Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• 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

• 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

• 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

• What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address?

  A MAC address and an IP address each identify network devices, but they do the job at different levels. Explore the differences between the two and learn why both are necessary.  Continue Reading

• 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

• What is the difference between WLAN and Wi-Fi?

  Although the terms WLAN and Wi-Fi are used interchangeably, the two wireless technologies are quite different. Fundamentally, Wi-Fi is just a type of WLAN.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• How are network operations center responsibilities changing?

  If your network operations center responsibilities haven't changed yet due to evolutions like DevOps and edge computing, they likely will soon. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• DevNet vs. CCNA: What's the difference?

  While CCNA certification concentrates on foundational network engineering knowledge, DevNet certification focuses on modern networking concepts, like automation and software.  Continue Reading

• VLAN vs. subnet: What's the difference?

  While VLANs are a type of subnet, they have their own unique capabilities and characteristics that differentiate them from subnets. However, the OSI model plays a major role in both.  Continue Reading

• Broadband vs. Wi-Fi: What's the difference?

  Broadband and Wi-Fi are common technical terms often used interchangeably -- although they shouldn't be. Both provide connectivity, but they do so in different ways.  Continue Reading

• What are the differences between Wi-Fi and WiMax?

  Wi-Fi is the wireless standard used to build wireless LANs, while carriers primarily used WiMax to build wireless metropolitan area networks before moving to LTE.  Continue Reading

• Managed vs. unmanaged switches: What are the differences?

  Managed and unmanaged network switches differ in various ways, including control and cost. Managed switches support more granular control, yet unmanaged switches have lower prices.  Continue Reading

• What's the role of narrowband IoT in 5G networks?

  The union of narrowband IoT and 5G technology can benefit manufacturers, organizations with large office buildings and outdoor campus settings. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between IP telephony and VoIP?

  While many IT professionals use VoIP and IP telephony synonymously, some argue for keeping a couple of subtle distinctions between the two terms in mind.  Continue Reading

• How do VPN vs. cloud services compare for remote work?

  As remote work becomes increasingly normal, IT teams must decide which remote access technologies will benefit employees more. VPN and cloud services are two top choices.  Continue Reading

• What network automation certification options are available?

  Network automation certifications and training include vendor-specific commercial credentials, as well as open source options. Which career path is right for you?  Continue Reading

• How to set up backup internet connections for home offices

  When a home office becomes an employee's only office, reliable internet connectivity is a must. Here are three factors to consider for backup internet connections for home offices.  Continue Reading

• Edge computing challenges and ways to address them

  Edge computing can reduce processing times and improve application performance, but the architecture has its issues. Here are eight challenges edge computing creates for the network.  Continue Reading

• How a network segmentation strategy works with SD-WAN

  Legacy segmentation techniques are often unwieldy. But, as enterprises contemplate network segmentation with SD-WAN, they must understand their network environments and goals.  Continue Reading

• What does a VPN concentrator do?

  As more employees work remotely and VPN use rises, VPN concentrators have become trendy. But what does a VPN concentrator do exactly, and how do you deploy one?  Continue Reading

• Tips and tools for home network security monitoring

  Homes now have more connected devices, which could become targets for hackers. Consequently, work-from-home employees should take certain steps to safeguard their networks.  Continue Reading

• Private LTE networks grow as 5G comes into view

  Private LTE networks deliver secure cellular connectivity in localized enterprise or industrial spaces, with private 5G networks and newly available spectrum bands soon to follow.  Continue Reading

• 3 ways to prevent DDoS attacks on networks

  DDoS attacks on networks can result in devastating and expensive damage for organizations. Learn three ways to prevent and respond to DDoS attacks to keep company networks secure.  Continue Reading

• How are network management and security converging?

  Network management and security have become even more intertwined now that more employees are working from home. How can enterprises ensure they are keeping their networks secure?  Continue Reading

• LoRa vs. 5G: Can they coexist for IoT network connectivity?

  LoRa vs. 5G technologies differ in terms of cost, use cases and technology types. However, LoRa and 5G may complement each other well for IoT connectivity.  Continue Reading

• Remote access vs. site-to-site VPN: What's the difference?

  A remote access VPN connects remote users from any location to a corporate network. A site-to-site VPN, meanwhile, connects individual networks to each other.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between SNMP and RMON?

  While Simple Network Management Protocol tracks network devices, Remote Network Monitoring tracks traffic. As a team, SNMP and RMON are essential for network management.  Continue Reading

• The future of networking jobs in the new normal

  Soft skills will grow in relevance as network pros adapt to a post-pandemic world that includes more remote troubleshooting and the move away from a hard network edge.  Continue Reading

• Managing VPN bandwidth requirements, speed and overhead

  Companies are relying on IPsec VPNs to connect their remote workers. But determining how much VPN bandwidth you need is just one consideration; VPN overhead is another.  Continue Reading

• Cloud security vs. network security: What's the difference?

  While network security focuses on solely protecting networks, cloud security provides protection for networks, servers, containers, apps and more.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between GRE and IPsec tunnels?

  IPsec provides more comprehensive security for IP tunneling, while GRE tunnels work well when network teams need to tunnel with multiple protocols or multicast.  Continue Reading

• What are the risks of third-party VPN services?

  IP address leaks, DNS service leaks and WebRTC transmissions could expose your online activities if you use certain unreliable third-party VPN services.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between a Layer 3 switch and a router?

  Even though they have common traits, there is a difference between a Layer 3 switch and a router. Each plays a key role in making sure packets get sent to their proper destination.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between OFDMA vs. MU-MIMO in Wi-Fi 6?

  Is there a difference between OFDMA and MU-MIMO? The two important Wi-Fi 6 features are complementary but distinct. Here's why.  Continue Reading

• Compare the 2 common types of technical debt

  While enterprises often incur technical debt inadvertently through inexperience or poor management, sometimes, developers will plan technical debt to establish a market presence.  Continue Reading

• What are licensed and unlicensed wireless frequency bands?

  Licensed and unlicensed frequency bands serve different purposes for wireless communications. Find out the differences between the two bands and the benefits of each.  Continue Reading

• Is Wi-Fi 6 backward-compatible? Yes and no

  With the advent of a new wireless standard, some users may wonder: Is Wi-Fi 6 backward-compatible? The answer is yes. But do you want full backward compatibility?  Continue Reading

• Telemetry vs. SNMP: Is one better for network management?

  Networks are more complex, making network management more challenging. Enterprises are weighing telemetry vs. SNMP to see which method is better. Each has pluses and minuses.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet: What's the difference and which is better?

  When assessing Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet, each connection type has its benefits and drawbacks. Find out why one standard might be more reliable for your network.  Continue Reading

• What is the status of 5G rollouts in 2020?

  AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile plan to continue with their 5G timelines and expand their 5G rollouts in 2020, despite slowdowns from the novel coronavirus pandemic.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between Wi-Fi and the internet?

  The distinction between Wi-Fi and the internet is important, especially as more people work from home and try to troubleshoot their network connectivity problems.  Continue Reading

• What are the 5 different types of network management?

  Security policies, optimal service levels, configuration changes and even cost control measures all encompass the different types of network management.  Continue Reading

• What are the differences between VPN and VDI services?

  With a common denominator of 'virtual,' both VPNs and VDI are common in remote work strategies. However, the technologies differ in terms of cost, use cases and performance.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between a socket and a port?

  Sockets, ports and port numbers have functional overlap, but the terms are distinct. A socket is part of a port, while a port number is part of a socket. We explain.  Continue Reading

• SNMP vs. CMIP: What's the difference?

  While SNMP and CMIP originally competed as network management protocols in the 1980s, SNMP has emerged as the more relevant protocol, largely due to its simplicity.  Continue Reading

• What's the latest on NFV and VNFs for enterprises?

  As virtualized network functions become more and more common, will that change NFV and VNF roles in businesses? Probably not, but other roadblocks may hinder further results.  Continue Reading

• How is SD-WAN as a service different from managed SD-WAN?

  SD-WAN technology is available in a variety of business models, including SD-WAN as a service and managed SD-WAN. But how do the different consumption models compare?  Continue Reading

• What do the 6 GHz band and Wi-Fi 6E mean for wireless networking?

  The FCC is expected to approve the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi, which should improve speed and capacity for wireless networks. But make sure your devices can use the 6 GHz band.  Continue Reading

• What does 'network on demand' mean for enterprises?

  Following the on-demand trend, network on-demand options provide enterprises with more flexible consumption models, such as managed network services and cloud-based networking.  Continue Reading

• What are some of the weaknesses of SD-WAN?

  Cost, complexity and interoperability issues with existing network components are some of the weaknesses of SD-WAN that organizations need to consider.  Continue Reading

• Can WPA2 be upgraded to WPA3?

  A migration from WPA2 to WPA3 is not simple. Organizations may need to update their hardware extensively to accommodate the newer Wi-Fi encryption standard.  Continue Reading

• Should organizations bundle SD-WAN, UCaaS together?

  Organizations may consider pairing SD-WAN and UCaaS services to avoid complexity from multivendor services and gain potential synergy. But the combo can also create challenges.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between LoRa and LoRaWAN?

  LoRa is a modulation technique for specific wireless spectrum, while LoRaWAN is an open protocol that enables IoT devices to use LoRa for communication.  Continue Reading

• What is network verification and do enterprises need it?

  Network verification can help organizations gain critical network performance insight and alleviate network complexity. But aspects of the concept are new and not yet mainstream.  Continue Reading

• How does DevOps in networking change network requirements?

  As more organizations embrace DevOps in networking, the approach can transform network requirements, such as visibility and security policies, which network teams should consider.  Continue Reading

• What should I know about IP address management systems?

  As networks continuously gain more devices, outdated IP address management methods face new challenges. Despite this, IPAM is still crucial for any organization's network.  Continue Reading

• How do I build a cloud-ready network?

  IT teams can prepare their networks for cloud migrations by planning around their applications, security strategies, remote users and WAN performance.  Continue Reading

• Cloud networking vs. cloud computing: What's the difference?

  Organizations might sometimes consider cloud computing and cloud networking as interchangeable due to their similarities. But the two strategies have different goals and processes.  Continue Reading

• Does Wi-Fi 6 have better range than previous wireless standards?

  Yes, Wi-Fi 6 provides better wireless range. But it's not because of higher power output. The key is certain Wi-Fi 6 features can improve data rates at a given range.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between SD-branch vs. SD-WAN?

  As networking pros evaluate SD-branch vs. SD-WAN, they'll notice a key distinction between the two technologies, namely how network functions are managed and orchestrated.  Continue Reading

• 12 questions to ask about SD-WAN managed services

  When contemplating SD-WAN managed services, organizations should ask questions about network security, infrastructure compatibility and bandwidth requirements.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between thin and thick SD-WAN branch offices?

  When rolling out software-defined WAN, you'll need to consider the current makeup of your branch offices. For instance, are applications on-site or in the cloud?  Continue Reading

• Why should I consider an AIOps platform for my network?

  AIOps can take various tasks -- such as data collection and analysis -- off the plates of network teams. This can provide organizations with better insight into network visibility.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN vs. load balancing: How are they different?

  SD-WAN can use load balancing for WAN connections, but it doesn't require load balancing to work. Compare some of the similarities and differences between the two.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN vs. DMVPN vs. IPsec tunnels: How do I choose?

  Software-defined WAN, DMVPN and IPsec tunnels each have a place among enterprises. Our network expert compares each one and explains where they can be most beneficial.  Continue Reading

• How do I choose the right network automation tools or platform?

  In your organization's search for the best network automation platform for business operations, compare the pros and cons of proprietary and open source tools.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits and challenges of AI network monitoring?

  AI network monitoring has great potential, but companies need to pare down the number of network monitoring tools they use now in order to reap AI's full benefits.  Continue Reading

• How do I build the right cloud network design?

  Networks look different now than they did a decade ago, and that continuous change isn't slowing down. Cloud networking plays a large role in the transformation of legacy networks.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between a bridge and a router?

  While a bridge and router share some similarities, the difference between a bridge and router is significant, including how the devices interpret network connections.  Continue Reading

• How can SD-WAN and edge computing services work together?

  Organizations may want to consider the effect SD-WAN and edge computing could have when combined. Make sure to consider all options before choosing a combination model, however.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between half-duplex and full-duplex?

  A half-duplex transmission could be considered a one-way street between sender and receiver. Full-duplex, on the other hand, enables two-way traffic at the same time.  Continue Reading

• How realistic are compact SD-WAN appliances compared to VPNs?

  The battle between VPN vs. SD-WAN returns. In this clash, see how realistic SD-WAN appliances are for remote and mobile workers compared to VPN connections.  Continue Reading

• Network security vs. application security: What's the difference?

  Different tools protect different assets at the network and application layers. But both network and application security need to support the larger security plan.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between a wireless access point and router?

  Is there a difference between a wireless access point vs. a router? Yes -- while the two wireless devices are related, they meet different needs in a Wi-Fi network.  Continue Reading

• What SD-WAN certifications and courses are available?

  A few SD-WAN certifications do exist, but they're heavily focused on specific vendors and their respective products. Find out why market-wide certs are unlikely.  Continue Reading

• How to compare Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches

  Organizations have much to consider when evaluating Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches, such as device architecture, Opex, Capex and analytics capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN: How do they compare?

  While comparing traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN, network professionals can see the many benefits of SD-WAN, including centralized control and dynamic traffic management.  Continue Reading

• What are SFP ports on a Gigabit switch and what are they used for?

  SFP ports enable Gigabit switches to connect to a wide variety of fiber and Ethernet cables in order to extend switching functionality throughout the network.  Continue Reading

• How do I create proper documentation of network automation?

  Despite network automation's advantages, organizations can face disadvantages if they have improper network documentation. These four components can help enable proper documentation.  Continue Reading

• How will BSS coloring boost Wi-Fi 6 performance?

  BSS coloring is a feature that will help accelerate Wi-Fi 6 performance. Find out how the new mechanism will help access points transmit more efficiently.  Continue Reading

• Bridge vs. switch comparison: What's the difference?

  A network bridge connects two local area networks. A network switch, on the other hand, connects multiple clients to a network. Learn more about these two network components.  Continue Reading

• How does 802.11ax security benefit from WPA3?

  Security methods like WPA3 and Opportunistic Wireless Encryption will give a boost to 802.11ax security, but securing the new wireless standard is still pretty complicated.  Continue Reading

• What network tools are available for public cloud monitoring?

  Multi-tenant public cloud monitoring can pose significant challenges. Luckily, some tools can help track these environments and even flag potential security threats.  Continue Reading

• What is Citizens Broadband Radio Service?

  Citizens Broadband Radio Service gives enterprises another tool to manage the performance of their Wi-Fi and 5G networks. How does CBRS work?  Continue Reading

• What are the steps I should take for network transformation?

  The path to digital transformation has three points that all organizations should reach to ensure their network is ready for digital transformation.  Continue Reading

• What is 5G massive MIMO and how can it boost bandwidth?

  With a large array of small antennas and time division duplex communication, 5G massive MIMO is expected to support more bandwidth and users with lower latency.  Continue Reading

• What are the top 3 network analytics use cases?

  Network analytics use cases illustrate some of the benefits that companies are receiving from network analysis tools. Gauging network performance is just one key area.  Continue Reading

• How does SD-WAN analytics monitor network performance?

  With SD-WAN analytics, administrators can fine-tune their WAN connections and determine how well their network is performing.  Continue Reading

• What effect will 400 GbE have on enterprise networks?

  400 Gigabit Ethernet is the next hurdle for Ethernet capabilities to surpass. But enterprises may not be prepared for this technology yet, due to its immaturity.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between TCP/IP model vs. OSI model?

  Use this expert advice to learn the differences between the TCP/IP model vs. the OSI model, and explore how they relate to each other in network communications.  Continue Reading

• Which SD-WAN features truly comprise SD-WAN technology?

  How do you protect your organization and network against SD-WAN washing? Here are four key SD-WAN features that your system must have in order to be called SD-WAN.  Continue Reading

• How can network security analytics detect and thwart threats?

  Network security analytics gives organizations an additional level of protection against malicious attacks. It works closely with network analytics tools.  Continue Reading

• Do businesses need to install 5G small cells inside their buildings?

  5G's high frequency can handle more capacity, but the signal can't penetrate buildings easily. That's why you may need to install a 5G small cell in your office.  Continue Reading

• What steps should I take in the event of a network failure?

  Don't panic when the network goes down. Instead, use this checklist to go through five factors that could cause network failure, and follow tips on how to plan for them in advance.  Continue Reading

• What does stateful vs. stateless mean in a networking context?

  When it comes to understanding state from a networking perspective, knowing the difference between stateful vs. stateless firewalls is a crucial starting point.  Continue Reading

• What does open source SD-WAN look like, and do we need it?

  Open source software has an openly available source code that users can adopt or modify. Open source combined with SD-WAN might be a perfect match or a too idealistic goal.  Continue Reading