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• An introduction to cloud network architecture

  Enterprises have myriad cloud networking options: private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud and multi-cloud. Find out which architecture and tool sets best fit your business. Continue Reading

• What SD-WAN certifications and courses are available?

  A few SD-WAN certifications do exist, but they're heavily focused on specific vendors and their respective products. Find out why market-wide certs are unlikely. Continue Reading

• Discover 5 key cloud networking basics for your organization

  Clear away the fog, and explore these five key cloud networking fundamentals -- such as models, challenges and tools -- you need to know before you adopt a cloud network strategy. Continue Reading

• Prep for SD-WAN challenges, and you'll reap its rewards

  Reap SD-WAN's multiple benefits by knowing ahead of time what the likely issues will be and the options available at the implementation and management stages. Continue Reading

• SD-WAN deployment in the works? Consider these 3 things

  SD-WAN can simplify the deployment and management of new branch WANs, but there are some key configuration and technical choices you must make to get started. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit)
  • data streaming
  • secure access service edge (SASE)
  • Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF)

  • geo-blocking
  • RS-232C
  • frequency band
  • operational support system (OSS)

  View All Definitions

• How to develop and implement a network security plan

  When formulating a focused network security plan, you'll need to address specific questions about outbound traffic, user logins and government regulations.Continue Reading

• A glossary of key edge computing architecture terms

  Bolster your networking vocabulary and get to know the various features and technologies that constitute edge computing in this comprehensive glossary of key terms and phrases.Continue Reading

• Data center transformation drives the ADC security use case

  Application delivery controllers play many roles, but the ADC security use case might be most important. Learn about ADC features and how they boost data center security.Continue Reading

• 5G explained: A deep dive into the features and facts

  In this 5G guide, learn about key features, challenges and deployment tips. This 5G explanation goes beyond the fundamentals and explores 5G's relationship to other technologies.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 Routing and Switching 200-125 exam. With 20 questions on a range of topics, we're not playing around.Continue Reading

• Try a CCNA 200-301 practice quiz from the official cert guide

  This practice quiz provides a sneak peek into the new 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1,' which reflects Cisco's CCNA certification and exam redesigns.Continue Reading

• Prepare for the CCNA 200-301 exam with this guide preview

  Here's a sneak peek at what to expect from Cisco's redesigned CCNA exam directly from 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1' by author Wendell Odom.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

• IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)

  IPv6 is a set of specifications from the Internet Engineering Task Force that improves IPv4 by extending IP addresses from 32 bits to 128 bits.Continue Reading

• Learn how to get started with your networking career

  Wherever you are on your networking career path, these expert insights can help you decide where to go and give advice about job requirements, certifications and industry changes.Continue Reading

• Network pros on new Cisco DevNet certification: 'Finally!'

  Want to learn infrastructure as code? Now, there's a Cisco cert for that. Learn more about the new network automation certification suite, plus changes to the CCNA, CCNP and CCIE.Continue Reading

• What is data center networking, and how can you get started?

  This feature explores the basics of data center networks, such as how to plan for data center consolidation, the effects of cloud services and how to handle data center interconnects.Continue Reading

• The top 5 capabilities your edge infrastructure should have

  The network edge plays a vital role in the future of networking and digital transformation. Make sure your infrastructure has these five components to help it on its way.Continue Reading

• What are network firewalls? Test your network security IQ

  Network firewalls have been an essential part of network security since the internet began. This quiz covers what network firewalls are and tests your security expertise.Continue Reading

• What are the steps I should take for network transformation?

  The path to digital transformation has three points that all organizations should reach to ensure their network is ready for digital transformation.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

• How does SD-WAN analytics monitor network performance?

  With SD-WAN analytics, administrators can fine-tune their WAN connections and determine how well their network is performing.Continue Reading

• Better security through software-defined perimeter know-how

  Network attacks keep changing, which means your strategy for protecting the network must too. Learn one advancement that's replacing traditional network architectures.Continue Reading

• The essential 5G glossary of key terms and phrases

  To understand 5G, delve into various elements that encompass the new technology. This glossary of 5G keywords explains what 5G is and how its new features work.Continue Reading

• Test your networking knowledge: What is edge computing?

  Edge computing technology isn't new, but it may differ from your expectations. This quiz covers essential edge computing basics, such as pros, cons and differentiators.Continue Reading

• What is network automation, and what can it do for you?

  This feature explores what network automation is and its influence on organizations. It also discusses assumptions about its effect on network engineers and similarities with SDN.Continue Reading

• Learn about the top telecom certifications

  Use this expert advice to wade through myriad telecom certifications and pinpoint the top certifications for the industry, like TCO, iNARTE and BICSI certifications.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

• BGP tutorial: How the routing protocol works

  Border Gateway Protocol is the complex routing protocol that literally makes the internet work. This tutorial walks you through how BGP functions and offers troubleshooting options.Continue Reading

• A glossary of 10 essential network security terms

  This network security glossary covers both old and new key terms -- such as zero trust networks and microsegmentation -- that can bolster anyone's security vocabulary.Continue Reading

• What is NetOps? Start with these 5 common questions

  This compilation is an essential starting point for NetOps novices. These five common questions explore what NetOps is, how it can benefit networks and its effect on network teams.Continue Reading

• An 802.11ax survival guide: Expectations for the Wi-Fi standard

  This 802.11ax survival guide has the information you need for the newest Wi-Fi standard, including various expectations, device advice and available features.Continue Reading

• 4 criteria to consider in your cloud migration strategy

  Organizations that are evaluating a workload migration to the cloud should use this workload placement process to build a consistent cloud migration strategy.Continue Reading

• What do you know about the history of Wi-Fi?

  If you ever wonder how Wi-Fi got to where it is today, this quiz takes you through the vast history of Wi-Fi, from the first generation through 802.11ax's impending ratification.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 is hybrid cloud networking and how is it evolving?

  With help from telecom providers and connectivity, hybrid cloud networking enables organizations to add network capacity by tapping into public cloud infrastructure.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 are private 5G networks and could they emerge as a major trend?

  In some network environments, businesses may need broader connection options for devices and automation. Private 5G networks, at some point, might be the answer.Continue Reading

• A glossary for the terms and types of WAN technologies

  This introduction to WAN technologies defines several different terms -- such as VPN and SD-WAN -- that are essential in anybody's networking vocabulary.Continue Reading

• Wireless capacity more important than fast Wi-Fi 6 speed

  Wi-Fi 6 speed may be getting all the attention, but the most compelling advantages of the new standard are techniques engineered to increase wireless capacity.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN with IoT enables the enhanced network edge

  In a world teeming with IoT devices -- and the resulting data -- SD-WAN and SD-branch can provide the security, visibility and connectivity the IoT edge requires.Continue Reading

• What are the 5 types of network firewalls and how are they different?

  As they monitor and filter network traffic, some firewalls can provide some pretty advanced security controls. But added packet inspection can slow network performance.Continue Reading

• network scanning

  Network scanning is a procedure for identifying active devices on a network by employing a feature or features in the network protocol to signal devices and await a response.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 you need to know about edge computing architecture

  Edge computing makes network operations more responsive, but there are challenges that must be addressed to get this latest network architecture working for you.Continue Reading

• What happens when edge computing hits enterprise networks?

  Is it time to take your network to the edge? Learn what edge networking can do to improve traffic flows, ease demand for high-performing connectivity and more.Continue Reading

• A review of SD-branch and its progression from SD-WAN

  The goal of software-defined branch is to merge network functions and management into a single platform, but the branch architecture still lacks maturity, despite some early deployments.Continue Reading

• A brief glossary of network service provider types

  For network novices and experts alike, this glossary of basic terms covers essential keywords related to network services and the various providers that sell them.Continue Reading

• How are automated network configuration and management changing?

  Could a new generation of network testing and verification tools combine with automated network configuration to mimic intent-based networking systems?Continue Reading

• How to strategize for WAN and SD-WAN performance monitoring

  The importance of WAN performance monitoring hasn't decreased with the introduction of SD-WAN and other technologies. Enterprises still need to enforce proper monitoring strategies.Continue Reading

• Cloud connectivity tests the bond between enterprises, WAN providers

  Collaborating on cloud connections can strengthen or strain relationships between enterprises and service providers. Service-level agreements, in particular, can be tested.Continue Reading

• How do cloud data centers affect network bandwidth requirements?

  When deciding which applications to move to a cloud data center, enterprises should consider network bandwidth requirements and latency, among other factors.Continue Reading

• Take steps now to ready your network for 802.11ax specification

  The 802.11ax specification promises higher speeds and lower latency. Preparing now will help you make the transition easier. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Network operating system advantages extend to white box switching

  The network operating system is changing, moving toward software acceleration, open APIs and white box switching. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the new NOS.Continue Reading

• AI in networking presents opportunities for service providers

  Network installers and managed service providers can reap key benefits with AI in networking, including better productivity, staff management and customer response.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

• Wireless network configuration basics: 5 steps to follow

  Different wireless networks have different requirements. However, some common principles exist for strategizing your wireless network configuration steps.Continue Reading

• Why would an organization move to intent-based networking?

  Intent-based networking doesn't use any magical commands. But it does use a heavy dose of automation, which might cause some network teams to be wary of the new approach.Continue Reading

• How to improve your networking career path in 3 steps

  Network technology is always changing. As a result, your IT network skills need to evolve, as well. Take a look at three steps you can take on your networking career path.Continue Reading

• What is intent-based networking and how does it work?

  Intent-based networking might be the future of networking, but it needs to be more than just another networking strategy that offers advanced automation and simplified provisioning.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

• A brief index of network configuration basics

  This glossary of terms provides a brief overview of network configuration and some of the crucial components involved -- many of which remain as necessary as ever.Continue Reading

• Network configuration basics: Focus on users and software tools

  When configuring a network, keep a detailed and updated document to track user needs and network changes. And, of course, take advantage of network configuration software.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 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

• 10 metrics to drive a NetOps 2.0 culture shift

  If an object at rest tends to stay at rest, how can IT leaders get the network moving at the speed of DevOps? Start with performance review metrics that reflect NetOps goals, experts suggest.Continue Reading

• Getting started with 5G network planning

  This feature explores the basics of 5G technology, concerns from industry insiders, where it currently stands and predictions for its future.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

• A quick guide to important SDN security issues

  Lock down your knowledge of SDN security issues using this compilation that includes expert advice, common pain points and helpful best practices.Continue Reading

• NetOps, SecOps, DevOps concepts merge to automate security testing

  By adopting DevOps concepts, network teams can automate security testing. But, as development, network and security tasks mingle, some staffing challenges can arise.Continue Reading

• How do last-mile connections work for SD-WAN deployments?

  SD-WAN technology plays well with existing last-mile connections, and it allows enterprises to use more than one type of transport link. But beware of provider sprawl.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

• Time-sensitive networking standards could boost industrial control

  With the help of VLAN priority levels, time-sensitive networking can make packet flow more predictable. The technology could especially benefit the factory floor.Continue Reading

• A 7-step checklist for designing a cloud migration plan

  Enterprises want their applications to be portable and able to shift easily among multiple cloud providers. To do that, putting together a good cloud migration plan is a must.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

• How do I begin network infrastructure planning for SD-WAN?

  When gearing up for SD-WAN upgrades, enterprises should take their time with network infrastructure planning. These three steps can help get them started.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

• What you need to know about managed SD-WAN services

  This guide offers easy access to information on five major topics related to managed SD-WAN services and directs you toward the latest advice, tips and recommendations.Continue Reading

• Will network management functions as a service arrive soon?

  Network management as a service isn't widespread, at least not yet. But if past history is any indication, its popularity is bound to grow, once certain hurdles are overcome.Continue Reading

• How can network analytics tools benefit IT staff?

  Network analytics tools can help IT managers proactively pinpoint network performance issues and trends -- even before the underlying problem is revealed.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

• Networking (computer)

  Networking, also known as computer networking, is the practice of transporting and exchanging data between nodes over a shared medium in an information system.Continue Reading

• Is NaaS the answer to bolster network infrastructure security strategy?

  Network security as a service can be a beneficial part of a network infrastructure security strategy, but you have to ask the right questions.Continue Reading

• Three goals of multiple cloud management and how to reach them

  Attaining the benefits of the cloud is getting ever more complex. Learn ways to enable efficient and effective management of hybrid and multi-cloud environments.Continue Reading

• Challenges of blockchain muddle understanding of the technology

  There is a lot of hype about blockchain and how it might be used within networking operations. But just understanding the technology and what it actually does might be among the biggest challenges of blockchain.Continue Reading

• Clarifying network disaggregation and related technologies

  Trying to explain network disaggregation and related trends -- like SDN, NFV and white boxes -- can be complicated. Our expert pins the terms down and explains the tradeoffs.Continue Reading

• Software-based networks lay foundation of networking's future

  Software-based networks are evolving, reshaping how companies do business and blending into legacy networking. Enterprises will have to sort out which approaches work best.Continue Reading

• A refresher course on white box networking equipment

  This white box networking review sheds some light on the variations, as it's all too easy to confuse the intricacies of white boxes, universal CPEs and brite boxes.Continue Reading

• Optical interconnect DCI frameworks need more flexibility to keep pace

  An optical interconnect framework can support high-speed DCI deployments. But it's important that optical networks become programmable to ensure reliability.Continue Reading

• App delivery controllers are vital networking hardware tools

  With new capabilities, the future of ADCs is bright. Learn what features this networking workhorse has acquired and what it means for data center networking.Continue Reading

• Private CDN services fill specific needs for some businesses

  In addition to shared CDN service options, private CDNs with dedicated edge servers are the obvious answer for businesses with specific content delivery needs.Continue Reading

• How do I improve my network programming knowledge?

  When it comes to SDN and programmable network skills, combining training with practice and hands-on experience can help advance your programming knowledge.Continue Reading

• Q3 Cisco financials show another uptick in sales, services

  Cisco financials show a 4% boost in sales as Cisco records its second consecutive quarter of revenue growth and continues to embrace software services.Continue Reading

• SN blogs: Is Arista making right move with campus switches?

  Bloggers discuss Arista's new strategy to market campus switches, examine container security risks and ask the question of whether networking is a commodity.Continue Reading

• Helping enterprises adapt to open source switching

  Enterprise adoption of open source switching hasn't kept pace with cloud providers and telcos. What are some of the barriers blocking the use of disaggregation?Continue Reading

• What is ONAP, and how does it tie into NFV architecture?

  Network expert Lee Doyle looks at ONAP, its role in NFV architecture and its progress in becoming the standard platform for NFV management and orchestration.Continue Reading

• Network infrastructure design for network-as-a-service

  When it comes to network as a service, network infrastructure design depends on if you want services delivered across the LAN, WAN or data center. Find out what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Software drives the promise of the interoperable network

  Interoperability in networks is essential now, a reality that vendors increasingly acknowledge. Learn how the networking industry is changing to accommodate the need for openness.Continue Reading