SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) adds a layer of encryption to standard file transfer operations by using SSH (Secure Shell). This ensures that files and login credentials remain confidential during transmission. SFTP is widely used by businesses and MSPs like Benchmark Network Solutions to securely exchange backups, configuration files, and client data between systems. Learn […]

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a standardized protocol used for monitoring and managing network devices such as routers, switches, servers, and printers. It enables administrators to collect real-time data, configure devices, and detect network issues by using a centralized management system. SNMP operates through a client-server model, where network devices (agents) communicate with a […]

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a Layer 2 network protocol designed to prevent loops in switched Ethernet networks. Loops occur when multiple paths exist between switches, leading to broadcast storms, MAC table corruption, and network instability. STP ensures a loop-free topology by selectively blocking redundant links while allowing alternative paths in case of failure. Learn […]

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a connection-oriented, reliable transport layer protocol (Layer 4 of the OSI model) used for data transmission between networked devices. It ensures that data arrives accurately and in the correct order, making it ideal for applications requiring reliable communication, such as web browsing, email, and file transfers. Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TCP

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