Networking

ThousandEyes launches cloud performance monitoring tools

ThousandEyes has launched cloud performance monitoring tools. The latest offering provides critical metrics for software running in multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Address network scalability requirements when selecting SD-WAN

Selecting an SD-WAN option that suits business needs can be daunting, but diving into network scalability requirements, like bandwidth needs and the number of sites, is a good start. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

Options for dedicated cloud interconnects and their benefits

There are clear benefits to replacing existing VPN tunnels now. Discover the advantages to dedicating cloud interconnects to improve your enterprise traffic flows. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Cisco acquires July Systems for its location, analytics services

Cisco buys July Systems to add its cloud-based location services to Cisco's enterprise Wi-Fi platform. Also, Extreme and Ruckus launch improvements to their wireless LANs. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Three goals of multiple cloud management and how to reach them

Attaining the benefits of the cloud is getting ever more complex. Learn ways to enable efficient and effective management of hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Silver Peak SD-WAN adds service chaining, partners for cloud security

Silver Peak SD-WAN now allows service chaining for Forcepoint, McAfee and Symantec security VNFs. Also, ONF targets four technologies to develop -- and four supply chain partners to help. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Aruba taps ClearPass, Central for SD-Branch management

Aruba has introduced a software-defined branch offering. The product works with Aruba ClearPass and Central for management and includes an SD-WAN within a gateway appliance. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Carrier cloud needs 5G wireless networks, other drivers for success

While 5G wireless networks appear to be the biggest driver in building the necessary carrier cloud, two other short-term drivers can help complete the carrier network transformation. Continue Reading

By

• Tom Nolle, Andover Intel

Juniper unveils Penta chipset for 5G infrastructure

Juniper unveils the Penta chipset for carrier's 5G infrastructure. The packet-forwarding chip features higher speeds and low power consumption. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Cisco to merge Viptela, DNA Center for campus networking

Cisco plans to integrate its Viptela SD-WAN with DNA Center for campus networking in the next 18 months. At the same time, Cisco expects to release a cloud version of DNA Center. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Versa SD-WAN counts progress in customer wins, not 'dollars'

As IHS Markit issues its latest report on the increasing SD-WAN revenue, Versa Networks' CEO said he counts Versa SD-WAN success in customer wins, not revenue. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Hybrid cloud security architecture requires rethinking

Enterprises need a centralized approach when considering a hybrid cloud security architecture, an analyst says. Plus, is user experience management an IT responsibility? Continue Reading

By

• David Harbeck, Editorial Assistant

Cisco intent-based networking to beat out open OS, company claims

At Cisco Live, CEO Chuck Robbins emphasized customer preference for integrated hardware and software that offer Cisco intent-based networking over open OSes. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Cisco opens DNA to developers in campus networking push

Cisco wants to turn its DNA Center campus networking platform into a platform for software development. The goal is to work with the data the system collects. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

ONAP Beijing release targets deployment scenarios

With its ONAP Beijing release, the Linux Foundation turns its attention to what makes a system deployment ready to go: usability, stability and security, among others. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Nyansa extends network performance monitor software

In Cisco Live news, Nyansa upgrades its network performance monitor software to track WAN and Wi-Fi connection problems. Also, A10 adds Kubernetes support. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

SDN, machine learning could lead to intelligent networks

The next step for SDN is to integrate network analytics and machine learning to result in automated, intelligent networks. But first, humans need to trust the technology. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Challenges of blockchain muddle understanding of the technology

There is a lot of hype about blockchain and how it might be used within networking operations. But just understanding the technology and what it actually does might be among the biggest challenges of blockchain. Continue Reading

By

• Teren Bryson

LiveAction buys Savvius to combine packet monitoring and NPM

LiveAction plans to combine its software for network performance management with Savvius' packet monitoring technology to deliver both in a single product. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Clarifying network disaggregation and related technologies

Trying to explain network disaggregation and related trends -- like SDN, NFV and white boxes -- can be complicated. Our expert pins the terms down and explains the tradeoffs. Continue Reading

By

• Russ White

New Arista switches use Barefoot Tofino programmable chip

Arista has launched its first switches with the Barefoot Tofino programmable chip. The latest hardware is designed to replace some network appliances and routers. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Apstra adds EVPN configuration to AOS

The newly released version of Apstra AOS includes EVPN configuration. The latest feature in the intent-based OS reduces the manual labor behind network segmentation. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Network edge switch upgrades hinge on WLAN deployments

Network edge switch upgrades depend on a variety of factors, but one of the most critical is taking a look at your future WLAN deployment strategies. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Mathias

VMware is redesigning NSX networking for the cloud

A VMware researcher says the company is preparing a new version of NSX networking for public clouds and expects the technology to be available in about a year. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Cloud-based network monitoring creates management flexibility

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Choosing the right software-driven network technology

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Enterprises use network security in the cloud to combat threats

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DevOps for networking evolves with software

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Software-based networks lay foundation of networking's future

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DevOps in networking begins to gain ground

Software development has benefited from a DevOps framework, which brings together software engineers and operating teams to collaborate in a continuous integration/continuous delivery model that helps automate and deploy code faster. DevOps in networking, however, is still an emerging concept. Many networks are still managed and updated using heavily manual processes.

In this issue of Network Evolution, find out how network virtualization and automation are leading enterprises to consider whether they can manage their networks through DevOps methodologies. As more network elements become software-driven, organizations will see a shift to DevOps in networking.

In addition to an emerging DevOps approach, the software-driven network brings with it a slew of new technologies and approaches to understand. From software-defined networking and software-defined WAN to network functions virtualization and virtual network functions, network professionals have to wade through options aimed at changing everything about how networks are built and managed. Read on as we sort out the subtle differences among these technologies.

And as virtualization enhances network design, it also makes the network a more attractive target for hackers. We also look at what security tools and services enterprises are investing in to boost network security in the cloud.

Finally, read how the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is using cloud-based network monitoring to keep its theater in the spotlight.

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Software-based networks lay foundation of networking's future

Software-based networks are evolving, reshaping how companies do business and blending into legacy networking. Enterprises will have to sort out which approaches work best. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Cloud-based network monitoring creates management flexibility

Cloud-based network monitoring offers Broward Center's theater campus more flexible and efficient network management so IT can keep performing arts center stage. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Choosing the right software-driven network technology

The software-driven network can drive efficiency and flexibility, but network pros first need to identify the problems they're trying to fix to choose the right technology options. Continue Reading

By

• Alissa Irei, Senior Reporter, Cybersecurity News

Enterprises use network security in the cloud to combat threats

The market for network security in the cloud is growing as enterprises shift workloads to the cloud to combat potential data breaches and system threats. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

DevOps for networking evolves with software

Enterprises have yet to fully integrate a collaborative approach to DevOps for networking, but that's changing as networks become more automated and software-driven. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

MEF targets multivendor interoperability for network services

Vendors participating in MEF's SD-WAN implementation project aim to develop better multivendor interoperability that can lend itself to improved automation. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

AT&T NetBond for Cloud connects Google to enterprises

AT&T NetBond for Cloud is the latest member of Google's Partner Interconnect. The AT&T service provides midsize enterprises with private connections of up to 10 Gbps to Google Cloud. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

A refresher course on white box networking equipment

This white box networking review sheds some light on the variations, as it's all too easy to confuse the intricacies of white boxes, universal CPEs and brite boxes. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

Optical interconnect DCI frameworks need more flexibility to keep pace

An optical interconnect framework can support high-speed DCI deployments. But it's important that optical networks become programmable to ensure reliability. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

Cato's network security feature on the hunt for threats

Cato Networks added a network security feature that detects and identifies threats within customer networks. The capability is built into Cato's SD-WAN platform, Cato Cloud. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

ADC, the networking management tool, acquires new abilities

Networking pros should take a new look at what application delivery controllers now offer. ADCs now have some cutting-edge features making the networking workhorse exciting. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

New, micro-ADC features can aid enterprise security

The ADC is no hot, new networking tool, but it's evolved dramatically, adding some features in its latest iterations that promise to increase its already important role. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

The growing ties between networking roles and automation

Network automation is here, bringing with it new demands for network professionals. But these changes should go beyond shifting networking roles, responsibilities and skills. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

What makes networking automation so difficult?

Analysts focus on networking automation and the problems facing it, as well as gaming trends that could affect 5G deployment costs and debate questions surrounding the future of blockchain. Continue Reading

By

• David Harbeck, Editorial Assistant

IDC, Cisco survey assesses future IT staffing needs

New IDC survey on digital transformation's effects on future IT staffing outline technology trends affecting IT hiring and 20 roles that emphasize need for expanded skill sets. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Gerwig, Editorial Director

Private CDN services fill specific needs for some businesses

In addition to shared CDN service options, private CDNs with dedicated edge servers are the obvious answer for businesses with specific content delivery needs. Continue Reading

By

• David Jacobs, The Jacobs Group

Network engineering skills should include software fluency

Network engineers need to rethink their network engineering skills and embrace software fluency training to meet business needs for modern network infrastructure. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Gerwig, Editorial Director

How do I improve my network programming knowledge?

When it comes to SDN and programmable network skills, combining training with practice and hands-on experience can help advance your programming knowledge. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Pica8 wooing campus with white box network switch software

Pica8 is rolling out new white box network switch software aimed at campus and branch-office deployments in a bid to build a new market. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Key considerations before evaluating SD-WAN vendors

Before selecting an SD-WAN technology, organizations must understand what problems they need to solve and assess which implementation option is best suited to their WAN and business requirements. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Doyle, Doyle Research

How can network analytics tools be used to improve performance?

With pressure and expectations for network and enterprise performance rising, IT professionals are turning to network analytics tools that use machine learning to remain ahead of the game. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

Q3 Cisco financials show another uptick in sales, services

Cisco financials show a 4% boost in sales as Cisco records its second consecutive quarter of revenue growth and continues to embrace software services. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

SN blogs: Is Arista making right move with campus switches?

Bloggers discuss Arista's new strategy to market campus switches, examine container security risks and ask the question of whether networking is a commodity. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Helping enterprises adapt to open source switching

Enterprise adoption of open source switching hasn't kept pace with cloud providers and telcos. What are some of the barriers blocking the use of disaggregation? Continue Reading

By

• Dan Conde

HPE to acquire hyper-converged networking company Plexxi

Plexxi bolstered its hyper-converged networking fabric to further support VMware vSAN and NSX amid the news of HPE's acquisition intent. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

What is ONAP, and how does it tie into NFV architecture?

Network expert Lee Doyle looks at ONAP, its role in NFV architecture and its progress in becoming the standard platform for NFV management and orchestration. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Doyle, Doyle Research

Network disaggregation key topic at Dell event

Analysts focus on Dell's embrace of network disaggregation, how Google is narrowing the gap between human and machine and whether virtual appliances are ready for prime time. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Nutanix combines SDN, microsegmentation in Nutanix Flow

With the availability of Nutanix Flow, the HCI vendor merges SDN and microsegmentation to incorporate networking capabilities in its hyper-converged infrastructure stack. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

CDN providers comparison: Highlighting vendors' focus

Get to know the top content delivery networks with the help of this CDN providers comparison infographic, breaking down vendors' network capacity, services offered and more. Continue Reading

By

• David Harbeck, Editorial Assistant

Network infrastructure design for network-as-a-service

When it comes to network as a service, network infrastructure design depends on if you want services delivered across the LAN, WAN or data center. Find out what you need to know. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Growing CDN services market changes to meet cloud needs

Enterprises looking for greater network performance and scalability turn to traditional CDN services providers for nontraditional help to improve security and offer access to APIs. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

New Arista campus switches aim to simplify designs

The Arista campus switches are an effort by the company to target enterprises with the same set of features used by large data centers and carriers. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Telefonica uses Nuage Networks to software-define data centers

Following Telefonica's existing Nuage Networks' SD-WAN deployment, the service provider announced it's in the process of using Nuage to deploy software-defined data centers. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

SD-WAN technology eases network operational challenges

Services from SD-WAN vendors provide numerous benefits to organizations worldwide that rely on communications to their branch or remote offices. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Doyle, Doyle Research

How do the benefits of SDN improve network automation?

The ability to automate networks isn't new, and while the benefits of SDN reach out to encompass aspects of automation, SDN and network automation don't mean the same thing. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Cloud network management begins with the basics

Learn the essentials of how to manage cloud networks, from network architecture to how to store and transmit data to security. Includes a segment on cloud trends, too. Continue Reading

The importance of staying up to date with Wi-Fi training

Wireless networking is changing at breakneck speeds, but Wi-Fi training isn't keeping up. Find out why firms must pay more attention to ensuring engineers are properly trained. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Badman

Verizon SDN used to manage legacy Cisco, Juniper routers

Verizon has built a software-defined networking controller for its legacy routers. The Verizon SDN technology is being used on Cisco and Juniper hardware delivering Ethernet services. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Why hybrid cloud data protection is so crucial

This week's roundup of analyst musings includes discussions about the importance of hybrid cloud data protection and whether it's beneficial to strike a work-life balance. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Enterprises move from SD-WAN testing to deployment, IHS says

Enterprises are undergoing SD-WAN testing to gauge how the technology can offer better WAN control, IHS Markit says. Also, OPNFV releases Fraser to support cloud-native applications. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

How do I choose between open source and commercial SDN?

Commercial SDN offers vendor-backed support, while open source platforms can be upgraded more quickly. Whether an enterprise chooses one over the other depends on its preferences. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

NSX networking update unifies branch, data center, cloud

VMware is using its VeloCloud SD-WAN to extend NSX networking to the branch. The move makes NSX the unifier of branch, data center and cloud networking. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Navigating the network ADC buying process

Learn how to assess your organization's needs for an ADC device and to evaluate the different application delivery controllers in the market to find the right fit. Continue Reading

Software drives the promise of the interoperable network

Interoperability in networks is essential now, a reality that vendors increasingly acknowledge. Learn how the networking industry is changing to accommodate the need for openness. Continue Reading

By

• Phillip Gervasi

Software-driven network access ups enterprise agility

Network access to service provider systems is becoming software-based. Learn more about how software-defined access works and the flexibility inherent in software. Continue Reading

By

• John Fruehe

What tools are needed to build a DevOps management model?

Amy Larsen DeCarlo answers why so many businesses are combining their development and operations teams and what tools are needed to make effective DevOps management happen. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

The role of SDN in 5G technology and the WAN: Can it scale?

Network operators have a narrow window to figure out if SDN in 5G technology can scale well enough to move it beyond the data center and into the WAN. Continue Reading

By

• Tom Nolle, Andover Intel

Big Switch offers analytics, recording with packet broker

Big Switch has added value to its network packet broker with the introduction of analytics and recording nodes. The new products are sold as add-ons to Big Monitoring Fabric. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Juniper battles Cisco, VMware with Contrail cloud tools

Juniper plans to release the first iteration of its Contrail cloud tools in June. Contrail Enterprise Multicloud will compete in cloud networking with Cisco ACI and VMware NSX. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Is programmable infrastructure ready for prime time in networking?

In this week's networking blog roundup, analysts examine whether programmable infrastructure is now a thing, what would make a good AI tool and what's wrong with telcos. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Test yourself on open networking, open source and SDN

The open networking concept follows the likes of SDN and open source, but the lines separating them all are often blurred. This quiz can help you understand the differences. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

How can I prevent a DDoS attack program?

DDoS programs overwhelm networks with a torrent of requests. How can you prevent a DDoS attack, and what are the steps you can take to keep your networking environment secure? Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

2018 ONUG conference to tackle IT disruption, building blocks

With the spring 2018 ONUG conference coming up on May 8 to 9, Nick Lippis, ONUG co-founder, discusses how IT teams are facing disruption from technologies like the cloud and SD-WAN. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Top application delivery controllers offer range of options

The leading vendors in the application delivery controller market offer a broad range of physical and virtual appliances, with varying throughput levels and diverse function sets. Which product is right for you? Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Tolly, The Tolly Group

New Accedian SkyLIGHT PVX has root-cause analytics

Accedian Networks has launched its first product from the Performance Vision acquisition. SkyLIGHT PVX includes network monitoring, plus root-cause analytics and remediation. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

New CDN services give providers an edge in WAN marketplace

With enterprises moving workloads to public cloud, the CDN services market could see growth in security and performance services, as providers exploit their network-edge locations. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Gerwig, Editorial Director

How data center interconnect technologies shape WAN performance

Latency, congestion and sluggish TCP stacks can plague application performance, but understanding data center interconnect technologies is key. Continue Reading

By

• Terry Slattery, NetCraftsmen

Router security options advised following U.S. hacker alert

A rare government alert that Russian hackers are targeting routers in the United States and the United Kingdom has security experts debating router security options. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Analyst balks at blockchain distributed ledger in networking

Blockchain distributed ledger technology is untested, unproven and overly complex, making it unsuitable for networking, GlobalData analyst Mike Fratto argued. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

128 Technology delivers routing software, SD-WAN on white box

128 Technology integrated its routing software and SD-WAN capabilities with white box CPEs from Lanner. Arrow Electronics will preconfigure the software onto the CPEs. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

SD-WAN benefits the changing network connectivity landscape

In the latest networking advance, SD-WAN benefits the evolving network connectivity landscape by allowing customers to use less expensive internet links and keep MPLS for important traffic. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sturt, Netify

Network-as-a-service market blossoms as demands grow

The network-as-a-service market is attracting more attention, as enterprises look for ways to outsource some of their infrastructure needs to providers. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Mathias

Blockchain technology use in networking? Not so fast

Blockchain technology use has little value in networking, according to one IT analyst. Analysts also examine IoT security and what might happen to AI if disasters occur. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Cisco DNA Center gets access to more IoT devices

Cisco DNA Center can now access an additional 620 IoT device profiles. Cisco also introduced this week a couple of Catalyst 9500 switches, including one with 100 GbE ports. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Cisco advances Network Assurance Engine, network verification tech

The Cisco Network Assurance Engine, a network verification tool, will add support for more third-party devices and platforms. Cisco's Sundar Iyer shares plans. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

AT&T mobile 5G network falling short

The latest update on AT&T's mobile 5G network trials indicates the company will need to work faster to meet its goal of launching a commercial service by the end of the year. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

IDC: Steady growth for IT infrastructure products spending

IDC maps growth in IT infrastructure products spending, cPacket beefs up monitoring for 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps networks, and Dell agrees to resell Metaswitch's composables package. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Gordon: Trends driving network access control systems

Pulse Secure executive Scott Gordon cites industry trends driving the vendor's new product launch and how endpoint security is driving shifts in network access control systems. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

MEF launches SDN certification and specs for Presto APIs

MEF worked with The Linux Foundation and ETSI to develop an NFV and SDN certification to focus on related knowledge and skills. Meantime, MEF published specs for its Presto APIs. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Edge computing, cloud data centers drive decentralized IT

This week, bloggers explore the growth of decentralized IT, thanks to edge computing; Infoblox DNS security updates; and how machine learning is becoming a feature, rather than a product. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget