Networking: Page

Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 7: What are the differences?

Wi-Fi standards continue to evolve. The three most recent standards -- Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 -- build on each other's capabilities, but all have their own unique features.

By Lee Badman • March 24, 2025

What is QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) and how does it work?

QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) is a method of combining two amplitude modulation (AM) signals into a single channel.

By Rahul Awati, Andrew Zola • March 24, 2025

What is network topology?

A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network.

By Tom Nolle, Alexander Gillis • March 21, 2025

How to avoid duplicate IP addresses in a network

Duplicate IP addresses can cause serious network issues. Learn how to avoid duplicate IP addresses with effective IP tracking, DHCP management and network mapping techniques.

By Damon Garn • March 19, 2025

What is User Datagram Protocol (UDP)?

User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a communications protocol primarily used to establish low-latency and loss-tolerating connections between applications on the internet.

By Linda Rosencrance, Scott Robinson, George Lawton • March 17, 2025

What is the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol? How does it work?

The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is a client-server communication protocol used for sharing access to files, printers, serial ports and other resources on a network.

By Rahul Awati, Robert Sheldon, Jessica Scarpati • March 17, 2025

MWC 2025: Enterprise networking in a jungle of mobility

The latest private 5G, FWA and several DAS/neutral host choices were on display at this year's Mobile World Congress event.

By Jim Frey • March 14, 2025

What are managed network services?

Managed network services are networking applications, functions and services that a managed service provider (MSP) remotely operates, monitors and maintains for an enterprise.

By Jennifer English • March 13, 2025

What is a network interface card (NIC)?

A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component, typically a circuit board or chip, installed on a computer so it can connect to a network.

By Rahul Awati • March 12, 2025

The 4 different types of wireless networks

The four types of wireless networks -- wireless LAN, wireless MAN, wireless PAN and wireless WAN -- differ in size, range and connectivity requirements.

By Nicole Viera, David Jacobs • March 10, 2025

What is a network node?

A network node is a connection point in a communications network.

By Rahul Awati , Ben Lutkevich , Kate Gerwig • March 7, 2025

What is Telnet?

Telnet is a network protocol used to remotely access a computer for a text-based communication channel between two machines.

By Laura Fitzgibbons, Gavin Wright • March 7, 2025

What is a proxy server? Definition and use cases

A proxy server is an intermediary between a user and the internet. It's a dedicated computer or software-driven service that acts as an intermediary or gateway between an endpoint or client device, such as a computer, and a server on the internet.

By Stephen Bigelow, Kinza Yasar • March 7, 2025

Top 5 metaverse conferences in 2025

The metaverse offers businesses unique training and customer service opportunities. Here are some events where you can learn more about this immersive technology and how to use it.

By Rosa Heaton , Amanda Hetler • March 7, 2025

What are port numbers and how do they work?

A 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.

By Gavin Wright, Lynn Haber • March 5, 2025

802.11 standards: How do 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be differ?

Wi-Fi standards -- 802.11ac, 802.11ax and 802.11be -- differ based on frequency bands, spatial streams and maximum data rates, with 802.11be offering the most significant improvements.

By Lee Badman • March 5, 2025

How to troubleshoot common routing errors

It's important to troubleshoot routing errors to minimize network disruptions. Common errors rooted in BGP and OSPF include misconfigurations and various unmet neighbor requirements.

By Suresh Vina • March 4, 2025

What is a router?

A router is a physical or virtual appliance that passes information between two or more packet-switched computer networks.

By Jessica Scarpati, Alissa Irei, Kinza Yasar • March 4, 2025

What is east-west traffic?

East-west traffic refers to the transfer of data packets that move from server to server within a network's data center.

By Jennifer English, Russ White • March 3, 2025

What is IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)?

IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a standard retrieval protocol for receiving email.

By Mary Shacklett , Rahul Awati • March 3, 2025

4 phases to build a network automation architecture

The implementation of a network automation architecture involves several elements, including a core orchestration engine, assorted databases and proper network testing.

By Charles Uneze, Terry Slattery • Feb. 28, 2025

What is FCAPS (fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security)?

FCAPS (fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security) is a network management framework and model created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

By Andrew Zola, Alexander Gillis • Feb. 28, 2025

What is network analytics?

Network analytics is the application of big data principles and tools to the data used to manage and secure data networks.

By Rahul Awati , John Burke • Feb. 27, 2025

15 common network protocols and their functions explained

Networking makes the internet work, but it needs several key protocols. These common network protocols make communication and connection across the internet possible.

By Kinza Yasar , Michaela Goss • Feb. 27, 2025

What is modulation?

Modulation is the process of converting data into radio waves by adding information to an electronic or optical carrier signal.

By Terry Slattery, John Burke • Feb. 24, 2025