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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
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
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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
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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
frequency-hopping spread spectrum
Frequency hopping is one of two basic modulation techniques used in spread spectrum signal transmission.Continue Reading
Types of network cables: An introduction to network cabling
Different types of networking cables are the backbone of a network's infrastructure. Selecting the right type is critical, as enterprise network admins deploy new technologies.Continue Reading
signal-to-noise ratio (S/N or SNR)
In analog and digital communications, signal-to-noise ratio is a measure of signal strength relative to background noise. This ratio is usually measured in decibels.Continue Reading
token ring
A token ring network connects computers in a ring or star topology to prevent the collision of data between two computers sending messages simultaneously.Continue Reading
How to buy the best application delivery controller for your firm
Application delivery controllers have advanced in ways that make ADCs more useful for a wider range of companies than ever before. This guide outlines what you need to know in order to buy the best application delivery controller for your company.Continue Reading
thin client (lean client)
A thin client, sometimes called a lean client, is a low-cost, centrally-managed computer that relies heavily on a server for its computational role.Continue Reading
Secure cloud network services drive enterprise cloud migrations
Ensuring secure cloud network connections is paramount to easing business concerns about moving workloads to the cloud, and a growing number of cloud networking options can help.Continue Reading
WAN-cloud eXchange extends the private WAN to the cloud
Enterprises can reap cloud benefits while relieving concerns about security and reliability with a WAN-cloud eXchange, or WAN-CX.Continue Reading
Undersea cable sends Ethernet to observatory on ocean floor
Thanks to donated undersea cabling from AT&T, the ALOHA Cabled Observatory provides real-time data from the ocean floor. It took a longtime networking pro to get it up to speed.Continue Reading
Delivering applications swiftly, successfully: Here's how.
Enterprises are in a race to delivering applications successfully on a tight timeline or they risk losing revenue.Continue Reading
How to make your WAN architecture software-defined
There's more than one way to make your WAN architecture software-defined. Learn three very different routes to achieving an SD-WAN.Continue Reading
Network management and monitoring: The evolution of network control
The degree of network control IT pros possess is expanding with new features in network monitoring systems. Learn how these evolving tools can help you gain control of your network.Continue Reading
How to become a network architect, from those who did it
You wouldn't be an engineer if you didn't love networking, but are you looking to make a career move? Find out how to become a network architect and whether it's right for you.Continue Reading
vCPE (virtual customer premises equipment)
Virtual customer premises equipment (also referred to as vCPE or cloud CPE) are enterprise network services delivered through software. While providers must manually deploy traditional, physical CPE devices onsite, they can provision and manage vCPE...Continue Reading
vEPC (virtual Evolved Packet Core)
The vEPC offers a framework to support converged voice and data on 4G Long-Term Evolution networks. vEPC is the abstraction of Evolved Packet Core components into software that runs on generic servers, potentially cutting costs and improving service...Continue Reading
Discover three ways to get your WAN software defined
There are three ways to get your WAN software defined: overlay, replace and as a service. Learn what these entail and how they can reduce costs and improve WAN performance.Continue Reading
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a set of CCITT/ITU standards for digital transmission over ordinary telephone copper wire, as well as over other media.Continue Reading
NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure)
NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure) encompasses all of the networking hardware and software needed to support and connect virtual network functions in carrier networks.Continue Reading
How to make a WLAN controller effective and efficient
Our expert explores the best ways to put WLAN controllers to work for you and your organization.Continue Reading
Getting started: Why it's time to learn Python for SDN
Not all programming languages are created equal. For networking pros ready to dive into coding, network engineer Will Murrell suggests starting with Python.Continue Reading
How can I get started with SDN technologies?
Networking expert Lee Doyle explains how network architects can get started using software-defined networking technologies -- whether in the campus network, WAN or data center.Continue Reading
How to buy a content delivery network
A CDN is a system of distributed servers that deliver Web pages and other types of content such as video to users based on their geographic location; this minimizes latency and eases the traffic load on the customer's network. CDN services are ...Continue Reading
How to buy content delivery networks
This Buyer's Guide informs IT professionals about the latest in content delivery networks (CDNs). It reviews how CDNs work, their key features and offers a bottom line on how to choose the best CDN for their enterprise.Continue Reading
IPv6 connectivity: Ignore at your own peril
Gathering knowledge on IPv6 connectivity and implementation is critical to success in modern IP networking.Continue Reading
vCPE delivers opportunities for new business services
Virtual CPE is one of the largest drivers of NFV deployment. Analyst Lee Doyle explains how the technology will help providers meet shifting business requirements.Continue Reading
Five essential network security topics and trends to watch
With a constant drumbeat of security and data breaches in 2015, it's no wonder networking pros have questions and concerns about network security topics. These five stats can get you started.Continue Reading
In Wave 2, 802.11ac tackles density with multi-user MIMO
Mobile devices continue to flood wireless LANs, but 802.11ac Wave 2 is leveling the playing field. Deploying it, however, requires some forethought.Continue Reading
time-to-live (TTL)
Time-to-live (TTL) is a value in an Internet Protocol (IP) packet that tells a network router whether or not the packet has been in the network too long and should be discarded.Continue Reading
Time to get your cloud network architecture ready
Enterprises need to ensure their cloud network architecture is ready for the future. Here are some concepts network managers should think about.Continue Reading
How to make yours a cloud-ready network
Network managers today must get ready, fast, for the cloud. This technical guide reviews what networking professionals must consider in their move to the cloud: security, availability, software-defined networking and more. Networking pros must get ...Continue Reading
SD-What? Understanding SD-WAN
More than just a buzzword, software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) is already delivering benefits to early adopters. Skeptics warn, however, it's no magical elixir.Continue Reading
WAN optimization techniques pace IT investment
TechTarget's most recent Networking Purchasing Intentions survey reveals IT's priority to invest in WAN optimization techniques in the next 12 months.Continue Reading
Content delivery networks smooth the way for rich media
Content delivery networks, or CDNs, have been available since the '90s but have evolved to improve access to Internet-based video, business-critical applications and online transactions for customers using any kind of device. While CDNs still ...Continue Reading
CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access)
CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) refers to any of several protocols used in second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) wireless communications.Continue Reading
How do you anchor mobile network optimization?
A successful mobility strategy hinges on how well users can get their jobs done across a variety of devices, operating systems and locations, according to an expert.Continue Reading
Successful NFV platforms hinge on middleware selection
When selecting NFV platforms, communication service providers should look for highly reliable middleware that allows them to adapt their networks over time.Continue Reading
Gaining business intelligence from network data analysis
Harvesting your networking data to generate business intelligence can be done -- if you know how to begin.Continue Reading
Signaling System 7 (SS7)
Signaling System 7 (SS7) is an international telecommunications standard that defines how network elements in a public switched telephone network (PSTN) exchange information over a digital signaling network. Nodes in an SS7 network are called ...Continue Reading
Management as a service? Don't underestimate cloud's capabilities
Management as a service provides enterprises some key benefits like reduced cost and improvements in reliability.Continue Reading
Vendors take alternatives to OpenFlow SDN
OpenFlow SDN is promising but vendors are now contemplating alternatives to the protocolContinue Reading
multiplexing
Multiplexing is the simultaneous sending of multiple information streams over a communications medium as a single, complex signal that is then recovered at the receiving end.Continue Reading
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
The OSPF router protocol is used to find the best path for packets as they pass through a set of connected networks. OSPF is one of several Interior Gateway Protocols that replaces the Routing Information Protocol (RIP), an older routing protocol ...Continue Reading
Your best Ethernet switch: A buyer's guide
The state of campus switching is rapidly changing. Those managing networks today, and planning their operations in the future, must contend with the rise of software-defined networking, the pervasiveness of mobile devices, and the coming future that...Continue Reading
What to consider when choosing the best Ethernet switch
IT pros need to consider new developments in technology like software-defined networking and the Internet of Things when choosing the best Ethernet switch for their current and future network.Continue Reading
'Troubleshooting Cisco IP Networks' offers Cisco TSHOOT exam advice
In this book chapter excerpt, author Amir Ranjbar gives advice on the new CCNP TSHOOT 300-135.Continue Reading
When, not what, defines today's networking career
Learning new technologies is a constant challenge, but it is one that IT pros need to overcome to ensure a networking career remains relevant.Continue Reading
throughput
Throughput is a term used in information technology that indicates how many units of information can be processed in a set amount of time.Continue Reading
802.11ac speed gains may drive WLAN architecture changes in Wave 2
How much your network needs to adapt to the jump in 802.11ac speed from Wave 1 -- or even from 802.11n -- to the standard's next phase, Wave 2, depends on where you are in the upgrade cycle.Continue Reading
Is your network ready for the SDN WAN?
The data center is no longer the only place to think about software-defined networking (SDN). The wide area network (WAN) is the latest focus for system administrations. SDN promises to bring many advantages to the WAN, in no small part because WANs...Continue Reading
Minecraft paves the way to grow enterprise SDN, seriously
Insight from the Minecraft video game points to how enterprise SDN adoption could grow faster with a single interface for monitoring, confirmation and troubleshooting.Continue Reading
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is an error-reporting and message-control protocol that network devices use to report problems in IP packet delivery.Continue Reading
millimeter wave (MM wave)
Millimeter wave (also millimeter band) is the band of spectrum between 30 gigahertz (Ghz) and 300 Ghz. Researchers are testing 5G wireless broadband technology on millimeter wave spectrum.Continue Reading
optoisolator (optical coupler or optocoupler)
An optoisolator (also optical coupler or optocoupler) is a component that uses light to transfer electrical signals between circuits to keep them electrically isolated from each other, preventing surges.Continue Reading
Identify the right WAN optimization products for your company
Leading WAN optimization product vendors use a variety of techniques to get the job done. Find out who does what and if it's right for you.Continue Reading
Choosing WAN optimization techniques, more is better
When it comes to choosing WAN optimization techniques, more is definitely better. Part two of this three-part series offers up a catalog of optimization options.Continue Reading
Before you buy: Finding the right WAN optimization appliance
Picking the right WAN optimization appliance for your environment involves comparing different data reduction methods. Learn how to pinpoint the best option.Continue Reading
What you need to know about the hybrid WAN
The ballooning amount of data generated by users and applications is fueling the development of hybrid WANs. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading
SDN technologies break into the networking space
Networking expert Jim Metzler talks to TechTarget's Kara Gattine about the past, present and future of software-defined networks.Continue Reading
Facebook, Google use SDN to boost data center connectivity
Internet content providers like Facebook and Google are already using SDN to improve hyperscale data center connectivity. But more could be done.Continue Reading
What's involved with global ISP Internet breakout?
An expert explains how to achieve global Internet breakout connections and gives examples of different connection options.Continue Reading
How indoor mesh wireless solved an outdoors problem
Using an approach engineered for indoor deployments helped this system administrator solve a network connection problem in the great outdoors.Continue Reading
What is the network’s role in a cloud computing service?
Download this free chapter excerpt from “Designing Networks and Services for the Cloud” to learn how networks can make a cloud computing service more reliable and secure.Continue Reading
How do you approach global MPLS procurement?
An expert discussed some of the particular challenges associated with the international procurement of MPLS VPN services.Continue Reading
Wi-Fi heat map: Secret weapon for wireless network admins
Using heat map technology to pinpoint network activity saves time instead of sending a senior admin to do a site test survey across the entire campus.Continue Reading
SDN starter kits remove some do-it-yourself aspects of an SDN deployment
Not many network engineers can confidently design and launch an SDN deployment from scratch. But with SDN starter kits, there's less need to do that on their own.Continue Reading
Find the right cloud network strategy for your enterprise
Cloud computing adoption is no longer a question of "if," nor even a question of "when." Most enterprises today are using some form of the cloud -- in either a public, private or hybrid model -- to host their applications, servers, storage or ...Continue Reading
Cloud networks need careful planning, not just more bandwidth
Cloud computing has fundamentally changed the way enterprises deploy and use IT resources. So what does it mean to build a cloud network?Continue Reading
Ten recommendations to improve your NFV network evolution
As providers move into network functions virtualization, these 10 recommendations can help guarantee a successful NFV network transition.Continue Reading
With wave 2 Wi-Fi on the horizon, is your network ready?
Wave 2 Gigabit Wi-Fi will usher in speeds of up to 7 Gbps. Expert Lisa Phifer explains what you need to do to get ready.Continue Reading
Identifying the top 10 network-cloud integration challenges
IT managers face a variety of network-cloud integration challenges. But there are steps they can take to keep those challenges at a minimum.Continue Reading
How does the enterprise benefit from IP network transformation?
An expert explains the benefits and challenges of migrating services from a traditional public-switched telephone network to IP.Continue Reading
How to buy: What IT needs to look for in data center switches
IT needs to know what to look for when buying data center switches that support high speeds and lower latencies to pave the way for agile data center network consolidation.Continue Reading
Your manual to the modern cloud computing network
This primer reviews the past and presents options for how to fashion a secure cloud network architecture.Continue Reading
Why you might not need an expensive wireless site survey kit
In this Q&A, one wireless engineer shares how she built a wireless site survey rig for less than $40 using supplies from a hardware store.Continue Reading
Named Data Networking project wants to retire TCP/IP
TCP/IP is buckling under the demands of today's Internet, according to researchers who want to replace it with a new Internet protocol stack. Their solution: Named Data Networking.Continue Reading
REST APIs in SDN: An introduction for network engineers
REST APIs play a vital role in SDN controllers and applications. This will be new territory for many network engineers, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.Continue Reading
Price vs. design, how do you choose MPLS service providers?
When you meet with several MPLS service providers, you need to weigh the cost vs. the design of the product. Cheaper products might not give you all the capabilities you need.Continue Reading
forklift upgrade
Forklift upgrade is industry slang for replacing or significantly upgrading an IT infrastructure. IT transformation is a more formal way to describe the same concept.Continue Reading
What's the holdup on enterprise network software adoption?
Enterprise network software uptake is lagging due to a wide range of adoption barriers. The good news is that these challenges shouldn't be difficult to overcome.Continue Reading
Enterprise wireless networking: The Wi-Fi takeover
Irwin Lazar discusses how Wi-Fi is replacing the need for a wired Ethernet and what this means for the enterprise.Continue Reading
Time for a network monitoring application? What to look for
You might think that implementing a network monitoring tool is like every other rollout. You would be wrong.Continue Reading
White-box switching: Three paths to network programmability
White-box switching is often pitched as a way to cut costs, but the greater value lies in its ability to make networks more programmable and automated.Continue Reading