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• What is a network management system?

  A network management system (NMS) is an application or set of applications that enable network engineers to manage a network's independent components inside a larger network management framework and perform several key functions. Continue Reading

• What is a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)?

  A cloud radio access network (C-RAN) is a centralized, cloud computing-based architecture for radio access networks. Continue Reading

• What is a point of presence (PoP)?

  A point of presence (PoP) is a point or physical location where two or more networks or communication devices build a connection from one place to the rest of the internet. Continue Reading

• What is ingress filtering?

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

• What is green networking?

  Green networking is the practice of selecting energy-efficient networking technologies and products to minimize resource use whenever possible. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is an API (application programming interface)?
  • What is a SAN? Ultimate storage area network guide
  • What is a data retention policy?
  • What is multi-access edge computing? Benefits and use cases

  • What is 5G?
  • What is 6G? Overview of 6G networks & technology
  • phase-locked loop (PLL)
  • What is millimeter wave (mmWave)?

  View All Definitions

• What is a host (in computing)?

  A host is a computer or other device that communicates with other hosts on a network.Continue Reading

• What is network as a service (NaaS)?

  Network as a service (NaaS) is a cloud model for delivering various network services virtually on a subscription basis.Continue Reading

• What is a bogon?

  A bogon is an illegitimate Internet Protocol address that falls into a set of IP addresses that haven't been officially assigned to an entity by an internet registration institute, such as the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).Continue Reading

• What is the blue screen of death (BSOD)?

  The blue screen of death (BSOD) -- also known as a stop error screen, blue screen error, fatal error or bugcheck -- is a critical error screen that can be displayed by Microsoft Windows operating systems (OSes).Continue Reading

• ITSM meets AI: Capabilities, challenges and what's next

  AI promises to transform ITSM through automation and intelligence, but success depends on matching the right AI type to specific challenges while weighing benefits against costs.Continue Reading

• Top PowerShell commands you must know, with cheat sheet

  Explore this list of the most useful PowerShell cmdlets with a guide on how to use each command. Then, download the handy cheat sheet to keep the information at your fingertips.Continue Reading

• How to configure multiple DHCP scopes on one Windows server

  Deploying one DHCP server per subnet is time-consuming and costly. Configure multiple DHCP scopes on one Windows server to centralize network management and increase efficiency.Continue Reading

• What are beans in Java and Spring?

  In 1996, Sun Microsystems introduced its JavaBeans application programming interface for writing a Java component. Continuing with its coffee analogy, Sun called that component a bean.Continue Reading

• 8 things to know when switching from Windows to Linux

  Switching to Linux from Windows can present new challenges for beginner Linux admins. Here are eight tips to keep in mind when adopting a Linux OS if you've only used Windows.Continue Reading

• What is a power distribution unit (PDU)?

  A power distribution unit (PDU) is a device for controlling data center electrical power.Continue Reading

• Cisco CCNA practice test: Try these 20 exam questions

  Use this CCNA practice test as study material to prepare for the Cisco CCNA 200-301 exam. With 20 questions on a range of topics, we're not playing around.Continue Reading

• 8 best practices for creating architecture decision records

  An ADR is only as good as the record quality. Follow these best practices to establish a dependable ADR creation and maintenance process.Continue Reading

• What is cloud bursting?

  Cloud bursting is an application deployment technique in which an application running in a private cloud or data center bursts its extra workload to a public cloud when the demand for computing capacity spikes.Continue Reading

• What is confidential computing?

  Confidential computing is a concept in which encrypted data can be processed in memory to limit access to protect data in use. It is especially suitable for public clouds.Continue Reading

• What are the Uptime Institute's data center tier standards?

  Data center tiers are a system created by Uptime Institute LLC to describe the availability of infrastructure resources in a facility.Continue Reading

• How to deploy Windows LAPS for tighter security

  Microsoft improved the feature that automates local administrator password management in Windows Server and the client OS. This tutorial explains the updates and how to set it up.Continue Reading

• An introduction to network automation with Ansible

  Ansible gives administrators additional control over how they configure devices. These tips and tricks help give you a head start in learning what Ansible can do.Continue Reading

• What is PUE (power usage effectiveness)?

  Power usage effectiveness (PUE) is a metric used to determine the energy efficiency of a data center.Continue Reading

• How to choose coding standards: Development best practices

  Learn how coding standards enhance quality and efficiency in software projects. Follow coding conventions and standards to achieve the five pillars of code quality.Continue Reading

• What is computer room air conditioning (CRAC)? CRAC vs. CRAH unit differences?

  A computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit is a device that monitors and maintains the temperature, air distribution and humidity in a data center, network or server room.Continue Reading

• Understanding API proxy vs. API gateway capabilities

  API proxies and gateways help APIs talk to applications, but it can be tricky to understand vendor language around different tools' functionalities.Continue Reading

• What is a cookie?

  A cookie is a text file carrying some information that a website places on a user's computer.Continue Reading

• What is a storage filer?

  A storage filer is a type of file server designed and programmed for high-volume data storage, backup or archiving.Continue Reading

• Overview of the AI maturity model in networking

  A network maturity model outlines the path from manual to automated operations. As organizations move to AI-ready networks, adoption and AI capabilities remain in early stages.Continue Reading

• What is VMware NSX? Definition, features and use cases

  VMware NSX is a network virtualization feature that allows VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) subscribers to replicate their entire network infrastructure with software.Continue Reading

• What is signal-to-noise ratio and how is it measured?

  A signal-to-noise ratio compares the strength of a desired signal with any undesired signals created by background noise.Continue Reading

• What is compliance automation?

  Compliance automation, also known as automated compliance, is the practice of using technology -- such as applications with AI features -- to perform and simplify compliance procedures.Continue Reading

• How to create a network monitoring system

  Most organizations buy network monitoring systems from vendors, but those that choose to build in-house must follow a detailed set of steps to ensure a comprehensive platform.Continue Reading

• PowerShell background jobs unlock scripting performance

  When you need a PowerShell script to execute as quickly as possible, try this native feature to run multiple jobs in parallel to overcome processing bottlenecks.Continue Reading

• A guide to switch from Windows to Linux

  Switching from Windows to Linux can seem like a daunting task. Follow this guide to seamlessly migrate to Linux, from premigration practices to installation.Continue Reading

• Useful commands to check CPU info in Linux systems

  You can issue commands through your Linux CLI to gather CPU information, including detailed information on cores, class, virtualization support, architecture and usage.Continue Reading

• What is automation bias?

  Automation bias is an overreliance by human operators on automated systems, such as computer hardware, software and algorithms, to make decisions, even when the machine-generated output is incorrect or contradicts human judgment.Continue Reading

• 6 essential refactoring techniques to know

  Refactoring helps optimize the codebase and combat technical debt. Use these six code refactoring techniques to improve code structure, maintainability and overall quality.Continue Reading

• What is a zettabyte (ZB)?

  A zettabyte (ZB) is a unit of measurement used by technology professionals and the general public to describe a computer's or other device's storage capacity.Continue Reading

• What is an object in programming?

  In object-oriented programming (OOP), an object is a reusable unit of code that can perform certain actions and interact with other objects in a program.Continue Reading

• What is the OSI model? The 7 layers of OSI explained

  The OSI model (Open Systems Interconnection model) is a multilayered reference model that shows how computer systems and applications communicate over a network.Continue Reading

• What is DevOps as a service?

  DevOps as a service is a delivery model for software application development.Continue Reading

• What is a rogue DHCP server?

  Rogue DHCP servers can throw DHCP infrastructures out of balance. These servers cause numerous network problems but are easy to detect and remove with proper network management.Continue Reading

• What is hyperconverged storage?

  Hyperconverged storage is a software-defined approach to storage management that combines storage, compute, virtualization and networking technologies in one physical unit that's managed as a single virtualized system.Continue Reading

• Benchmarking LLMs: A guide to AI model evaluation

  LLM benchmarks provide a starting point for evaluating generative AI models across a range of different tasks. Learn where these benchmarks can be useful, and where they're lacking.Continue Reading

• What is an automated script?

  An automated script is a code snippet that executes repetitive or complex tasks such as provisioning infrastructure, managing security vulnerabilities, setting up data pipelines and testing software, with little or no human intervention.Continue Reading

• Understand how Windows Server 2025 PAYG licensing works

  Microsoft debuts pay-as-you-go licensing for Windows Server 2025 for enterprises that need flexibility with their on-premises and third-party cloud workload needs.Continue Reading

• How to fix flaky tests: A practical approach for QA teams

  Flaky tests can be frustrating and tempting to ignore. In many cases, you shouldn't. Use this guide to learn which flaky tests to prioritize and how to fix them.Continue Reading

• 26 essential Linux storage commands for management

  Monitor, manage and secure storage capacity across your Linux servers, devices and dev workstations. These commands aid management of file sizes, partitions and file systems.Continue Reading

• Automate PowerShell scripts for self-healing IT infrastructure

  Transform manual maintenance into efficient automated processes and free your IT team for strategic innovation.Continue Reading

• Get started with Amazon Q Developer

  Amazon Q Developer is a versatile tool for software development, offering code generation, optimization recommendations and seamless integration with various IDEs and AWS tools.Continue Reading

• 3 software testing sample test cases, with templates

  A good test case is easy to trace, reusable and relevant to user needs. Learn how to write an effective test case with these examples and free templates.Continue Reading

• Single-tenant vs. multi-tenant cloud architecture

  Single-tenant and multi-tenant cloud architecture offer unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding both is crucial for selecting the best fit for your organization.Continue Reading

• What is AI in networking?

  AI in networking involves the application of artificial intelligence technologies, including machine learning, deep learning and advanced data analytics, to automate, optimize and secure network operations.Continue Reading

• What is Docker?

  Docker is an open source software platform used to create, deploy and manage applications in virtualized environments called containers.Continue Reading

• What is shielded twisted pair (STP) and how does it work?

  Shielded twisted pair (STP) is a kind of cable made up of smaller wires where each small pair of wires is twisted together and has an outer coating to electrically shield it.Continue Reading

• BGP routing: A configuration and troubleshooting tutorial

  BGP is the internet's core routing protocol, enabling communication between ISPs and large networks. This guide covers its functionality, configuration and troubleshooting essentials.Continue Reading

• What is real user monitoring (RUM)?

  Real user monitoring (RUM) is a type of performance monitoring that records user interactions with a website or application.Continue Reading

• What is ping and how does it work?

  Ping (Packet Internet Groper) is a basic internet program that enables a user to test and verify if a particular destination Internet Protocol (IP) address is reachable and can respond to network requests.Continue Reading

• What is a distributed file system (DFS)?

  A distributed file system (DFS) enables clients to access file storage from multiple hosts through a computer network as if they were accessing local storage.Continue Reading

• Verification vs. validation in software testing

  Verification and validation are at the heart of all software testing efforts. Together, they check that software fulfills both user expectations and technical requirements.Continue Reading

• What is virtual memory?

  Virtual memory is a memory management technique where secondary memory can be used as if it were a part of the main memory.Continue Reading

• What is private PaaS? How is it different from public PaaS?

  Private platform as a service (private PaaS) is a cloud computing model that facilitates the development, deployment and management of software applications in a private cloud.Continue Reading

• What is cloud asset management?

  Cloud asset management is the practice of tracking and managing the resources used in an organization's cloud-based services.Continue Reading

• Iterative vs. incremental development: What's the difference?

  Iterative and incremental development refine software differently: one focuses on early feedback, one on complete components. Together, they balance flexibility and stability.Continue Reading

• What is infrastructure automation?

  Infrastructure automation uses software tools to automate processes related to IT infrastructure provisioning, management and monitoring.Continue Reading

• What is 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet)?

  1000BASE-T is a Gigabit Ethernet standard that operates at a speed of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) over copper wiring.Continue Reading

• What is DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)?

  DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to dynamically assign an Internet Protocol (IP) address to any device on a network so it can communicate.Continue Reading

• What is Bash (Bourne Again Shell)?

  Bash (Bourne Again Shell) is the free and enhanced version of the Bourne shell distributed with Linux and GNU operating systems.Continue Reading

• What is Routing Information Protocol (RIP)?

  Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a distance vector protocol that uses hop count as its primary metric.Continue Reading

• What is infrastructure as code (IaC)?

  Infrastructure as code (IaC) is an IT practice that codifies and manages underlying IT infrastructure as software.Continue Reading

• The rubber duck method of debugging explained

  Ever feel like a quack when trying to debug software? When you're stuck, sometimes it just helps to hear yourself talk -- even if you're just talking to a rubber duck.Continue Reading

• How to measure developer productivity

  Measuring only the hard numbers of dev activity can have deleterious effects on developer experience, productivity and even retention. Try measuring dev productivity holistically.Continue Reading

• What is distributed tracing?

  Distributed tracing is a method used to track the journey of requests as they flow through a distributed system or microservices architecture.Continue Reading

• 10 best API testing tools to know

  API testing tools are essential for ensuring reliable, high-performing APIs in modern software development. Choose API testing tools that suit your tech stack and workflow.Continue Reading

• What are hot and cold aisles in the data center?

  Hot and cold aisles in the data center are part of an energy-efficient layout for server racks and other computing equipment.Continue Reading

• What is an mSATA SSD (mSATA solid-state drive)?

  An mSATA SSD is a solid-state drive that conforms to the mSATA interface specification developed by the Serial ATA (SATA) International Organization.Continue Reading

• What is data center interconnect (DCI)?

  Data center interconnect (DCI) technology links two or more data centers so they can share resources.Continue Reading

• What is streaming network telemetry?

  Streaming network telemetry is a real-time data collection service in which network devices, such as routers, switches and firewalls, continuously push data related to the network's health to a centralized location.Continue Reading

• What is an automation architect?

  An automation architect is a senior IT professional responsible for the strategic design, development and governance of automation initiatives across an organization.Continue Reading

• 19 Linux performance monitoring utilities

  Monitoring Linux server performance is vital for optimal operation. System admins should consider these 19 performance monitoring utilities to ensure maximum server performance.Continue Reading

• What is workflow orchestration?

  Workflow orchestration is the process of coordinating and automating tasks across different systems to ensure they run within a defined workflow.Continue Reading

• What is a clustered network-attached storage (NAS) system?

  A clustered network-attached storage (NAS) system is a scale-out storage platform made up of multiple NAS nodes networked together into a single cluster.Continue Reading

• What is network traffic?

  Network traffic is the amount of data that moves across a network during any given time.Continue Reading

• What is blue/green deployment?

  Blue/green deployment is a change management strategy for releasing software code.Continue Reading

• What is network availability?

  Network availability is how long a network system is in uptime over a specific time interval.Continue Reading

• What is NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration)?

  NFV MANO (network functions virtualization management and orchestration), or just MANO, is an architectural framework used to manage and orchestrate virtual network functions (VNFs) and other software components.Continue Reading

• What is orchestration in IT?

  In IT, orchestration is a commonly used term for the automated coordination and management of different processes, systems and tasks.Continue Reading

• What is traffic shaping (packet 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

• What is dynamic and static?

  In general, dynamic means 'energetic or forceful,' while static means 'stationary.'Continue Reading

• What is a virtual machine (VM) and how does it work?

  A virtual machine (VM) is a virtual emulation of a physical computer.Continue Reading

• 10 cloud programming languages developers need to know

  Cloud programming languages are not one-size-fits-all. Learn about the top cloud programming languages, and use our expert criteria to choose the best language for your workloads.Continue Reading

• A primer on quantum computing storage and memory

  Quantum storage and memory differ significantly from the technologies in today's computers. The implications for compute power and storage capacity could someday be extraordinary.Continue Reading

• What is a data type?

  In software programming, a data type refers to the type of value a variable has and what type of mathematical, relational or logical operations can be applied on it without causing an error.Continue Reading

• 4 pseudocode examples: Python, Java, JavaScript and C++

  Successful pseudocode conversion goes beyond simply making the code work. It's about creating implementations that respect each language's conventions.Continue Reading

• How to copy files from source to destination in PowerShell

  Take a closer look at these Copy-Item coding examples to build advanced PowerShell scripts that copy files with safety measures to ensure the duplicates reach their destinations.Continue Reading

• What does a cloud network engineer do?

  A cloud network engineer juggles a number of responsibilities -- from network design and troubleshooting to learning about specific cloud providers and platforms.Continue Reading

• How to create API automation framework for testing

  With an increasing need for API testing, having an efficient test strategy is a big concern for testers. Learn about building a test framework and some alternative approaches.Continue Reading

• What is open networking?

  Open networking describes a network that uses open standards and commodity hardware.Continue Reading

• What is Active Directory (AD)?

  Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft's proprietary directory service that enables network admins to manage users, permissions and their access to networking resources.Continue Reading