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• CDN (content delivery network)

  A CDN (content delivery network), also called a content distribution network, is a group of geographically distributed and interconnected servers that provide cached internet content from a network location closest to a user to accelerate its ... Continue Reading

• Q3 Cisco financials show another uptick in sales, services

  Cisco financials show a 4% boost in sales as Cisco records its second consecutive quarter of revenue growth and continues to embrace software services. Continue Reading

• SN blogs: Is Arista making right move with campus switches?

  Bloggers discuss Arista's new strategy to market campus switches, examine container security risks and ask the question of whether networking is a commodity. Continue Reading

• Helping enterprises adapt to open source switching

  Enterprise adoption of open source switching hasn't kept pace with cloud providers and telcos. What are some of the barriers blocking the use of disaggregation? Continue Reading

• What is ONAP, and how does it tie into NFV architecture?

  Network expert Lee Doyle looks at ONAP, its role in NFV architecture and its progress in becoming the standard platform for NFV management and orchestration. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • network engineer
  • network performance monitoring
  • software-defined networking (SDN)
  • network visibility

  • VPN (virtual private network)
  • Cisco IOS (Cisco Internetwork Operating System)
  • network security
  • Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

  View All Definitions

• Network infrastructure design for network-as-a-service

  When it comes to network as a service, network infrastructure design depends on if you want services delivered across the LAN, WAN or data center. Find out what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Software drives the promise of the interoperable network

  Interoperability in networks is essential now, a reality that vendors increasingly acknowledge. Learn how the networking industry is changing to accommodate the need for openness.Continue Reading

• Software-driven network access ups enterprise agility

  Network access to service provider systems is becoming software-based. Learn more about how software-defined access works and the flexibility inherent in software.Continue Reading

• Test yourself on open networking, open source and SDN

  The open networking concept follows the likes of SDN and open source, but the lines separating them all are often blurred. This quiz can help you understand the differences.Continue Reading

• network service provider (NSP)

  A network service provider (NSP) is a company that owns, operates and sells access to internet backbone infrastructure and services.Continue Reading

• Session layer

  In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the session layer resides at Layer 5 and manages the setup and teardown of the association between two communicating endpoints.Continue Reading

• presentation layer

  Residing at Layer 6 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the presentation layer ensures that the communications that pass through it are in the appropriate form for the recipient application.Continue Reading

• data center interconnect (DCI)

  Data center interconnect (DCI) is a segment of the networking market that focuses on the technology used to link two or more data centers so the facilities can share resources. There are many options for DCI connectivity and selecting the right one ...Continue Reading

• How to bridge the network engineering skills gap

  Training for new network engineering skills should emphasize basic concepts behind building a network, whether it's software-defined, intent-based or disaggregated.Continue Reading

• Understand the basics of 5G wireless networks

  5G wireless networks offer enterprises a lot of intriguing possibilities. What is 5G, and what has to happen before the high-speed, low-latency technology becomes a reality?Continue Reading

• Application layer

  Sitting at Layer 7 -- the very top of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model -- the application layer provides services for an application program to ensure that effective communication with another application program on a ...Continue Reading

• physical layer

  Located at the lowest layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the physical layer's function is to transport data using electrical, mechanical or procedural interfaces.Continue Reading

• transport layer

  Positioned at Layer 4 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the transport layer ensures the reliable arrival of messages across a network and provides error-checking mechanisms and data flow controls.Continue Reading

• Network layer

  Located at Layer 3 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model, the network layer's primary function is to move data into and through other networks.Continue Reading

• Data-Link layer

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

• What cloud data center interconnect technologies can do

  Data center interconnect technologies and services now use cloud. Learn how CDCI improves traffic delivery and how to choose the right equipment and services.Continue Reading

• network orchestration

  Network orchestration is a policy-driven approach to network automation that coordinates the hardware and software components a software application or service requires to run.Continue Reading

• fault management

  Fault management is the component of network management concerned with detecting, isolating and resolving problems.Continue Reading

• Meet network management goals with new tech and techniques

  Get up to speed on the new technological advances, improved products and advanced techniques that make enterprise network monitoring and management a bit less daunting.Continue Reading

• managed network services

  Managed network services are networking applications, functions and services that enterprises outsource to be remotely operated, monitored and maintained by a managed service provider (MSP).Continue Reading

• Network configuration tools: A primer

  Script management, intent-based systems and new strategies with network configuration tools are propelling a paradigm shift in the way that networks are managed.Continue Reading

• Software-defined branch networks: Why and how to do them

  Software networking virtualization has reached branch networks. Learn the whys and hows of creating the software-defined branch using the latest software networking technologies.Continue Reading

• How to address automated networking strategically

  Automation holds great promise for smoothing the management of complex modern networks, but to reap its full benefits, you'll need to approach it strategically.Continue Reading

• Balancing automated vs. manual network configuration management

  Is there still a place for learning manual network configuration management in a world where networks are throttling toward automation? Sure -- but how much is enough?Continue Reading

• What will the debut of the 802.11ax standard mean for you?

  The IEEE is putting the finishing touches on the latest WLAN 802.11ax standard. 802.11ax ratification will result in some key improvements in wireless speed, management and overall capabilities, writes one analyst.Continue Reading

• virtual network functions (VNF)

  Virtual network functions (VNFs) are virtualized tasks formerly carried out by proprietary, dedicated hardware. VNFs move individual network functions out of dedicated hardware devices into software that runs on commodity hardware.Continue Reading

• network functions virtualization (NFV)

  Network functions virtualization (NFV) is an initiative to virtualize network services traditionally run on proprietary, dedicated hardware.Continue Reading

• hybrid WAN

  A hybrid WAN is a wide area network that sends traffic over two or more connection types. Hybrid WANs permit dynamic traffic engineering across both private and public domains, using a variety of connectivity options to make the best use of network ...Continue Reading

• network automation

  Network automation is a methodology in which software automatically configures, provisions, manages and tests network devices.Continue Reading

• NBASE-T Ethernet

  NBASE-T Ethernet is an IEEE standard and Ethernet-signaling technology that allows existing twisted-pair copper cabling to exceed the cable's specified limit of 1 Gbps for distances of up to 100 meters.Continue Reading

• Data center networking architecture draws on machine learning, SDN, AI

  Artificial intelligence in networking, machine learning and other technological wonders promise to make data center networks nimbler and more secure than ever before.Continue Reading

• deep packet inspection (DPI)

  Deep packet inspection (DPI) is an advanced method of examining and managing network traffic.Continue Reading

• Comparison of popular technical SD-WAN service models

  Two main SD-WAN service model options exist for users to choose from, but more could be on the way due to regulatory and industry development efforts. Find out what works for you in this comparison.Continue Reading

• Server Message Block Protocol (SMB protocol)

  The Server Message Block Protocol (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

• How to unify wired and wireless network management now

  Unifying the wired and wireless network -- that is, creating unified networking management -- doesn't just happen. Learn what tools and tactics can make it a reality.Continue Reading

• application delivery controller (ADC)

  An application delivery controller (ADC) is a network component that manages and optimizes how client machines connect to web and enterprise application servers.Continue Reading

• When will networking embrace the 802.11ax standard?

  The pending 802.11ax standard offers 10 Gbps speeds up to 40% faster than Wave 2 802.11ac.Continue Reading

• How to implement an SDN training strategy

  Each organization approaches SDN training with its own strategy depending on its motivation and requirements. Here are some pointers to consider.Continue Reading

• system administrator (sysadmin)

  In information technology (IT), a system administrator (sysadmin) is a person who supports a multi-user computing environment and ensures continuous, optimal performance of IT services and support systems.Continue Reading

• spectrum analyzer

  A spectrum analyzer is a device that displays signal amplitude (strength) as it varies by signal frequency.Continue Reading

• network hub

  A network hub is a node that broadcasts data to every computer or Ethernet-based device connected to it.Continue Reading

• How to find the best network switches for your enterprise

  Need to buy network switches? Evaluate vendor products by considering both your current and future network needs and getting up to speed on the latest features available.Continue Reading

• An edge router buying guide for your next network upgrade

  Read this edge router review to learn what capabilities current product lines now offer, which are essential for your particular network and what questions to ask vendors.Continue Reading

• Need an app performance monitor? Learn what's new in APM tools

  App performance management is more essential and more complex than ever; the right application performance management tools make all the different.Continue Reading

• ingress filtering

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

• 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

• over-the-top (OTT)

  Over-the-top (OTT) is networking lingo that describes the delivery of content, services or applications over the internet.Continue Reading

• infrared radiation (IR)

  Infrared radiation (IR), sometimes referred to simply as infrared, is a region of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum where wavelengths range from about 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm).Continue Reading

• What NBASE-T switch products do I need?

  With NBASE-T Ethernet ratified, it's time to start thinking about NBASE-T switch products for your organization.Continue Reading

• top-of-rack switching

  Top-of-rack switching refers to a distributed data center architecture where one or more Ethernet switches is installed in a rack, then uplinked using high-bandwidth fiber optic connections to a central, high-density distribution point.Continue Reading

• How to calculate network bandwidth requirements

  Figuring out how to calculate bandwidth requirements is vital to ensuring your network runs smoothly, and it's best to get the formula correct from the beginning.Continue Reading

• east-west traffic

  East-west traffic, in a networking context, is the transfer of data packets from server to server within a data center. The label east-west comes from network diagram drawings that usually depict local area network (LAN) traffic horizontally.Continue Reading

• IPTV (Internet Protocol television)

  IPTV (Internet Protocol television) is a service that provides television programming and other video content using the TCP/IP protocol suite as opposed to traditional cable or satellite signals.Continue Reading

• Layer 3 switches explained

  Layer 3 switches are important in enterprise networks -- particularly in designs with many subnets and virtual LANs. What is a Layer 3 switch, what can it do for you, and how does it differ from a regular switch or router?Continue Reading

• How SD-WAN benefits deployment and app delivery

  A plethora of options can complicate software-defined WAN technology buying decisions. To get the most out of their deployments, enterprises should first do their homework.Continue Reading

• Your guide to embedding SDN in data centers, from start to finish

  Wondering if it's time for your enterprise to transition to an SDN data center? Expert help is available to help answer that question and plan your next steps.Continue Reading

• Deal with cloud network infrastructure challenges and reap rewards

  Cloud-based networking is the norm now. Learn which technologies allow companies to reap the benefits of the cloud for their company network.Continue Reading

• ONOS (Open Network Operating System)

  ONOS (Open Network Operating System) is an operating system (OS) designed for network service providers to help build carrier-grade software-defined networks architected for high scalability, availability and performanceContinue Reading

• Mbps (megabits per second)

  Megabits per second (Mbps) are a unit of measurement for bandwidth and throughput on a network. Each megabit is equal to 1 million bits.Continue Reading

• Improved application performance possible with right approach

  Improved application performance and delivery is essential but complex. Learn what tools, platforms and monitoring options help even in today’s distributed network environments.Continue Reading

• ARPANET

  ARPANET was the network that became the basis for the Internet. Based on a concept first published in 1967, ARPANET was developed under the direction of the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). In 1969, the idea became a modest reality ...Continue Reading

• subnet mask (subnetting)

  A subnet mask is a 32- or 128-bit number that segments an existing IP address in a TCP/IP network and divides that address into discrete network and host addresses.Continue Reading

• host (in computing)

  A host (also known as "network host") is a computer or other device that communicates with other hosts on a network.Continue Reading

• Network Time Protocol (NTP)

  Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a protocol used to synchronize computer clock times in a network.Continue Reading

• radio frequency (RF, rf)

  Radio frequency is a measurement representing the oscillation rate of electromagnetic radiation spectrum, or electromagnetic radio waves, from frequencies ranging from 300 GHz to as low as 9 kHz.Continue Reading

• From consultant to enterprise network engineer: How to make the switch

  Learn how one former network design consultant made a major career change, leaving her position at a vendor and landing her dream job in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• telematics

  Telematics uses GPS and mobile devices to send and receive information that helps control remote objects, primarily in the automotive industry.Continue Reading

• adaptive routing (dynamic routing)

  Adaptive routing, also called dynamic routing, is a process for determining the optimal path a data packet should follow through a network to arrive at a specific destination. Adaptive routing can be compared to a commuter taking a different route ...Continue Reading

• Essential network cabling tips for your infrastructure

  Network cabling may seem basic, but it's integral to your network infrastructure. This series of 10 lessons for networking pros explains how common types of network cables work.Continue Reading

• USB cable connection and connector types explained

  The USB cable connection remains popular -- particularly with home users -- in part, because of its easy setup. Take a closer look at standard USB and related connection types.Continue Reading

• CCNA certification

  Cisco Certified Network Associaten (CCNA) is an entry-level certification for the Cisco certified professional program.Continue Reading

• A parallel cable connection for computers can still be useful

  Parallel cable connections that allow data to be transferred between computers require a slightly complicated setup. But the speeds achieved are worth it.Continue Reading

• NFV vs. VNF: What's the difference?

  NFV versus VNF: SDN engineer Darien Hirotsu explains the differences between network functions virtualization and virtual network functions.Continue Reading

• Learn SDN in school, experts urge today's networking students

  Despite old school ways, academic tides slowly turn in SDN's favor -- as textbooks and instructors recognize network programming is here to stay.Continue Reading

• NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration)

  NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration), also called MANO, is an architectural framework for managing and orchestrating virtualized network functions (VNFs) and other software components.Continue Reading

• In a world of hybrid cloud systems you must migrate and optimize

  Learn more about how to optimize, migrate and develop hybrid cloud systems and cloud network architecture while extending private WAN to the cloud.Continue Reading

• How to set up a serial cable connection in your network

  Serial direct cable connection is examined in this cable networking lesson, which defines the term and explains how it works, as well as the technology required to set one up.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN architecture: What to know before you buy

  The hybrid WAN is here and this guide explains how to buy and build an SD-WAN architecture. Learn about key features and 'nice to haves' before you approach vendors and make an acquisition decision.Continue Reading

• Learn about fiber optic cable types and why smaller is better

  Learn about fiber optic cable types, how the most widely used one -- 62.5/125-micron loose tube -- is constructed, and why smaller is better when it comes to fiber optics.Continue Reading

• Understanding SDN components and where they're going

  What is SDN, and how does it differ from NFV? In part two of this series, IT expert Andrew Froehlich explains SDN technologies and where we can expect to see them in the future.Continue Reading

• overlay network

  An overlay network is a telecommunications network that is built on top of another network and is supported by its infrastructure.Continue Reading

• How to buy the best application delivery controller for your firm

  An application delivery controller (ADC) sits between you and the web server farm to manage the traffic between you and any number of back-end servers. In other words, app delivery controllers control the delivery of the web application to you -- ...Continue Reading

• PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)

  PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) is a standard used to establish a direct connection between two network nodes that enables the transport of multiprotocol data.Continue Reading

• phase-locked loop

  A phase-locked loop (PLL) is an electronic circuit with a current-driven oscillator that constantly adjusts to match the frequency of an input signal, often used in wireless systems.Continue Reading

• trunk

  A trunk is a physical path or link in a communications system that interconnects major switching centers or nodes and is designed to handle many transmissions simultaneously.Continue Reading

• orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)

  Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is a digital modulation method that splits a signal into several narrowband channels carried on different frequencies to reduce interference.Continue Reading

• 100Base-TX cable, or Fast Ethernet, explained

  This tip reviews 100Base-TX cable fundamentals, including a breakdown of the term's meaning, how it works and related cable types that network pros need to know.Continue Reading

• patch panel

  A network patch panel is a mounted hardware unit containing ports used to interconnect and manage LAN cables as well as connect them to the internet and wide area networks.Continue Reading

• network node

  A network node is an endpoint or redistribution connection point for data transmissions on a communications network that can process or forward transmissions to other nodes.Continue Reading

• How to estimate the ROI of a SD-WAN implementation

  Going forward on a SD-WAN implementation is a big step for enterprises, but determining the return on investment can be a deciding factor in whether to crop more expensive MPLS lines.Continue Reading

• Exploring the ins and outs of enterprise hardware pricing

  Cloud computing has changed how businesses buy technology. How does the age of SaaS affect enterprise hardware pricing?Continue Reading

• What do I need to do to create successful hybrid WANs?

  The market for hybrid network services is growing, and with it comes the challenge of successfully creating hybrid WANs.Continue Reading

• What to know about choosing a vCPE platform

  Service providers are opting for virtual CPE and its resulting benefits, but choosing the right vCPE platform is essential to get the most out of it.Continue Reading

• How the 10Base-T cable evolved and its use today

  This tip reviews how 10Base-T cable developed and what the elements of the term mean. It also reviews the variations of this cabling type and how they are used now.Continue Reading

• Test your grasp of hybrid cloud migration and related challenges

  Test your knowledge of hybrid cloud migration and other shifting aspects of cloud networking. Use this quiz to determine how well you understand these cloud challenges.Continue Reading