What is MIMO (multiple input, multiple output)?
MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) is an antenna technology for wireless communications in which multiple antennas are used at both the source (transmitter) and the destination (receiver). The antennas at each end of the communications circuit are combined to minimize errors, optimize data speed and improve the capacity of radio transmissions by enabling data to […]
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How to ensure OT secure remote access and prevent attacks
Operational technology underpins the infrastructures that support critical industrial systems worldwide. Protecting these infrastructures has become more challenging as internet connectivity has been introduced to these environments and as cyberthreats become more potent. Many OT security threats target remote access. Although remote access is a necessity for most industrial systems, this interconnectivity ushers in […]
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What is multiplexing and how does it work?
Multiplexing, or muxing, is a way of sending multiple signals or streams of information over a communications link at the same time in the form of a single, complex signal. The goal is to enhance the channel’s transmission efficiency and speed, even over long distances. When the composite signal reaches its destination, a process called […]
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What is the data link layer in the OSI model?
The data link layer is the protocol layer in a program that handles how data moves in and out of a physical link in a network. It is Layer 2 in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) architecture model, and its main purposes are to facilitate data transfers between network entities and to ensure reliable error-free […]
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What is port address translation (PAT)?
Port address translation (PAT) is a type of network address translation (NAT) that maps a network’s private internal IPv4 addresses to a single public Internet Protocol address by using network ports. NAT is a process that routers use to translate internal, nonregistered IP addresses to external, registered IP addresses. PAT differs from other forms of […]
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What is a northbound interface/southbound interface?
A northbound interface (NBI) is an application programming interface (API) or protocol that allows a lower-level network component to communicate with a higher-level or more central component; conversely, a southbound interface (SBI) allows a higher-level component to send commands to lower-level network components. Northbound and southbound interfaces are most associated with software-defined networking (SDN), but […]
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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. This modulation scheme helps double the channel’s effective bandwidth. QAM is also used with pulse AM in digital systems, such as wireless communications. How does QAM work? QAM is used to achieve greater spectrum efficiency. This is […]
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What is software-defined networking (SDN)?
Software-defined networking (SDN) is a networking approach in which software is used to easily configure and centrally manage IT networks. SDN abstracts a network’s different, distinguishable layers to make it more agile, flexible and easy to manage. Its main goal is to improve network control and empower enterprises to respond quickly to changing business requirements […]
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What is a network packet?
A network packet is a basic unit of data that is transferred over a computer network, typically a packet-switched network, such as the internet. Before data like files, images, videos or emails are transmitted over a network, they are first divided into packets. Upon arrival at their destination, the packets are reassembled to form the […]
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What is a farad (F)?
A farad (F) is the standard unit of electrical capacitance (C) in the International System of Units. It indicates the ability of a substance to hold an electrical charge. The value of most electrical capacitors is expressed in farads, microfarads (µF) or nanofarads (nF). The farad was named after the 18th-century English physicist Michael Faraday. […]
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