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• 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

• Definitions to Get Started

  • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
  • wavelength
  • subnet (subnetwork)
  • UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

  • Telnet
  • VPN (virtual private network)
  • CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing or supernetting)
  • Ethernet

  View All Definitions

• Edge computing book introduces edge laws and techniques

  In this book excerpt, discover the three laws of edge computing, as well as how to use edge computing techniques to solve common IT problems within organizations.Continue Reading

• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

  TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a standard that defines how to establish and maintain a network conversation through which application programs can exchange data.Continue Reading

• Network engineer career advice amid the COVID-19 pandemic

  As COVID-19 dramatically affects the global economy, people may ask, 'What's next for my career?' No one is sure, but these tips can help network engineers feel and stay secure.Continue Reading

• A guide on how to learn network automation

  Being a network professional means being a lifelong learner. So learn what network automation skills are essential and how best to acquire them quickly.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

• Learn about SecOps: Cybersecurity basics for NetOps teams

  To bridge the gap between NetOps and SecOps teams, network pros should know security fundamentals, including different types of attackers, attacks and available security services.Continue Reading

• 5 basic network management interview questions and answers

  Job interviews should be a two-way conversation. Here are some common network management interview questions for both hiring managers and job applicants.Continue Reading

• How to build and manage a zero-trust network

  While network teams are largely responsible for deploying the elements of a zero-trust network, security teams should also be involved in developing the overall zero-trust framework.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

• wavelength

  Wavelength is the distance between identical points (adjacent crests) in the adjacent cycles of a waveform signal propagated in space or along a wire.Continue Reading

• subnet (subnetwork)

  A subnet, or subnetwork, is a segmented piece of a larger network.Continue Reading

• A glossary of the VPN terminology you need to know

  For organizations with remote workforces, VPNs can be an essential part of daily life. This VPN glossary explores the essential terms and phrases that constitute VPN services.Continue Reading

• UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

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

• Wi-Fi 6 technology explained, from speed to security and more

  Wi-Fi 6 is more than just another wireless upgrade, boasting substantial gains over Wi-Fi 5. Learn how frequency, speed, range, latency and security change with the new standard.Continue Reading

• SASE model aims to boost network security, performance

  Secure Access Service Edge is the new approach to improving network performance in enterprises powered by cloud and mobile. Here's what you must know about SASE.Continue Reading

• Telnet

  Telnet is a network protocol used to virtually access a computer and to provide a two-way, collaborative and text-based communication channel between two machines.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

• VPN (virtual private network)

  A virtual private network (VPN) is programming that creates a safe, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the public internet. A VPN uses tunneling protocols to encrypt data at the sending end and decrypt it at the receiving end.Continue Reading

• A deep dive into the differences between 5G and Wi-Fi 6

  While the latest cellular and Wi-Fi technology generations -- 5G and Wi-Fi 6, respectively -- have been pitted against one another, the technologies make better friends than foes.Continue Reading

• CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing or supernetting)

  CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) -- also known as supernetting -- is a method of assigning Internet Protocol (IP) addresses that improves the efficiency of address distribution and replaces the previous system based on class A, class B and ...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 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

• Ethernet

  Ethernet is the traditional technology for connecting devices in a wired local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), enabling them to communicate with each other via a protocol -- a set of rules or common network language.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

• USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data)

  USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a GSM (Global System for Mobile) communications protocol that is used to send text messages.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

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

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

• traffic 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

• Try 10 practice questions for the CCNP, CCIE ENCOR 350-401

  This practice quiz for CCNP and CCIE ENCOR 350-401 explores what readers must know about IP routing essentials -- including BGP and OSPF -- from the new certification guidebook.Continue Reading

• How Cisco certification changes alter CCNP and CCIE tracks

  Here's what to expect from the colossal Cisco certification changes to the CCNP and CCIE tracks that aim to increase material relevance and benefit network engineers' daily lives.Continue Reading

• Prepare for CCNP, CCIE ENCOR 350-401 with this guide preview

  Here's an excerpt from the new 'CCNP and CCIE ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide' that provides the key IP routing essentials network engineers require for their job roles.Continue Reading

• An introduction to network automation with Ansible

  Ansible is one of the most popular open source network automation tools. Network pros can use it to perform basic network automation tasks, like collecting ARP table data.Continue Reading

• How businesses can gear up for Wi-Fi 6 hardware

  The latest wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6, is coming to an enterprise near you. As a result, businesses will need to plan accordingly as they evaluate Wi-Fi 6 devices.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

• A glossary of 12 network management and monitoring key terms

  This network management and monitoring glossary delves into common issues, processes and capabilities all networks share. Explore these 12 key terms and concise definitions.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

• Top SD-WAN benefits and the case for deployment

  Make the case for an SD-WAN implementation, and explore the benefits and main use cases for SD-WAN in enterprises, beyond traditional hybrid WANs.Continue Reading

• Understand business value to advance your networking career

  Network pros can use the CAR mindset -- challenge, action and result -- to better match their networking initiatives with business goals and advance their career opportunities.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

• Try these 6 official practice questions for CCNA 200-301

  These practice questions for CCNA 200-301 lay out what readers need to know about network security best practices from 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 2.'Continue Reading

• A look inside 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 2'

  Network security is a crucial skills area for network engineers, and the CCNA 200-301 reflects this. Here's a chapter excerpt on network security from the new guide.Continue Reading

• Traditional, emerging topics unite in the new CCNA exam

  As of Feb. 24, all eyes are on the CCNA 200-301 exam -- Cisco's latest update to the CCNA track. Here's a look at what's on the exam and how it compares to previous CCNA exams.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

• Network automation with Python, Paramiko, Netmiko and NAPALM

  Python is a useful language, but it can't do everything. Explore some basic network automation scripts that use Python with three automation libraries: Paramiko, Netmiko and NAPALM.Continue Reading

• A deep dive into the differences between Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5

  While Wi-Fi 5 is still sufficient for organizations, Wi-Fi 6 is worth learning about. Here are the major differences between the standards and what they mean for your organization.Continue Reading

• Consider these 6 SD-WAN challenges and the flip-side benefits

  Cost, complexity, security, training, troubleshooting and software bugs are some of the top SD-WAN challenges. Discover more about these issues and how to offset them.Continue Reading

• 5G

  Fifth-generation wireless (5G) is the latest iteration of cellular technology, engineered to greatly increase the speed and responsiveness of wireless networks.Continue Reading

• A glossary of 12 terms and phrases for Wi-Fi 6 technology

  This Wi-Fi 6 glossary delves into various features and capabilities the new generation of Wi-Fi technology offers, as well as what organizations can expect from Wi-Fi 6 devices.Continue Reading

• How to start building an SD-WAN RFP

  An SD-WAN request for proposal should include comprehensive questions that dive into vendor features and capabilities, architecture, cost savings and PoCs.Continue Reading

• WAN optimization (WAN acceleration)

  WAN optimization -- also known as WAN acceleration -- is the category of technologies and techniques used to maximize the efficiency of data's flow across a wide area network (WAN), between organizations' centralized data centers and their remote ...Continue Reading

• SD-WAN (Software-defined WAN)

  Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) is technology that uses software-defined networking (SDN) concepts to distribute network traffic across a wide area network (WAN).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

• computer network

  A computer network, also referred to as a data network, is a series of interconnected nodes that can transmit, receive and exchange data, voice and video traffic.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

• 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

• Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)

  Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a protocol-agnostic routing technique designed to speed up and shape traffic flows across enterprise wide area and service provider networks.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of SD-WAN deployments and testing

  As SD-WAN becomes more mainstream, organizations must learn what to expect during all phases of deployment. Try your knowledge of SD-WAN testing, deployments and troubleshooting.Continue Reading

• bandwidth

  Network bandwidth is the capacity of a wired or wireless network communications link to transmit the maximum amount of data from one point to another over a computer network or internet connection in a given amount of time -- usually, one second.Continue Reading

• Asynchronous

  In general, asynchronous -- pronounced ay-SIHN-kro-nuhs, from Greek asyn-, meaning "not with," and chronos, meaning "time" -- is an adjective describing objects or events that are not coordinated in time.Continue Reading

• A deep dive into the differences between 4G and 5G networks

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

• 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, or node, on a network so they can communicate using IP.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 SD-WAN devices do I need in an SD-WAN deployment?

  Despite the software-centric nature of software-defined WAN, certain SD-WAN devices are still required to help transport traffic and complete network connections.Continue Reading

• Test your cloud networking knowledge with these 10 questions

  As cloud networks become more common, IT teams must understand how cloud architectures can benefit -- or impede -- business requirements. Take this quiz to see how much you know.Continue Reading

• Understanding the evolution of Ethernet

  First developed by Xerox PARC in the 1970s and ratified by IEEE as a standard in 1983, the evolution of Ethernet has taken this LAN technology through dozens of specifications.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN explained in 15 key terms and phrases

  This SD-WAN glossary delves into the various capabilities, technologies and components that encompass SD-WAN, explained with 15 concise definitions.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

• 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

• computer hardware

  Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical components of an analog or digital computer.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

• Learn how to master network traffic analysis with Python

  In this book excerpt, explore key components of network security and network traffic analysis with Python scripting from Packt Publishing author José Manuel Ortega.Continue Reading

• An overview of how BGP works

  Border Gateway Protocol makes the internet work, but how does BGP work? This animated video explains the basics of BGP and discusses its role in the internet.Continue Reading

• Routing Information Protocol (RIP)

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

• An introduction to cloud network architecture

  Enterprises have myriad cloud networking options: private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud and multi-cloud. Find out which architecture and tool sets best fit your business.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

• Discover 5 key cloud networking basics for your organization

  Clear away the fog, and explore these five key cloud networking fundamentals -- such as models, challenges and tools -- you need to know before you adopt a cloud network strategy.Continue Reading

• Prep for SD-WAN challenges, and you'll reap its rewards

  Reap SD-WAN's multiple benefits by knowing ahead of time what the likely issues will be and the options available at the implementation and management stages.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN deployment in the works? Consider these 3 things

  SD-WAN can simplify the deployment and management of new branch WANs, but there are some key configuration and technical choices you must make to get started.Continue Reading

• How to develop and implement a network security plan

  When formulating a focused network security plan, you'll need to address specific questions about outbound traffic, user logins and government regulations.Continue Reading

• A glossary of key edge computing architecture terms

  Bolster your networking vocabulary and get to know the various features and technologies that constitute edge computing in this comprehensive glossary of key terms and phrases.Continue Reading

• Data center transformation drives the ADC security use case

  Application delivery controllers play many roles, but the ADC security use case might be most important. Learn about ADC features and how they boost data center security.Continue Reading

• 5G explained: A deep dive into the features and facts

  In this 5G guide, learn about key features, challenges and deployment tips. This 5G explanation goes beyond the fundamentals and explores 5G's relationship to other technologies.Continue Reading

• Differences among WEP, WPA and WPA2 wireless security protocols

  As wireless network technologies have evolved, so too have the wireless security protocols for securing them. Get a quick overview of the three WLAN security standards, and learn the differences among WEP, WPA and WPA2.Continue Reading

• Introduction to 5G: Your guide to fifth-generation wireless

  This straightforward guide provides an introduction to 5G and encompasses the 5G basics you need to know. Learn what 5G is, use cases to consider and benefits for organizations.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

• How does 5G network slicing work, and what are the benefits?

  5G network slicing promises the delivery of a new generation of high-speed services, including the transmission of 4K and augmented virtual reality apps to users' cellphones.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 Routing and Switching 200-125 exam. With 20 questions on a range of topics, we're not playing around.Continue Reading

• Try a CCNA 200-301 practice quiz from the official cert guide

  This practice quiz provides a sneak peek into the new 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1,' which reflects Cisco's CCNA certification and exam redesigns.Continue Reading

• Prepare for the CCNA 200-301 exam with this guide preview

  Here's a sneak peek at what to expect from Cisco's redesigned CCNA exam directly from 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1' by author Wendell Odom.Continue Reading

• URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

  A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a unique identifier used to locate a resource on the internet. It is also referred to as a web address.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