- Network Administration
- Networking Certs and Careers
- The OSI Model
- Working With Servers and Desktops
- Networking Book Excerpts
- Networking Tutorials and Guides
- Network Conference News
Email Alerts
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ISSU (in-service software upgrade)
An ISSU (in-service software upgrade) is a technique for updating software on a network device without taking that device offline and thereby disrupting network services.Definition
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CCNA changes: Realigning the entry-level Cisco certification
Cisco made changes to its CCNA program to help admins become voice, wireless and security specialists faster.News | 26 Mar 2013
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application awareness
Application awareness is the capacity of a system to maintain information about connected applications to optimize their operation and that of any subsystems that they run or control.Definition
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plane (in networking)
A plane, in a networking context, is one of three integral components of a telecommunications architecture. These three elements -- the data plane, the control plane and the management plane – can be thought of as different areas of operations. Each plane carries a different type of traffic and is conceptually (and often in reality) an overlay network (a telecommunications network that runs independently on top of another one, although supported by its infrastructure).Definition
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IPAM tools: Free app, paid software or hardware appliance?
IPAM strategies range from free open source software to costly specialized hardware. How do you know which road to take?Fast Packet | 14 Jan 2013
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Don't fear cloudsourcing; it's the lesser of IT outsourcing evils
IT engineers grumble about cloudsourcing, but outsourcing IT services and apps to the cloud could prevent the dreaded systems integrator takeover.Fast Packet
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New HP SDN portfolio: Controller, switches and network apps
A new HP OpenFlow controller with northbound APIs and production-ready network applications boosts HP's software defined networking strategy.News | 03 Oct 2012
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Essential elements in an internal SLA
An internal SLA helps enterprise IT teams set the parameters for Quality of Service and uptime.Tip
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Download: The performance enhancements of 802.11n access points
This E-Guide takes a look at the communications and security standards every IT administrator should be aware of.Magazine
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Major shake-up of Cisco executives: engineering, acquisitions shuffled
Cisco announces longtime M&A chief Ned Hooper is leaving. CTO Padmasree Warrior takes over and Pankaj Patel assumes sole leadership of engineering.FAST PACKET | 26 Jun 2012
- VIEW MORE ON : Network Administration
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Cisco's revised CCNA certification exams change up the networking mix
Cisco's streamlined CCNA certification exam changes what network admins need to know before getting specialty certifications. Find out why.Q&A
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CCNA changes: Realigning the entry-level Cisco certification
Cisco made changes to its CCNA program to help admins become voice, wireless and security specialists faster.News | 26 Mar 2013
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Networking blog roundup: Peek at VMware-Nicira network virtualization
In this networking blog roundup bloggers discuss VMware-Nicira network virtualization, the impact of the Open Compute project and their hopes for VDI.Fast packet | 04 Feb 2013
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Networking blog roundup: SDN startups to watch; Cisco CLI tips
One blogger In this networking blog roundup lists SDN startups, another gives IOS CLI tips and one demands that Cisco improve the CCIE portal login.Fast packet | 24 Jan 2013
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VoIP certification guide
Our VoIP certification guide's resources will advance your UC career. Check out these tutorials for help in choosing the appropriate certifications.Guide
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It'll take a channel to drive SDN sales
Software-defined networking is great in theory, but now it's time to take products to the streets. SDN sales will be driven by a strong channel.Fast Packet | 13 Dec 2012
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SDN jobs: Skills network engineers should focus on
As SDN evolves, it'll be critical for networking pros to understand it. Find out which skills SDN jobs will require.Feature
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Top 5 skills SDN vendors will be looking for
One of SDN's pioneers, Nick McKeown, offers his advice about the top skills for a job in software-defined networking.Feature
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Network engineer jobs: Satisfaction comes from challenge, not money
Network engineer job satisfaction is driven more by intellectual challenge than big money, according to TechTarget's IT Salary Survey 2012.News | 07 Dec 2012
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MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate)
MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) is a certification program intended for people who seek entry-level jobs in an IT (information technology) environment. MCSA is a prerequisite for more advanced Microsoft certifications.Definition
- VIEW MORE ON : Networking Certs and Careers
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data link layer
The Data-Link Layer is the protocol layer in a program that handles the moving of data in and out across a physical link in a network.Definition
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The answer to the top 5 virtualization problems
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.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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vCloud and VEPA: Neither answer is a winner
vCloud and VEPA fail to address the virtualization networking problem, as both are deemed proprietary and don’t enable networking functions within the vSphere environment.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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When physical security breaches are the problem
Network engineers are so busy dealing with intrusion prevention and firewalling that they forget about physical security breaches. Blogger Ethan Banks has some advice.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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Cisco upgrades the Catalyst 6500…but some wonder why
The Cisco Catalyst 6500 upgrade announced this year didn't excite everyone as expected. Blogger Greg Ferro wonders why Cisco didn't stay focused on the Nexus line instead.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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Need 10 GbE optimization? Hardware is not the solution
10 GbE brings speed, but network latency is still an issue. The answer to 10 GbE optimization can't be found in increasing hardware. Our blogger says it's about the application.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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Cius vs. the iPad: Why bother comparing?
Cisco launched its Cius tablet this year, which focuses on enterprise apps, desktop virtualization and network management, but one blogger says he'd rather have an iPad.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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Can Virtual Extensible LAN solve the VLAN problem?
The Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) protocol could mean the ability to spin off many more VLANs across dispersed data centers. So why does blogger Ivan Pepelnjak take issue?Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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OpenFlow controllers will only take shape if vendors play nice
OpenFlow controllers can result in a new level of granular network management and network virtualization on top of commodity hardware, but vendors will have to step out of the way.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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Network fabrics may not be the end-all
Feature-rich network fabrics have been all the rage, but one blogger says the technology is only for creating more bandwidth. Other features should be left to edge software.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
- VIEW MORE ON : The OSI Model
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commodity computer
A commodity computer is a standard-issue PC that is widely available for purchase. The term differentiates typical consumer products from specialized or high-performance computers.Definition
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Top ten 2011 network blogger opinions: Do you agree?
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The answer to the top 5 virtualization problems
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.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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vCloud and VEPA: Neither answer is a winner
vCloud and VEPA fail to address the virtualization networking problem, as both are deemed proprietary and don’t enable networking functions within the vSphere environment.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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When physical security breaches are the problem
Network engineers are so busy dealing with intrusion prevention and firewalling that they forget about physical security breaches. Blogger Ethan Banks has some advice.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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Cisco upgrades the Catalyst 6500…but some wonder why
The Cisco Catalyst 6500 upgrade announced this year didn't excite everyone as expected. Blogger Greg Ferro wonders why Cisco didn't stay focused on the Nexus line instead.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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Need 10 GbE optimization? Hardware is not the solution
10 GbE brings speed, but network latency is still an issue. The answer to 10 GbE optimization can't be found in increasing hardware. Our blogger says it's about the application.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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Cius vs. the iPad: Why bother comparing?
Cisco launched its Cius tablet this year, which focuses on enterprise apps, desktop virtualization and network management, but one blogger says he'd rather have an iPad.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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Can Virtual Extensible LAN solve the VLAN problem?
The Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) protocol could mean the ability to spin off many more VLANs across dispersed data centers. So why does blogger Ivan Pepelnjak take issue?Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
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OpenFlow controllers will only take shape if vendors play nice
OpenFlow controllers can result in a new level of granular network management and network virtualization on top of commodity hardware, but vendors will have to step out of the way.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
- VIEW MORE ON : Working With Servers and Desktops
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Enterprise network testing: Best practices for developing a test lab
Enterprise network testing can minimize IT service outages, yet developing a test lab can bring up various issues. Knowing best practices for running a test facility is imperative.Book Chapter
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Networking material on the ‘CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Exam Cram’
Access your complimentary PDF download of Networking, Chapter 14 of the book 'CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Exam Cram,' which contains networking material and fundamentals for beginners or soon-to-be IT professionals. It includes information on IP addressing, troubleshooting connectivity and installing networks.Chapter Download
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NAC integration at the endpoint
NAC integration with endpoint software enables more than just access control. NAC solutions can be used at endpoints to scan for operating system patches, monitor use of virtual sandboxes, control external drives and more.Book Chapter
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Extending NAC enforcement to network security devices
NAC enforcement tools can be extended to network security and management devices -- and in return user and machine identity can be integrated into firewalling, VPN, application access, intrusion prevention and detection and anti-virus control.Book Chapter
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Integrating NAC with network security tools
Integrating network access control solutions with other network security tools and network inventory applications can produce a more complete user and machine identity to strengthen every policy across the network.Book Chapter
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Troubleshooting -- 'Network Know-How' Chapter 17
Troubleshooting, Chapter 17 of the book 'Network Know-How,' shows you tools and methods that identify and solve network problems. Consider using the techniques in this chapter as a guide to fixing computer connection problems in all operating system as well as on the network itself.Book Chapter
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NagVis -- 'Nagios: System and Network Monitoring, Second Edition,' Chapter 18
Open source network monitoring tool, Nagios, catches problems to help you spend less time troubleshooting. To read about the Nagios add-on, NagVis1, see this chapter download of the book "Nagios: System and Network Monitoring, Second Edition." You will learn how to perform initial NagVis configuration and how to edit it in text form; learn how to install NagVis and its source code; and learn to create NagVis maps and add them to the Nagios Web interface for effective network management.Chapter Download
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Securing Wireless Systems -- 'Build Your Own Security Lab: A Field Guide for Network Testing,' Chapt
In order to secure your wireless network you must learn some wireless basics and know how to attack your system. In Securing Wireless Systems, Chapter 9 of 'Build Your Own Security Lab: A Field Guide for Network Testing,' author Michael Gregg discusses the various methods used to attack and secure wireless systems.Chapter Download
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Troubleshooting IP Routing -- 'CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, 3rd Edition,' Chapter 7
This chapter from 'CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, 3rd Edition' focuses on troubleshooting the IP routing process. To that end, it begins with a section about two important troubleshooting tools: ping and traceroute. Following that, the chapter examines the IP routing process from a troubleshooting perspective, particularly focusing on how to isolate routing problems to identify the root cause of the problem. The final section covers a wide variety of small topics, all of which can be useful when you're troubleshooting IP routing problems. The chapter also includes a helpful "do I know this already" quiz, to determine whether you need to read the full chapter or can move ahead to the exam preparation section.Chapter Download
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Wireless LANs -- 'CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, Third Edition,' Chapter 11
This chapter examines the basics of WLANs to help you prepare for the CCNA exam. In particular, the first section introduces the concepts, protocols, and standards used by many of the most common WLAN installations today. The chapter then examines some basic installation steps. The last major section looks at WLAN security, which is particularly important because the WLAN signals are much more susceptible to being intercepted by an attacker than Ethernet LANs. The chapter also includes a helpful "do I know this already" quiz, to determine whether you need to read the full chapter or can move ahead to the exam preparation section.Chapter Download
- VIEW MORE ON : Networking Book Excerpts
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NetFlow (Cisco)
NetFlow is a network protocol developed by Cisco for the collection and monitoring of network traffic flow data that is generated by most Cisco routers and switches. Definition
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Major shake-up of Cisco executives: engineering, acquisitions shuffled
Cisco announces longtime M&A chief Ned Hooper is leaving. CTO Padmasree Warrior takes over and Pankaj Patel assumes sole leadership of engineering.FAST PACKET | 26 Jun 2012
-
vCloud and VEPA: Neither answer is a winner
vCloud and VEPA fail to address the virtualization networking problem, as both are deemed proprietary and don’t enable networking functions within the vSphere environment.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
When physical security breaches are the problem
Network engineers are so busy dealing with intrusion prevention and firewalling that they forget about physical security breaches. Blogger Ethan Banks has some advice.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
Cisco upgrades the Catalyst 6500…but some wonder why
The Cisco Catalyst 6500 upgrade announced this year didn't excite everyone as expected. Blogger Greg Ferro wonders why Cisco didn't stay focused on the Nexus line instead.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
Need 10 GbE optimization? Hardware is not the solution
10 GbE brings speed, but network latency is still an issue. The answer to 10 GbE optimization can't be found in increasing hardware. Our blogger says it's about the application.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
Cius vs. the iPad: Why bother comparing?
Cisco launched its Cius tablet this year, which focuses on enterprise apps, desktop virtualization and network management, but one blogger says he'd rather have an iPad.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
Can Virtual Extensible LAN solve the VLAN problem?
The Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) protocol could mean the ability to spin off many more VLANs across dispersed data centers. So why does blogger Ivan Pepelnjak take issue?Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
OpenFlow controllers will only take shape if vendors play nice
OpenFlow controllers can result in a new level of granular network management and network virtualization on top of commodity hardware, but vendors will have to step out of the way.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
Network fabrics may not be the end-all
Feature-rich network fabrics have been all the rage, but one blogger says the technology is only for creating more bandwidth. Other features should be left to edge software.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
- VIEW MORE ON : Networking Tutorials and Guides
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TIP 2013: Big data and SDN headline Techs in Paradise conference
Internet2, APAN and ESnet will host 450 engineers at Techs in Paradise (TIP) 2013 where SDN and big data networking will take center stage.Q&A | 14 Jan 2013
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Interop 2012: Special Conference Coverage
This year at Interop 2012 in Las Vegas, we'll hear about next-generation technologies driven by enterprise mobility, software-defined networking and cloud services. Check out our news, views and video from the show.guide
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Interop 2012: OpenFlow grows up, Google gets networks, Huawei debuts
News Director Shamus McGillicuddy previews what he'll be tracking at Interop 2012: Software-defined networking a year older and wiser, BYOD madness and Huawei blitzes America.FastPacket | 04 May 2012
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The answer to the top 5 virtualization problems
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.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
vCloud and VEPA: Neither answer is a winner
vCloud and VEPA fail to address the virtualization networking problem, as both are deemed proprietary and don’t enable networking functions within the vSphere environment.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
When physical security breaches are the problem
Network engineers are so busy dealing with intrusion prevention and firewalling that they forget about physical security breaches. Blogger Ethan Banks has some advice.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
Cisco upgrades the Catalyst 6500…but some wonder why
The Cisco Catalyst 6500 upgrade announced this year didn't excite everyone as expected. Blogger Greg Ferro wonders why Cisco didn't stay focused on the Nexus line instead.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
Need 10 GbE optimization? Hardware is not the solution
10 GbE brings speed, but network latency is still an issue. The answer to 10 GbE optimization can't be found in increasing hardware. Our blogger says it's about the application.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
Cius vs. the iPad: Why bother comparing?
Cisco launched its Cius tablet this year, which focuses on enterprise apps, desktop virtualization and network management, but one blogger says he'd rather have an iPad.Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
-
Can Virtual Extensible LAN solve the VLAN problem?
The Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) protocol could mean the ability to spin off many more VLANs across dispersed data centers. So why does blogger Ivan Pepelnjak take issue?Fast Packet | 22 Dec 2011
- VIEW MORE ON : Network Conference News
Network Management Strategies for the CIO