Networking

Pay as you go with new Cisco Tetration analytics SaaS

The latest versions of Cisco Tetration analytics include a software-as-a-service offering with pay-as-you-go pricing. Cisco is also offering a software-only version. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

KDDI Europe picks Silver Peak SD-WAN for managed service

KDDI Europe makes its move in managed SD-WAN, supported by Silver Peak SD-WAN; Lumina Networks updates its Flow Manager product to support service providers transitioning to SDN. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Despite WLAN speed growth, do we really need mGig?

Networking vendors introduced mGig to support 802.11ac Wave 2 devices within enterprise networks. But do you really need to upgrade to accommodate the new WLAN speed? Continue Reading

By

• Lee Badman

Russian hackers target opening in Cisco switch security

Russian hackers are suspected of targeting a utility flaw to bypass Cisco switch security and penetrate enterprise networks and critical U.S. infrastructure. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Meta Networks NaaS offers SD-WAN, VPN, cloud connectivity

Startup Meta Networks has debuted its network as a service. The company's first offering delivers SD-WAN, security, VPNs and multi-cloud connectivity in an internet-based WAN. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

How to bridge the network engineering skills gap

Training for new network engineering skills should emphasize basic concepts behind building a network, whether it's software-defined, intent-based or disaggregated. Continue Reading

By

• Russ White

Integrate endpoint management systems for better security

This week, networking bloggers discuss combining endpoint management systems with security, thorny wireless devices and the logic of an IXP atop a VXLAN infrastructure. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

IDC names four SDN providers to watch

An IDC report named Apstra, Big Switch Networks, Plexxi and Pluribus Networks as SDN providers to watch; Martello aims to validate Elfiq-based SD-WAN; and Aryaka extends to China. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Networking elements of a digital transformation framework

Establishing a digital transformation framework includes adopting advanced technologies. Networking pros play a crucial role in managing this new wave of innovation. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Juniper Security Director helped by Cyphort analytics

Cyphort analytics is now a part of Juniper Security Director. Juniper has introduced integration between the policy manager and the Cyphort security software acquired last year. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Enterprise network management in the wake of vendor consolidation

Consolidation is a driving force among networking vendors, but network professionals have to actively consider how those changes affect enterprise network management. Continue Reading

By

• Steve Zurier, ZFeatures

Wireless networking technology helps craft IT modernization

A long-term care business looks to wireless network technology and Active Directory to kick off its IT modernization plan and business growth. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Wireless networking technology helps craft IT modernization

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Enterprise network management in the wake of vendor consolidation

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Networking elements of a digital transformation framework

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Network analytics tools deepen with machine learning and AI

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Network data analytics must work alongside human ingenuity

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Big data network analytics: The next big thing

Networking managers are trying to keep track of an ever-increasing number of moving pieces. To do so, they are turning to a new class of big data network analytics that applies machine learning and artificial intelligence to help improve performance of growing networks.

While network professionals can look at various components of their networks and see what's happening on them now, the need to create more meaningful, actionable information is leading to increased demand for more sophisticated big data network analytics. As enterprises continue to use cloud services and advanced networking technologies like software-defined WAN, this need will only grow.

In this issue of Network Evolution, read insights from network professionals who are beginning to apply big data network analytics, machine learning and AI and what enterprises expect from these tools as the industry develops them.

Also in this issue, vendor consolidation in the last several years has wrought changes to what products and services are supported. Traditional networking vendors like Cisco and Juniper have jumped into the software-defined networking space through acquisitions, and several other vendors have merged to streamline products and diversify offerings. Read how the evolving vendor landscape is impacting the way enterprises interact with their suppliers.

In addition, as more workloads are placed in the cloud, enterprises have more options for deploying unified communications. Read best practices and considerations for on-premises or cloud UC or a mix of both to decide which deployment works best.

Finally, read about one organization's mission to improve healthcare through better wireless connectivity in this issue's Subnet.

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Network data analytics must work alongside human ingenuity

Network data analytics offer a key tool in the arsenal of monitoring and understanding network behavior. But network professionals can't forget another crucial element -- themselves. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Network analytics tools deepen with machine learning and AI

Network analytics tools that utilize machine learning and AI can help IT pros with monitoring and performance evaluation, and provide business insight. But a holistic view of the network using analytics is still on the horizon. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Improvements and features of the new POE standard, IEEE 802.3bt

The new IEEE 802.3bt standard focuses on Power over Ethernet to improve efficiency and support the proliferation of edge devices, from lighting systems to point-of-sale. Continue Reading

By

• David Jacobs, The Jacobs Group

New Arista switches offer 25/100 GbE for large data centers

The latest Arista switches are 25/100 GbE hardware designed to provide a smooth migration from systems with less bandwidth. The new gear is for companies with large data centers. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Examine CORD architecture's benefits and challenges

CORD architecture offers service providers a compelling way to combine open hardware and software in the central office, boost service delivery and enable NFV capabilities. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Doyle, Doyle Research

The on-premises vs. cloud-managed WLAN architecture debate

Although on-premises WLANs and cloud WLANs both offer significant advantages, determining which approach will provide the best return depends on several factors. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

SD-WAN routing changes branch dynamics

This week, bloggers look into the changes wrought in the branch by SD-WAN routing, endpoint security tools and Microsoft's new SONiC open source software. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Gluware launches Config Modeling network automation tool

Gluware launches Config Modeling, a new network automation tool intended to help customers overcome the hurdles of CLI as they manage multivendor legacy networks. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Network data analysis driving business intelligence

According to a study from Enterprise Management Associates, network data analysis tools are now being used by enterprises to deliver valuable information to business units. Continue Reading

By

• Shamus McGillicuddy, Enterprise Management Associates

Survey: SD-WAN challenges include immaturity and complexity

Complexity and maturity concerns rank among top SD-WAN challenges, according to a survey from Cato Networks. Also, Juniper's OpenContrail is rebranded to Tungsten Fabric. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Cisco network disaggregation for carriers, enterprises

Cisco has embraced network disaggregation for data centers and carriers. The company is providing the option of running its network operating systems on third-party switches. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Cloud-based Aruba NetInsight focuses on Wi-Fi performance

Aruba's latest cloud-based analytics compares user Wi-Fi performance to let companies see why theirs is underperforming. Aruba NetInsight pricing starts at $50 per managed device. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Casemore: Cloud, as-a-service honing networking industry trends

Cloud and as-a-service delivery are bringing new urgency to networking. IDC analyst Brad Casemore cites the key networking industry trends worth watching in 2018. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

What cloud data center interconnect technologies can do

Data center interconnect technologies and services now use cloud. Learn how CDCI improves traffic delivery and how to choose the right equipment and services. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

Open Compute Project hardware sales surpass $1B, sellers eye more markets

A study found Open Compute Project hardware sales topped $1 billion last year. The OCP-commissioned study also reports sellers are eyeing new markets for their open source products. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

5G service lifecycle automation may be key to business cases

Network operators need a 5G service lifecycle automation roadmap that leads to revenue-producing business cases to make the evolution to 5G worth the investment. Continue Reading

By

• Tom Nolle, Andover Intel

Digital transformation process includes the network

The digital transformation process puts pressure on the network to support new technology. Network pros need to be transformative, too, adapting new skills to interact with business. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

The future of SDN in 2018 moves toward increased automation

Future SDN trends could show variations of the technology becoming more prominent among enterprises, as organizations look increasingly toward programmability and automation. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

Which is better for WLAN support: Mac or Windows?

Choosing the right laptop for WLAN support usually boils down to Macintosh versus Windows. But of the two, there is only one OS clearly up to the task, our expert maintains. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Badman

Dell Virtual Edge Platform takes SD-WAN to SPs, enterprises

Dell has unveiled an appliance for running an SD-WAN or virtual network functions. The Dell Virtual Edge Platform is aimed at service providers and large enterprises. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Network device monitoring beyond NETCONF

This week, bloggers look at alternative methods in network device monitoring, Europe's GDPR legislation and the integration of low-code platforms within cloud offerings. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

A comparison of leading application delivery controllers

You can simplify the process of buying an ADC device by examining how leading vendors address key considerations, including platform options, security and server load balancing. Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Tolly, The Tolly Group

Where do mobile users fit in with SD-WAN as a service?

SD-WAN as a service can act as a bridge between mobile users who want to access business apps on the go and network managers who want to manage and secure those users. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

What exactly is a digital business transformation strategy?

What do you need for a digital business transformation strategy that will actually work to boost business value and change the enterprise operations model? Continue Reading

By

• Robin Gareiss, Metrigy

Ethernet bandwidth costs fall to a six-year low

Ethernet bandwidth costs in data center switches fell to a six-year low in 2017. Crehan Research reported cloud provider demand for speed was behind the drop. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Yahoo Japan deploys intent-based network with Apstra AOS

Yahoo Japan deploys an Apstra intent-based network to oversee multiple vendors. Cisco touts Los Angeles Hospital, as well as the benefits it's getting from its DNA strategy. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Is it best to buy or build a network automation system?

Bloggers explore the question of buying versus building a network automation system, the challenges of hyper-converged infrastructure and the integration of AI into enterprise IT. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

ONF puts focus on white box switches with Stratum project

The Open Networking Foundation formed Stratum, an open source networking project intended to create more interoperability among white box switches and network operating systems. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

The benefits of machine learning in network management

Enterprises and vendors alike are now undertaking machine learning deployment strategies. What are the benefits of machine learning in networking related to analysis and management tools? Continue Reading

By

• Terry Slattery, NetCraftsmen

Aryaka adds new security layers to global private network

Through security partnerships, Aryaka's Passport platform offers six security layers to provide additional protection in case one layer becomes vulnerable. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

How to plan for network disaggregation with APIs

Network disaggregation is a lot of work for engineers, and it's fraught with potential hurdles posed by sourcing hardware, a control plane, network operating system and how you manage necessary APIs. Continue Reading

By

• Russ White

Network subscription packages gain steam among enterprises

Networking suppliers are increasingly offering network subscription packages, as enterprises have become more familiar with paying for services with monthly subscriptions. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Doyle, Doyle Research

How network automation scripts will affect veteran engineers

This week, bloggers look at how engineers will need to adapt to changes such as network automation scripts, offer projections for RSA 2018 and debate network transformation. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Cisco adds predictive analytics to Viptela SD-WAN

Cisco's new cloud-based service, called vAnalytics, helps companies prepare for changes within the Viptela SD-WAN by giving answers to what-if questions. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Can cable be reused when upgrading 802.11ac wireless LAN?

Is it better to repurpose legacy cabling when planning an 802.11ac wireless LAN upgrade, or does it make sense to buy new? Like many things networking, it depends. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Badman

SDN marketplace sows confusion on network infrastructure upgrades

The ever-evolving SDN marketplace continues to confuse IT departments as they determine what steps they should take with their network infrastructure upgrades. Continue Reading

By

• Teren Bryson

Quiz: Test your knowledge on how SD-WAN works

With SD-WAN deployment on the rise, take the time to test your knowledge about how SD-WAN works. This quiz covers SD-WAN technology basics, benefits of SD-WAN and common myths. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Cisco adds malware security features in Tetration analytics

Cisco has turned Tetration analytics toward app security. The latest upgrade helps spot software flaws and identify malware activity, such as Spectre and Meltdown exploits. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Millimeter wave spectrum has key role in 802.11ay wireless

IEEE 802.11ay Wi-Fi is getting closer to final ratification. The new standard relies on millimeter wave spectrum to deliver stronger and more robust services. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Mathias

Cisco tracks growing role of machine learning, AI in cybersecurity

Cisco highlights the growing role of automation, machine learning and AI in cybersecurity, increasing the target of investments by IT departments working to mitigate malware. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

What security is needed for digital assistant devices?

How should cybersecurity-enforcement efforts adapt as digital assistant devices become more pervasive in business enterprise networking to safeguard corporate data? Continue Reading

By

• Julian Weinberger, NCP engineering

5G architecture plus NFV, SDN offers performance gains

The intersection of 5G architecture and virtualization technologies like NFV and SDN could result in better network performance, but it will take time to get there. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Narrowband IoT ups device support in Cisco Jasper Control Center

Cisco has made Narrowband IoT generally available in the Jasper Control Center. The technology standard significantly increases the number of devices supported in an IoT deployment. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Overcoming the hype with advanced network analytics software

Bloggers explore the capabilities of network analytics software, assess the coming impact of GDPR regulations and look into the use of Ethernet VPN with an MPLS data plane in data centers. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

How do IoT sensors intersect with SD-WAN?

Most traditional WANs can't handle the increasing number of IoT sensors -- and the data they collect. But SD-WAN can help improve IoT performance and analysis. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Operators invest billions, hope in 5G wireless technology

A new 5G wireless technology report breaks its development into three phases, and network operators hope their investments lead to revenue down the line. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Gerwig, Editorial Director

How can IT asset management tools aid in virtualization era?

IT asset management tools allow businesses to track resources effectively. Platform organization is increasingly necessary in a virtualized enterprise. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

Ruckus SmartZone to get IoT module

Ruckus plans to release a suite of technology for companies that want to support IoT devices on the WLAN. The suite includes an IoT module for the Ruckus SmartZone controller. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

What are the top information security objectives for CISOs?

Bloggers delve into CISO information security objectives, Juniper's new product release and how self-sufficient networking teams should try to be in an area of increasing complexity. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Considerations for buying an application delivery controller

Before you buy an ADC device, learn which features you should look for and what questions you should ask prospective application delivery controller vendors. Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Tolly, The Tolly Group

PV buy takes Accedian network monitoring to the enterprise

Carrier supplier Accedian heads to the enterprise market with the acquisition of French company Performance Vision. Accedian network monitoring tools complement PV's NPM software. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Riverbed SD-WAN gets connections to Amazon, Microsoft clouds

Riverbed SD-WAN now includes support for private connections to Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. Other enhancements include support for the Xirrus WLAN. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

SD-WAN vs. MPLS: The quality-of-service comparison

Quality of service is often top of mind for IT leaders when debating SD-WAN vs. MPLS -- especially when it comes to using internet links for SD-WAN connectivity. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sturt, Netify

Enterprises choose managed SD-WAN over DIY SD-WAN deployment

Enterprises prefer purchasing managed SD-WAN services, rather than taking the DIY SD-WAN deployment approach, according to recent research from Frost & Sullivan. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

DNS functions remain vital, but must adapt as demands shift

The domain name system's tasks are simple, but essential, and the service faces challenges with the proliferation of devices that operate within IPv6 networks. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

How IPv6 networks create DNS configuration problems

DNS data is among the most basic and crucial information required for network connectivity, but configuring DNS recursive servers in IPv6-only networks can pose challenges. Continue Reading

By

• Fernando Gont, SI6 Networks

OK of 400 Gigabit Ethernet adds horsepower to data centers

Final approval of the 400 Gigabit Ethernet standard will provide data centers and cloud providers with the extra capacity they need to meet ever-rising data demands. Continue Reading

By

• David Jacobs, The Jacobs Group

Verizon kicks off managed SD-WLAN service with Mist

Verizon is using technology from Mist to anchor a managed SD-WLAN service in an effort to extend its service footprint to customers' WLANs. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Three-step network strategy sells big changes as more doable

A three-pronged network strategy takes an evolutionary approach to selling revolutionary technology changes internally, with a bigger chance of success. Continue Reading

By

• Tom Nolle, Andover Intel

Cisco revenue turns positive, as software, security sales up

Cisco revenue grew last quarter for the first time in more than two years, due, in part, to rising software sales. But analysts cautioned Cisco could still fall back into a slump. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Making the most of incident detection and response

This week, bloggers look into incident detection strategies, a new anomaly detection tool from ExtraHop and how Ethernet VPN differs from virtual private LAN service. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Consider the Ethernet option for primary SD-WAN connectivity

SD-WAN connectivity offers the ability to use a variety of links. While most enterprises opt to use cable or DSL as the primary link, Ethernet could be the better option. Continue Reading

By

• Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research

Latest Juniper switches up throughput for cloud applications

The latest Juniper switches target companies that want a network infrastructure with the throughput and management software to run apps in the data center and public clouds. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Wide area Ethernet can fuel digital network transformation

Wide area Ethernet might be just what the doctor ordered to help enterprises propel their digital network transformation efforts. Continue Reading

By

• Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research

SD-branch network concept as next stage of WAN connectivity

SD-branch uses SD-WAN technology to simplify the branch network. It integrates multiple network functions now housed in separate components into software that runs in a single box. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

Meet network management goals with new tech and techniques

Get up to speed on the new technological advances, improved products and advanced techniques that make enterprise network monitoring and management a bit less daunting. Continue Reading

Existing branch routers could be replaced as SD-WAN matures

Enterprises are moving away from traditional branch routers, as SD-WAN capabilities mature and offer consolidated network functionality on a single device. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Doyle, Doyle Research

Multi-cloud connectivity behind Citrix acquisition of Cedexis

Citrix's acquisition of Cedexis marks its entry into the business of connecting multiple cloud data centers. Citrix is expected to combine NetScaler with Cedexis technology. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

ExtraHop intros Reveal(x) cybersecurity analytics software

ExtraHop fortifies its packet capture platform with cybersecurity analytics software, Reveal(x); Mist introduces a virtual network assistant powered by artificial intelligence. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Enterprises won't reap benefits of 5G until 2020s

The first commercial 5G deployments are scheduled for later this year. One report's 5G timeline predicts many enterprises won't reap the benefits of 5G until the mid-2020s. Continue Reading

By

• Jonathan Dame

As 2018 IT budgets rise, network upgrades become priority

A new TechTarget survey reveals network upgrades in 2018 are an amalgam of legacy and emerging technologies, as Wi-Fi fever spikes and network automation efforts grow. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Gerwig and Chuck Moozakis

Wireless vendors count on 5G equipment sales for rescue

Wireless 5G equipment sales could take off in the next two years, possibly saving wireless vendors. AT&T increases the use of bots in its business, and Verizon expands owned fiber. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Gerwig and David Harbeck

How networking can prepare for 5G mobile technology

An 'average Joe' engineer discusses the impact 5G mobile technology may bring to his operation as developments around the standard heat up. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Badman

Cisco: Cloud computing workloads to skyrocket by 2021

By 2021, Cisco says, cloud computing workloads will make up the lion's share of data center traffic as enterprises expand security, IoT and other activities in the cloud. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

How to make machine learning systems work in the network

Machine learning systems in networks are gaining acceptance, but our expert cautions that humans and APIs are still needed to keep complexity at bay. Continue Reading

By

• Russ White

Orange offers Cisco SD-WAN, Vonage intros SmartWAN for SMBs

Vonage offers VeloCloud-based SmartWAN for SMBs while French mobile network operator Orange launches an SD-WAN service on Cisco's virtualized network services platform. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Is machine learning needed for network traffic routing?

This week, bloggers assess the role of machine learning for network traffic routing, new hurdles for identity management due to the cloud and what to ask AI vendors. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Gartner: Networking innovation in the cloud tops vendors

A Gartner report says enterprises waiting on vendors for networking innovation are missing out on the better technology coming from cloud providers. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, Editor at Large

Aryaka enhances SD-WAN with Radware DDoS protection

Aryaka adds Radware DDoS security to its global private network to provide another layer of security. Also, Virgin Media Business intends to launch managed SD-WAN with software from Versa Networks. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Editorial Director

What's automation's role in network provisioning resources?

IT is embracing network automation, but complications with integration disrupt the process. Using automation for provisioning resources can improve efficiency, but reduce the need for IT personnel. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

Engineer uses Cisco DNA Center to combat network challenges

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New 5G wireless technology trials spark enterprise interest

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