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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Tip
02 Jan 2024
Pros and cons of 10 common hybrid cloud use cases
For businesses contemplating the advantages and disadvantages of their applications living in a distributed cloud infrastructure, take a cue from these hybrid cloud use cases. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Dec 2023
The future of hybrid cloud: What to expect in 2024 and beyond
For companies modernizing their business operations, hybrid cloud's embrace of AI, edge computing and integration promises unique levels of flexibility, security and control. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2023
Top enterprise hybrid cloud management tools to review
The techniques used to build hybrid cloud architectures have come a long way, but managing these environments long term is plenty more complex without the right software. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Tip
28 Nov 2023
Hybrid cloud connectivity best practices and considerations
Private and public clouds stress networks in different ways and don't always play well together. Here's what to know to set up a cost-effective hybrid cloud network architecture. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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Tip
13 Nov 2023
An introduction to cloud network architecture
Enterprises have three main options when it comes to cloud network architecture: Use built-in CSP tools, buy virtual networking appliances or use a multi-cloud management platform. Continue Reading
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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
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Tip
06 Nov 2023
5 network requirements for cloud computing
Network and cloud teams should consider factors such as bandwidth and latency optimization, security, network redundancy, QoS and network automation in their cloud strategies. Continue Reading
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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
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Feature
01 Nov 2023
NaaS use cases include hardware refreshes, pop-up sites
NaaS is an Opex-based consumption model that simplifies deployment, policy configuration and purchasing. The model is beneficial for small and large enterprises alike. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Guest Post
06 Sep 2023
Empower intelligence at the edge with AI deployment
AI deployment at the edge has the potential to unleash powerful real-time analysis and processing. Use cases include industrial automation, remote monitoring and healthcare. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2023
VMware remakes NSX for companies using multiple clouds
VMware designed NSX+ to simplify multi-cloud networking for customers. The update will eventually replace NSX and the more advanced NSX-T within VMware Cloud. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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News
30 Jun 2023
Prosimo offers free multi-cloud connectivity
The new MCN Foundation can find and connect to public clouds and provide visibility. The company's full-stack product powers the limited free version. Continue Reading
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Quiz
28 Jun 2023
10 edge computing quiz questions
Edge computing isn't new, but it has grown in popularity due to 5G and the influx of IoT devices. This quiz covers edge computing basics, such as pros, cons and differentiators. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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News
01 Jun 2023
Google interconnects with rival cloud providers
Video platform provider Pexip said Google's Cross-Cloud Interconnect reduced the cost of connecting Google Cloud with Microsoft Azure by eliminating other products. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 May 2023
wave number
A wave number, or wavenumber, refers to the spatial frequency of a wave over a specific unit distance. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 May 2023
secure access service edge (SASE)
Secure access service edge, also known as SASE and pronounced sassy, is a cloud architecture model that bundles network and cloud-native security technologies together and delivers them as a single cloud service. Continue Reading
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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
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News
16 May 2023
SONiC NOS faces challenges fitting in with mainstream
Gartner estimates that fewer than 200 enterprises have SONiC in production, out of a potential data center market of 100,000. One startup describes the NOS as 'a mess' to deploy. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Definition
28 Apr 2023
Clos network
A Clos network is a type of nonblocking, multistage switching network used today in large-scale data center switching fabrics. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Apr 2023
TOSCA (Topology and Orchestration Specification for Cloud Applications)
The Topology and Orchestration Specification for Cloud Applications (TOSCA) is an open source language used to describe the relationships and dependencies between services and applications that reside on a cloud computing platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2023
Amazon S3 bucket
An Amazon S3 bucket is a public cloud storage resource available in Amazon Web Services' (AWS) Simple Storage Service (S3), an object storage offering. Continue Reading
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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
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Definition
10 Apr 2023
session layer
The session layer is Layer 5 of the OSI communications model. It is the long-lived logical connection that persists between endpoints over time. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2023
Is cloud-based network management right for your business?
Many enterprises use on-premises network management, but moving network management to the cloud might make more sense for some. Compare pros, cons and features of both options. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2023
transport layer
The transport layer is Layer 4 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications model. It is responsible for ensuring that the data packets arrive accurately and reliably between sender and receiver. Continue Reading
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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
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Definition
03 Apr 2023
ACK (acknowledgement)
In some digital communication protocols, ACK -- short for 'acknowledgement' -- refers to a signal that a device sends to indicate that data has been received successfully. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Definition
07 Mar 2023
virtual server
A virtual server, also known as a virtual machine (VM), is a partitioned space inside a real server and is transparent to users, replicating the functionality of a dedicated physical server. Continue Reading
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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
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Definition
27 Feb 2023
megahertz (MHz)
Megahertz (MHz) is a unit multiplier that represents one million hertz (106 Hz). Hertz is the standard unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI). Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2023
gigabit (Gb)
In data communications, a gigabit (Gb) is 1 billion bits, or 1,000,000,000 (that is, 10^9) bits. It's commonly used for measuring the amount of data that is transferred in a second between two telecommunication points. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2023
SMB 3.0 (Server Message Block 3.0)
SMB 3 (Server Message Block 3.0) is a protocol that provides a way for a computer's client applications to read and write to files from a server in a computer network. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Feb 2023
10 important components of SDN controllers
SDN controller features include modularity, APIs, clustering and GUIs. Read more in this chapter excerpt from 'SDN-Supported Edge-Cloud Interplay for Next Generation Internet of Things.' Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2023
Technology trends behind Cisco, Arista earnings
Cisco and Arista's latest earnings reports show that companies are upgrading campus networks and distributing more applications across cloud and edge environments. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
Extreme Networks extends network fabric to the edge
Extreme Networks extends its SD-WAN network fabric to the edge to unify wired, wireless and WAN networking for simpler network control and more application performance monitoring. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2023
The features of multi-cloud networking architecture
Enterprises are looking for multi-cloud networking features that include programmability, security integration and end-to-end visibility in a consumption-based model. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jan 2023
anonymous FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Anonymous File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a method for allowing users to access public files from a remote server or archive site without requiring them to identify themselves to the server or site. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jan 2023
caching
Caching -- pronounced "cashing" -- is the process of storing data in a cache, which is a temporary storage area that facilitates faster access to data with the goal of improving application and system performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jan 2023
green networking
Green networking is the practice of selecting energy-efficient networking technologies and products and minimizing resource use whenever possible. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Jan 2023
Five networking trends teams should focus on in 2023
Distributed IT and hybrid work create network complexity, which is driving adoption of AIOps, network and security convergence, multi-cloud, private 5G and digital twins in 2023. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2023
Multi-cloud networking trends to watch in 2023
As multi-cloud networking becomes an industry standard, enterprises increasingly seek tools to wrangle data, services and security in a sprawling network that can span countries. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Dec 2022
data center interconnect (DCI)
Data center interconnect (DCI) technology links two or more data centers together to share resources. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2022
Arista's new switches support 800GbE for hyperscalers
Arista's new switches provide more options for enterprises and higher speeds for bandwidth-hungry hyperscalers. The latest hardware is generally available. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Dec 2022
NOC vs. data center: What's the difference?
Network operations centers and data centers are two facilities organizations use to store IT devices and manage operations. But they differ significantly in terms of purpose and operations. Continue Reading