Networking
Top Stories
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Tip
31 Jul 2026
Understanding the network-as-software transformation
Manual methods no longer cut it as enterprises adopt advanced architectural models. Instead, software-based approaches like NaaS and infrastructure as code are gaining traction. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2026
NetScout doubles AI DDoS defenses after infrastructure buy
NetScout boosts its attack mitigation capacity to 33 Tbps and plans to strengthen integration between its on-premises and cloud-based tools. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2020
RSA 2020: US needs allies to battle China's 5G threat
Experts at RSA 2020 said the United States and its allies have to solve trade disputes and combine resources to secure global 5G infrastructure against Chinese threats. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
Networking startup Arrcus wins TechTarget innovation award
Networking startup Arrcus aims to disrupt the industry with its software-based routing technology. Here's how the young company plans to go toe-to-toe with industry giants. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2020
What do 2G and 3G sunset dates mean for business customers?
A 2G and 3G shutdown probably won't affect businesses much, but embedded IoT devices may see some problems as these two older cellular technologies fade away. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Feb 2020
How does DevOps in networking change network requirements?
As more organizations embrace DevOps in networking, the approach can transform network requirements, such as visibility and security policies, which network teams should consider. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
Network traffic analysis best practices: Assess and repeat
Network traffic analysis best practices require network teams to work closely with security teams and constantly assess their tool sets, analysis processes and traffic patterns. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2020
RSA 2020: Experts say US is too slow in deploying 5G
At the RSA 2020 conference, experts said enterprise-class 5G services are years away. Obstacles include security and doubts about profitability. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2020
CISA chief can't guarantee election security
CISA Chief Christopher Krebs told RSA attendees he can't guarantee election security. Krebs also discussed CISA's efforts against Iranian hackers and ransomware attacks. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2020
Cisco SecureX provides front end for all security tools
Cisco SecureX, unveiled at RSA, provides centralized intelligence from all the vendor's security products. Also at RSA, Juniper adds encrypted traffic analysis to the Juniper ATP Cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2020
IEEE reveals 802 standards process and the future of Wi-Fi
The IEEE 802 Standards Committee looks years in advance to improve Wi-Fi and Ethernet technology. A sampling of the future: 802.11be, Wi-Fi sensing and increased Ethernet range. Continue Reading
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Quiz
18 Feb 2020
Try 10 practice questions for the CCNP, CCIE ENCOR 350-401
This practice quiz for CCNP and CCIE ENCOR 350-401 explores what readers must know about IP routing essentials -- including BGP and OSPF -- from the new certification guidebook. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2020
How Cisco certification changes alter CCNP and CCIE tracks
Here's what to expect from the colossal Cisco certification changes to the CCNP and CCIE tracks that aim to increase material relevance and benefit network engineers' daily lives. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2020
Prepare for CCNP, CCIE ENCOR 350-401 with this guide preview
Here's an excerpt from the new 'CCNP and CCIE ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide' that provides the key IP routing essentials network engineers require for their job roles. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Arista's Big Switch buy adds customers, engineers, network software
The Arista-Big Switch deal adds significant software-defined networking technology to Arista's EOS operating system. Also, Arista will acquire 300 customers and dozens of engineers. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2020
Watch for these 6 wireless networking trends in 2020
No doubt you've heard about 5G and Wi-Fi 6. But don't forget other wireless trends emerging in 2020, such as CBRS, dynamic spectrum sharing and Open RAN. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Latest Cisco earnings show tech buyers remain skittish
The latest Cisco earnings report shows customers paused tech spending despite a stabler global economy, while the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China was a looming unknown. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2020
Explore the top Wi-Fi 6 technology benefits and providers
Learn the basics around Wi-Fi 6 along with the security, battery and bandwidth improvements that come with the upgrade and the top companies to consider for buying options. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2020
Network software subscription models befuddle tech buyers
Tech buyers are frustrated and confused over network vendors' software subscription models. Some buyers say they're unconvinced the pricing models favor them. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2020
What should I know about IP address management systems?
As networks continuously gain more devices, outdated IP address management methods face new challenges. Despite this, IPAM is still crucial for any organization's network. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Feb 2020
How do I build a cloud-ready network?
IT teams can prepare their networks for cloud migrations by planning around their applications, security strategies, remote users and WAN performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2020
When assessing SD-WAN benefits, don't ignore SD-WAN costs
SD-WAN offers several benefits, but companies also need to understand SD-WAN costs. Organizations need to consider some critical areas -- and not all of them are obvious. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Feb 2020
A glossary of network terms for management and monitoring
This glossary of network terms specifically highlights network management and monitoring processes. Explore these 12 key terms and concise definitions. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Feb 2020
SD-WAN requirements for a multi-cloud world
With the emergence of a multi-cloud world, SD-WAN vendors must upgrade their platforms to ensure secure and reliable SD-WAN connectivity to cloud services. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2020
Understand business value to advance your networking career
Network pros can use the CAR mindset -- challenge, action and result -- to better match their networking initiatives with business goals and advance their career opportunities. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Feb 2020
What to include in a network services agreement
Network teams that create MSP contracts for their managed network services should cover delivery lead times, network performance, adds and changes, network uptime and escalation. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jan 2020
What's the difference between SD-branch vs. SD-WAN?
As networking pros evaluate SD-branch vs. SD-WAN, they'll notice a key distinction between the two technologies, namely how network functions are managed and orchestrated. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2020
How SD-WAN changes the network security perimeter
The advent of SD-WAN has changed the network security model by pushing more security and control to the edge -- and businesses need to adjust to this new reality. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2020
A look inside 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 2'
Network security is a crucial skills area for network engineers, and the CCNA 200-301 reflects this. Here's a chapter excerpt on network security from the new guide. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2020
Traditional, emerging topics unite in the new CCNA exam
As of Feb. 24, all eyes are on the CCNA 200-301 exam -- Cisco's latest update to the CCNA track. Here's a look at what's on the exam and how it compares to previous CCNA exams. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2020
Cisco Cyber Vision targets industrial IoT security
Cisco Cyber Vision is the networking company's latest product for industrial IoT security. The technology is based on software Cisco acquired last year when it bought Sentryo. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2020
3 ways to improve WAN performance with SD-WAN
SD-WAN can improve WAN performance in three ways: It adds a secondary transport for network traffic, while also taking advantage of broadband Ethernet and application acceleration. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2020
Build a source of truth into your network automation strategy
Many network automation approaches rely on a source of truth repository to provide data on network behavior. But building this automation database isn't always easy. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jan 2020
12 questions to ask about SD-WAN managed services
When contemplating SD-WAN managed services, organizations should ask questions about network security, infrastructure compatibility and bandwidth requirements. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2020
VMware acquisition of Nyansa combines LAN, WAN analytics
The VMware acquisition of Nyansa is expected to provide network traffic analytics that cover the SD-WAN and the wired and wireless LAN. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2020
Network device discovery best practices -- other than ping sweeps
Traditionally, ping sweeps are the go-to method for network device discovery. But, by creating a network script, you can discover networked devices more efficiently. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2020
When to consider managed SD-WAN services for your business
SD-WAN offers promising benefits, like the ability to use multiple ISP links, but managing those links can prove challenging. Managed SD-WAN services can help. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Jan 2020
What's the difference between thin and thick SD-WAN branch offices?
When rolling out software-defined WAN, you'll need to consider the current makeup of your branch offices. For instance, are applications on-site or in the cloud? Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2020
5G vs. Wi-Fi: Verizon says cellular will win
In the not-too-distant future, businesses could find themselves weighing 5G vs. Wi-Fi in the campus and office. Verizon has already named 5G the winner. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jan 2020
Gartner WAN edge Magic Quadrant offers buying advice
How should businesses buy WAN edge technology? You probably shouldn't rely on vendor name recognition alone. Instead, consider some niche players in the SD-WAN market. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jan 2020
Future of networking technology relies on 5G, edge computing
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts discuss the key trends they look forward to in 2020 and how these advancements could benefit networking's future. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2020
Compare Paramiko, Netmiko and NAPALM network automation
Python is a useful language, but it can't do everything. Explore some basic network automation scripts that use Python with three automation libraries: Paramiko, Netmiko and NAPALM. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2020
Plan for simplicity when approaching HCI networking
HCI networking isn't as easy as plugging cables in and hoping the HCI system works. IT teams need to strategize around capacity and resiliency to achieve true simplification. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2020
Cradlepoint NetCloud update avoids unnecessary data usage
Cradlepoint Netcloud has new analytics that help companies avoid the cost of exceeding the limits of their data plans for wireless links on the vendor's SD-WAN. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2020
Aruba SD-Branch gets intrusion detection, prevention software
The latest update of the Aruba SD-Branch includes intrusion detection and prevention software built into the product's gateway appliance. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2020
Wi-Fi 6 glossary of 12 important terms and phrases
This Wi-Fi 6 glossary delves into various features and capabilities the new generation of Wi-Fi technology offers, as well as what organizations can expect from Wi-Fi 6 devices. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2020
7 key SD-branch trends to expect in 2020
New year, new developments. See what's new with SD-branch in 2020, including security advancements and how technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 and 5G will affect branch offices. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2019
Food manufacturer finds success with SD-WAN vendor CloudGenix
Disappointed in a managed service from Verizon, food manufacturer Diamond Crystal Brands went looking for an SD-WAN vendor that could deliver. It found it in CloudGenix. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2019
SD-WAN drives managed network services trends for 2020
As network operators offer more SD-WAN managed services in 2020, the managed services market will see some major changes regarding price, feature sets and management. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Dec 2019
5 enterprise wireless industry trends to track in 2020
Yes, 5G and Wi-Fi 6 will continue to grab headlines. But other ongoing wireless industry trends include problematic devices and heavy-handed licensing by vendors. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2019
Aaron's deploys CloudGenix SD-WAN after issues with Meraki
Before Aaron's could improve its real-time network visibility and VoIP performance with CloudGenix SD-WAN, the retailer had to transition from Cisco Meraki. Continue Reading
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News
30 Dec 2019
Cisco 2020: Challenges, prospects shape the new year
Cisco 2020: The networking giant begins the new year with an overhauled service provider business, and SD-WAN and customer challenges in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Dec 2019
Decision-makers may prefer Wi-Fi over 5G in retail networks
For retail use cases, 5G may not provide as many benefits as it would for other sectors. Yet 5G offers innovative features, and retailers may still adopt 5G networks in the future. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2019
Volta Networks wins NIA for cloud-based routing
Better together? Not when it comes to routing software and hardware. Networking startup Volta Networks' disaggregated routing platform promises to increase flexibility and lowers costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2019
How to benchmark 25 GbE NICs in converged networks
Network teams can use an array of tools to benchmark the performance and efficiency of 25 GbE network adapters that support converged networks and HCI environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2019
The top network security trends, threats and strategies in 2020
Ransomware and attacks against cloud providers reflect key network security trends in 2020. To combat these threats preemptively, assess your specific network needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2019
5 considerations for efficient VMware design
Designing a VMware environment requires you to consider many factors, such as storage, CPUs, security and VM density. A few tips can keep your design simple and elegant. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2019
Top networking trends in 2019 to resurface in 2020
Recapping the top networking news stories of 2019 could provide a glimpse into the future and reveal some of the top networking technology trends of 2020. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Dec 2019
Why should I consider an AIOps platform for my network?
AIOps can take various tasks -- such as data collection and analysis -- off the plates of network teams. This can provide organizations with better insight into network visibility. Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2019
Cisco to acquire Exablaze for high-performance switching
Cisco plans to acquire Australia-based Exablaze and eventually use its technology in AI applicatons. The acquisition is similar to rival Arista's 2018 purchase of Metamoko. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Dec 2019
SD-WAN vs. DMVPN vs. IPsec tunnels: How do I choose?
Software-defined WAN, DMVPN and IPsec tunnels each have a place among enterprises. Our network expert compares each one and explains where they can be most beneficial. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2019
Cisco's Silicon One networking chip targets cloud data centers
Cisco's Silicon One chip launch demonstrates a willingness to embrace white box routers in the hyperscale data centers of cloud providers. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2019
Silver Peak SD-WAN orchestrator scales to thousands of sites
Silver Peak has launched a cloud-based SD-WAN orchestrator that provides centralized control of multiple Unity Orchestrators deployed in separate locations. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Dec 2019
How do I choose the right network automation tools or platform?
In your organization's search for the best network automation platform for business operations, compare the pros and cons of proprietary and open source tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2019
VMware aims to simplify container-VM management
VSphere can now manage containers, as well as VMs, and adds Cloud Native Storage. This helps address certain inefficiencies that come from using cloud, containers and VM in VMware. Continue Reading
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Quiz
09 Dec 2019
Test your knowledge of SD-WAN deployments and testing
As SD-WAN becomes more mainstream, organizations must learn what to expect during all phases of deployment. Try your knowledge of SD-WAN testing, deployments and troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2019
4 SD-WAN vendors integrate with AWS Transit Gateway
Aruba, Cisco, Citrix and Silver Peak are among the first SD-WAN vendors to integrate their products with the AWS Transit Gateway. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2019
Assess the Wi-Fi 6 features available in Wave 1 and Wave 2
Catch up on the different features available with the first wave of Wi-Fi 6, including OFDMA and Target Wake Time, and find out which capabilities Wave 2 will bring. Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2019
3 networking startups rearchitect routing
Networking startups Arrcus, DriveNets and Volta Networks help service providers redefine routing in the data center and at the edge. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2019
Network security design best practices and principles: Keep it simple
Comprehensive network security design means understanding the components that constitute your network and how and when everything is managed. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2019
Agile for infrastructure requires major cultural shift
To realize the benefits of Agile for infrastructure, network teams must think differently about how to deliver services -- embracing radical change and a trial-by-error approach. Continue Reading
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Video
26 Nov 2019
Gauge some of the top SD-WAN pros and cons
This video explains some of the major SD-WAN pros and cons, including improved application performance, security and troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Nov 2019
How do I build the right cloud network design?
Networks look different now than they did a decade ago, and that continuous change isn't slowing down. Cloud networking plays a large role in the transformation of legacy networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
What SD-WAN devices do I need in an SD-WAN deployment?
Despite the software-centric nature of software-defined WAN, certain SD-WAN devices are still required to help transport traffic and complete network connections. Continue Reading
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Quiz
26 Nov 2019
Test your cloud networking knowledge with these 10 questions
As cloud networks become more common, IT teams must understand how cloud architectures can benefit -- or impede -- business requirements. Take this quiz to see how much you know. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Nov 2019
Understanding the evolution of Ethernet
First developed by Xerox PARC in the 1970s and ratified by IEEE as a standard in 1983, the evolution of Ethernet has taken this LAN technology through dozens of specifications. Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2019
Extreme makes Fabric Automation friendlier to developers
Extreme Networks adds Fabric Automation features that make the company's virtualized data center networks more adaptive to changes by application developers. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2019
3 challenges of edge computing, IoT network adoption
While edge computing and IoT devices can spark networking innovations, these technologies can also create challenges and pitfalls organizations aren't yet equipped to deal with. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2019
Juniper Mist roadmap includes SD-WAN, security integrations
The Juniper Mist roadmap includes integrating the wireless LAN's cloud AI engine with Juniper's SD-WAN and malware detection service. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2019
Why Secure Access Service Edge is the future of SD-WAN
Secure Access Service Edge -- or SASE -- architecture transitions from network designs that revolve around the data center to a model based on identity and user context. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2019
The top 10 network security best practices to implement today
Even as security techniques improve, attackers are becoming more adept. Learn about 10 network security best practices and how they can keep your network secure. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2019
SD-WAN explained in 15 key terms and phrases
This SD-WAN glossary delves into the various capabilities, technologies and components that encompass SD-WAN, explained with 15 concise definitions. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2019
NSX Intelligence evolves network security and load balancing
NSX Intelligence can bolster your zero-trust network security, provide microsegmentation analytics and balance loads in your network. Learn more about this new VMware product. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Nov 2019
What is the difference between a bridge and a router?
While a bridge and router share some similarities, the difference between a bridge and router is significant, including how the devices interpret network connections. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2019
Cisco earnings foreshadow slowdown in tech spending
The latest Cisco earnings report indicated a weakening in business confidence as economic uncertainties lowered tech spending by enterprises and other segments. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2019
Google cloud network tools check links, firewalls, packet loss
The latest Google cloud network monitoring tools perform connectivity testing and provide firewall and performance metrics. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2019
Benefits of network automation software ease challenges for IT
Network automation software comes with a compelling list of benefits, but IT teams should confirm which processes are automated and how the software integrates with existing tools. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Nov 2019
How can SD-WAN and edge computing services work together?
Organizations may want to consider the effect SD-WAN and edge computing could have when combined. Make sure to consider all options before choosing a combination model, however. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Nov 2019
What's the difference between half-duplex and full-duplex?
A half-duplex transmission could be considered a one-way street between sender and receiver. Full-duplex, on the other hand, enables two-way traffic at the same time. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2019
Juniper taps Mist Systems for wired, wireless LAN analytics
Juniper Networks is using its Mist Systems acquisition to provide cloud-based analytics for a wired and wireless LAN built with Mist and Juniper hardware. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Nov 2019
How realistic are compact SD-WAN appliances compared to VPNs?
The battle between VPN vs. SD-WAN returns. In this clash, see how realistic SD-WAN appliances are for remote and mobile workers compared to VPN connections. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2019
After a data breach occurs, follow this network security checklist
Before a network breach occurs, you should already have a response plan in place. To make sure you're taking a proactive approach, follow this network security checklist. Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2019
Cisco Meraki Go chasing Best Buy customers
The latest Cisco Meraki Go products cost as little as $149 -- a price that could attract Best Buy customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2019
4 enterprise WAN challenges that 5G service could resolve
With 5G, organizations could ease or resolve common WAN challenges around deployment, business expansion, monthly pricing models and adoption of new technologies. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Nov 2019
Network security vs. application security: What's the difference?
Different tools protect different assets at the network and application layers. But both network and application security need to support the larger security plan. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2019
Latest Cisco switch uses Meraki software, Catalyst hardware
The MS390 is the first Cisco switch built using Meraki software and Catalyst hardware. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2019
Arista CloudEOS addresses multi-cloud networking
Arista joins Cisco, Juniper and VMware in the multi-cloud networking market. The new Arista CloudEOS leverages CloudVision for multi-cloud monitoring, automation and management. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2019
Build an effective SD-WAN security strategy at the branch
Don't deploy SD-WAN without a solid network security strategy. IT teams should address four specific areas to ensure adequate security and protection against network threats. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2019
It's not Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G -- it's Wi-Fi 6 and 5G
Wi-Fi 6 and 5G have similarities and differences. Enterprises want to know how the two can work together. Vendors, for their part, will need an integration strategy. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2019
Cisco's picks for top 4 emerging networking technologies
Cisco's picks for top emerging networking technologies include machine reasoning, optical networking, cognitive radio and Citizens Broadband Radio Service. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2019
Increase security visibility with network automation tasks
IT teams can set up automation tasks that generate security reports about network traffic data. These read-only dashboards are useful for executives that ask for system updates. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2019
Learn how to master network traffic analysis with Python
In this book excerpt, explore key components of network security and network traffic analysis with Python scripting from Packt Publishing author José Manuel Ortega. Continue Reading