Cloud and data center networking
Data center networks are responsible for traffic routing, switching, resource hosting and more. While on-premises data center networking remains essential, enterprises are also turning to cloud networking, which enables them to host services in cloud environments. Discover various strategies for data center network architecture, hybrid cloud and cloud networking services.
Top Stories
-
Feature
01 Nov 2024
4 ways to improve the network monitoring experience
The network transition from data centers to hybrid and multi-cloud environments makes the network delivery path difficult to find. Here are four ways to make that process easier. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Oct 2024
10 key characteristics of cloud computing
Evaluate how these 10 characteristics of cloud computing, such as on-demand self-service and broad network access, can help you become a more nimble and cost-effective business. Continue Reading
-
Definition
27 Nov 2024
What is SaaS (software as a service)?
Software as a service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which a cloud provider hosts applications and makes them available to end users over the internet. Continue Reading
-
Definition
26 Nov 2024
What is a cloud-native application?
A cloud-native application is a program that is designed for a cloud computing architecture. These applications are run and hosted in the cloud and are designed to capitalize on the inherent characteristics of a cloud computing software delivery model. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 Nov 2024
What is a cloud server?
A cloud server is a virtual server that operates in a cloud computing environment and makes its resources accessible to users remotely over a network. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Nov 2024
What is public cloud? A definition and in-depth guide
A public cloud is a third-party managed platform that uses the standard cloud computing model to make resources, applications and services available on demand to remote users around the world. Continue Reading
-
Feature
01 Nov 2024
4 ways to improve the network monitoring experience
The network transition from data centers to hybrid and multi-cloud environments makes the network delivery path difficult to find. Here are four ways to make that process easier. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Oct 2024
10 key characteristics of cloud computing
Evaluate how these 10 characteristics of cloud computing, such as on-demand self-service and broad network access, can help you become a more nimble and cost-effective business. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Oct 2024
Is cloud-based network management right for your business?
Many enterprises use on-premises network management, but some are transitioning to cloud-based management. Enterprises should evaluate both options before deciding which to use. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 Oct 2024
What is a MAC address and how do I find it?
A MAC address (media access control address) is a 12-digit hexadecimal number assigned to each device connected to the network. Continue Reading
-
Definition
24 Oct 2024
What is cloud sprawl?
Cloud sprawl is the uncontrolled proliferation of an organization's cloud instances, services or providers. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Oct 2024
What is cloud networking?
Cloud networking is a type of IT infrastructure in which the cloud hosts some or all of an organization's networking resources. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Oct 2024
Contact center fraud: How to detect and prevent it
Contact centers can be sitting ducks for fraudsters, but comprehensive agent training, authentication techniques and advanced technologies can protect businesses and customers. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Oct 2024
Contact center monitoring: A step-by-step guide
A well-designed monitoring program identifies customer pain points and gathers valuable intelligence that can improve agent performance and CX, as well as products and services. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Sep 2024
7 essential steps to create a contact center RFP
Successful contact center RFPs are built on collaboration, vendor research, countless questions and answers, scorecards, shortlists, trial runs, bakeoffs and the final decision. Continue Reading
-
Definition
29 Aug 2024
What is AWS Outposts?
AWS Outposts is a fully managed service from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that enables users to set up a hybrid cloud by extending AWS infrastructure, services, application programming interfaces (APIs) and tools to any datacenter, colocation space or on-premises facility. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Aug 2024
Contact center outsourcing: What businesses need to know
Businesses use contact center outsourcing to alleviate agent understaffing, expand customer service and reduce costs, but loss of control and service inconsistency are concerns. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Aug 2024
Why contact centers have high turnover and how to combat it
The alarming rise in contact center turnover rates negatively impacts agent morale, customer interactions and ROI. In many ways, AI is seen as both the cause and the solution. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Aug 2024
How to manage today's remote contact center agents
Technologies like agent analytics, video conferencing, collaboration tools, workforce management applications and cloud software can help manage remote contact centers. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Aug 2024
The ultimate contact center security checklist
If customers know organizations can keep their data safe in the contact center, they have more positive experiences. This checklist of best practices can help establish that trust. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Aug 2024
What is distributed computing?
Distributed computing is a model in which components of a software system are shared among multiple computers or nodes. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Aug 2024
History and evolution of contact centers
Alexander Graham Bell, Steve Jobs and the Baby Bells played notable roles in the contact center's transformation into the front line of communication for businesses and customers. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Aug 2024
What is FTP?
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a network protocol for transmitting files between computers over TCP/IP connections. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 Jul 2024
Contact center compliance checklist for modern workforces
A contact center compliance checklist can serve as a starting point for contact center managers as they seek to comply with internal and external requirements. Continue Reading
-
Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is a software-defined data center (SDDC)?
A software-defined data center (SDDC) is a server management concept in which all infrastructure elements -- networking, storage and compute -- are virtualized and delivered as a service. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Jul 2024
8 contact center challenges in 2024 and how to overcome them
Multifunctional contact centers must meet the expectations of savvy customers, hire and maintain qualified agents, monetize data, safeguard information and modernize operations. Continue Reading
-
Answer
11 Jul 2024
CASB vs. SASE: What's the difference?
CASB and SASE enhance network and SaaS application security. CASB acts as a security layer for cloud services, while SASE integrates networking and security into one framework. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Jul 2024
8 benefits of a modern contact center
Contact centers and their multifunctional capabilities can provide businesses with a competitive edge through improved agent performance, customer engagement and brand loyalty. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Jul 2024
Cloud networking sustainability strategies yield benefits
As enterprises seek ways to reduce their environmental footprints, one popular way is to migrate on-premises networking infrastructure to third-party CSPs. Continue Reading
-
Feature
01 Jul 2024
Compare 5 single-vendor SASE providers
SASE has broad enterprise appeal because it combines security and connectivity. With so many vendor options available, enterprises might need help narrowing the search. Continue Reading
-
Feature
24 Jun 2024
Strategies for simplifying network complexity
Experts at the Cisco Live 2024 conference discussed the future of AI in networks and how its use can help simplify network and data center operations. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Jun 2024
Arista, Cisco, HPE answer AI infrastructure demand
Arista, Cisco and HPE are racing to seize a share of the promising GenAI infrastructure market. Cisco and HPE have computing, networking and software; Arista focuses on networking. Continue Reading
-
Video
17 Jun 2024
An explanation of TCP/IP
These fundamental protocols make transferring data easier by focusing on both communication and transportation through different mediums. Continue Reading
-
Definition
13 Jun 2024
secure access service edge (SASE)
Secure access service edge (SASE), pronounced sassy, is a cloud architecture model that bundles together network and cloud-native security technologies and delivers them as a single cloud service. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Jun 2024
Edge computing opportunities for telecom providers
Compatibility issues and the initial limited release of 5G have hindered edge computing adoption. But widescale 5G rollouts, advances in AI and new use cases could drive deployment. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jun 2024
Cisco commits to GenAI with HyperFabric, $1B fund
Cisco partners with Nvidia on HyperFabric as customers try to understand how generative AI will help them manage their network infrastructure. Continue Reading
-
Answer
29 May 2024
Cloud networking vs. cloud computing: What's the difference?
Organizations might sometimes consider cloud computing and cloud networking as interchangeable due to their similarities. But the two strategies have different goals and processes. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Apr 2024
subnet mask
A subnet mask is a 32-bit binary number used in modern network addressing schemes to differentiate between a network's location and the specific location of a host or device on that network. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Apr 2024
Building networks for AI workloads
Conventional and high-performance computing networks cannot adequately support AI workloads, so network engineers must build specialized networks to accommodate their massive size. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Apr 2024
SASE vs. SD-WAN: What's the difference?
SASE and SD-WAN are two similar architectures administrators use to provide secure network access, but they differ in terms of deployment, security, connectivity and more. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Apr 2024
Infrastructure requirements for Kubernetes cluster networking
A well-architected network infrastructure is vital for Kubernetes cluster networking, providing seamless communication and resource orchestration across containerized workloads. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Mar 2024
cloud management platform (CMP)
A cloud management platform (CMP) is a suite of integrated software tools that an enterprise can use to monitor and control cloud environments. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Mar 2024
data center services
Data center services provide the supporting components necessary to the proper operation of a data center. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Mar 2024
cloud load balancing
Cloud load balancing is the process of distributing workloads across computing resources in a cloud computing environment and carefully balancing the network traffic accessing those resources. Continue Reading
-
Answer
28 Feb 2024
Classical internet vs. quantum internet: How do they differ?
The quantum internet is a hypothetical secure network made of qubits. It differs from the classical internet with its use of quantum principles for enhanced security and computing. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Feb 2024
How quantum networking and UC intersect
Quantum networking and unified communications might seem a long way off, but it's not too early to see how it might reshape UC. For one thing, hacking will be a lot more challenging. Continue Reading
-
Definition
09 Feb 2024
OpenStack
OpenStack is a collection of open source software modules and tools that provides organizations with a framework to create and manage both public cloud and private cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Feb 2024
Latest Cisco products show measured approach to AI
Cisco has launched a SaaS product for applying policy controls to AI model-bound data and an Nvidia partnership to bolster Cisco UCS servers for AI at the edge and data centers. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jan 2024
Juniper adds data center networks to Mist AI
Juniper's Mist AI update will include using the Marvis virtual network assistant to obtain information on data center cabling, configurations and connectivity issues. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Jan 2024
On premises vs. cloud pros and cons, key differences
Immersed in the 'should I stay or should I go' cloud migration debate? Before vacating the premises and moving 'up there,' ponder these advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Jan 2024
Equinix Fabric adds multi-cloud routing
Equinix markets its Fabric Cloud Router as a monthly subscription service that organizations can access and configure quickly. It includes an SLA for 99.999% uptime. Continue Reading
-
Definition
12 Jan 2024
What is hybrid cloud? The ultimate guide
A hybrid cloud is a cloud computing environment that uses a mix of on-premises, private cloud and third-party public cloud services with orchestration among these platforms. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
11 Jan 2024
Why HPE plans to acquire Juniper Networks
With its blockbuster acquisition of Juniper Networks, HPE gains more data center networking and AI technologies as well as other important advantages. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Jan 2024
HPE to acquire Juniper Networks for $14 billion
HPE plans to use Juniper's hardware and software to make networking a 'core business and architecture foundation' for HPE's GreenLake hybrid cloud and AI platform. Continue Reading
-
Definition
05 Jan 2024
hybrid cloud architecture
Hybrid cloud architecture is a type of cloud computing architecture that combines public cloud, private cloud and on-premises resources. Continue Reading
-
Tip
05 Jan 2024
7 keys to an effective hybrid cloud migration strategy
Cloud readiness, storage costs, network lag and metrics can make or break the choice to move data, applications and workloads to today's more complex hybrid cloud environment. Continue Reading
-
Definition
04 Jan 2024
Kubernetes
Kubernetes, also referred to as K8s for the number of letters between K and S, is an open source platform used to manage containerized applications across private, public and hybrid cloud environments. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Jan 2024
8 hybrid cloud security challenges and how to manage them
Hybrid cloud's benefits are many and varied but so are the security issues surrounding integration, compatibility, governance, compliance, APIs, visibility and responsibility. Continue Reading
-
Definition
04 Jan 2024
hybrid cloud management
Hybrid cloud management characterizes the processes and tools for managing applications that span public and private cloud computing infrastructure. Continue Reading
-
Definition
20 Dec 2023
session ID
A session ID, also called a session token, is a unique identifier that a web server assigns to a user for the duration of the current session. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Dec 2023
Top 8 benefits of hybrid cloud for business
Why choose between public cloud and private systems when you can have both? With hybrid cloud, enterprises can address workload requirements, business demands and budgetary needs. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Dec 2023
top-of-rack switching
Top-of-rack switching is a data center architecture design in which computing equipment like servers, appliances and other switches located within the same or adjacent rack connect to an in-rack network switch. Continue Reading
-
Definition
14 Dec 2023
edge device
An edge device is any piece of hardware that controls data flow at the boundary between two networks. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Dec 2023
Multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud: The main difference
As businesses digitally transform across increasingly distributed environments, know the benefits, challenges, similarities and differences between hybrid cloud and multi-cloud. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Nov 2023
carrier cloud
A carrier cloud is a cloud computing environment that is owned and operated by a traditional telecommunications service provider. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 Nov 2023
How to simplify network operations
Network challenges include visibility, scalability and security. NetOps teams should follow management best practices and consider cloud networking to simplify operations. Continue Reading
-
Feature
13 Nov 2023
SD-WAN deployments feed SASE network and security convergence
Enterprise Strategy Group's Bob Laliberte discusses the latest findings in his newly released report and why SD-WAN's direct cloud connectivity feeds SASE business initiatives. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
09 Nov 2023
Red Hat Analyst Day vision focuses on AI and automation
Organizations are embracing modern distributed cloud environments. At its analyst day, Red Hat advised taking a platform approach to simplify operations and speed innovation. Continue Reading
-
Feature
03 Nov 2023
GSK unifies networking and security for cloud migration
Sessions at ONUG Fall 2023 emphasized the value of a unified networking and security approach. GSK integrated the two to begin its digital transformation journey to the cloud. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 Oct 2023
data plane
The data plane -- sometimes known as the user plane, forwarding plane, carrier plane or bearer plane -- is the part of a network that carries user traffic. Continue Reading
-
Tip
18 Oct 2023
The pros and cons of quantum networking
Quantum networking, which is based on quantum physics, offers secure, high-speed communication. Challenges of quantum networking include fragility, costs and integration. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Oct 2023
Chromecast
Chromecast is a streaming media adapter from Google that allows users to play online content such as videos and music on a digital television. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Oct 2023
Building data center networks for GenAI fabric enablement
Network scalability, throughput and orchestration are some of the key elements that enterprises need to consider as they build out generative AI data centers. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Sep 2023
Network considerations for cloud migration to data center
Performance, security concerns and high costs are factors that prompt organizations to migrate workloads from cloud to data centers. Here's what to consider. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Aug 2023
An introduction to quantum networks and how they work
Quantum networks hold potential for faster and more secure communication. But true quantum networks are still experimental and require more engineering and scientific research. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Aug 2023
A list of AWS networking services cloud users should know
AWS has cloud networking services for load balancing, traffic routing, content delivery and more. Learn which services and features work best with this overview. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Aug 2023
Top 5 benefits of SASE to enhance network security
A cloud-based distributed architecture, centralized management and endpoint-specific security policies are just some of the benefits of Secure Access Service Edge. Continue Reading
-
Definition
24 Jul 2023
digital signal processing (DSP)
Digital signal processing (DSP) refers to various techniques for improving the accuracy and reliability of digital communications. Continue Reading
-
Definition
19 Jul 2023
cloud telephony (cloud calling)
Cloud telephony (cloud calling) is a type of unified communications as a service (UCaaS) that offers voice communication services through a third-party host. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jul 2023
IOTech Edge Connect frees data from factory floor devices
IOTech designed Edge Connect to collect data from operational technology and send it to IT systems that monitor and control devices in manufacturing and other industries. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
05 Jul 2023
Cisco's vision for Networking Cloud becomes clear
Cisco is focused on simplifying, securing and delivering better experiences across networking, security, collaboration and apps in alignment with its vision to connect anything. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Jun 2023
logical network
A logical network is a software-defined network topology or routing that is often different than the physical network. Continue Reading
-
Video
12 Jun 2023
Install Calico for Kubernetes in this video walkthrough
In this video tutorial and demo, a DevOps engineer explains how to manage network traffic in Kubernetes clusters with Calico, a Container Network Interface plugin. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Jun 2023
New Cisco tools aim to enable green networks, data centers
At Cisco Live 2023, Cisco unveiled new products and updates to its portfolio to help organizations create sustainable data center networks as they modernize their infrastructures. Continue Reading
-
Definition
02 Jun 2023
network performance monitoring (NPM)
Network performance monitoring (NPM) is the process of measuring and monitoring the quality of service of a network. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 May 2023
Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF)
The Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF) is an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) network management protocol that provides a secure mechanism for installing, manipulating and deleting the configuration data on a network device such as a firewall, router or switch. Continue Reading
-
Definition
15 May 2023
SerDes (serializer/deserializer)
A SerDes or serializer/deserializer is an integrated circuit (IC or chip) transceiver that converts parallel data to serial data and vice-versa. Continue Reading
-
Definition
15 May 2023
RS-232C
RS-232C is one of the earlier versions of the long-established standard RS-232, which defines a physical interface for relatively low-speed serial data communication between computers and related devices. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
09 May 2023
Aruba Atmosphere '23 emphasizes agility matters
HPE Aruba Networking positioned its Atmosphere conference as looking at what comes next, but the subtext was all about agility as the company tightens its integration. Continue Reading
-
Definition
09 May 2023
mutual exclusion (mutex)
In computer programming, a mutual exclusion (mutex) is a program object that prevents multiple threads from accessing the same shared resource simultaneously. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
08 May 2023
Improve Kubernetes network performance with Cilium and eBPF
Learn how the Cilium Kubernetes plugin and eBPF framework can improve network efficiency and security, then walk through installing Cilium on a K3s cluster with sample code. Continue Reading
-
Definition
08 May 2023
edge data center
An edge data center is a small data center that is located close to the edge of a network. Continue Reading
-
Definition
05 May 2023
serial communications interface (SCI)
A serial communications interface (SCI) is a device that enables the serial exchange of data -- that is, one bit at a time -- between a microprocessor and peripherals, such as printers, external drives, scanners and mice. Continue Reading
-
Definition
02 May 2023
graceful degradation
Graceful degradation is the ability of a computer, machine, electronic system or network to maintain limited functionality even when a large portion of it has been destroyed or rendered inoperative. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Apr 2023
Cisco provides extra-secure Webex for U.S. government
Cisco will provide a higher-security cloud-based unified communications platform for U.S. national security and defense personnel to monitor classified data, starting in 2024. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Apr 2023
Istio service mesh doyen departs Google, touts Ambient Mesh
After 16 years at Google, Istio's co-founder takes over as CTO at Solo.io and goes all in on a project he believes will determine the future of cloud-native networking. Continue Reading
-
Definition
23 Mar 2023
ONOS (Open Network Operating System)
Open Network Operating System (ONOS) is an OS designed to help network service providers build carrier-grade software-defined networks architected for high scalability, availability and performance. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Mar 2023
White box networking use cases and how to get started
Rising cloud costs have prompted organizations to consider white box switches to lower costs and simplify network management. Here's what to know about white box networking. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
09 Mar 2023
Step-by-step guide: Get started with Weave for Kubernetes
Looking to streamline network management for Kubernetes clusters? Learn when and how to use CNI plugins, then walk through the steps of a Weave installation for Kubernetes. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Mar 2023
Cisco, HPE plug holes in cloud security portfolios
Hewlett Packard Enterprise also unveiled plans to acquire Athonet, an Italian company that provides cellular technology for private 4G and 5G networks. Continue Reading
-
Definition
08 Mar 2023
virtual private cloud (VPC)
A virtual private cloud (VPC) is the logical division of a service provider's public cloud multi-tenant architecture to support private cloud computing. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Feb 2023
Unify NetOps and DevOps to improve load-balancing strategy
Research showed that many enterprises struggle with their load-balancing strategies. Unifying NetOps and DevOps teams might help simplify some of this complexity. Continue Reading