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• 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)

  OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) is a reference model for how applications communicate over a network. 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• What does stateful vs. stateless mean in a networking context?

  When it comes to understanding state from a networking perspective, knowing the difference between stateful vs. stateless firewalls is a crucial starting point.Continue Reading

• BGP tutorial: How the routing protocol works

  Border Gateway Protocol is the complex routing protocol that literally makes the internet work. This tutorial walks you through how BGP functions and offers troubleshooting options.Continue Reading

• Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)

  Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is a procedure for mapping a dynamic Internet Protocol address (IP address) to a permanent physical machine address in a local area network (LAN).Continue Reading