Network Behavior Analysis (NBA) is a cybersecurity technique that monitors and analyzes network traffic patterns to detect anomalies, suspicious activities, and potential threats in real time. Unlike traditional security tools that rely on known attack signatures, NBA focuses on identifying unusual behavior that may indicate cyber threats such as zero-day attacks, insider threats, lateral movement, […]

UDP (User Datagram Protocol) sends data without establishing a formal connection, prioritizing speed over reliability. It’s commonly used for live streaming, gaming, VoIP, and DNS queries — applications where quick delivery is more important than guaranteed order. MSPs often balance TCP and UDP performance in network optimization. Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_Datagram_Protocol

NDP (Neighbor Discovery Protocol) is an IPv6 protocol that replaces ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) in IPv4. It operates at Layer 3 (Network Layer) and is responsible for discovering neighbors, resolving MAC addresses, detecting duplicate addresses, and managing router advertisements in IPv6 networks. Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NDP

A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a network segmentation technique used to divide a physical network into multiple logical subnets. This allows devices in different geographical locations or network segments to be grouped together as if they were on the same physical network, regardless of their actual physical location. VLANs improve network performance, security, […]

NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) is a legacy networking protocol that allows applications on different devices within a local network to communicate. It provides services for name resolution, session management, and data transfer, enabling devices to be identified using human-readable names instead of IP addresses. NetBIOS operates over TCP/IP (NetBIOS over TCP/IP or NBT) using […]

VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) is a Cisco proprietary protocol used to distribute and synchronize VLAN configuration information across multiple network switches. It simplifies VLAN management by allowing administrators to create, delete, or rename VLANs on one switch and automatically propagate those changes throughout the network. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VLAN_Trunking_Protocol

A Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) is an advanced type of firewall that goes beyond traditional firewall capabilities by integrating additional security features to provide more comprehensive protection. NGFWs combine traditional firewall functions (like packet filtering and stateful inspection) with advanced features such as intrusion prevention systems (IPS), application awareness, deep packet inspection (DPI), and user identity […]

A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a telecommunications network that extends over a large geographic area, such as cities, countries, or even continents. It connects multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) or other types of networks, enabling communication and data sharing across wide distances. WANs typically use leased lines, satellite links, or public internet connections to […]

NTP (Network Time Protocol) ensures all systems on a network maintain accurate and consistent time. It synchronizes clocks between servers, routers, and workstations using hierarchical time sources, often connected to atomic clocks or GPS. Accurate timekeeping is vital for event logging, authentication, and cybersecurity monitoring — especially for MSPs managing distributed environments. Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_Time_Protocol

The OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection Model) divides network communication into seven layers — from physical hardware (Layer 1) up to application software (Layer 7). Each layer handles a specific function, such as data routing, session management, or encryption. MSP technicians use the OSI model to systematically troubleshoot network issues and map how devices interact […]