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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
net neutrality
Net neutrality is the concept of an open, equal internet for everyone, regardless of content consumed or the device, application or platform used. Continue Reading
How to set up a VLAN for enterprise networks
VLANs can secure and prioritize network traffic. To set up VLANs correctly, teams should understand concepts like VLAN tagging and subnets. Continue Reading
QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation)
QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is a method of combining two amplitude modulation (AM) signals into a single channel. Continue Reading
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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
conductance
Conductance is an expression of the ease with which electric current flows through materials like metals and nonmetals. Continue Reading
connectionless
In telecommunications, connectionless describes communication between two network endpoints in which a message can be sent from one endpoint to another without prior arrangement.Continue Reading
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
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
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
packet loss
Packet loss is when one or more transmitted data packets fail to arrive at their destination.Continue Reading
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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
split horizon
Split horizon is a method used by distance vector protocols to prevent network routing loops.Continue Reading
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
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) is a network protocol that enables routers to exchange information more efficiently than earlier network protocols, such as Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP) or Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).Continue Reading
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a Layer 2 network protocol used to prevent looping within a network topology.Continue Reading
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
frequency-division multiplexing (FDM)
In frequency-division multiplexing (FDM), multiple signals are combined for transmission on a single communications line or channel, with each signal assigned to a different frequency (subchannel) within the main channel.Continue Reading
Network observability vs. monitoring: What's the difference?
Traditional network monitoring is useful for collecting data about network issues. But network observability can add further insights into network health and end-user experience.Continue Reading
system administrator (sysadmin)
A system administrator (sysadmin) is an information technolog professional who supports a multiuser computing environment and ensures continuous, optimal performance of IT services and support systems.Continue Reading
international private leased circuit (IPLC)
An international private leased circuit (IPLC) is a point-to-point private line used by an organization to communicate between offices that are dispersed throughout the world.Continue Reading
coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (COFDM)
Coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (COFDM) is a telecommunications modulation scheme that divides a single digital signal across 1,000 or more signal carriers simultaneously.Continue Reading
FCAPS (fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security)
FCAPS (fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security) is a network management framework created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).Continue Reading
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology that facilitates fast data transmission at a high bandwidth on existing copper wire telephone lines to homes and businesses.Continue Reading
Link Control Protocol (LCP)
In computer networking, Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) provides a standard way to transport multiprotocol data over point-to-point links; within PPP, Link Control Protocol (LCP) establishes, configures and tests data link internet connections.Continue Reading
beamforming
Beamforming is a type of radio frequency (RF) management in which a wireless signal is directed toward a specific receiving device.Continue Reading
File Transfer Access and Management (FTAM)
File Transfer Access and Management (FTAM) is an OSI application Layer 7 protocol that standardizes how files are accessed and managed in a distributed network file system.Continue Reading
5G core network functionality driven by SDN, NFV
To reap the full benefits of 5G, operators are using SDN, NFV and network slicing to build out core network functionality.Continue Reading
An introductory overview of 5G network capabilities
In this Q&A, author William Stallings discusses 5G services, such as network slicing and QoS, and other topics covered in his book, '5G Wireless: A Comprehensive Introduction.'Continue Reading
Test your knowledge in this 5G QoS quiz
In this quiz, test your knowledge of network slicing, QoS, and other technologies and practices related to 5G networking.Continue Reading
frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)
Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) transmission is the repeated switching of the carrier frequency during radio transmission to reduce interference and avoid interception.Continue Reading
asymmetric communications
Asymmetric communications is a term pertaining to any system in which the data speed or quantity, when averaged over time, is different in one direction from the other.Continue Reading
network access control (NAC)
Network access control (NAC), also called network admission control, is a method to bolster the security, visibility and access management of a proprietary network.Continue Reading
preboot execution environment (PXE)
Preboot execution environment (PXE), pronounced pixie, is a set of standards that enables a computer to load an operating system (OS) over a network connection.Continue Reading
SYN scanning
SYN scanning is a tactic that a malicious hacker can use to determine the state of a communications port without establishing a full connection.Continue Reading
Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP)
Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) is a connection-oriented network protocol for transmitting multiple streams of data simultaneously between two endpoints that have established a connection in a network.Continue Reading
port
A port in computing has three main uses, each as a type of receptacle in networking, computer hardware and software.Continue Reading
FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface)
FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) is a network standard that uses fiber optic connections in a local area network (LAN) that can extend in range up to 200 kilometers (124 miles).Continue Reading
megabits per second (Mbps)
Megabits per second (Mbps) are units of measurement for network bandwidth and throughput. It is used to show how fast a network or internet connection is.Continue Reading
passive optical network (PON)
A passive optical network (PON) is a system commonly used by telecommunications network providers that brings fiber optic cabling and signals all or most of the way to the end user.Continue Reading
American Wire Gauge (AWG)
American Wire Gauge (AWG) is the standard way to denote wire size in North America.Continue Reading
ping
A ping (Packet Internet or Inter-Network Groper) is a basic internet program that enables a user to test and verify if a particular destination Internet Protocol (IP) address exists and can accept requests in computer network administration.Continue Reading
committed information rate (CIR)
Committed information rate (CIR) is the guaranteed rate at which a Frame Relay network will transfer information under normal line conditions.Continue Reading
port number
Port number is a way to identify a specific process to which an internet or other network message is to be forwarded when it arrives at a server.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
Switched Multimegabit Data Service (SMDS)
Switched Multimegabit Data Service (SMDS) is a public, packet-switched service aimed at enterprises that need to exchange large amounts of data with other enterprises over the wide area network on a nonconstant or bursty basis.Continue Reading
anti-replay protocol
The anti-replay protocol provides Internet Protocol (IP) packet-level security by making it impossible for a hacker to intercept message packets and insert changed packets into the data stream between a source computer and a destination computer.Continue Reading
time-to-live (TTL)
Time-to-live (TTL) is a value for the period of time that a packet, or data, should exist on a computer or network before being discarded.Continue Reading
BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol)
BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol) is an internet protocol that lets a network user automatically be configured to receive an IP address and have an operating system booted without user involvement.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
A guide to network lifecycle management
Network pros should follow a network lifecycle to monitor, manage and implement changes in their networks, regardless of whether it's a plan, build and manage framework or PPDIOO.Continue Reading
How to use iPerf3 to test network bandwidth
In this in-depth tip, learn how to use iPerf3, a network testing tool to measure throughput and benchmark your WAN links to ensure effectivity.Continue Reading
extranet
An extranet is a private network that enterprises use to provide trusted third parties -- such as suppliers, vendors, partners, customers and other businesses -- secure, controlled access to business information or operations.Continue Reading
Network Address Translation (NAT)
A Network Address Translation (NAT) is the process of mapping an internet protocol (IP) address to another by changing the header of IP packets while in transit via a router.Continue Reading
customer premises equipment (CPE)
Customer premises equipment (CPE) is telecommunications and information technology equipment kept at the customer's physical location rather than on the service provider's premises.Continue Reading
TCP/IP
TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol and is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet.Continue Reading
encoding and decoding
Encoding and decoding are used in many forms of communications, including computing, data communications, programming, digital electronics and human communications.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
optoisolator (optical coupler or optocoupler)
An optoisolator (also known as an optical coupler, photocoupler, optocoupler) is a semiconductor device that transfers an electrical signal between isolated circuits using light.Continue Reading
token ring
A token ring is a data link for a local area network (LAN) in which all devices are connected in a ring or star topology and pass one or more tokens from host to host.Continue Reading
Snort
Snort is an open source network intrusion detection system (NIDS) created by Sourcefire founder and former CTO Martin Roesch.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
poison reverse
In a computer network that uses the Routing Information Protocol (RIP) or other distance vector routing protocol, poison reverse is a loop avoidance process.Continue Reading
12 official practice questions for the CCNA 200-301 exam
These practice questions for CCNA 200-301 lay out what readers need to know about network security and IP routing in the LAN, from 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volumes 1 and 2.'Continue Reading
Five-nines availability: What it really means
Learn what five-nines availability means and discover the steps enterprises should take to make sure network services are fully accessible.Continue Reading
How to calculate network bandwidth requirements
Figuring out how to calculate bandwidth requirements is vital to ensuring your network runs smoothly, and it's best to use the correct formula from the beginning.Continue Reading
bus network
A bus network is a local area network (LAN) topology in which each node -- a workstation or other device -- is connected to a main cable or link called a bus.Continue Reading
flooding (network)
In a computer network, flooding occurs when a router uses a non-adaptive routing algorithm to send an incoming packet to every outgoing link except the node on which the packet arrived.Continue Reading
ping sweep (ICMP sweep)
A ping sweep (also known as an ICMP sweep) is a basic network scanning technique used to determine which of a range of IP addresses map to live hosts (computers).Continue Reading
cognitive radio (CR)
Cognitive radio (CR) is a form of wireless communication in which a transceiver can intelligently detect which communication channels are in use and which ones are not.Continue Reading
CRC-4 (Cyclic Redundancy Check 4)
CRC-4 (Cyclic Redundancy Check 4) is a form of cyclic redundancy checking -- a method of checking for errors in transmitted data -- that is used on E1 trunk lines.Continue Reading
maximum transmission unit (MTU)
The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest size frame or packet -- in bytes or octets (eight-bit bytes) -- that can be transmitted across a data link.Continue Reading
crosstalk
Crosstalk is a disturbance caused by the electric or magnetic fields of one telecommunication signal affecting a signal in an adjacent circuit.Continue Reading
Uuencode (Uuencode/Uudecode)
Uuencode (also called Uuencode/Uudecode) is a popular utility for encoding and decoding files exchanged between users or systems in a network.Continue Reading
NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System)
NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) is a network service that enables applications on different computers to communicate with each other across a local area network (LAN).Continue Reading
phase-locked loop (PLL)
A phase-locked loop (PLL) is an electronic circuit with a voltage or voltage-driven oscillator that constantly adjusts to match the frequency of an input signal.Continue Reading
near-end crosstalk (NEXT)
Near-end crosstalk (NEXT) is an error condition that can occur when connectors are attached to twisted pair cabling.Continue Reading
spectrum analyzer
A spectrum analyzer is a device that measures and displays signal amplitude (strength) as it varies by frequency within its frequency range (spectrum).Continue Reading
10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE)
10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) is a telecommunication technology that offers data speeds up to 10 billion bits per second.Continue Reading
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is a digital modulation technique used in digital cellular telephone and mobile radio communication.Continue Reading
virtual routing and forwarding (VRF)
Virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) is a technology included in Internet Protocol (IP) network routers that enables multiple instances of a routing table to exist in a virtual router and work simultaneously.Continue Reading
HDLC (High-level Data Link Control)
HDLC (High-level Data Link Control) is a group of protocols or rules for transmitting data between network points (sometimes called nodes).Continue Reading
shielded twisted pair (STP)
Shielded twisted pair (STP) is a special kind of copper telephone and local area network (LAN) wiring used in some business installations.Continue Reading
Signaling System 7 (SS7)
Signaling System 7 (SS7) is an international telecommunication protocol standard that defines how the network elements in a public switched telephone network (PSTN) exchange information and control signals.Continue Reading
IEEE 802.3
802.3, or IEEE 802.3, is a working group of standard specifications for Ethernet, a method of packet-based physical communication in a local area network maintained by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.Continue Reading
network protocol
A network protocol is a set of established rules that dictate how to format, transmit and receive data so that computer network devices -- from servers and routers to endpoints -- can communicate, regardless of the differences in their underlying ...Continue Reading
bits per second (bps or bit/sec)
In data communications, bits per second (bps or bit/sec) is a common measure of data speed for computer modems and transmission carriers.Continue Reading
CCNA certification
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a technical certification that Cisco offers for early-career networking professionals.Continue Reading
bandwidth (network bandwidth)
Network bandwidth is a measurement indicating the maximum capacity of a wired or wireless communications link to transmit data over a network connection in a given amount of time.Continue Reading
An introduction to Go network programming
This chapter excerpt from 'Network Programming with Go' dives into logging and metrics, while also providing Go code examples and best practices.Continue Reading
Best practices and strategies for logging in Go
Author Adam Woodbeck discusses how network teams can use the Go programming language for logging and metrics. One tip: Log prudently, and use metrics generously.Continue Reading
How to secure your home Wi-Fi network in 7 steps
When securing your home Wi-Fi, update devices regularly, change passwords consistently, turn off unused services and inspect outdoor network equipment.Continue Reading
Hybrid network vs. hybrid network infrastructure
Hybrid networks and hybrid network infrastructure blend different kinds of equipment, geographic locations, network ownership and technology disciplines.Continue Reading
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a network protocol for transmitting files between computers over TCP/IP connections.Continue Reading
How to set up a home network -- a 7-step guide
From understanding hardware components to managing network performance and security, this guide teaches networking newbies how to set up a home network.Continue Reading
Ansible vs. Terraform vs. Vagrant: What's the difference?
Ansible, Terraform and Vagrant are common infrastructure automation platforms with specific use cases, benefits and drawbacks. But choosing a platform doesn't need to be confusing.Continue Reading
4 attributes key to network-as-a-service model
For a network-as-a-service model to work for the enterprise, it needs to offer four key attributes: an application-specific, elastic, secure and personalized VPN.Continue Reading
Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E: Spectrum, not hype, is key difference
The extended spectrum of Wi-Fi 6E sounds promising. But, when assessing Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E, organizations should pay close attention to radio frequency characteristics.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
Wi-Fi 6 rollout requires careful review of network devices
Wi-Fi 6 is just one part of the overall enterprise network. Organizations need to evaluate several network components to ensure a smooth Wi-Fi 6 deployment.Continue Reading