Definition

cloud

In telecommunications, a cloud is the unpredictable part of any network through which data passes between two end points. Possibly the term originated from the clouds used in blackboard drawings or more formal illustrations to describe the nonspecifiable or uninteresting part of a network. Clouds exist because between any two points in a packet-switched network, the physical path on which a packet travels can vary from one packet to the next and, in a circuit-switched network, the specific circuit that is set up can vary from one connection to the next.

Related glossary terms: northbound interface / southbound interface, SDN controller (software-defined networking controller)

This was last updated in December 2005

Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Email Alerts

Register now to receive SearchNetworking.com-related news, tips and more, delivered to your inbox.

By submitting you agree to receive email from TechTarget and its partners. If you reside outside of the United States, you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Privacy

More News and Tutorials

Using public cloud when provisioning enterprise IT services

Using public cloud services requires diligent enterprise IT management of the cloud provider to make it a success.
Working with individual applications for hybrid cloud management

Working with individual applications in hybrid cloud management can be complex, but Quality of Experience can be ensured.
Assuaging concerns about public cloud services

In this helpful guide, cloud networking expert Amy Larsen DeCarlo delves into some of the most common concerns about public cloud services and the best ways to address them.

Articles

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.

Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

Research More Tech Terms

Search thousands of tech definitions
Browse tech definitions
Browse Alphabetically:
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- H
- I
- J
- K
- L
- M
- N
- O
- P
- Q
- R
- S
- T
- U
- V
- W
- X
- Y
- Z
- #

Powered by WhatIs.com

File Extensions and File Formats

File Extension and File Formats List:

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
#

Powered by WhatIs.com

More from Related TechTarget Sites

Enterprise WAN
Unified Communications
Mobile Computing
Data Center
Networking Channel

Enterprise WAN
- WAN optimization, management and security: Putting the pieces together
  
  By searching for solutions that put WAN optimization, management and security together, enterprise IT can reduce company bottom lines and complexity.
- Five ways applications benefit from enterprise WAN optimization
  
  These are five ways enterprise WAN optimization technology helps overcome productivity and application issues organizations face in today's workforce.
- Optimizing WAN performance: Industry trends driving demand
  
  As the enterprise workplace is becoming more virtual and mobile, optimizing WAN performance to fit end user demands is more vital than ever.
Unified Communications
- All You Can Meet video bridge prices meet more users' needs
  
  Blue Jeans Network, which provides hosted video bridges, is delivering All You Can Meet video conference pricing plans to enterprises.
- What is a call park phone feature and how does it work?
  
  UC expert, Matt Brunk, explains a call park phone feature, how it works and how it compares to a visual call park feature in this expert response.
- What's driving video interest and funding growth of video platforms?
  
  There are four drivers that are spurring video interest and funding the procurement of video platforms, says Nemertes Research's Irwin Lazar.
Mobile Computing
- Bringing BYOD to your enterprise
  
  Bring your own device (BYOD) can be a boon for both employees and enterprises, but clear policies and management tools are needed.
- Meeting technical requirements for mobile health care deployments
  
  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.
- Making the call: Distributed antenna systems and in-building wireless
  
  Distributed antenna systems and in-building wireless solutions are two options to improve wireless cellular coverage within an enterprise facility.
Data Center
- Data center technologies evolve to meet tomorrow's computing demands
  
  VMware's upcoming public cloud and AMD's 64-bit ARM servers are technologies for the data center that exemplify the changes in the IT industry.
- New data center cooling strategies to improve efficiency, lower costs
  
  Stagnant strategies for data center cooling will keep energy bills climbing ever higher, but a more modern approach can bring them back down to earth.
- Converged systems usher in data center transformation
  
  The rise of converged systems has brought a new level of manageability to the data center, but these integrated offerings have a few drawbacks.
Networking Channel
- Aruba Networks Partner Program Checklist
  
  Value-added resellers and service providers interested in reselling Aruba networking hardware and software can learn the benefits of becoming an Aruba Networks partner with this standardized checklist. Compare Aruba's reseller partner program with other vendors' offering similar products.
- NetScout Systems Partner Program Checklist
  
  Learn the benefits of becoming a NetScout Systems reseller partner with our Partner Program Checklist.
- Visage Mobile Partner Program Checklist
  
  Learn the benefits of becoming a Visage Mobile reseller partner with our Partner Program Checklist.

All Rights Reserved,Copyright 2000 - 2013, TechTarget