Networking

What is DevOps? DevOps is a set of practices, tools, and a cultural philosophy that brings together software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). The goal of DevOps is to shorten the software development lifecycle and deliver high-quality software continuously and reliably. Instead of development and operations working in silos—where developers write code and toss…

What is DPI (Deep Packet Inspection)? DPI is a type of data processing used by network devices (like firewalls, routers, or intrusion detection systems) to inspect the actual contents of data packets as they pass through a network. How It Works: When a packet is transmitted over a network, it contains: Header (source, destination, protocol…

What is FWaaS? Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) is a cloud-based security solution that delivers firewall functionality via the internet, rather than through traditional on-premises hardware. It provides centralized, scalable, and policy-driven protection for users, applications, and data—no matter where they’re located. Key Features of FWaaS: Cloud-Native Firewall Hosted in the cloud, removing the need…

What is zero touch provisioning? Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) is a process that automates the configuration and deployment of network devices without the need for manual intervention. When a new device (like a router, switch, or firewall) is powered on and connected to the network, it automatically retrieves its configuration settings, firmware updates, and policies…

What is Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)? The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a widely used encryption algorithm designed to protect sensitive data. It is a symmetric key encryption algorithm, meaning the same key is used for both encrypting and decrypting data, as opposed to asymmetric key encryption, where different keys are used. AES is known…

What is address resolution protocol (ARP)? Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is a network protocol used to map an IP address (logical address) to a device’s MAC address (physical address) within a local network. It operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and is essential for enabling communication between devices in…

What is DNS? DNS (Domain Name System) is often referred to as the “phonebook of the internet.” It is a hierarchical naming system that translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1) and vice versa. This process allows users to access websites and services without needing to remember complex numerical IP…

What is ethical hacking? Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking, refers to the practice of intentionally probing computer systems, networks, or applications for vulnerabilities to identify and fix security flaws. Ethical hackers use the same methods and tools as malicious hackers but do so with the permission and authorization of the…

What does SD-WAN do? SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. It is a networking technology that simplifies the management and operation of a wide area network (WAN) by decoupling the network hardware from its control mechanism. An SD-WAN uses software to control and optimize the routing of network traffic over multiple network paths, including…

What is a software-defined perimeter? A software-defined perimeter (SDP) is a security framework that is designed to protect network resources by creating a secure, encrypted, and isolated network environment for authorized users. It is a form of access control that uses a combination of authentication, encryption, and dynamic access policies to provide secure access to…

What is an access point in networking? In networking, an access point (AP) is a device that allows wireless communication devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, to connect to a wired network. It serves as a central hub for wireless devices to access a Local Area Network (LAN) or a wider network like the…

What is a network repeater? A network repeater is a device used in networking to regenerate or replicate signals that are weakened or distorted over long distances. This basic networking device operates at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. Here’s a bit more detail on its function and importance:…