data Service (SMDS) is a public, packet-switched service aimed at enterprises that need to exchange large amounts of data with other enterprises over the wide area network on a nonconstant or bursty basis. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jul 2021
time-to-live (TTL)
Time-to-live (TTL) is a value for the period of time that a packet, or data, should exist on a computer or network before being discarded. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jul 2021
What does the 0.0.0.0 IP address mean and why is it used?
One of a few special-purpose addresses, IP address 0.0.0.0 has several applications in networking. It stands in as a placeholder address, identifies a default route and more. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jul 2021
What is the network edge and how is it different from edge computing?
The network edge is where an enterprise network connects to third-party network services. Edge computing is a distributed architecture that processes data closer to end users. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2021
How to use iPerf3 to test network bandwidth
In this in-depth tip, learn how to use iPerf3, a network testing tool to measure throughput and benchmark your WAN links to ensure effectivity. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jul 2021
Network Address Translation (NAT)
A Network Address Translation (NAT) is the process of mapping an internet protocol (IP) address to another by changing the header of IP packets while in transit via a router. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Jul 2021
encoding and decoding
Encoding and decoding are used in many forms of communications, including computing, data communications, programming, digital electronics and human communications. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Jul 2021
customer premises equipment (CPE)
Customer premises equipment (CPE) is telecommunications and information technology equipment kept at the customer's physical location rather than on the service provider's premises. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Jul 2021
The differences between PAP and CHAP
PAP uses a two-way handshake to authenticate client sessions, while CHAP uses a three-way handshake. Both authentication processes are common, but one is more secure. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Jul 2021
optoisolator (optical coupler or optocoupler)
An optoisolator (also known as an optical coupler, photocoupler, optocoupler) is a semiconductor device that transfers an electrical signal between isolated circuits using light. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jul 2021
token ring
A token ring is a data link for a local area network (LAN) in which all devices are connected in a ring or star topology and pass one or more tokens from host to host. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Jul 2021
Static vs. dynamic routing: What is the difference?
Static routing uses preconfigured routes to send traffic to its destination, while dynamic routing uses algorithms to determine the best path. How else do the two methods differ? Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jul 2021
poison reverse
In a computer network that uses the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) or other distance vector routing protocol, poison reverse is a loop avoidance process. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2021
Microsoft will host AT&T 5G network on Azure
AT&T will move its 5G services to Microsoft's Azure cloud. The move provides Microsoft with a critical 5G customer while AT&T cuts costs and gains scalability. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jun 2021
How enterprises can close 5 major SASE gaps
Despite five major gaps that hamper SASE implementation, Gartner recommended enterprises should plan their migration timeline and aim to consolidate to a single vendor. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2021
How to calculate network bandwidth requirements
Figuring out how to calculate bandwidth requirements is vital to ensuring your network runs smoothly, and it's best to use the correct formula from the beginning. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2021
Aruba adds network auto-fixes to AI Insights
Aruba's self-correct feature in AI Insights automatically fixes problems deemed safe to repair based on customer feedback. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jun 2021
bus network
A bus network is a local area network (LAN) topology in which each node -- a workstation or other device -- is connected to a main cable or link called a bus. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jun 2021
How to use two VPN connections at the same time
Network managers and users might opt to set up two VPN connections at the same time, from the same remote device. But that might not be possible -- or safe. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2021
flooding (network)
In a computer network, flooding occurs when a router uses a non-adaptive routing algorithm to send an incoming packet to every outgoing link except the node on which the packet arrived. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2021
ping sweep (ICMP sweep)
A ping sweep (also known as an ICMP sweep) is a basic network scanning technique used to determine which of a range of IP addresses map to live hosts (computers). Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2021
cognitive radio (CR)
Cognitive radio (CR) is a form of wireless communication in which a transceiver can intelligently detect which communication channels are in use and which ones are not. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2021
CRC-4 (Cyclic Redundancy Check 4)
CRC-4 (Cyclic Redundancy Check 4) is a form of cyclic redundancy checking -- a method of checking for errors in transmitted data -- that is used on E1 trunk lines. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jun 2021
maximum transmission unit (MTU)
The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest size frame or packet -- in bytes or octets (eight-bit bytes) -- that can be transmitted across a data link. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jun 2021
crosstalk
Crosstalk is a disturbance caused by the electric or magnetic fields of one telecommunication signal affecting a signal in an adjacent circuit. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jun 2021
Uuencode (Uuencode/Uudecode)
Uuencode (also called Uuencode/Uudecode) is a popular utility for encoding and decoding files exchanged between users or systems in a network. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jun 2021
NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System)
NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) is a network service that enables applications on different computers to communicate with each other across a local area network (LAN). Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jun 2021
near-end crosstalk (NEXT)
Near-end crosstalk (NEXT) is an error condition that can occur when connectors are attached to twisted pair cabling. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2021
10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE)
10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) is a telecommunication technology that offers data speeds up to 10 billion bits per second. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jun 2021
virtual routing and forwarding (VRF)
Virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) is a technology included in Internet Protocol (IP) network routers that enables multiple instances of a routing table to exist in a virtual router and work simultaneously. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jun 2021
HDLC (High-level Data Link Control)
HDLC (High-level Data Link Control) is a group of protocols or rules for transmitting data between network points (sometimes called nodes). Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jun 2021
Signaling System 7 (SS7)
Signaling System 7 (SS7) is an international telecommunication protocol standard that defines how the network elements in a public switched telephone network (PSTN) exchange information and control signals. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jun 2021
shielded twisted pair (STP)
Shielded twisted pair (STP) is a special kind of copper telephone and local area network (LAN) wiring used in some business installations. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jun 2021
IEEE 802.3
802.3, or IEEE 802.3, is a working group of standard specifications for Ethernet, a method of packet-based physical communication in a local area network maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2021
5 steps to achieve network infrastructure modernization
All networks may be different, but companies have similar goals when they look to upgrade their network infrastructures. Assessing current designs is just the first step. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2021
bits per second (bps or bit/sec)
In data communications, bits per second (bps or bit/sec) is a common measure of data speed for computer modems and transmission carriers. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 May 2021
Enterprise RF spectrum management best practices
Effective spectrum management requires coordination from company departments to follow certain policies before introducing wireless devices to the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 May 2021
6 trends in corporate campus networks
Networks are evolving, and that evolution includes enterprise campus networks. Trends like network automation, 5G and machine learning are modernizing campus networks. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2021
Demand for Cisco products rises during pandemic recovery
Cisco reported higher product demand and sales as massive COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the U.S. led companies to prepare for an economic recovery. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2021
How to secure your home Wi-Fi network in 7 steps
When securing your home Wi-Fi, update devices regularly, change passwords consistently, turn off unused services and inspect outdoor network equipment. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2021
Cisco bolsters CSP portfolio with Sedona Systems acquisition
Cisco's acquisition of Sedona Systems is expected to add significant carrier technology for 5G slicing and routed optical networking. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2021
Top network IT investments include 5G, smartNICs, cloud
Market analysts showed interest in 5G and smartNICs during an ONUG conference panel on enterprise IT investments. And don't forget the seemingly inevitable mention of cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2021
Hybrid network vs. hybrid network infrastructure
Hybrid networks and hybrid network infrastructure blend different kinds of equipment, geographic locations, network ownership and technology disciplines. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 May 2021
Routed optical networking tactic could be game changer
A new routing architecture could help eliminate management and service headaches stemming from routing IP traffic on optical networks. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
07 May 2021
Develop 5G ecosystems for connectivity in the remote work era
Adopting a 5G ecosystem could enable enterprises to better compete in offering edge computing and remote work options without sacrificing connectivity. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2021
How to prepare networks for the return to office
Network teams should evaluate their UC strategies, VPN capacity and even air conditioning requirements as employees start to return to office environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2021
Network-as-a-service business model options take shape
As network as a service gains traction, enterprises and service providers must consider multiple deployment models. SD-WAN, SASE, SDN and policy management could all play a role. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2021
4 attributes key to network-as-a-service model
For a network-as-a-service model to work for the enterprise, it needs to offer four key attributes: an application-specific, elastic, secure and personalized VPN. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Apr 2021
Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E: Spectrum, not hype, is key difference
The extended spectrum of Wi-Fi 6E sounds promising. But, when assessing Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E, organizations should pay close attention to radio frequency characteristics. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Apr 2021
Sometimes I get a message, 'specified port already open.' What does it mean?
Find out what error messages 'the specified port is already open' or 'the specified port is already in use' mean, and learn how to troubleshoot and fix them. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2021
Network capacity planning best practices for return to office
As workers grow comfortable enough to return to the office, network teams will need to plan in advance to make sure the network is ready and ensure proper performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Apr 2021
What does a network infrastructure upgrade project involve?
Explore the steps organizations must take to upgrade their network infrastructure, including how to tell if an upgrade is necessary and how to evaluate resources for the project. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Apr 2021
Network layer
Located at Layer 3 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the primary function of the network layer is to move data into and through other networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Apr 2021
8 best practices for SAN deployment within SMBs
SMBs face a number of challenges when planning and performing a SAN implementation. Get out in front of an often intricate process with these best practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2021
Modern network infrastructure design taps security, flexibility
As workers return to office settings, organizations may have to update their on-premises network infrastructure design to improve scalability and connectivity. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2021
Verizon, AWS launch mobile edge computing platform
The AWS, Verizon mobile edge computing offering is a managed service that combines private 5G connectivity with AWS Outposts. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2021
Cisco network as a service for hybrid clouds on the horizon
Cisco's first network-as-a-service product will deliver hybrid cloud infrastructure. The company plans to start selling the NaaS offering and an all-in-one SASE product this year. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2021
Pandemic pushes enterprise connectivity to take a new path
COVID-19 delivered a connectivity shock to businesses. But savvy network execs were primed -- and are now showing the way forward in 2021 with SD-WAN, 5G and Wi-Fi 6. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2021
Key tasks in a network maintenance checklist
Network technologies and devices might change over time, but certain maintenance tasks, such as data backup and device inventory, will always be essential for network teams. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2021
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the set of rules for transferring files -- such as text, images, sound, video and other multimedia files -- over the web. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Mar 2021
What to expect at Cisco Live 2021: Future of work, networks
At Cisco Live 2021, attendees will hear about the future of work and what that means for the future of networks and network technologies, like SASE, 5G and cloud networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Mar 2021
Cisco's future banks on security, service providers, 5G
A big part of Cisco's future strategy will be enhancing its global presence and service provider customer base. For networking, it still pursues software and subscription models. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Mar 2021
fronthaul
Fronthaul, also known as mobile fronthaul, is a term that refers to the fiber-based connection of the cloud radio access network (C-RAN), a new type of cellular network architecture of centralized baseband units (BBUs) and remote radio heads (RRHs) at the access layer of the network. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2021
Nokia to cut up to 10,000 jobs over two years
The job cuts stem from a major restructuring that formed four business groups, including two focused on emerging technologies like cloud-delivered network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2021
Nokia partners with largest cloud providers on 5G RAN
Nokia's RAN-related partnership with AWS, Microsoft and Google solidifies its strategy of delivering cloud-based 5G infrastructure to service providers and major enterprises. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Mar 2021
Cloudflare vs. Amazon CloudFront: Which CDN is right for you?
Review the similarities and differences between CloudFront and Cloudflare to help your IT team choose between these two popular CDN services. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Mar 2021
CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access)
CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) refers to any of several protocols used in second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) wireless communications. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
08 Mar 2021
Will enterprises adopt SONiC OS and disrupt proprietary WAN?
As a cloud-native modular architecture focused on network disaggregation, the SONiC OS can offer several benefits for enterprises, especially at the network edge. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
08 Mar 2021
Enterprise edge is telecom operators' new frontier
Network operators have an opportunity to sell new bundles of dynamic enterprise edge services that include SASE, SD-WAN and virtual security if they size it and price it well. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2021
NOC performance metrics for optimal operation
NOC best practices include using standardized network designs and automation. But don't forget to identify performance metrics that help track and measure operational success. Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2021
Cisco completes $4.5 billion Acacia deal
Cisco said it will sell and support Acacia's optical networking products separately. Cisco will also continue selling the technology with its switches and routers. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Mar 2021
orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)
Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is a method of data transmission where a single information stream is split among several closely spaced narrowband subchannel frequencies instead of a single wideband channel frequency. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2021
5 benefits of Wi-Fi 6 for enterprise networks
In a perfect world, Wi-Fi 6 could introduce several benefits to business networks. But real-world conditions could curb the wireless technology's true potential. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Feb 2021
OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection)
OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) is a reference model for how applications communicate over a network. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Feb 2021
radio frequency (RF, rf)
Radio frequency (RF) is a measurement representing the oscillation rate of electromagnetic radiation spectrum, or electromagnetic radio waves, from frequencies ranging from 300 GHz to as low as 9 kHz. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Feb 2021
Open RAN architecture gives operators options, challenges
Open RAN architecture could give telecom operators more flexibility as they deliver enterprise-grade 5G services. But making the RAN a virtual function takes careful planning. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2021
metropolitan area network (MAN)
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that is larger than a single building local area network (LAN) but is located in a single geographic area that is smaller than a wide area network (WAN). Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Feb 2021
3 SASE case studies exploring real-world deployments
Three case studies demonstrate how SASE technology helps organizations securely connect geographically distributed workforces. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Feb 2021
Future of NOC transformation unifies IT teams
NOC transformation could lead to unified IT operations with cross-domain teams, but not all enterprises need radical change when smaller upgrades and modernization do the job. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2021
News briefs: Dell, partners to deliver OneBox MEC
OneBox MEC is a 5G-enabled mobile edge computing platform. The hardware will contain turnkey technology for deploying a private 5G network and application services. Continue Reading