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• 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

• Definitions to Get Started

  • edge device
  • IEEE 802 wireless standards
  • telecommunications (telecom)
  • millimeter wave (MM wave)

  • thin client (lean client)
  • fiber to the home (FTTH)
  • Universal Service Fund (USF)
  • Cisco Performance Routing (PfR)

  View All Definitions

• 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

• Guidelines 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 a zero-trust network in these 4 steps

  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 explained: Speed, range, latency, frequency and security

  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

• 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

• 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 network terms for management and monitoring

  This glossary of network terms specifically highlights network management and monitoring processes. Explore these 12 key terms and concise definitions.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

• Compare Paramiko, Netmiko and NAPALM network automation

  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

• Analyze the differences between Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5

  While Wi-Fi 5 is still sufficient for many organizations, Wi-Fi 6 is worth learning about. Check out the major differences between the two and what that means for your organization.Continue Reading

• Understanding SD-WAN’s advantages and disadvantages

  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

• Wi-Fi 6 glossary of 12 important terms and phrases

  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