Get started

Get started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.

• 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

• 5 steps to conduct network penetration testing

  Enterprises that want to ensure competent network security strategies should look at how they can implement penetration testing, considering red teams and physical pen tests. Continue Reading

• OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection)

  OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) is a reference model for how applications communicate over a network. Continue Reading

• 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

• Get started with network penetration testing for beginners

  Authentication, patching and configuration are among the most common vulnerabilities found through network penetration testing. Learn more in this free chapter excerpt. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)
  • OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection)
  • radio frequency (RF, rf)
  • metropolitan area network (MAN)

  • local area network (LAN)
  • TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
  • network engineer
  • network performance monitoring

  View All Definitions

• Advice on how to learn network penetration testing skills

  As beginners learn network penetration testing skills, they should remember these expert tips: Pay attention to what the client wants, and stick to offense, not defense.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How to build a private 5G business case

  As you build a private 5G business case, be sure to include private 5G's benefits and challenges, as well as how to prove its ROI. Here's everything you need to know.Continue Reading

• SASE vs. SD-WAN comparison: How are they related?

  SASE and SD-WAN both connect geographically separate endpoints to each other and an organization's network resources, but the methods in which they do so differ in various ways.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

• local area network (LAN)

  A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and peripheral devices that share a common communications line or wireless link to a server within a distinct geographic area.Continue Reading

• An overview of 3GPP 5G releases and what each one means

  3GPP has standardized features and specifications for all cellular technology generations since 3G. Learn about 3GPP's 5G timeline and notable features each 5G release introduces.Continue Reading

• How to monitor home network traffic for added security

  When addressing home network monitoring, track all connected devices, and take advantage of open source tools, like packet capture, to sniff out malicious traffic.Continue Reading

• TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)

  TCP/IP, or Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet.Continue Reading

• How to understand networking and the internet for beginners

  For beginners, learning how networking and the internet truly work can feel overwhelming. One expert encourages patience, practice and assurance that networking isn't unknowable.Continue Reading

• How to learn networking fundamentals, from a software pro

  Networking basics include protocols, network layers and processes that must happen for computers to communicate across a network. Here's how to start learning these basics.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

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

  VPNs and VLANs are different technologies with some similarities. VPNs connect authorized users to corporate network resources, while VLANs connect geographically separate devices.Continue Reading

• How to calculate SASE return on investment and costs

  SASE return on investment will vary for each organization, depending on use cases and architecture requirements. But the metrics used to determine ROI and cost factors are the same.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

• network engineer

  A network engineer is a technology professional who has the necessary skills to plan, implement and oversee the computer networks that support in-house voice, data, video and wireless network services.Continue Reading

• network performance monitoring

  Network performance monitoring is a process of measuring and monitoring the quality of service of a network to understand if it is properly operating.Continue Reading

• Top network attacks of 2020 that will influence the decade

  You've heard of phishing, ransomware and viruses. Now, keep them in mind because one cybersecurity expert says these threats and more may cause IT headaches for the next decade.Continue Reading

• Advice for an effective network security strategy

  Security audits, evaluations of tools and looking realistically at trending technologies are some ways an organization can ensure its network security is the best it can be.Continue Reading

• Test your network threats and attacks expertise in this quiz

  Network security is an ever-changing subject, but many of its common threats have plagued IT pros for years -- and will likely continue to do so. See what you know in this quiz.Continue Reading

• Differences among WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 wireless security protocols

  As wireless networks have evolved, so have the protocols for securing them. Get an overview of WLAN security standards, and learn the differences among WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3.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

• software-defined networking (SDN)

  Software-defined networking (SDN) is an architecture that abstracts different, distinguishable layers of a network in order to make networks agile and flexible.Continue Reading

• network visibility

  Network visibility is an awareness of the components within and the data moving through an enterprise computer network.Continue Reading

• How to calculate a subnet mask from hosts and subnets

  IP addressing and subnetting are important and basic elements of networks. In this article, learn how to calculate a subnet mask based on the required number of subnets and hosts.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

• 3 types of wireless site surveys and how to conduct them

  Network teams can avoid signal coverage issues by performing different wireless site surveys as they evaluate new spaces, set up sites and operate the network.Continue Reading

• VPN (virtual private network)

  A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that creates a safe, encrypted online connection.Continue Reading

• Cisco IOS (Cisco Internetwork Operating System)

  Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is a proprietary operating system that runs on Cisco Systems routers and switches.Continue Reading

• Network pros share Cisco DevNet certification advice

  Cisco DevNet certifications require a lot of time investment, but network pros who pursue the certifications say the gained skills and knowledge are worth it.Continue Reading

• A look inside the official Cisco DEVASC 200-901 guidebook

  In this book excerpt, readers can explore the Cisco DEVASC 200-901 official guide and get a flavor of one of Cisco's newest exams and its blend of networking and software topics.Continue Reading

• Start your Cisco DevNet Associate training with this quiz

  Ready for Cisco's introductory DevNet exam, DEVASC 200-901? Start your Cisco DevNet Associate training with this practice quiz directly from the official exam guidebook.Continue Reading

• network security

  In information technology, network security is the act of maintaining the integrity of a computer network and the data within it.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

• Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

  Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) is a now-retired certification offered by Cisco, as part of their certification program.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

• Network engineer vs. software engineer: What’s the difference?

  Network and software engineering are two different fields, and the roles of network engineers vs. software engineers vary, despite potential overlaps in software skills.Continue Reading

• edge router

  An edge router is a specialized router located at a network boundary that enables an internal network to connect to external networks.Continue Reading

• client-server model (client-server architecture)

  Client-server is a relationship in which one program (the client) requests a service or resource from another program (the server).Continue Reading

• microsegmentation

  Microsegmentation is a technique used to divide a network into logical and secure units through the application of policies that dictate how data and applications are accessed and controlled.Continue Reading

• How and why to implement Wi-Fi QoS

  Quality of service, as network pros know, prioritizes apps as they cross the network. But Wi-Fi QoS needs to be considered, too, in relation to the overall network.Continue Reading

• The role of SD-WAN templates before and during deployment

  SD-WAN deployments require knowledge of network design and trust in software to take over some network maintenance duties. This is where SD-WAN templates come into play.Continue Reading

• Learn to onboard, provision devices in Cisco's SD-WAN book

  Here's a look inside Cisco's SD-WAN book, which details design and deployment for network teams looking to deploy SD-WAN and insights for SD-WAN certification hopefuls.Continue Reading

• 6 practice questions for SD-WAN certification training

  Before you start SD-WAN certification training, try this quiz from Cisco's official SD-WAN guidebook, which covers onboarding and provisioning devices, as well as SD-WAN templates.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

• The basics of zero-trust network access explained

  Some experts believe VPNs have struggled to adapt to an increasingly cloud-based, internet-dependent world. Enter zero-trust network access, which may be network security's future.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 device

  An edge device is any piece of hardware that controls data flow at the boundary between two networks.Continue Reading

• How to build a resilient network design

  Everything fails eventually, even in networking. Enterprises can prepare for network failure by building resilience and redundancy into their network infrastructure design.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

• IEEE 802 wireless standards

  The IEEE 802 standard is a collection of networking standards that cover the physical and data-link layer specifications for technologies such as Ethernet and wireless.Continue Reading

• The 3 different types of 5G technology for enterprises

  5G isn't a single flavor of cellular technology; it's three flavors, and each one can enable advanced capabilities, such as ultrareliable low latency and IoT connectivity.Continue Reading

• telecommunications (telecom)

  Telecommunications, also known as telecom, is the exchange of information over significant distances by electronic means and refers to all types of voice, data and video transmission.Continue Reading

• millimeter wave (MM wave)

  Millimeter wave (MM wave), also known as millimeter band, is the band of spectrum with wavelengths between 10 millimeters (30 GHz) and 1 millimeter (300 GHz).Continue Reading

• thin client (lean client)

  A thin client (or lean client) is a virtual desktop computing model that runs on the resources stored on a central server instead of a computer's resources.Continue Reading

• Learn the key differences between 4G vs. 5G networks

  Yes, 4G and 5G network architectures will differ, but organizations may not see change for some time. This feature explores 4G vs. 5G differences and lays out what you should know.Continue Reading

• Enterprise 5G deployment options and how to procure them

  Enterprises have to choose from three main 5G deployment options to make 5G work: public services from a mobile operator, network slicing or building their own 5G networks.Continue Reading

• How and when to establish enterprise 5G partnerships

  Enterprises that buy 5G public services, procure network slices or build their own private 5G networks need to establish the right partnerships for mobile services, equipment and software.Continue Reading

• How to build a private 5G network architecture

  A private 5G network could provide organizations with greater control over their wireless environments. But cost and complexity could be critical deterrents.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

• Macrocell vs. small cell vs. femtocell: A 5G introduction

  Small cells will provide new, fast connectivity speeds for 5G networks and capable devices, but 5G won't stop there. Macrocells and femtocells are also key to connect 5G networks.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

• 12 common network protocols and their functions explained

  Networking makes the internet work, but neither can succeed without protocols. Common network protocols and functions are key for communication and connection across the internet.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 benefits of building a network automation lab

  Network teams can build network automation labs to create a safe environment to test and validate automation tasks before running them in production networks.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

• 5 edge computing basics you need to know

  Edge computing is forcing IT teams to rethink legacy architectures. In this guide, explore edge computing basics, including its pros and cons and its effect on enterprise networks.Continue Reading

• fiber to the home (FTTH)

  Fiber to the home (FTTH), also called fiber to the premises (FTTP), is the installation and use of optical fiber from a central point directly to individual buildings such as residences, apartment buildings and businesses to provide high-speed ...Continue Reading

• Universal Service Fund (USF)

  The Universal Service Fund (USF) is a United States government program that supports telecommunications access and affordability in rural and low-income communities.Continue Reading

• How to select and set up SD-WAN and DIA

  When evaluating different options for SD-WAN and direct internet access, IT teams can't forget to consider application performance, network uptime and support for each option.Continue Reading

• Cisco Performance Routing (PfR)

  Cisco Performance Routing (PfR) is a way of sending network packets based on intelligent path control.Continue Reading

• How to secure your home Wi-Fi network in 7 steps

  When securing home Wi-Fi, update devices regularly, change passwords consistently and consider splitting your WLAN into two segments: one for work and one for play.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

• How to set up a new business network

  Building a new network can be complicated, but IT teams can ease the design process and future management by choosing the right architecture and documenting each decision.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

• SD-branch devices promise network, security benefits

  SD-branch technology integrates network and security functions in branch offices, thus promoting safer and more efficient connectivity for companies with multiple locations.Continue Reading

• 5G

  Fifth-generation wireless (5G) is the latest iteration of cellular technology. Unlike 4G, which requires large, high-power cell towers to radiate signals over longer distances, 5G wireless signals are transmitted through large numbers of small cell ...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

• What to know about VPN termination

  Network teams make several decisions when designing a secure VPN. One of those is where in the network, logically, they will terminate the VPN tunnels.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

• SDP vs. VPN vs. zero-trust networks: What's the difference?

  For strong network security, many vendors say VPNs don't cut it anymore. Enter SDP and zero-trust models, which are similar yet offer stricter and innovative security capabilities.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

• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

  Secure Access Service Edge, also known as SASE -- pronounced 'sassy' -- is a cloud architecture that bundles network and security solutions together and delivers them as a unified cloud service.Continue Reading

• network switch

  A network switch is a hardware device that channels incoming data from multiple input ports to a specific output port that will take it toward its intended destination.Continue Reading

• Tips for setting up a home network

  COVID-19 has compelled home-based workers to learn more about their home networks, such as wired and wireless connections, quality of service and, of course, security.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

• A glossary of home network basics for the networking novice

  A remote employee's home network requires basics such as routers, modems and VPN services. For the networking novice, this glossary explains and defines these terms and more.Continue Reading

• BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)

  BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is the protocol underlying the global routing system of the internet.Continue Reading

• 5 things to know about MU-MIMO technology in Wi-Fi networks

  'Multiuser multiple input, multiple output' might not roll off the tongue, but MU-MIMO technology is increasingly important in modern wireless networks. Here's what you should know.Continue Reading

• 5 principles of the network change management process

  Network change management includes five basic principles, including risk analysis and peer review. These best practices can help network teams limit failed network changes and outages.Continue Reading

• Top 5 VPN myths and misconceptions for IT organizations

  Although VPN technology has its challenges, various misconceptions exist that can muddle IT teams' understandings of VPNs. Here are five common VPN misconceptions debunked.Continue Reading

• How to build a network monitoring business case

  As network teams construct a business case for a new network monitoring tool, they should include a cost comparison of alternative tools and a strong defense for the selected tool.Continue Reading

• Explore real-world edge computing examples for network teams

  Developed out of a necessity to handle increasing amounts of data, edge computing will disrupt traditional computing and benefit various modern use cases.Continue Reading