Networking
Top Stories
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Tip
31 Jul 2026
Understanding the network-as-software transformation
Manual methods no longer cut it as enterprises adopt advanced architectural models. Instead, software-based approaches like NaaS and infrastructure as code are gaining traction. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2026
NetScout doubles AI DDoS defenses after infrastructure buy
NetScout boosts its attack mitigation capacity to 33 Tbps and plans to strengthen integration between its on-premises and cloud-based tools. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2021
Supply chain issues mean backlog, price increases for Cisco
Cisco product orders were up 33% in its most recent fiscal quarter. Supply chain issues, rising prices and historic backlog could threaten that growth's longevity. Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2021
Nvidia launches the Quantum-2 InfiniBand platform
The Quantum-2 InfiniBand platform, introduced this week, includes software, a BlueField-3 DPU, a Quantum-2 switch, and a ConnectX-7 network adapter. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Nov 2021
4 trends spurring the evolution of network hardware
Major trends in network hardware highlight enterprise interest in vendor-agnostic options and open models. But legacy designs could stand in the way of adoption. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Nov 2021
University's private cellular network hints to enterprise use
California State University, Stanislaus blanketed its campus in private 4G/5G in a project that shows promise for the future of CBRS networks in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2021
NSX virtual switch types enhance networking capabilities
NSX-T supports both the N-VDS and VDS switches. But N-VDS requires its own network adapters, while VDS uses all network adapters from a single switch for all network types. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Nov 2021
patch panel
A patch panel in a local area network (LAN) is a mounted hardware assembly that contains ports that are used to connect and manage incoming and outgoing LAN cables. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2021
Ford, Mercedes-Benz optimize 5G-enabled smart factories
Smart factories are typically powered by technologies like AI or IoT systems. Now, companies like Ford, John Deere and Mercedes-Benz are using 5G to innovate smart factories. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2021
How zero-trust SDP can work with a VPN for remote work
Implementing software-defined perimeter and zero-trust security models with a corporate VPN adds significant layers of user and device verification and authentication. Continue Reading
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News
11 Nov 2021
AT&T launches a managed SASE offering with Cisco
AT&T aims its latest managed SASE service at enterprises using Cisco hardware. The offering's features range from firewall and secure web gateway functionality to DNS layer security. Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2021
Cisco ThousandEyes gets SaaS application monitoring
The new service creates a global map of SaaS delays, interruptions and outages to help IT staff troubleshoot and record problems that violate service-level agreements. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Nov 2021
What are the top CDN benefits for today's enterprise?
Delivering timely, high-quality content is more critical than ever, and CDN services bring that and a myriad of other benefits to the modern enterprise. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Nov 2021
downloading
Downloading is the transmission of a file or data from one computer to another over a network, usually from a larger server to a user device. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2021
Midband 5G spectrum auctions come to the fore
Midband has become the premier spectrum for 5G use. The FCC's 3.45 GHz auction began in October, following the massive C-band sell-off that ended in January 2021. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Nov 2021
IDSL
IDSL is a hybrid of a digital subscriber line (DSL) and integrated services digital network (ISDN) technology that transmits data slightly faster than ISDN but much slower than most DSL services. Continue Reading
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News
04 Nov 2021
Aruba launches more powerful Instant On switches
Aruba is launching the 1960 series, the latest addition to its small business-optimized Instant On portfolio. The new switch offers more bandwidth and scalability. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2021
Evaluate the components of Cisco SASE
Cisco's SASE platform, Umbrella, has all the components of a SASE architecture, but it has a lot of integration complexity and a reliance on appliances. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2021
Juniper Networks secures IoT management
Juniper Networks' latest Mist AI-enabled product uses private pre-shared keys to secure IOT devices and unify their management. Juniper also launched two 6 GHz access points. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Nov 2021
FedEx, S&P Global discuss cloud edge use cases
A cloud edge strategy moves resources and data closer to where users need them, supporting use cases like robotics, IoT and autonomous processing. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Nov 2021
ARPANET
The U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) was the first public packet-switched computer network. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Oct 2021
Pandemic sparks interest in Wi-Fi 6 adoption
As a result of the pandemic, a new hybrid work environment has emerged, and enterprises are looking to adopt new technologies -- Wi-Fi 6 included -- to manage it. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2021
Get up to speed with enhanced content delivery networks
With enhanced features and new delivery options, CDNs are poised to make greater inroads with enterprises to improve UX across the board. Continue Reading
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News
28 Oct 2021
Cisco's newest Silicon One chip steps up routing performance
The P100 ASIC delivers a high performance-to-power ratio for web-scale data centers. It's the 11th chip in the Silicon One family. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Oct 2021
What digital experience monitoring means for network teams
Digital experience monitoring integrates several monitoring tools to provide a comprehensive view into the performance of endpoints, applications and the network. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Oct 2021
Network redundancy vs. resiliency: What's the difference?
The difference between network redundancy and resiliency is redundancy duplicates network devices while resiliency is the self-recovery of system failures. Continue Reading
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News
22 Oct 2021
Gartner predicts IT spending to reach $4.5 trillion in 2022
Corporate boards will prioritize their digital tech initiatives, as fully remote work gives way to a thoughtful hybrid work model that places IT at the core of business operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2021
A quick guide to BGP best practices
The use of Border Gateway Protocol is prevalent among ISPs and enterprises. While BGP best practices change for specific use cases, some recommendations are helpful in all scenarios. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Oct 2021
full-duplex
Full-duplex data transmission means that data can be transmitted in both directions on a signal carrier at the same time. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2021
Aruba introduces the distributed data center switch
Aruba's CX distributed switch, available in January, provides security through the embedded Pensando ASICs. Services powered by the chips include load balancing and a firewall. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2021
Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM)
Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM) is a subnet -- a segmented piece of a larger network -- design strategy where all subnet masks can have varying sizes. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2021
Seebeck effect
The Seebeck effect is a phenomenon in which a temperature difference between two dissimilar electrical conductors or semiconductors produces a voltage difference between the two substances. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2021
dynamic multipoint VPN (DMVPN)
A dynamic multipoint virtual private network (DMVPN) is a secure network that exchanges data between sites/routers without passing traffic through an organization's virtual private network (VPN) server or router located at its headquarters. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Oct 2021
Static IP vs. dynamic IP addresses: What's the difference?
Static IP addresses are typically used for servers, routers and switches. Dynamic IP addresses, however, are commonly used for workstations, phones and tablets. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2021
4 categories of network monitoring
Network teams should routinely monitor the states of their networks. The type of network monitoring strategy used depends on the needs of the organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Oct 2021
CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance)
CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance) is a protocol for carrier transmission in 802.11 networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2021
6 Wi-Fi design best practices for enterprise networks
Designing Wi-Fi networks doesn't need to be overly complicated. Site surveys and walks around the environment are simple steps teams can take to assess coverage requirements. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2021
virtual network adapter
A virtual network adapter is software that operates like a physical network adapter within the host operating system (OS) or through an application installed on the endpoint or server. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2021
network analyzer (protocol analyzer or packet analyzer)
A network analyzer -- also called a network protocol analyzer or packet analyzer -- is a software application, dedicated appliance or feature set within a network component used in network performance troubleshooting or to enhance protection against malicious activity within a corporate network. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Oct 2021
The status of 5G rollouts in 2021 and 2022
Major U.S. mobile operators -- AT&T, Dish, T-Mobile and Verizon -- are focused on deploying 5G through 2022. Learn about each provider's timeline. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Oct 2021
computer hardware
Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical components of an analog or digital computer. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2021
VMware Edge brings consistency with cloud, data center
VMware's latest edge product portfolio is consistent with the infrastructure the company provides for the cloud and the enterprise data center. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Oct 2021
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is an extension of the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) used by an internet service provider (ISP) to enable the operation of a virtual private network (VPN) over the internet. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Oct 2021
Remote access vs. site-to-site VPN: What's the difference?
A remote access VPN connects remote users from any location to a corporate network. A site-to-site VPN, meanwhile, connects individual networks to each other. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Oct 2021
Class of Service (CoS)
Class of Service (CoS) is a way of managing traffic in a network by grouping similar types of traffic -- such as email, streaming video, voice over IP and large document file transfer -- together and treating each type as a class with its own level of network service priority. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Oct 2021
10BASE-T
10BASE-T is an Ethernet standard for local area networks and one of several physical media specified in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 standard. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Oct 2021
frequency-shift keying (FSK)
Frequency-shift keying (FSK) is a method of transmitting digital signals using discrete signals. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Oct 2021
subcarrier
A subcarrier is a secondary modulated signal frequency modulated into the main frequency (the carrier) to provide an additional channel of transmission. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2021
FCC commissioner urges more funding for satellite broadband
FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington said satellite-based wireless broadband should be available in remote areas where fiber isn't an option. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Sep 2021
internet metering
Internet metering is a service model in which an internet service provider (ISP) keeps track of bandwidth use and charges users accordingly. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Sep 2021
CDN vs. cloud computing: What's the difference?
Content delivery networks and cloud computing architectures may appear to serve the same function. But each has a specific role to play when distributing content. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Sep 2021
bottleneck
A bottleneck, in a communications context, is a point in the enterprise where the flow of data is impaired or stopped entirely. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Sep 2021
Best practices and tools for public cloud monitoring
Public cloud adoption has ramped up in recent years. In these busy environments, certain cloud network monitoring tools can provide IT groups with crucial visibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2021
Automate network validation for smoother changes
Teams can verify network state before and after network changes to ensure smooth deployment of the changes. Automating those pre- and post-change checks can reduce errors and outages. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Sep 2021
circuit switching
Circuit switching is a type of network configuration in which a physical path is obtained and dedicated to a single connection between two endpoints in the network for the duration of a dedicated connection. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2021
frame relay
Frame relay is a packet-switching telecommunications service designed for cost-efficient data transmission for intermittent traffic between local area networks (LANs) and between endpoints in wide area networks (WANs). Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Sep 2021
Ways to speed up white box networking adoption
Most organizations are slow to deploy new techniques, white box networking included. Experts explain why and offer advice on how to speed up adoption across enterprises. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2021
100 Gigabit Ethernet (100 GbE)
100 Gigabit Ethernet (100 GbE) is an Ethernet standard that supports data speeds of up to 100 billion bits (gigabits) per second (Gbps). Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2021
Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP)
Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP) is an automated configuration technology that routes data on a distributed network by discovering the best routing path between endpoints. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2021
What is an edge router?
An edge router is a specialized router located at a network boundary that enables an internal network to connect to external networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2021
A review of Cato Networks' SASE Cloud platform
Cato's SASE Cloud lacks some features and may require customers to replace point products to fully benefit from the platform. But Cato aligns with SASE’s cloud-native vision and is a strong contender in the market. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2021
runbook
Runbooks are a set of standardized written procedures for completing repetitive IT processes within a company. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Sep 2021
Joint Academic Network (JANET)
The Joint Academic Network (JANET) is an internal, high-speed computer network that links the U.K. education and research community. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Sep 2021
visitor-based networking (visitor-based network)
Visitor-based networking (VBN) is a computer network with high-speed internet access provided by an organization for temporary use by visitors, guests or other users in a public area. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Sep 2021
Service Profile Identifier (SPID)
In telecommunications, a Service Profile Identifier (SPID) is a number assigned by a phone company to a terminal on an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) B-channel. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Sep 2021
deep packet inspection (DPI)
Deep packet inspection (DPI) is an advanced method of examining and managing network traffic. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2021
The role of smartNICs in modern enterprise networks
This chapter excerpt from 'Building a Future-Proof Cloud Infrastructure' looks at how smartNICs can support distributed services platforms for both cloud providers and enterprises. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2021
How smartNIC architecture supports scalable infrastructure
In this Q&A, author Silvano Gai discusses how smartNICs can benefit enterprises by providing more granular telemetry and supporting distributed cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Sep 2021
GVRP (GARP VLAN Registration Protocol or Generic VLAN Registration Protocol)
GVRP (GARP VLAN Registration Protocol or Generic VLAN Registration Protocol) is a standards-based protocol that facilitates control of virtual local area networks (VLANs) within a larger network. Continue Reading
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News
09 Sep 2021
Exium offers 5G network security to IBM EAM
Exium is IBM's latest partner in 5G network security. Enterprises have the option of using Exium's network as a service with the IBM Edge Application Manager. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Sep 2021
Gigabit Ethernet (GbE)
Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), a transmission technology based on the Ethernet frame format and protocol used in local area networks (LANs), provides a data rate of 1 billion bits per second, or 1 gigabit (Gb). Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Sep 2021
serial digital interface (SDI)
Serial digital interface (SDI) is a standard for digital video and audio transmission over coaxial or fiber optic cabling. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Sep 2021
trunk (trunking)
A network trunk is a communications line or link designed to carry multiple signals simultaneously to provide network access between two points. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2021
How remote work changes the future of network management
The pandemic ushered in a new normal of hybrid workplaces. What's also new is how network teams manage these remote networks, like using zero-trust security models. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Aug 2021
autonomous system (AS)
An autonomous system (AS) in networking is a collection of one or more associated Internet Protocol (IP) prefixes with a clearly defined routing policy that governs how the AS exchanges routing information with other autonomous systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Aug 2021
customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
Customer proprietary network information (CPNI) in the United States is information that telecommunications services -- such as local, long-distance and wireless telephone companies -- acquire about their subscribers. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Aug 2021
dynamic port numbers
Dynamic port numbers, also known as private port numbers, are the port numbers that are available for use by any application to use in communicating with any other application, using the internet's Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP). Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2021
Comcast Business to acquire network service provider Masergy
Masergy could bring needed midsize to large enterprise business to Comcast Business. Masergy, based in Plano, Texas, provides managed SD-WANs, cloud security and UCaaS. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2021
CompTIA Cloud+ tips to troubleshoot cloud networks
The CompTIA Cloud+ exam covers a range of topics, including how to secure and troubleshoot cloud networks. Some of the first steps: Start simple, and isolate the problem. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2021
stateful inspection
Stateful inspection, also known as dynamic packet filtering, is a firewall technology that monitors the state of active connections and uses this information to determine which network packets to allow through the firewall. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2021
Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP)
Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) is a network standard designed for transmitting audio or video data that is optimized for consistent delivery of live data. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Aug 2021
NACK (NAK, negative acknowledgment, not acknowledged)
NACK, or NAK, an abbreviation for negative acknowledgment or not acknowledged, is a signal used by computers or other devices to indicate that data transmitted over a network was received with errors or was otherwise unreadable. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Aug 2021
Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC)
Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) is a transmission protocol used to synchronously transfer code-transparent, serial-by-bit data over a communications channel. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2021
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) is a group of fiber optic transmission rates that transport digital signals with different capacities. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Aug 2021
Virtualization concepts to study for CCNP and CCIE exams
In this Q&A, author Patrick Gargano discusses the importance of virtualization in networking and offers studying advice for aspiring CCNPs and CCIEs in preparation for the exams. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Aug 2021
Explore virtualization study topics for CCNP, CCIE exams
Aspiring CCNPs and CCIEs will need to grasp one of networking's most important topics: virtualization. 'Day 7' from Patrick Gargano's '31 Days' explains the subject in detail. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Aug 2021
bit stuffing
Bit stuffing refers to the insertion of one or more bits into a data transmission as a way to provide signaling information to a receiver. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2021
file server
A file server is a computer responsible for the storage and management of data files so that other computers on the same network can access the files. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2021
Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)
Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) refers to the traditional, analog voice transmission phone system implemented over physical copper wires (twisted pair). Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2021
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology for implementing wired Ethernet local area networks (LANs) that enables the electrical current necessary for operating each device to be carried by Ethernet data cables instead of standard electrical power cords and wiring. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2021
network operations center (NOC)
A network operations center (NOC) is a centralized place from which enterprise information technology (IT) administrators -- either internal or third party -- supervise, monitor and maintain a telecommunications network. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2021
conductance
Conductance is an expression of the ease with which electric current flows through materials like metals and nonmetals. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2021
dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM)
Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) is an optical fiber multiplexing technology that is used to increase the bandwidth of existing fiber networks. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2021
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. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2021
IPTV (Internet Protocol television)
IPTV (Internet Protocol television) is a service that provides television programming and other video content using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite, as opposed to broadcast TV, cable TV or satellite signals. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2021
What is packet loss in networking?
Packet loss is when one or more transmitted data packets fail to arrive at their destination. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2021
carrier-to-noise ratio
In communications, the carrier-to-noise ratio, often written as CNR or C/N, is a measure of the received carrier strength relative to the strength of the received noise. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Aug 2021
A deep dive into Fortinet's SASE platform
Despite its strong security foundation, Fortinet's SASE platform lacks a cloud-native strategy and requires teams to stitch the architecture together. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Aug 2021
split horizon
Split horizon is a method used by distance vector protocols to prevent network routing loops. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Aug 2021
star network
A star network is a local area network (LAN) topology in which all nodes -- personal computers (PCs), workstations or other devices -- are directly connected to a common central computer that is often referred to as a hub. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Aug 2021
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a Layer 2 network protocol used to prevent looping within a network topology. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Aug 2021
sliding window (windowing)
The sliding window (windowing) technique is used by Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to manage the flow of packets between two computers or network hosts. Continue Reading