- Converged Protocols: Integration of specialty/proprietary protocols with standard protocols (like TCP/IP) to use existing network infrastructure without needing new hardware.
- Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE):
- Network data-storage solution (SAN/NAS) supporting high-speed transfers (up to 16 GBps).
- Originally for fiber-optic cables; later support for copper cables.
- Encapsulates Fibre Channel communications over Ethernet, replacing IP as the payload.
- MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching):
- High-throughput network technology using short path labels for routing data instead of network addresses.
- Supports a wide range of protocols through encapsulation.
- iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface):
- IP-based networking storage standard for location-independent file storage, transmission, and retrieval over LAN, WAN, or Internet.
- Considered a low-cost alternative to Fibre Channel.
- VoIP (Voice over IP):
- Tunneling mechanism for transporting voice/data over a TCP/IP network.
- Potential replacement/supplement for PSTN due to lower costs and more features.
- SDN (Software-Defined Networking):
- Separates infrastructure layer from control layer, removing the need for traditional IP addressing, subnets, and routing.
- Directly programmable from a central location, flexible, vendor-neutral, and open-standards based.
This information is vital for understanding modern networking, particularly in environments leveraging both traditional and emerging technologies.