Ask the Experts
Ask the Experts
Network infrastructure
-
Networking vs. telecom: What's the difference?
Networking describes how devices interconnect to share resources with each other. Telecom, which includes networking, broadly refers to the exchange of data across long distances. Continue Reading
-
Traditional networks vs. IoT networks: What's the difference?
An enterprise network is a system of interconnected devices that share information, while IoT is a system of devices connected to the internet that provides key analytics. Continue Reading
-
Beyond metrics, network SLAs should measure business ops
Enterprises need to ensure network service-level agreements provide a comprehensive view of network service performance to support business operations. Continue Reading
-
How to set up backup internet connections for home offices
Reliable connectivity and secure access are must-haves for employees working from home. Here are ideas to consider when designing backup internet connections for home offices. Continue Reading
-
What is the difference between WLAN and Wi-Fi?
Although the terms WLAN and Wi-Fi are used interchangeably, the two wireless technologies differ. Wireless LAN uses radio technology to connect nodes, while Wi-Fi is a type of WLAN. Continue Reading
-
IPv4 vs. IPv6: What's the difference?
IPv4 and IPv6 are two forms of IP addresses, but they differ in length and style. Compare the two, and find out why organizations might implement one over the other. Continue Reading
-
Wireless access point vs. router: What's the difference?
The choice of a wireless access point vs. a router for wireless network connectivity depends on the physical size of the network, needs of the organization and the number of users. Continue Reading
-
Ethernet vs. Carrier Ethernet: How do they differ?
Connectivity over longer distances and higher data rates are some of the major differences that separate Carrier Ethernet from traditional wired Ethernet. Continue Reading
-
Load sharing vs. load balancing: What's the difference?
Load sharing and load balancing are two techniques that work to distribute traffic across a network. However, their methods of balancing differ significantly. Here's how. Continue Reading
-
Application vs. network load balancing: What's the difference?
Network load balancing and application load balancing both handle traffic requests. But they process and direct those requests with different levels of speed and efficiency. Continue Reading
-
What are the different types of network switches?
Some of the different types of network switches include managed, modular, unmanaged and stackable. Find out how different network switches dovetail and differ. Continue Reading
-
Does Wi-Fi 6 have better range than previous wireless standards?
Yes, Wi-Fi 6 provides better wireless range. But it's not because of higher power output. The key is certain Wi-Fi 6 features can improve data rates at a given range. Continue Reading
-
Fog computing vs. edge computing: What's the difference?
Fog computing vs. edge computing -- while many IT professionals use the terms synonymously, others make subtle but important distinctions between them. Continue Reading
-
What are the 6 components of structured cabling?
The six components of structured cabling are Entrance Facilities, Equipment Room, Backbone Cabling, Telecommunications Room, Horizontal Cabling and Work Area. Continue Reading
-
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
-
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
-
What is the network edge and how is it different from edge computing?
The network edge is where an enterprise network connects to third-party network services. Edge computing is a distributed architecture that processes data closer to end users. Continue Reading
-
What does the 0.0.0.0 IP address mean and why is it used?
One of a few special-purpose addresses, IP address 0.0.0.0 has several applications in networking. It stands in as a placeholder address, identifies a default route and more. Continue Reading
-
The differences between PAP and CHAP
PAP uses a two-way handshake to authenticate client sessions, while CHAP uses a three-way handshake. Both authentication processes are common, but one is more secure. Continue Reading
-
What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address?
A MAC address and an IP address each identify network devices, but they do the job at different levels. Explore the differences between the two and learn why both are necessary. Continue Reading
-
Static vs. dynamic routing: What is the difference?
Static routing uses preconfigured routes to send traffic to its destination, while dynamic routing uses algorithms to determine the best path. How else do the two methods differ? Continue Reading
-
How to use two VPN connections at the same time
Network managers and users might opt to set up two VPN connections at the same time, from the same remote device. But that might not be possible -- or safe. Continue Reading
-
6 trends in corporate campus networks
Networks are evolving, and that evolution includes enterprise campus networks. Trends like network automation, 5G and machine learning are modernizing campus networks. Continue Reading
-
Sometimes I get a message, 'specified port already open.' What does it mean?
Find out what error messages 'the specified port is already open' or 'the specified port is already in use' mean, and learn how to troubleshoot and fix them. Continue Reading
-
What does a network infrastructure upgrade project involve?
Explore the steps organizations must take to upgrade their network infrastructure, including how to tell if an upgrade is necessary and how to evaluate resources for the project. Continue Reading
-
VLAN vs. subnet: What's the difference?
While VLANs are a type of subnet, they have their own unique capabilities and characteristics that differentiate them from subnets. However, the OSI model plays a major role in both. Continue Reading
-
What are the differences between Wi-Fi and WiMax?
Wi-Fi is the wireless standard used to build wireless LANs, while carriers primarily used WiMax to build wireless metropolitan area networks before moving to LTE. Continue Reading
-
Managed vs. unmanaged switches: What are the differences?
Managed and unmanaged network switches differ in various ways, including control and cost. Managed switches support more granular control, yet unmanaged switches have lower prices. Continue Reading
-
Edge computing challenges and ways to address them
Edge computing can reduce processing times and improve application performance, but the architecture has its issues. Here are eight challenges edge computing creates for the network. Continue Reading
-
What is the difference between SNMP and RMON?
While Simple Network Management Protocol tracks network devices, Remote Network Monitoring tracks traffic. As a team, SNMP and RMON are essential for network management. Continue Reading
-
What's the difference between GRE and IPsec tunnels?
IPsec provides more comprehensive security for IP tunneling, while GRE tunnels work well when network teams need to tunnel with multiple protocols or multicast. Continue Reading
-
What's the difference between a Layer 3 switch and a router?
Even though they have common traits, there is a difference between a Layer 3 switch and a router. Each plays a key role in making sure packets get sent to their proper destination. Continue Reading
-
What's the difference between OFDMA vs. MU-MIMO in Wi-Fi 6?
Is there a difference between OFDMA and MU-MIMO? The two important Wi-Fi 6 features are complementary but distinct. Here's why. Continue Reading
-
Compare the 2 common types of technical debt
While enterprises often incur technical debt inadvertently through inexperience or poor management, sometimes, developers will plan technical debt to establish a market presence. Continue Reading
-
Is Wi-Fi 6 backward-compatible? Yes and no
With the advent of a new wireless standard, some users may wonder: Is Wi-Fi 6 backward-compatible? The answer is yes. But do you want full backward compatibility? Continue Reading
-
Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet: What's the difference and which is better?
When assessing Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet, each connection type has its benefits and drawbacks. Find out why one standard might be more reliable for your network. Continue Reading
-
What is the difference between a socket and a port?
Sockets, ports and port numbers have functional overlap, but the terms are distinct. A socket is part of a port, while a port number is part of a socket. We explain. Continue Reading
-
SNMP vs. CMIP: What's the difference?
While SNMP and CMIP originally competed as network management protocols in the 1980s, SNMP has emerged as the more relevant protocol, largely due to its simplicity. Continue Reading
-
What's the latest on NFV and VNFs for enterprises?
As virtualized network functions become more and more common, will that change NFV and VNF roles in businesses? Probably not, but other roadblocks may hinder further results. Continue Reading
-
What does 'network on demand' mean for enterprises?
Following the on-demand trend, network on-demand options provide enterprises with more flexible consumption models, such as managed network services and cloud-based networking. Continue Reading
-
Can WPA2 be upgraded to WPA3?
A migration from WPA2 to WPA3 is not simple. Organizations may need to update their hardware extensively to accommodate the newer Wi-Fi encryption standard. Continue Reading
-
How does DevOps in networking change network requirements?
As more organizations embrace DevOps in networking, the approach can transform network requirements, such as visibility and security policies, which network teams should consider. Continue Reading
-
SD-WAN vs. load balancing: How are they different?
SD-WAN can use load balancing for WAN connections, but it doesn't require load balancing to work. Compare some of the similarities and differences between the two. Continue Reading
-
SD-WAN vs. DMVPN vs. IPsec tunnels: How do I choose?
Software-defined WAN, DMVPN and IPsec tunnels each have a place among enterprises. Our network expert compares each one and explains where they can be most beneficial. Continue Reading
-
What is the difference between a bridge and a router?
While a bridge and router share some similarities, the difference between a bridge and router is significant, including how the devices interpret network connections. Continue Reading
-
How can SD-WAN and edge computing services work together?
Organizations may want to consider the effect SD-WAN and edge computing could have when combined. Make sure to consider all options before choosing a combination model, however. Continue Reading
-
What's the difference between half-duplex and full-duplex?
A half-duplex transmission could be considered a one-way street between sender and receiver. Full-duplex, on the other hand, enables two-way traffic at the same time. Continue Reading
-
How to compare Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches
Organizations have much to consider when evaluating Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches, such as device architecture, Opex, Capex and analytics capabilities. Continue Reading
-
What are SFP ports on a Gigabit switch and what are they used for?
SFP ports enable Gigabit switches to connect to a wide variety of fiber and Ethernet cables in order to extend switching functionality throughout the network. Continue Reading
-
Bridge vs. switch comparison: What's the difference?
A network bridge connects two local area networks. A network switch, on the other hand, connects multiple clients to a network. Learn more about these two network components. Continue Reading
-
What is 5G massive MIMO and how can it boost bandwidth?
With a large array of small antennas and time division duplex communication, 5G massive MIMO is expected to support more bandwidth and users with lower latency. Continue Reading
-
What effect will 400 GbE have on enterprise networks?
400 Gigabit Ethernet is the next hurdle for Ethernet capabilities to surpass. But enterprises may not be prepared for this technology yet, due to its immaturity. Continue Reading
-
What is the difference between TCP/IP model vs. OSI model?
Use this expert advice to learn the differences between the TCP/IP model vs. the OSI model, and explore how they relate to each other in network communications. Continue Reading
-
What steps should I take in the event of a network failure?
Don't panic when the network goes down. Instead, use this checklist to go through five factors that could cause network failure, and follow tips on how to plan for them in advance. 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
-
What does open source SD-WAN look like, and do we need it?
Open source software has an openly available source code that users can adopt or modify. Open source combined with SD-WAN might be a perfect match or a too idealistic goal. Continue Reading
-
How is service mesh architecture different from SDN and NFV?
Service mesh separates itself from SDN and NFV approaches with its clear focus on managing the communication and forwarding between multiple microservices. Continue Reading
-
What's the difference between a router, switch and hub?
Although a router, switch and hub all help direct network traffic, the devices transmit packets in different ways. Discover the differences among these network devices. Continue Reading
-
What's the difference between an edge router vs. core router?
Clearly, an edge router and core router are placed in different parts of the network, but their routing roles are more complex than their physical locations. Continue Reading
-
What is a programmable data plane and where does P4 fit in?
A programmable data plane presents a versatile way to forward packets and supports various formats and protocols. The P4 language is used to configure the forwarding actions. Continue Reading
-
What is Cisco Smart Licensing and how might it benefit my business?
Cisco Smart Licensing, the networking vendor's fairly new approach to software licensing, aims to provide customers with more visibility and control over their licenses. Continue Reading
-
When will enterprises adopt the new Wi-Fi 6 standard?
Networking vendors have unveiled Wi-Fi 6 devices, yet the wireless standard is not ratified. Don't expect Wi-Fi 6 to flow into the mainstream anytime soon. Continue Reading
-
What tools can reinforce network edge security?
Firewalls, intrusion prevention systems and cloud-based threat intelligence are just a few of the many ways that organizations can bolster network edge security. Continue Reading
-
How do SDN protocols compare to those used in SD-WAN?
Traditional SDN controllers use northbound and southbound APIs to communicate. But software-defined WAN controllers don't rely on those same SDN protocols. Continue Reading
-
How do network virtualization and network abstraction compare?
Network virtualization and network abstraction share similarities, like supporting the creation of virtual resources, but the two approaches vary in complexity and outcome. Continue Reading
-
What 4 questions can help prepare your network for IoT?
Increasingly, organizations are seeing a marriage of IoT and networking for more efficiency and enhanced services. Here's what you need to know to prepare your networks for IoT. Continue Reading
-
Intent-based networking vs. SDN: How do they differ?
When it comes to the primary differentiators between intent-based networking and SDN, abstraction and administrator commands are at the top of the list. Continue Reading
-
What is a software-defined perimeter, and do I need it?
An evolving network world requires evolving network security. Learn how software-defined perimeter offers a compelling answer to network vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
-
Which core network functions are being virtualized?
Network functions virtualization can virtualize both data center and branch office network services. But a couple of special cases, like virtual switches, require clarification. Continue Reading
-
What roles do vCPE and uCPE have at the network edge?
As service providers look to virtualize the edge and deliver network services faster, they're turning to vCPE and uCPE that run services as software on generic hardware. Continue Reading
-
What are the top benefits of CDN services for enterprises?
You might be asking yourself, 'Do I need a CDN?' According to one network analyst, the answer is most likely yes, as CDNs provide faster access to internet content. Continue Reading
-
Which KPIs should I measure for security in SDN?
KPIs provide useful guidelines to measure how network performance and security align with business objectives. Here are some KPIs to help keep track of an SDN environment. Continue Reading
-
What is a service mesh, and how does it relate to networking?
A service mesh can ease the deployment of microservices and container-based applications, while supporting the delivery of network services, like load balancing and authentication. Continue Reading
-
What are the top 3 benefits of NFV technology?
The use of standard hardware, consolidation of network functions and machines, and flexible system upgrades are some of the key benefits of NFV technology. Continue Reading
-
What are the pros and cons of deploying containers?
Containers can reduce a company's OS licensing costs and required CPU usage, while acting as a bridge to serverless computing. But IT teams need to evaluate the potential drawbacks. Continue Reading
-
Where does SDN fit in edge computing architecture?
SDN and edge computing can work together to apply data processing decisions that make better use of network links and bandwidth, especially when it comes to edge versus cloud. Continue Reading
-
What is the status of VNF deployments among service providers?
Although service providers are undertaking VNF deployments in the network core, they're hard-pressed to deploy them at the network edge due to complexity and cost. Continue Reading
-
How do virtual ADCs benefit enterprise data centers?
Virtual ADCs bring another level of flexibility, authentication and performance monitoring, moving application delivery controllers beyond load balancing and application acceleration. Continue Reading
-
Does software-defined networking architecture use segment routing?
Segment routing steers packets using a list of instructions, and it can be used in MPLS and IPv6 architecture. But does software-defined networking architecture support it? Continue Reading
-
What is multi-access edge computing, and how has it evolved?
Multi-access edge computing provides the processing capacity needed to support the increase of 'things' at the network edge. But for all its promise, MEC has challenges to face. Continue Reading
-
Does software-defined networking architecture need network overlays?
Network overlays and software-defined networking architecture share a history. But while overlays offer flexibility, they also bring extra overhead and troubleshooting complications. Continue Reading
-
Can hyper-converged systems benefit from SDN architecture?
Hyper-convergence combined with software-defined networking architecture might seem like hyper-hype, but SDN offers many network capabilities required of hyper-converged systems. Continue Reading
-
How do I choose between open source and commercial SDN?
Commercial SDN offers vendor-backed support, while open source platforms can be upgraded more quickly. Whether an enterprise chooses one over the other depends on its preferences. Continue Reading
-
Despite WLAN speed growth, do we really need mGig?
Networking vendors introduced mGig to support 802.11ac Wave 2 devices within enterprise networks. But do you really need to upgrade to accommodate the new WLAN speed? Continue Reading
-
Can cable be reused when upgrading 802.11ac wireless LAN?
Is it better to repurpose legacy cabling when planning an 802.11ac wireless LAN upgrade, or does it make sense to buy new? Like many things networking, it depends. Continue Reading
-
How will virtual router software benefit the networking industry?
Although virtual router software has been around for more than a decade, 2017 could be the year vRouting experiences greater adoption due to its available use cases. Continue Reading
-
Will NFV standards address orchestration in the near future?
NFV standards for orchestration are affected by the number of standards groups and service providers' individual approaches, says SDN expert Lee Doyle. Continue Reading
-
What is the difference between bit rate and baud rate?
Learn how to understand the difference between bit rate and baud rate in this expert answer. Continue Reading
-
How can my company reap the advantages of SDN if its culture is risk-averse?
SDN expert Will Murrell discusses how the advantages of SDN will speak to cautious companies only when network engineers can make a case for SDN's lower cost and high functionality. Continue Reading
-
My MPLS service contract expires soon -- should I renew?
The rise of SD-WAN has many asking: Do we really need MPLS connectivity? Expert John Burke explains what factors to consider before renewing your existing contract. Continue Reading
-
What's the best way to handle end-of-sale devices on your network?
A majority of organizations have end-of-sale and end-of-life devices on their networks. What's the best way to ensure your equipment is up to date? Continue Reading
-
Will MPLS traffic engineering technology help you?
MPLS traffic engineering can improve VPN performance to ensure data travels the most efficient path. 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
-
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
-
Multiple access point configuration: Distinguish transmitted signals
Lisa Phifer explains multiple access point configuration when a device tries to differentiate transmitted signals from each point and explains potential issues. Continue Reading
-
Difference between circuit-switching and packet-switching in examples
What is the difference between a circuit switching and packet switching? Our networking fundamentals expert gives examples of packet switching and circuit switching in this response. Continue Reading
-
Calculating subnets for IP addresses in IPv6
Understand how subnetting in IPv6 differs from that of IPv4 and what you need to do in order to calculate the subnet of an IP address in IP version 6. Continue Reading
-
What equipment do I use to connect two LANs in different cities? What are the steps?
How do you connect two LANS from different cities? VPN expert Sampath Ramaswami notes the steps to be taken, in this Q&A. Continue Reading
-
What is the relationship between network cable frequency and its bandwidth?
Learn about the relationship between the network cable's frequency and its bandwidth capacity, the frequency formula and its physics in this expert response by Carrie Higbie. Continue Reading
-
Half duplex vs. full duplex Ethernet 10BASE-T topologies
Ever wonder why half duplex Ethernet 10BASE-T topologies have a slower data transmission rate than full duplex Ethernet 10BASE-Ttopologies? Find out in this expert response by Lindi Horton. Continue Reading