Networking: Page

Ansible vs. Terraform vs. Vagrant: What’s the difference?

Ansible sets up networks agentlessly, Terraform manages cloud infrastructure and Vagrant creates consistent development environments. Each serves distinct network automation needs.

By Deanna Darah, Terry Slattery • Sept. 12, 2025

What is the application layer?

The application layer is at Layer 7, the top of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model. It ensures that an application can communicate with other applications on different computer systems and networks.

By Paul Kirvan, Andrew Froehlich, Nick Barney • Sept. 12, 2025

What are the 6 components of structured cabling?

The six components of structured cabling are Entrance Facilities, Equipment Room, Backbone Cabling, Telecommunications Room, Horizontal Cabling and Work Area.

By Paul Kirvan • Sept. 10, 2025

What is a self-organizing network (SON) and do you need one?

A self-organizing network (SON) is an intelligent infrastructure designed to simplify and accelerate the planning, configuration, management, optimization and healing of mobile radio access networks (RANs).

By Kinza Yasar • Sept. 8, 2025

11 common wireless security risks you don’t have to take

Wi-Fi is a boon to productivity, but it can also create serious security issues. Learn how any company can uncover and fortify their wireless security setup.

By Kevin Beaver • Sept. 8, 2025

What is an enterprise private network (EPN)?

An enterprise private network (EPN) is a type of private network used by an organization.

By Alexander Gillis • Sept. 8, 2025

What is telecommunications (telecom)?

Telecommunications, also known as telecom, is the exchange of information over significant distances by electronic means and refers to all types of voice, data and video transmission.

By Paul Kirvan, Irwin Lazar, Wesley Chai • Sept. 5, 2025

A network cable management guide

When organizing cable clutter, network engineers should follow best practices, such as labeling, using cable ties and maintaining proper documentation, while avoiding trip hazards.

By John Burke • Sept. 5, 2025

What is network security? Definition and best practices

Network security encompasses all the steps taken to protect the integrity of a computer network and the data within it.

By Ben Lutkevich, Nick Barney, Kinza Yasar • Aug. 28, 2025

What are predictive networks and how do they work?

Predictive networks are intelligent IT network systems that use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and real-time analytics to anticipate and proactively address network issues before they occur.

By Kinza Yasar • Aug. 26, 2025

Amazon’s Project Kuiper vs. Starlink: How do they compare?

Amazon is expanding its horizons as Project Kuiper launched low earth satellites in April 2025. The goal is to bring connectivity to all areas, which is also Starlink's mission.

By Sean Kerner • Aug. 25, 2025

The differences between cloud, fog and edge computing

Cloud, edge and fog computing all support modern applications. Cloud computing offers centralized resources, edge enables real-time processing and fog connects them hierarchically.

By Amy DeCarlo • Aug. 25, 2025

End-to-end network observability for AI workloads

AI-driven technologies require new practices after they're integrated into networks. For AI to run properly, networks must have full network observability.

By Verlaine Muhungu • Aug. 22, 2025

What is a SIM swap attack (SIM intercept attack)?

A SIM swap attack (SIM intercept attack) is a form of identity fraud in which the attacker transfers a user's phone number to a different SIM card to gain access to the user's phone calls, text messages, bank accounts, credit card numbers and other sensitive information.

By Rahul Awati • Aug. 22, 2025

What is fault management?

Fault management is the component of network management that detects, isolates and fixes problems.

By Jessica Scarpati • Aug. 21, 2025

What is geo-blocking?

Geo-blocking is blocking online content based on its location.

By John Burke • Aug. 20, 2025

What is Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE)?

Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) is a network protocol that facilitates communication between network endpoints.

By Scott Robinson, Robert Sheldon, Kevin Ferguson • Aug. 20, 2025

What is Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)?

Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) is a North American standardized digital communication protocol for synchronous data transmission over optical fibers.

By Alexander Gillis • Aug. 18, 2025

Cisco data center SVP on AI, cloud evolution and competition

The company's data center and internet infrastructure leader said Cisco's strategy aims to match explosive artificial intelligence innovation.

By Shane Snider • Aug. 13, 2025

What is Bitchat? A guide to Jack Dorsey’s new messaging app

Created by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, Bitchat Mesh is a Bluetooth-based messaging app that works without internet, allowing nearby users to communicate when other networks fail.

By Madeleine Streets • Aug. 11, 2025

How to begin Wi-Fi 7 deployment

As Wi-Fi lifecycles move faster than ever, enterprises must consider when to deploy a new Wi-Fi standard. This article offers guidance on when to deploy Wi-Fi 7 in the enterprise.

By Lee Badman • Aug. 7, 2025

Broadcom’s Jericho4 boosts data center AI networking

The company's latest networking chip promises better bandwidth, security and connectivity throughout and between data centers.

By Shane Snider • Aug. 5, 2025

Mobile device encryption: How it works and how to enable it

Mobile device encryption transforms business data into unreadable code, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access —a critical security practice for modern enterprises.

By Stephen Bigelow • Aug. 5, 2025

How Ansible’s Python framework enables network automation

Ansible's use of Python scripts creates a powerful network automation tool. This guide shows how to automate router tasks with Ansible in a GNS3 lab, such as VLAN setup and backup.

By Wisdom Ekpotu • Aug. 5, 2025

What is IoT security?

IoT security is the technology segment focused on safeguarding connected devices and networks in the internet of things.

By Paul Kirvan , Kinza Yasar , Sharon Shea • Aug. 5, 2025