Data Center Network Infrastructure, Cloud Networking, Data Center Ethernet, Storage Networks, App Acceleration and Load Balancing, Green Data Center Design, Cloud Computing Architecture
Wireless LAN Implementation, Troubleshooting Wireless Networks, WLAN Security, WLAN Standards
Network Performance Management, Network Monitoring, Network Management Software and Tools, Network Security Monitoring, Enterprise Energy Management
Managing Virtualization, Server Virtualization Networking, Network Virtualization Implementation, Emerging Virtualization Technologies, Storage Virtualization
Network Security Best Practices and Products, Wireless Network Security, Network Security Monitoring and Analysis, Network Access Control
Network Design, Network Hardware, Ethernet, LANs (Local Area Networks), IP Networking
Network Administration, Networking Certs and Careers, The OSI Model, Working With Servers and Desktops, Networking Book Excerpts, Networking Tutorials and Guides, Network Conference News
Definition
In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model of communication, the Media Access Control layer is one of two sublayers of the Data Link Control layer and is concerned with sharing the physical connection to the network among several computers. Each computer has its own unique MAC address. Ethernet is an example of a protocol that works at the Media Access Control layer level.
The other Data Link Control sublayer is the Logical Link Control layer.
Transitioning to a virtualized network can be challenging for network engineers, despite the advantages. Understand these top five virtualization problems and how to handle them.
Learn which layers of the OSI model network managers should be responsible for. Our expert, Lindi Horton, explains where to focus your manual operations, especially regarding automated operation tasks.
Learn how to use a Layer 3 switch for voice routing in this expert response from a switch expert.
WAN optimization has evolved beyond bandwidth management, according to Gartner's new Magic Quadrant: Enterprises need cloud and mobile optimization.
Deciding between hardware vs. software VPNs is the first step in narrowing down the best VPN solution for your enterprise.
In this Ask the Expert response, VPN expert Rainer Enders explains why BGP-4 support is necessary when configuring a router for a Layer-3 MPLS VPN.
The SIP Forum has announced SIPconnect-IT, a live testing initiative for SIP trunking interoperability, which could lower SIP trunking costs and complexity.
Total cost of ownership (TCO) metrics for new IP telephony systems are often overlooked by enterprises, according to a new study, but other factors rank high in importance.
With mobile unified communications a major priority for enterprises in 2012, Avaya has launched a mobile UC product for the iPad.
Bring your own device (BYOD) can be a boon for both employees and enterprises, but clear policies and management tools are needed.
IT departments deploying mobile health care solutions must ensure that using mobile devices in health care settings doesn't violate federal laws or compromise security.
Distributed antenna systems and in-building wireless solutions are two options to improve wireless cellular coverage within an enterprise facility.
A darling of the DevOps crowd, the Opscode Chef cloud configuration and automation tool is now the central point of IT control for MercadoLibre’s sprawling online auction site.
An addendum to the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 energy standard could ease energy efficiency requirements on anyone building or significantly expanding data centers in the U.S.
A well-timed mainframe database reorg can result in much improved response.
At Cisco Live London, Cisco debuted 40 and 100 GbE line cards for Nexus and Catalyst switching lines, as well as a 4-antenna wireless access point meant to soup up the WLAN.
The need for public sector IT solutions is growing due to developing network activity, but can partners must be ready to commit to longer sales cycles and other complications.
Channel partners can offer Ingram Micro’s IT asset disposal services to provide customers with secure data removal while remaining environmentally friendly by recycling devices.
