Networking: Page

How to create subnets in IPv4 and IPv6 networks

Network administrators subnet networks into segments for improved control and efficiency. IPv4 uses subnet masks, while IPv6 uses prefixes, and each has its own unique steps.

By Brien Posey • Aug. 21, 2024

An explanation of subnets

Subnets make networking manageable and ensure efficient communication. Without subnetting, sending emails, texts and documents would be significantly slower.

By Jennifer English • Aug. 19, 2024

What is EM shielding (electromagnetic shielding)?

EM shielding (electromagnetic shielding) is the practice of surrounding electronics and cables with conductive or magnetic materials to guard against incoming or outgoing emissions of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF).

By Robert Sheldon • Aug. 19, 2024

MAC address vs. IP address explained

MAC and IP addresses serve different roles in data transmission, differing in location, format and use.

By Jennifer English • Aug. 19, 2024

What is FTP?

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a network protocol for transmitting files between computers over TCP/IP connections.

By Alexander Gillis • Aug. 16, 2024

What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)? Definition, Benefits & How It Works

A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that creates a safe, encrypted online connection.

By Alexander Gillis • Aug. 15, 2024

Cisco cuts workforce for third time in 2 years, pursues AI

Cisco cuts its workforce by 7% and forms one unit for networking, security and collaboration to energize AI and security sales. It's the third round of layoffs since 2022.

By Antone Gonsalves • Aug. 15, 2024

The pros and cons of optical wireless communication

OWC transfers data using highly directional light in free space. While OWC delivers high-speed data transfers, it is susceptible to multipath dispersion and interference.

By Venus Kohli • Aug. 13, 2024

What is an embedded system?

An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function.

By Ben Lutkevich, Alexander Gillis • Aug. 13, 2024

How to plan and start a network upgrade

Network architects face challenges when considering a network upgrade, but enterprises can keep problems to a minimum by following a careful plan and listening to end users.

By David Jacobs • Aug. 9, 2024

An explanation of private 5G vs. Wi-Fi

Private 5G improves upon traditional cellular networks by catering to private networks, expanding accessibility beyond major carriers.

By Sabrina Polin • Aug. 9, 2024

Examine a captured packet using Wireshark

Wireshark is a useful tool for capturing network traffic data. Network pros can make the most of the tool by analyzing captured packets to see what that data means for troubleshooting.

By Damon Garn • Aug. 7, 2024

How to calculate a subnet mask from hosts and subnets

IP addressing and subnetting are important and basic elements of networks. Learn how to calculate a subnet mask based on the required number of subnets and hosts.

By David Davis, Terry Slattery • Aug. 7, 2024

Benefits and methods of load balancing

Load balancing ensures smooth network performance by distributing traffic equitably, enhancing scalability and adapting to dynamic IT landscapes.

By Kinza Yasar • Aug. 6, 2024

Tips to provide network support for remote workers

Enterprises must modernize their networks to support remote work, while IT teams ensure networks have proper bandwidth and security, as well as dedicated help for remote workers.

By Paul Kirvan • Aug. 5, 2024

What Google’s third-party cookie U-turn means for marketers

Google planned to kill third-party cookies, but in July 2024, those plans changed. What does this mean for marketers?

By Sean Kerner • Aug. 1, 2024

Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5: What’s the difference?

Wi-Fi 6 was introduced as the next-generation Wi-Fi standard after Wi-Fi 5. While similar in certain aspects, Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 differ in terms of features and capabilities.

By Michaela Goss • Aug. 1, 2024

9 types of networks and their use cases

Networks differ based on size, connectivity, coverage and design. This guide explores the most common types of networks, their benefits and use cases.

By Deanna Darah • July 30, 2024

What is network scanning? How to, types and best practices

Network scanning is a procedure for identifying active devices on a network by employing a feature or features in the network protocol to signal to devices and await a response.

By Paul Kirvan , Tom Nolle • July 29, 2024

An introduction to SFP ports on a Gigabit switch

SFP ports enable Gigabit switches to connect to a variety of fiber and Ethernet cables and extend switching functionality throughout the network.

By David Jacobs, Chris Partsenidis • July 29, 2024

The benefits and drawbacks of network as a service

NaaS, with its varied definitions and attributes, is hard to define. In a new EMA survey, enterprises laid out their expectations for NaaS, including its benefits and drawbacks.

By Nicole Viera • July 26, 2024

How to control Instagram’s political content limits

Using echo chambers, Instagram political content is limited to accounts users engage with and follow.

By Samantha Poutre • July 24, 2024

MAC address vs. IP address: What’s the difference?

A MAC address and an IP address each identify network devices, but they do the jobs at different levels. Explore the differences between the two and learn why both are necessary.

By Chris Partsenidis, John Burke • July 23, 2024

What is wavelength?

Wavelength is the distance between identical points, or adjacent crests, in the adjacent cycles of a waveform signal propagated in space or along a wire.

By Linda Rosencrance, Jessica Scarpati • July 22, 2024

Broadband equity initiatives bridge digital divide in K-12

Federally funded broadband programs support infrastructure upgrades to underserved communities, which address the digital divide in K-12 education.

By Deanna Darah • July 18, 2024