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• 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

• Definitions to Get Started

  • 5G
  • WAN optimization (WAN acceleration)
  • SD-WAN (Software-defined WAN)
  • edge router

  • computer network
  • Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
  • bandwidth
  • Asynchronous

  View All Definitions

• 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

• 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

• 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

• UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

  UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is an alternative communications protocol to Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) used primarily for establishing low-latency and loss-tolerating connections between applications on the internet.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

• IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)

  IPv6 is a set of specifications from the Internet Engineering Task Force that improves IPv4 by extending IP addresses from 32 bits to 128 bits.Continue Reading

• fiber optics (optical fiber)

  Fiber optics, or optical fiber, refers to the medium and the technology associated with the transmission of information as light pulses along a glass or plastic strand or fiber.Continue Reading

• Learn how to get started with your networking career

  Wherever you are on your networking career path, these expert insights can help you decide where to go and give advice about job requirements, certifications and industry changes.Continue Reading

• Discover the wireless certifications that matter

  Find out which wireless certifications are worth pursuing with this expert advice that dives into vendor-specific, vendor-neutral and specialized certification options.Continue Reading

• Network pros on new Cisco DevNet certification: 'Finally!'

  Want to learn infrastructure as code? Now, there's a Cisco cert for that. Learn more about the new network automation certification suite, plus changes to the CCNA, CCNP and CCIE.Continue Reading

• What is the difference between SDN and NFV?

  SDN and NFV are siblings but not twins -- while they have a lot in common, they aren't identical. Here's what you need to know about their differences.Continue Reading

• nslookup

  nslookup is the name of a program that lets an Internet server administrator or any computer user enter a host name (for example, "whatis.com") and find out the corresponding IP address or domain name system (DNS) record.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

• 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

• What is data center networking, and how can you get started?

  This feature explores the basics of data center networks, such as how to plan for data center consolidation, the effects of cloud services and how to handle data center interconnects.Continue Reading

• software-defined networking (SDN)

  Software-defined networking (SDN) is a network architecture that aims to make data center networks agile and flexible.Continue Reading

• WAN (Wide Area Network)

  A wide area network (WAN) is a geographically distributed telecommunications network that interconnects multiple local area networks (LANs).Continue Reading

• The top 5 capabilities your edge infrastructure should have

  The network edge plays a vital role in the future of networking and digital transformation. Make sure your infrastructure has these five components to help it on its way.Continue Reading

• What are network firewalls? Test your network security IQ

  Network firewalls have been an essential part of network security since the internet began. This quiz covers what network firewalls are and tests your security expertise.Continue Reading

• VLAN (virtual LAN)

  A VLAN (virtual LAN) is a subnetwork which can group together collections of devices on separate physical local area networks (LANs).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

• 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

• Better security through software-defined perimeter know-how

  Network attacks keep changing, which means your strategy for protecting the network must too. Learn one advancement that's replacing traditional network architectures.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

• The essential 5G glossary of key terms and phrases

  To understand 5G, go beyond the hype and into various elements that encompass the new technology. This glossary of 5G keywords explains what 5G is and how its new features work.Continue Reading

• dynamic and static

  In general, dynamic means energetic, capable of action and/or change, or forceful, while static means stationary or fixed.Continue Reading

• Test your networking knowledge: What is edge computing?

  Edge computing technology isn't new, but it may differ from your expectations. This quiz covers essential edge computing basics, such as pros, cons and differentiators.Continue Reading

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

  File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a client-server standard used to transfer files between computers over the Internet using control and data channels.Continue Reading

• coaxial cable

  Coaxial 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 network automation, and what can it do for you?

  This feature explores what network automation is and its influence on organizations. It also discusses assumptions about its effect on network engineers and similarities with SDN.Continue Reading

• OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection)

  Although it is useful for guiding discussion and evaluation, OSI is rarely actually implemented as-is.Continue Reading

• subnet (subnetwork)

  A subnet is a logical partition of an IP network into multiple, smaller network segments.Continue Reading

• local area network (LAN)

  A local area network (LAN) consists of computers and peripherals that share a common communications line or wireless link to a server. LANs are typically located within a distinct geographic area in an office or other facility.Continue Reading

• telecommunications (telecom)

  Telecommunications is the transmission of data, voice and video over significant distances by electronic means that use a wide variety of networks and media.Continue Reading

• wavelength

  A wavelength is a measure of distance between two identical peaks or crests -- high points -- or between two identical troughs -- low points -- in a wave.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. TCP/IP can also be used as a communications protocol in a private network (an intranet or an ...Continue Reading

• router

  A router is a physical or virtual appliance that passes information between two or more packet-switched computer networks. A router inspects a given data packet's destination IP address, calculates the best way for it to reach its destination and ...Continue Reading

• Learn about the top telecom certifications

  Use this expert advice to wade through myriad telecom certifications and pinpoint the top certifications for the industry, like TCO, iNARTE and BICSI certifications.Continue Reading

• network protocols

  Network protocols are sets of established rules that dictate how to format, transmit and receive data so computer network devices -- from servers and routers to endpoints -- can communicate regardless of the differences in their underlying ...Continue Reading

• 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