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• 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

• 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

• Definitions to Get Started

  • beamforming
  • File Transfer Access and Management (FTAM)
  • What is 6G? Overview of 6G networks & technology
  • frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)

  • asymmetric communications
  • network access control (NAC)
  • preboot execution environment (PXE)
  • Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP)

  View All Definitions

• 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

• How to build a network for Open vSwitch testing

  Setting up an Open vSwitch test network can be as simple as downloading code, deploying it on x86 servers and attaching storage disks. Here's how to get started.Continue Reading

• What is generic Ethernet access?

  Generic Ethernet access is a new carrier service rolling out in the United Kingdom. Is this a technology that can work for you?Continue Reading

• NFV Infrastructure: What really lies beneath?

  Vendors have differing ideas on what constitutes an NFV Infrastructure, which makes it difficult to know how to invest. However, there are a few key elements every portfolio should include.Continue Reading

• What you need to know about the DNS system

  The domain name system is a fundamental building block of the Internet. Our expert explains the details of what makes it work.Continue Reading

• Network as a service: The core of cloud connectivity

  Public, private and hybrid clouds have one common requirement: networking. Discover how network as a service enables cloud connectivity.Continue Reading

• CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points)

  CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points) is a standardized protocol that enables wireless LAN (WLAN) controllers to centrally manage a group of wireless access points (APs).Continue Reading

• 25 Gigabit Ethernet: Why that, why now and what's next

  If you blinked, you may have missed it: A consortium formed this summer to develop a 25 Gigabit Ethernet specification, with plans to have 25 Gbps switches shipping in two years. Here's why the industry is in such a hurry.Continue Reading

• Why you need software-defined security for your SDN

  The network architecture shift to software-defined networking requires software-defined security, not a hard-wired security approach.Continue Reading

• Six considerations for big data networks

  Big data networks must be built to handle distributed resources that are simultaneously working on a single task. That'll require network resiliency, consistency and application awareness.Continue Reading

• MPLS-TP (MPLS Transport Profile)

  The Multiprotocol Label Switching Transport Profile (MPLS-TP) is a protocol extension of MPLS designed to speed up and shape network traffic in operator transport networks.Continue Reading

• Network timing: Everything you need to know about NTP

  As more applications use IP networks, reliable distribution of authoritative timing information is becoming critical.Continue Reading

• Seven steps to a Microsoft Hyper-V test network

  Networking pros can use Microsoft Hyper-V networks for multi-tenant cloud environments, but first they'll have to learn the ropes in testing environments. Here are simple steps to building a Hyper-V test network.Continue Reading

• variable-length subnet mask (VLSM)

  Definition: Learn what a variable-length subnet mask (VLSM) is and how it allows network engineers to reduce the number of wasted IP addresses in each subnet.Continue Reading

• 8 steps to a successful MPLS migration

  Successful MPLS migration takes careful consideration. Robert Sturt offers some advice about the steps you should consider before making the move.Continue Reading

• Network programming skills from scripting to DevOps: What to learn

  Networking pros don't need to become code monkeys, but a little network programming can go a long way toward advancing their careers.Continue Reading

• Context-aware security: Big benefits for networks, but no shortcuts

  Context-aware security has the potential to make network security a lot smarter. But it also requires legwork many IT shops aren't equipped to handle.Continue Reading

• white box switch

  A white box switch is built on a low-cost, bare metal device that runs on merchant silicon.Continue Reading

• The simple facts behind antenna basics

  No matter how expensive your wireless system may be, its performance depends on the strength of its antennas.Continue Reading

• How wireless works: The tech behind the magic

  Beginning with the electromagnetic spectrum, analyst Craig Mathias details the foundation supporting wireless communications.Continue Reading

• Building a hybrid network with SDN, network virtualization

  SDN and network virtualization are new and still largely misunderstood technologies. Here's how they can combine to build a modern hybrid network.Continue Reading

• Understanding the basics of bare-metal switches

  Increased commoditization in networking is allowing organizations to drive down costs. Learn about the role of bare-metal switches in this transition.Continue Reading

• Overlay networks: Understanding the basics, making it a reality

  Network overlays place a virtual network over the physical infrastructure for dynamic provisioning and orchestration of network resources.Continue Reading

• optical line terminal (OLT)

  An optical line terminal (OLT) is a device that is located at the service provider's central office and is the endpoint of a passive optical network (PON).Continue Reading

• 802.11ac standard: How did we get here?

  The timeline describes the evolution of the 802.11ac standard, commonly known as Wi-Fi, starting with the creation of the Ethernet in 1973.Continue Reading

• PSTN-to-VoIP evolution poses identity, authentication challenges

  Going from PSTN to VoIP services, this two-part series looks at the evolution of voice and its challenges, from enabling 911 to user identification.Continue Reading

• Software-based routers on x86 servers are becoming reality

  With stronger processing power and advanced software features, software-based routers are becoming a reality -- but only in some cases.Continue Reading

• Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)

  Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) is a security feature that verifies address resolution protocol (ARP) requests and responses in a network.Continue Reading

• port mirroring (roving analysis port)

  Port mirroring is an approach to monitoring network traffic that involves forwarding a copy of each packet from one network switch port to another.Continue Reading

• Using dynamic ARP inspection to stop sniffing attacks

  Expert Michael Gregg discusses how dynamic Address Resolution Protocol inspection helps prevent hackers from penetrating enterprise switches.Continue Reading

• In SDN optical networks, centralized control and scalability

  Technology for SDN optical networks is emerging and with it comes centralized control and dynamic bandwidth provisioning in the WAN.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V logical networks: The answer to scalability

  When it comes time to scale Microsoft virtual environments, engineers must use Hyper-V logical networks, which enable wider connectivity.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V networking: The three virtual switches that fuel connectivity

  In this Hyper-V networking primer, learn about the three virtual switches behind Microsoft virtualization connectivity.Continue Reading

• Brocade SDN certification: What to know about its product credentials

  Brocade now offers two SDN certification credentials focused on its virtual router product platform. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading

• White box switches: Understanding the basics

  White box switches are finally emerging, offering a choice in network OS as well as flexibility. Are they poised to take over your network?Continue Reading

• SDN essentials: Why network orchestration and virtualization?

  The goal of SDN is dynamic networks, so it's crucial to understand the concepts of network orchestration and virtualization -- the keys to flexibility.Continue Reading

• Clos network

  A Clos network is a type of non-blocking, multistage switching architecture that reduces the number of ports required in an interconnected fabric.Continue Reading

• SDN basics: Understanding centralized control and programmability

  Network engineers who want to learn about SDN basics must begin with the concepts of centralized control and network programmability.Continue Reading

• How SDN and NFV simplify network service chain provisioning

  SDN and NFV simplify service chain provisioning, making it easier and cheaper to spin up applications in enterprise and service provider networks.Continue Reading

• Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic simplify OpenFlow

  OpenFlow can simplify networks, yet the protocol itself is complex. Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic streamline OpenFlow SDN.Continue Reading

• Ethernet fabric primer

  Virtualization and cloud exposed legacy data center networks as fragile and inefficient. This primer explains how Ethernet fabrics meet new demands.Continue Reading

• Your next job may be 'network programmer': What you'll need to know

  SDN brings flexibility to networking, but this will require engineers to gain new skills in order to fill the emerging role of network programmer.Continue Reading

• WAN aggregation: Why you should consider this application delivery optimization technique

  What is WAN aggregation, and how does it work? Our expert explains why all companies should consider this type of application delivery optimization.Continue Reading

• Subnet basics: Must you set up Wi-Fi subnets in a single building?

  Expert Mike Jude discusses the rationale of creating distinct Wi-Fi subnets in a single building.Continue Reading

• session border controller (SBC)

  A session border controller (SBC) is a dedicated hardware device or software application that governs the manner in which phone calls are initiated, conducted and terminated on a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network. Phone calls are referred ...Continue Reading

• ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM)

  Ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) is a specialized type of high-speed memory that searches its entire contents in a single clock cycle, with the term “ternary” referring to its ability to store and query data using three different inputs: 0,...Continue Reading

• Will the cloud exchange be the next big ecosystem player?

  An emerging branch of the cloud ecosystem, the cloud exchange, has the potential to address many concerns about the cloud broker model.Continue Reading

• The evolution of network control

  The degree of network control IT pros possess is expanding with new tools and solutions. Learn the latest about network management and monitoring.Continue Reading

• Overcoming network functions virtualization implementation challenges

  Carriers need network functions virtualization implementation prespecification, so they'll look to TM Forum and cloud management models for help.Continue Reading

• OVSDB (Open vSwitch Database Management Protocol)

  The Open vSwitch Database Management Protocol (OVSDB) is an OpenFlow configuration protocol that is designed to manage Open vSwitch implementations.Continue Reading

• jumbo frames

  A jumbo frame is an Ethernet frame with a payload greater than the standard maximum transmission unit (MTU) of 1,500 bytes. Continue Reading

• Where SDN and DPI technology meet: Centralized control and automation

  When SDN and DPI technology meet, network engineers can apply monitoring and management policy to the whole network instead of individual components.Continue Reading

• Are there alternatives to the OpenFlow protocol?

  Jason Edelman explains OpenFlow protocol alternatives and what's important in determining which southbound protocol will work for you.Continue Reading

• IETF SDN: I2RS uses traditional routing protocols in software networks

  The IETF SDN strategy relies on centralized management and distributed decision making with traditional network protocols -- departing from OpenFlow.Continue Reading

• Cisco LISP (Location Identifier Separation Protocol)

  LISP (Location Identifier Separation Protocol) is a routing and addressing architecture developed by Cisco Systems. LISP creates two addresses for each network node: one for its identity and another for its location in the network.Continue Reading

• OF-Config (OpenFlow Configuration and Management Protocol)

  The OpenFlow Management and Configuration Protocol (OF-Config) is a protocol developed under the Open Networking Foundation used to manage physical and virtual switches in an OpenFlow environment.Continue Reading

• Virtual overlay networks: Tunneling protocols enable multi-tenancy

  Virtual overlay networks use tunneling protocols to extend isolated network segments between servers for multi-tenant data center networks.Continue Reading

• OpenStack tutorial: A guide for cloud providers

  This OpenStack guide explores the hype around this open source project, alternative options, what OpenStack Quantum can offer cloud providers and more.Continue Reading

• In the SDN WAN: Network programmability, provisioning and high availability

  The SDN WAN's network programmability and automated provisioning addresses the demands placed on the wide area network by the cloud, SaaS and BYOD.Continue Reading

• network hypervisor

  A network hypervisor is a program that provides an abstraction layer for network hardware.  Network hypervisors allow network engineers to create virtual networks that are completely decoupled and independent from the underlying physical network.Continue Reading

• programmable network (PN)

  A programmable network is one in which the behavior of network devices and flow control is handled by software that operates independently from network hardware.Continue Reading

• Enterprise wireless standards: The basics

  Glen Kemp discusses the standards and protocols that support enterprise-class wireless deployments and how they differ from consumer configurations.Continue Reading

• network tap

  A network tap is an external monitoring device that mirrors the traffic that passes between two network nodes. A tap (test access point) is a hardware device inserted at a specific point in the network to monitor data.Continue Reading

• Primer: A new generation of programmable ASICs

  Programmable application-specific integrated circuits allow the data plane of switches to support new technologies, like software-defined networking.Continue Reading

• OpenFlow configuration protocols: Understanding OF-Config and OVSDB

  OpenFlow directs network packet flows, but OpenFlow configuration protocols, OF-Config and OVSDB, form relationships between controllers and switches.Continue Reading

• Quiz: Managing the enterprise network

  This five question quiz accompanies Henry Svendblad's presentation series on managing the Enterprise Network. Test your retention of the materials Svendblad covered in his video series on enterprise network management.Continue Reading

• ISSU (in-service software upgrade)

  An ISSU (in-service software upgrade) is a technique for updating software on a network device without taking that device offline and thereby disrupting network services.Continue Reading

• How data center network fabric and SDN intersect

  SDN and data center network fabrics both enable converged networking and the ability to manage many switches as one. Where do the two intersect?Continue Reading

• How to plan for a campus core switch refresh: Basic requirements

  Network architects and engineers discuss the features and functions they look for when planning a campus core upgrade.Continue Reading

• NetScaler (SDX)

  Citrix NetScaler SDX is a service delivery networking platform for enterprise and cloud datacenters. NetScaler SDX supports multiple NetScaler instances on a single hardware appliance.Continue Reading

• NETCONF

  NETCONF is an IETF network management protocol that provides an administrator or network engineer with a secure way to configure a firewall, router, switch or other network device.Continue Reading

• software-defined networking monitoring application (SDN monitoring application)

  An SDN monitoring application is a software program that oversees the traffic in a software-defined network (SDN) as a component of network management.Continue Reading

• distributed virtual switch

  A distributed virtual switch is an abstract representation of multiple hosts defining the same name, network policy and port group.Continue Reading

• network fabric

  Network fabric is an industry term that describes a network topology in which devices pass data to each other through interconnecting switches.Continue Reading

• Mininet

  Mininet is a software emulator for prototyping a large network on a single machine. Continue Reading

• Distributed Control Plane Architecture (DCPA)

  A Distributed Control Plane Architecture (DCPA) is a network architecture that makes it possible to allocate control protocol functions across multiple processor levels in the network system.Continue Reading

• SDN application (software-defined networking application)

  An SDN application is a software program designed to perform a task in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment. SDN applications can replace and expand upon functions that are implemented through firmware in hardware devices in a ...Continue Reading

• Network functions virtualization primer: Software devices take over

  With network functions virtualization (NFV), engineers replace network devices with software on basic servers for flexibility and cost reduction.Continue Reading

• hybrid SDN

  A hybrid SDN (software-defined network) is a network where both traditional networking and SDN protocols operate in the same environment.Continue Reading

• OpenStack Neutron (formerly called Quantum)

  OpenStack Neutron is a cloud networking controller and a networking-as-a-service project within the OpenStack cloud computing initiative.Continue Reading

• OpenFlow controller

  An OpenFlow controller is an application that manages flow control in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment.Continue Reading

• OpenFlow switch

  An OpenFlow switch is a software program or hardware device that forwards packets in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment.Continue Reading

• FlowVisor

  FlowVisor is an experimental software-defined networking controller that enables network virtualization by slicing a physical network into multiple logical networks.Continue Reading

• campus network

  A campus network is a proprietary local area network (LAN) or set of interconnected LANs serving a corporation, government agency, university, or similar organization.Continue Reading

• Arista Extensible Operating System (Arista EOS)

  Extensible Operating System (EOS) is a scalable network operating system (OS) that offers high availability, streamlines maintenance processes, and enhances network security.Continue Reading

• POX

  POX is an open source development platform for Python-based software-defined networking (SDN) control applications, such as OpenFlow SDN controllers.Continue Reading

• application-aware networking (app-ware networking)

  Application-aware networking is the capacity of an intelligent network to maintain current information about applications that connect to it and, as a result, optimize their functioning as well as that of other applications or systems that they ...Continue Reading

• SDN overlay (software defined networking overlay)

  An SDN overlay is a deployment method for network virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN) that involves running a logically separate network or network component on top of existing infrastructure.Continue Reading

• data plane (DP)

  The data plane (sometimes known as the user plane, forwarding plane, carrier plane or bearer plane) is the part of a network that carries user traffic.Continue Reading

• control plane (CP)

  The control plane is the part of a network that carries signaling traffic and is responsible for routing.Continue Reading

• VXLAN gateway (Virtual Extensible VLAN gateway)

  A VXLAN gateway is a solution that allows a virtual extensible LAN (VXLAN) to communicate with another network, particularly a virtual LAN (VLAN).Continue Reading

• MHz

  The megahertz, abbreviated MHz, is a unit of alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one million hertz (1,000,000 Hz).Continue Reading

• Microsoft Network Access Protection (NAP)

  Network access protection (NAP), introduced with Windows Server 2008, is Microsoft’s approach to controlling access to a network based on a determination of each device’s health.Continue Reading

• Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)

  Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) is a simple protocol that encapsulates packets in order to route other protocols over IP networks, as defined by RFC 2784.Continue Reading