Network infrastructure
Network hardware and physical appliances, such as routers, switches, gateways, hubs and bridges, serve as the vital foundation of network infrastructure. Common network protocols and more emergent network software also play major roles in any architecture. While networking has shifted to software-centric principles, see how traditional network infrastructure keeps pace.
Top Stories
-
Tip
05 Jun 2026
A primer on hyperscale data centers
Hyperscale data centers can hold thousands of servers and process much more data than an enterprise facility. However, they can be difficult to build and maintain. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Jun 2026
Top SAN products powering enterprise IT strategy
Selecting the right SAN products is vital to enabling a modern data strategy that drives operational efficiency and enterprise ROI. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Nov 2021
patch panel
A patch panel in a local area network (LAN) is a mounted hardware assembly that contains ports that are used to connect and manage incoming and outgoing LAN cables. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Nov 2021
Ford, Mercedes-Benz optimize 5G-enabled smart factories
Smart factories are typically powered by technologies like AI or IoT systems. Now, companies like Ford, John Deere and Mercedes-Benz are using 5G to innovate smart factories. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Nov 2021
What are the top CDN benefits for today's enterprise?
Delivering timely, high-quality content is more critical than ever, and CDN services bring that and a myriad of other benefits to the modern enterprise. Continue Reading
-
Definition
09 Nov 2021
downloading
Downloading is the transmission of a file or data from one computer to another over a network, usually from a larger server to a user device. Continue Reading
-
Definition
05 Nov 2021
IDSL
IDSL is a hybrid of a digital subscriber line (DSL) and integrated services digital network (ISDN) technology that transmits data slightly faster than ISDN but much slower than most DSL services. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Nov 2021
Aruba launches more powerful Instant On switches
Aruba is launching the 1960 series, the latest addition to its small business-optimized Instant On portfolio. The new switch offers more bandwidth and scalability. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Nov 2021
FedEx, S&P Global discuss cloud edge use cases
A cloud edge strategy moves resources and data closer to where users need them, supporting use cases like robotics, IoT and autonomous processing. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Nov 2021
ARPANET
The U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) was the first public packet-switched computer network. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Oct 2021
Get up to speed with enhanced content delivery networks
With enhanced features and new delivery options, CDNs are poised to make greater inroads with enterprises to improve UX across the board. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Oct 2021
Cisco's newest Silicon One chip steps up routing performance
The P100 ASIC delivers a high performance-to-power ratio for web-scale data centers. It's the 11th chip in the Silicon One family. Continue Reading
-
Answer
25 Oct 2021
Network redundancy vs. resiliency: What's the difference?
The difference between network redundancy and resiliency is redundancy duplicates network devices while resiliency is the self-recovery of system failures. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Oct 2021
Gartner predicts IT spending to reach $4.5 trillion in 2022
Corporate boards will prioritize their digital tech initiatives, as fully remote work gives way to a thoughtful hybrid work model that places IT at the core of business operations. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Oct 2021
A quick guide to BGP best practices
The use of Border Gateway Protocol is prevalent among ISPs and enterprises. While BGP best practices change for specific use cases, some recommendations are helpful in all scenarios. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Oct 2021
full-duplex
Full-duplex data transmission means that data can be transmitted in both directions on a signal carrier at the same time. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Oct 2021
Aruba introduces the distributed data center switch
Aruba's CX distributed switch, available in January, provides security through the embedded Pensando ASICs. Services powered by the chips include load balancing and a firewall. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Oct 2021
Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM)
Variable Length Subnet Mask (VLSM) is a subnet -- a segmented piece of a larger network -- design strategy where all subnet masks can have varying sizes. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Oct 2021
Seebeck effect
The Seebeck effect is a phenomenon in which a temperature difference between two dissimilar electrical conductors or semiconductors produces a voltage difference between the two substances. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 Oct 2021
Static IP vs. dynamic IP addresses: What's the difference?
Static IP addresses are typically used for servers, routers and switches. Dynamic IP addresses, however, are commonly used for workstations, phones and tablets. Continue Reading
-
Definition
12 Oct 2021
CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance)
CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance) is a protocol for carrier transmission in 802.11 networks. Continue Reading
-
Definition
11 Oct 2021
virtual network adapter
A virtual network adapter is software that operates like a physical network adapter within the host operating system (OS) or through an application installed on the endpoint or server. Continue Reading
-
Definition
06 Oct 2021
computer hardware
Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical components of an analog or digital computer. Continue Reading
-
Definition
05 Oct 2021
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is an extension of the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) used by an internet service provider (ISP) to enable the operation of a virtual private network (VPN) over the internet. Continue Reading
-
Definition
04 Oct 2021
Class of Service (CoS)
Class of Service (CoS) is a way of managing traffic in a network by grouping similar types of traffic -- such as email, streaming video, voice over IP and large document file transfer -- together and treating each type as a class with its own level of network service priority. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Oct 2021
10BASE-T
10BASE-T is an Ethernet standard for local area networks and one of several physical media specified in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 standard. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Oct 2021
frequency-shift keying (FSK)
Frequency-shift keying (FSK) is a method of transmitting digital signals using discrete signals. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Oct 2021
subcarrier
A subcarrier is a secondary modulated signal frequency modulated into the main frequency (the carrier) to provide an additional channel of transmission. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Sep 2021
FCC commissioner urges more funding for satellite broadband
FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington said satellite-based wireless broadband should be available in remote areas where fiber isn't an option. Continue Reading
-
Definition
30 Sep 2021
internet metering
Internet metering is a service model in which an internet service provider (ISP) keeps track of bandwidth use and charges users accordingly. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Sep 2021
bottleneck
A bottleneck, in a communications context, is a point in the enterprise where the flow of data is impaired or stopped entirely. Continue Reading
-
Answer
28 Sep 2021
CDN vs. cloud computing: What's the difference?
Content delivery networks and cloud computing architectures may appear to serve the same function. But each has a specific role to play when distributing content. Continue Reading
-
Definition
23 Sep 2021
circuit switching
Circuit switching is a type of network configuration in which a physical path is obtained and dedicated to a single connection between two endpoints in the network for the duration of a dedicated connection. Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Sep 2021
frame relay
Frame relay is a packet-switching telecommunications service designed for cost-efficient data transmission for intermittent traffic between local area networks (LANs) and between endpoints in wide area networks (WANs). Continue Reading
-
Feature
22 Sep 2021
Ways to speed up white box networking adoption
Most organizations are slow to deploy new techniques, white box networking included. Experts explain why and offer advice on how to speed up adoption across enterprises. Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Sep 2021
100 Gigabit Ethernet (100 GbE)
100 Gigabit Ethernet (100 GbE) is an Ethernet standard that supports data speeds of up to 100 billion bits (gigabits) per second (Gbps). Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Sep 2021
Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP)
Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP) is an automated configuration technology that routes data on a distributed network by discovering the best routing path between endpoints. Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Sep 2021
What is an edge router?
An edge router is a specialized router located at a network boundary that enables an internal network to connect to external networks. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Sep 2021
Joint Academic Network (JANET)
The Joint Academic Network (JANET) is an internal, high-speed computer network that links the U.K. education and research community. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Sep 2021
visitor-based networking (visitor-based network)
Visitor-based networking (VBN) is a computer network with high-speed internet access provided by an organization for temporary use by visitors, guests or other users in a public area. Continue Reading
-
Definition
14 Sep 2021
Service Profile Identifier (SPID)
In telecommunications, a Service Profile Identifier (SPID) is a number assigned by a phone company to a terminal on an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) B-channel. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Sep 2021
The role of smartNICs in modern enterprise networks
This chapter excerpt from 'Building a Future-Proof Cloud Infrastructure' looks at how smartNICs can support distributed services platforms for both cloud providers and enterprises. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Sep 2021
How smartNIC architecture supports scalable infrastructure
In this Q&A, author Silvano Gai discusses how smartNICs can benefit enterprises by providing more granular telemetry and supporting distributed cloud infrastructure. Continue Reading
-
Definition
10 Sep 2021
GVRP (GARP VLAN Registration Protocol or Generic VLAN Registration Protocol)
GVRP (GARP VLAN Registration Protocol or Generic VLAN Registration Protocol) is a standards-based protocol that facilitates control of virtual local area networks (VLANs) within a larger network. Continue Reading
-
Definition
09 Sep 2021
Gigabit Ethernet (GbE)
Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), a transmission technology based on the Ethernet frame format and protocol used in local area networks (LANs), provides a data rate of 1 billion bits per second, or 1 gigabit (Gb). Continue Reading
-
Definition
07 Sep 2021
trunk (trunking)
A network trunk is a communications line or link designed to carry multiple signals simultaneously to provide network access between two points. Continue Reading
-
Definition
07 Sep 2021
serial digital interface (SDI)
Serial digital interface (SDI) is a standard for digital video and audio transmission over coaxial or fiber optic cabling. Continue Reading
-
Definition
27 Aug 2021
customer proprietary network information (CPNI)
Customer proprietary network information (CPNI) in the United States is information that telecommunications services -- such as local, long-distance and wireless telephone companies -- acquire about their subscribers. Continue Reading
-
Definition
27 Aug 2021
dynamic port numbers
Dynamic port numbers, also known as private port numbers, are the port numbers that are available for use by any application to use in communicating with any other application, using the internet's Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP). Continue Reading
-
Definition
26 Aug 2021
Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP)
Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) is a network standard designed for transmitting audio or video data that is optimized for consistent delivery of live data. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 Aug 2021
NACK (NAK, negative acknowledgment, not acknowledged)
NACK, or NAK, an abbreviation for negative acknowledgment or not acknowledged, is a signal used by computers or other devices to indicate that data transmitted over a network was received with errors or was otherwise unreadable. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 Aug 2021
Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC)
Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) is a transmission protocol used to synchronously transfer code-transparent, serial-by-bit data over a communications channel. Continue Reading
-
Definition
23 Aug 2021
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)
Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) is a group of fiber optic transmission rates that transport digital signals with different capacities. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 Aug 2021
Explore virtualization study topics for CCNP, CCIE exams
Aspiring CCNPs and CCIEs will need to grasp one of networking's most important topics: virtualization. 'Day 7' from Patrick Gargano's '31 Days' explains the subject in detail. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 Aug 2021
Virtualization concepts to study for CCNP and CCIE exams
In this Q&A, author Patrick Gargano discusses the importance of virtualization in networking and offers studying advice for aspiring CCNPs and CCIEs in preparation for the exams. Continue Reading
-
Definition
20 Aug 2021
bit stuffing
Bit stuffing refers to the insertion of one or more bits into a data transmission as a way to provide signaling information to a receiver. Continue Reading
-
Definition
19 Aug 2021
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology for implementing wired Ethernet local area networks (LANs) that enables the electrical current necessary for operating each device to be carried by Ethernet data cables instead of standard electrical power cords and wiring. Continue Reading
-
Definition
19 Aug 2021
Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)
Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) refers to the traditional, analog voice transmission phone system implemented over physical copper wires (twisted pair). Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Aug 2021
conductance
Conductance is an expression of the ease with which electric current flows through materials like metals and nonmetals. Continue Reading
-
Definition
12 Aug 2021
session border controller (SBC)
A session border controller (SBC) is a dedicated hardware device or software application that governs the manner in which phone calls are initiated, conducted and terminated on a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network. Continue Reading
-
Definition
12 Aug 2021
dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM)
Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) is an optical fiber multiplexing technology that is used to increase the bandwidth of existing fiber networks. Continue Reading
-
Definition
12 Aug 2021
IPTV (Internet Protocol television)
IPTV (Internet Protocol television) is a service that provides television programming and other video content using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite, as opposed to broadcast TV, cable TV or satellite signals. Continue Reading
-
Definition
12 Aug 2021
carrier-to-noise ratio
In communications, the carrier-to-noise ratio, often written as CNR or C/N, is a measure of the received carrier strength relative to the strength of the received noise. Continue Reading
-
Definition
11 Aug 2021
split horizon
Split horizon is a method used by distance vector protocols to prevent network routing loops. Continue Reading
-
Definition
10 Aug 2021
star network
A star network is a local area network (LAN) topology in which all nodes -- personal computers (PCs), workstations or other devices -- are directly connected to a common central computer that is often referred to as a hub. Continue Reading
-
Definition
09 Aug 2021
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a Layer 2 network protocol used to prevent looping within a network topology. Continue Reading
-
Definition
06 Aug 2021
sliding window (windowing)
The sliding window (windowing) technique is used by Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to manage the flow of packets between two computers or network hosts. Continue Reading
-
Definition
05 Aug 2021
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
-
Feature
04 Aug 2021
3 delivery models for 5G and MEC
To enhance network capabilities, enterprises will need to consolidate 5G and MEC technologies in the future. Following a deployment model is the first step. Continue Reading
-
Definition
04 Aug 2021
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
-
Definition
03 Aug 2021
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
-
Definition
02 Aug 2021
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
-
Definition
02 Aug 2021
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
-
Definition
30 Jul 2021
beamforming
Beamforming is a type of radio frequency (RF) management in which a wireless signal is directed toward a specific receiving device. Continue Reading
-
Feature
30 Jul 2021
Enterprises look to formalize WFH network architecture
As work-from-home programs prove they're here to stay, enterprise network teams are assessing their network designs to ensure adequate support and performance for home offices. Continue Reading
-
Definition
29 Jul 2021
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
-
Feature
29 Jul 2021
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
-
Quiz
29 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
27 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
27 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
26 Jul 2021
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
-
Tip
23 Jul 2021
BGP vs. OSPF: When to use each protocol
BGP and OSPF are two of the most common routing protocols. While BGP excels with dynamic routing for large networks, OSPF offers more efficient path choice and convergence speed. Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
21 Jul 2021
port
A port in computing has three main uses, each as a type of receptacle in networking, computer hardware and software. Continue Reading
-
Definition
20 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
20 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
20 Jul 2021
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
-
Feature
19 Jul 2021
Experts discuss stretched VLAN use cases, MEC and more
In this networking blog roundup, experts give reasons to stretch VLANs, discuss benefits of deploying private MEC with 5G, and differentiate between junior and senior IT engineers. Continue Reading
-
Definition
19 Jul 2021
DTMF (dual tone multi-frequency)
Dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) is the sounds or tones generated by a telephone when the numbers are pressed. Continue Reading
-
Definition
19 Jul 2021
American Wire Gauge (AWG)
American Wire Gauge (AWG) is the standard way to denote wire size in North America. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
15 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
15 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
15 Jul 2021
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
-
Answer
15 Jul 2021
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
-
Answer
15 Jul 2021
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
-
Tip
14 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
14 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
13 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
13 Jul 2021
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
-
Answer
13 Jul 2021
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
-
Definition
13 Jul 2021
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