How to Defend your Network from DDoS Attacks

First of all, what is a DDOS attack? DDoS stands for Distributed Denial-of-Service and the way it works is that an attack in which multiple compromised computer systems attack a target, such as a server, website or other network resource, and cause a denial of service for users of the targeted resource. These flooding attacks…

What is Hosted VoIP?

Hosted VoIP.Cloud PBX. Virtual office phone system. There are many names for hosted Voice over IP communications systems. VoIP isn’t really new but it’s the newest advancement in voice telecommunications technology. Basically, a hosted VoIP phone system is just like a high-end, on-premises PBX (phone system)—only the infrastructure and hardware that makes it work are…

What is SMS and MMS Texting?

SMS stands for short message service and is more commonly known as a text message. SMS allows you to send a message of up to 160 characters. Another common type of messaging service is an MMS or multimedia message where you can send pictures, video etc. Studies have shown that text messages have a 98%…

What is Unified Communications (UCaaS)?

When you hear the term Unified Communications the first thing you might think is what are you unifying…right? Most small businesses use a phone system of some sort for voice communications. Some may use instant messaging for internal communications, still others might use video conferencing, mobile, desktop sharing, presence management. You get the picture? There…

What is Metro Ethernet Service (MOE)?

Growing businesses are increasingly searching for higher bandwidth and capacity to better support and serve employees, partners and especially customers. Ethernet has proven to be a great solution for organizations that want administrative control and security over their network traffic— without requiring a lot of specialized knowledge.

When to Consider SD WAN for Connectivity

The enterprise network (WAN) has transitioned from dedicated TDM circuits with Frame Relay and ATM, to Packet-over-SONET, and now to MPLS and Ethernet-access services. However, two things have remained constant, WAN bandwidth can be expensive in certain rural markets and provisioning WAN services can take a long time. SD WANor Software Defined Wide Area Networking…

What is MPLS?

MPLS is an acronym for Multi-protocol label switching and it’s a technology used for connecting/networking multiple branch officestogether with a private IP connection. MPLS gives you certain capabilities not available using Internet or other connectivity transport methods. QOS (quality of service) is central to MPLS as it allows you to prioritize services and traffic in…

What is Presence Management on a VoIP Phone System?

Presence is a term to describe the status of a user. Users broadcast their availablity in real time online using the corporate network. For example suppose the CEO is in a meeting and does not want to be disturbed. With presence management the VoIP software allows him to show that information for others in the…