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• What is the domain name system (DNS)?

  The domain name system (DNS) is a naming database in which internet domain names are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Continue Reading

• What is attenuation?

  Attenuation is a general term referring to when any type of signal -- digital or analog -- reduces in strength. Continue Reading

• What is an SD-branch?

  An SD-branch is a single, automated, centrally managed, software-centric platform that replaces or supplements an existing branch network architecture. Continue Reading

• What is a coaxial cable?

  A coaxial cable -- or coax cable -- is a type of copper cable specially built with a metal shield and other components engineered to block signal interference. Continue Reading

• What is a network management system?

  A network management system (NMS) is an application or set of applications that enable network engineers to manage a network's independent components inside a larger network management framework and perform several key functions. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is the domain name system (DNS)?
  • What is an SD-branch?
  • What is attenuation?
  • What is a coaxial cable?

  • What is a network management system?
  • What is a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)?
  • What is a point of presence (PoP)?
  • What is network as a service (NaaS)?

  View All Definitions

• What is a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)?

  A cloud radio access network (C-RAN) is a centralized, cloud computing-based architecture for radio access networks.Continue Reading

• What is a point of presence (PoP)?

  A point of presence (PoP) is a point or physical location where two or more networks or communication devices build a connection from one place to the rest of the internet.Continue Reading

• What is ingress filtering?

  Ingress filtering is a method used by enterprises and internet service providers to prevent suspicious traffic from entering a network.Continue Reading

• What is a host (in computing)?

  A host is a computer or other device that communicates with other hosts on a network.Continue Reading

• What is network as a service (NaaS)?

  Network as a service (NaaS) is a cloud model for delivering various network services virtually on a subscription basis.Continue Reading

• What is green networking?

  Green networking is the practice of selecting energy-efficient networking technologies and products to minimize resource use whenever possible.Continue Reading

• What is a bogon?

  A bogon is an illegitimate Internet Protocol address that falls into a set of IP addresses that haven't been officially assigned to an entity by an internet registration institute, such as the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).Continue Reading

• How to configure multiple DHCP scopes on one Windows server

  Deploying one DHCP server per subnet is time-consuming and costly. Configure multiple DHCP scopes on one Windows server to centralize network management and increase efficiency.Continue Reading

• Cisco CCNA practice test: Try these 20 exam questions

  Use this CCNA practice test as study material to prepare for the Cisco CCNA 200-301 exam. With 20 questions on a range of topics, we're not playing around.Continue Reading

• An introduction to network automation with Ansible

  Ansible gives administrators additional control over how they configure devices. These tips and tricks help give you a head start in learning what Ansible can do.Continue Reading

• Overview of the AI maturity model in networking

  A network maturity model outlines the path from manual to automated operations. As organizations move to AI-ready networks, adoption and AI capabilities remain in early stages.Continue Reading

• What is signal-to-noise ratio and how is it measured?

  A signal-to-noise ratio compares the strength of a desired signal with any undesired signals created by background noise.Continue Reading

• How to create a network monitoring system

  Most organizations buy network monitoring systems from vendors, but those that choose to build in-house must follow a detailed set of steps to ensure a comprehensive platform.Continue Reading

• What is the OSI model? The 7 layers of OSI explained

  The OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection model) is a multilayered reference model that shows how computer systems and applications communicate over a network.Continue Reading

• What is a rogue DHCP server?

  Rogue DHCP servers can throw DHCP infrastructures out of balance. These servers cause numerous network problems but are easy to detect and remove with proper network management.Continue Reading

• BGP routing: A configuration and troubleshooting tutorial

  BGP is the internet's core routing protocol, enabling communication between ISPs and large networks. This guide covers its functionality, configuration and troubleshooting essentials.Continue Reading

• What is shielded twisted pair (STP) and how does it work?

  Shielded twisted pair (STP) is a kind of cable made up of smaller wires where each small pair of wires is twisted together and has an outer coating to electrically shield it.Continue Reading

• What is ping and how does it work?

  Ping (Packet Internet Groper) is a basic internet program that enables a user to test and verify if a particular destination Internet Protocol (IP) address is reachable and can respond to network requests.Continue Reading

• What is 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet)?

  1000BASE-T is a Gigabit Ethernet standard that operates at a speed of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) over copper wiring.Continue Reading

• What is DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)?

  DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to dynamically assign an Internet Protocol (IP) address to any device on a network so it can communicate.Continue Reading

• What is Routing Information Protocol (RIP)?

  Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a distance vector protocol that uses hop count as its primary metric.Continue Reading

• What is data center interconnect (DCI)?

  Data center interconnect (DCI) technology links two or more data centers so they can share resources.Continue Reading

• What is streaming network telemetry?

  Streaming network telemetry is a real-time data collection service in which network devices, such as routers, switches and firewalls, continuously push data related to the network's health to a centralized location.Continue Reading

• What is network traffic?

  Network traffic is the amount of data that moves across a network during any given time.Continue Reading

• What is network availability?

  Network availability is how long a network system is in uptime over a specific time interval.Continue Reading

• What is NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration)?

  NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration), or just MANO, is an architectural framework used to manage and orchestrate virtual network functions (VNFs) and other software components.Continue Reading

• What is traffic shaping (packet shaping)?

  Traffic shaping, also known as packet shaping, is a congestion management method that regulates network data transfer by delaying the flow of less important or less desired packets.Continue Reading

• What is dynamic and static?

  In general, dynamic means 'energetic or forceful,' while static means 'stationary.'Continue Reading

• 5G NSA vs. SA: How do the deployment modes differ?

  Non-standalone 5G combines 4G LTE architecture with a 5G RAN. Standalone 5G, on the other hand, uses a 5G RAN and a cloud-native 5G core for connectivity.Continue Reading

• What is open networking?

  Open networking describes a network that uses open standards and commodity hardware.Continue Reading

• Application vs. network load balancing: What's the difference?

  Network load balancing and application load balancing both handle traffic requests. However, they process and direct requests with different levels of speed and efficiency.Continue Reading

• How to set up a VLAN for enterprise networks

  Network administrators configure VLANs to enhance network security and performance. Learn how to set up a VLAN, from configuration steps and best practices to troubleshooting tips.Continue Reading

• What is Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)?

  BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is the protocol that enables the internet's global routing system.Continue Reading

• What is multiplexing and how does it work?

  Multiplexing, or 'muxing,' is a way of sending multiple signals or streams of information over a communications link at the same time in the form of a single, complex signal.Continue Reading

• What is a programmable network (network programmability)?

  A programmable network is one in which software that operates independently of network hardware handles the behavior of network devices and flow control.Continue Reading

• What is the data link layer in the OSI model?

  The data link layer is the protocol layer in a program that handles how data moves in and out of a physical link in a network.Continue Reading

• What is port address translation (PAT)?

  Port address translation (PAT) is a type of network address translation (NAT) that maps a network's private internal IPv4 addresses to a single public Internet Protocol address by using network ports.Continue Reading

• What is software-defined networking (SDN)?

  Software-defined networking (SDN) is a networking approach in which software is used to easily configure and centrally manage IT networks.Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 7: What are the differences?

  Wi-Fi standards continue to evolve. The three most recent standards -- Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 -- build on each other's capabilities, but all have their own unique features.Continue Reading

• What is QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) and how does it work?

  QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is a method of combining two amplitude modulation (AM) signals into a single channel.Continue Reading

• What is network topology?

  A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network.Continue Reading

• What is the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol? How does it work?

  The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is a client-server communication protocol used for sharing access to files, printers, serial ports and other resources on a network.Continue Reading

• What is User Datagram Protocol (UDP)?

  User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a communications protocol primarily used to establish low-latency and loss-tolerating connections between applications on the internet.Continue Reading

• What are managed network services?

  Managed network services are networking applications, functions and services that a managed service provider (MSP) remotely operates, monitors and maintains for an enterprise.Continue Reading

• What is a network interface card (NIC)?

  A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component, typically a circuit board or chip, installed on a computer so it can connect to a network.Continue Reading

• What is a network node?

  A network node is a connection point in a communications network.Continue Reading

• What is Telnet?

  Telnet is a network protocol used to remotely access a computer for a text-based communication channel between two machines.Continue Reading

• What are port numbers and how do they work?

  A port number is a way to identify a specific process to which an internet or other network message is to be forwarded when it arrives at a server.Continue Reading

• 802.11 standards: How do 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be differ?

  Wi-Fi standards -- 802.11ac, 802.11ax and 802.11be -- differ based on frequency bands, spatial streams and maximum data rates, with 802.11be offering the most significant improvements.Continue Reading

• What is a router?

  A router is a physical or virtual appliance that passes information between two or more packet-switched computer networks.Continue Reading

• What is east-west traffic?

  East-west traffic refers to the transfer of data packets that move from server to server within a network's data center.Continue Reading

• What is FCAPS (fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security)?

  FCAPS (fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security) is a network management framework and model created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).Continue Reading

• 15 common network protocols and their functions explained

  Networking makes the internet work, but it needs several key protocols. These common network protocols make communication and connection across the internet possible.Continue Reading

• What is network analytics?

  Network analytics is the application of big data principles and tools to the data used to manage and secure data networks.Continue Reading

• What is modulation?

  Modulation is the process of converting data into radio waves by adding information to an electronic or optical carrier signal.Continue Reading

• What is a network packet?

  A network packet is a basic unit of data that is transferred over a computer network, typically a packet-switched network, such as the internet.Continue Reading

• What is network visibility?

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

• What is a wireless mesh network (mesh WiFi)?

  A wireless mesh network (WMN) is a mesh network created through the connection of wireless access point (wireless AP) nodes installed at each network user's location.Continue Reading

• What is a cloud-native network function (CNF)?

  A cloud-native network function (CNF) is a service that performs network duties in software, as opposed to purpose-built hardware.Continue Reading

• What is Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)?

  Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an application-layer protocol for monitoring and managing network devices on a local area network or wide area network.Continue Reading

• What is a protocol data unit (PDU)?

  A protocol data unit (PDU) is the basic unit of exchange between entities that communicate with a specified networking protocol.Continue Reading

• What is the Nessus vulnerability scanning platform?

  Nessus is a platform developed by Tenable that scans for security vulnerabilities in devices, applications, operating systems, cloud services and other network resources.Continue Reading

• What is throughput?

  Throughput is a measure of how many units of information a system can process in a given amount of time.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between internet and Ethernet?

  Internet and Ethernet both enable connectivity and communication, but they differ in scope, purpose, reliability and medium. Use this guide to learn about the concepts.Continue Reading

• What is network configuration management (NCM)?

  Network configuration management (NCM) is the process of organizing and maintaining information about all the components in a computer network.Continue Reading

• 5G vs. 4G: Learn the key differences between them

  5G and 4G network architectures have some significant differences. See how the two technologies differ and what the new capabilities mean for business communications.Continue Reading

• What is a thin client (lean client)?

  A thin client (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

• What is network monitoring?

  Network monitoring, also frequently called network management, is the practice of consistently overseeing a computer network for any failures or deficiencies to ensure continued network performance.Continue Reading

• What is network automation?

  Network automation is a process that uses intelligent software to automate the management, configuration, deployment, testing and operation of both physical and virtual devices.Continue Reading

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

  Businesses might see cloud computing and cloud networking as interchangeable due to similarities, but the two strategies dictate different processes and fulfill different goals.Continue Reading

• What is the 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

• Evaluate 7 cloud monitoring tools for networks

  Organizations use cloud monitoring tools to manage on-premises, hybrid and cloud networks. Discover the features of seven cloud monitoring tools that can enhance performance.Continue Reading

• The role of container networking in DevOps

  Containerization isn't just for DevOps teams. Network engineers often set up container networks, ensure connectivity between containers and work with container networking tools.Continue Reading

• What is network downtime?

  Network downtime refers to inaccessibility to part or all of a network due to the failure of hardware, software or some combination of both.Continue Reading

• What is PSTN (public switched telephone network)?

  PSTN (public switched telephone network) is the world's collection of interconnected voice-oriented public telephone networks via traditional circuit-switched networks.Continue Reading

• What are the 5 types of network management?

  Despite the changes in how organizations optimize network performance, the five foundational elements of network management -- also known as FCAPS -- remain the same.Continue Reading

• What is Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification?

  Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification is a series of technical certifications for senior networking professionals who design, build, implement, maintain and troubleshoot complex enterprise networking infrastructures.Continue Reading

• The purpose of route poisoning in networking

  Route poisoning is an effective way of stopping routers from sending data packets across bad links and stop routing loops. This limits delays and creates a more stable network.Continue Reading

• What is Cisco Performance Routing (PfR)?

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

• 5 principles of change management in networking

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

• Why does DNS use TCP Port 53 and UDP Port 53?

  DNS uses both TCP and UDP ports to maintain consistent and reliable network performance. TCP provides zone transfers, while UDP handles name resolution queries and responses.Continue Reading

• Logical vs. physical topology: What's the difference?

  A complete network topology is a network map that provides a look into the network's hardware components and data flow using physical and logical topologies.Continue Reading

• What is a MAC address and how do I find it?

  A MAC address (media access control address) is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to each device connected to the network.Continue Reading

• What is cloud networking?

  Cloud networking is a type of IT infrastructure in which the cloud hosts some or all of an organization's networking resources.Continue Reading

• A guide to network lifecycle management

  Network pros should use a network lifecycle management process to monitor, manage and implement changes in their network, regardless of if they use PPIDOO or another framework.Continue Reading

• Basic network management interview questions and answers

  Job interviews should be a two-way conversation. Hiring managers and job applicants should review common network management interview questions before an interview.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, while unmanaged switches are easier to set up.Continue Reading

• What AI capabilities do network tools need?

  AI networking tools have many beneficial capabilities. When evaluating AI tools, engineers should prioritize the specific capabilities their networks need for successful AI use.Continue Reading

• What is IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)?

  Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is a set of specifications from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that is responsible for identifying network devices and routing traffic across the internet.Continue Reading

• The role of network sandboxing and testing

  Network sandboxing provides network teams with a risk-free environment to test changes and run potential threat scenarios. This helps prevent outages and other unexpected issues.Continue Reading

• What is TCP/IP?

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

• What is ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)?

  ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is a network layer error-reporting protocol that's used to communicate data transmission problems.Continue Reading

• Network automation vs. orchestration: What's the difference?

  Automation and orchestration take different approaches to achieve network efficiency. However, network engineers can use them together to create an efficient, centralized network.Continue Reading

• Recursive vs. iterative DNS queries: What's the difference?

  Name resolution translates human-readable hostnames to IP addresses for device configuration. DNS uses recursive or iterative methods to translate names into IP addresses.Continue Reading

• HTTP vs. HTTPS: What's the difference?

  HTTP and HTTPS are web communication protocols. HTTP lacks security, while HTTPS encrypts data to adhere to the security standards of confidentiality, integrity and authenticity.Continue Reading