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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Tip
24 Oct 2022
CBRS vs. Wi-Fi: What's the difference?
Citizens Broadband Radio Service enables private LTE networks and supports enterprise WAN deployments. But that doesn't mean Wi-Fi is going away anytime soon. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Oct 2022
VPN vs. zero trust vs. SDP: What's the difference?
For strong network security, many vendors say VPNs don't cut it anymore. Enter the zero-trust security model and SDPs. Continue Reading
- Definition 19 Oct 2022
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Tip
19 Oct 2022
The future of VPNs in the enterprise
VPNs have been the workhorse of online connectivity. Enhancements to software and processing power in end devices will transform how companies use the technology going forward. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2022
How to perform VLAN troubleshooting
Common VLAN issues include physical connectivity problems, duplex mismatches, forwarding loops, unicast flooding and Layer 3 configuration errors. These troubleshooting steps can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Oct 2022
Best practices for network documentation and auditing
Network documentation helps enterprises resolve problems more quickly and create more reliable networks. But documentation needs to include various components to be effective. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2022
What is zero-trust network access? ZTNA basics explained
Zero-trust network access is touted as the solution to replace the VPN. As the potential future of network security, learn more about ZTNA, including its benefits and challenges. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Oct 2022
How to choose the best ZTNA vendor for your organization
In a sea of options, finding the best ZTNA vendor for your organization can pose a major challenge. Weed through the marketing hype with advice from the experts. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2022
What to include in a network disaster recovery plan checklist
A network disaster recovery plan should include components like documentation, emergency contacts, step-by-step procedures, provider and vendor details, backup info and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2022
How to build a zero-trust network in 4 steps
While network teams are responsible for deploying the elements of a zero-trust network, security teams should also be involved in developing the overall zero-trust framework. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2022
4 tips for network capacity planning and provisioning
To avoid network overprovisioning, teams should review baselines and roadmaps, assess limitations and consider business strategy changes when focusing on network capacity planning. Continue Reading
- Definition 28 Sep 2022
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Definition
28 Sep 2022
microsegmentation
Microsegmentation is a security technique that splits a network into definable zones and uses policies to dictate how data and applications within those zones can be accessed and controlled. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Sep 2022
Planning the journey from SD-WAN to SASE
Enterprises need integrated security and networking frameworks to manage distributed IT environments and are looking to SD-WAN and security options like SASE to get the job done. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Sep 2022
Batfish use cases for network validation and testing
Automated pre-change network validation with Batfish can save time in the network change management process and minimize configuration and policy errors when deploying changes. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2022
Valmont Industries tests network as a service to improve WAN
Valmont Industries wants an agile WAN that the company can modify in days instead of months. The global manufacturer is testing network-as-a-service provider Graphiant. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Sep 2022
Tips to prepare for a network disaster recovery audit
Enterprises can audit their network disaster recovery plans to ensure thorough protection and preparation. Consider factors like documentation, management support and audit type. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2022
How AI and ML in Open RAN alleviates network complexity
Incorporating AI and ML into Open RAN networks could help MNOs simplify operations and deliver 5G enhanced capabilities of high bandwidth, low latency and quality of service. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Sep 2022
VMware goes deep into multi-cloud universe
With its rebranded Explore conference, VMware made it clear its focus is on supporting customers' multi-cloud and edge computing environments as data is processed in new places. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2022
DNS server troubleshooting for Linux and Windows
Steps in DNS server troubleshooting include checking the DNS status, looking at zone configurations and evaluating logs. Follow these best practices for Windows and Linux servers. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2022
Techniques to get started with green networking
'Emerging Green Technologies' details how technology is a flexible tool organizations can use to make business operations more sustainable. Here's how to make your network green. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2022
How energy-efficient networking supports sustainability
In this Q&A, 'Emerging Green Technologies' author Matthew N. O. Sadiku discusses the importance of going green and how to make networks energy-efficient to achieve this goal. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Aug 2022
New data center demands reshape enterprise app delivery
Discover how modern application delivery controllers and web application firewalls can improve network provisioning processes and help secure distributed workloads. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Aug 2022
Network bandwidth vs. throughput: What's the difference?
Bandwidth and throughput both indicate network performance. The terms are often used together, but bandwidth refers to capacity, while throughput details how much data actually transmits. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Aug 2022
A look inside the Cisco DevNet Professional study guide
Learn how network automation works with software development in this chapter excerpt from 'Cisco Certified DevNet Professional DEVCOR 350-901 Official Cert Guide.' Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Aug 2022
DevNet authors discuss Cisco DEVCOR book, automation
The authors of a Cisco DevNet Professional DEVCOR study guide provide insights about the growth of network automation, CI/CD and programmability. Continue Reading
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Quiz
24 Aug 2022
11 practice questions for Cisco DEVCOR 350-901 exam
Think you know network automation? Take this practice exam from Chapter 10 of 'Cisco Certified DevNet Professional DEVCOR 350-901 Official Cert Guide' to test your expertise. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2022
How does SD-access work?
SD-access is a combination of two elements: SDN and the access edge. The result is a network with a centralized management system and improved security policies. Continue Reading
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News
18 Aug 2022
Cisco earnings improve with easing supply shortage
Cisco expects component shortages to continue through fiscal 2023, holding revenue growth to between 4% and 6%. Component prices could ease after the current quarter. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2022
VXLAN vs. VLAN: What's the difference?
VLANs offer security and traffic management benefits but have limitations in routing and scale. VXLANs address those challenges by creating a Layer 3 network overlay. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2022
Understanding the FTP PORT command
FTP uses control and data channels, each using a separate TCP port. Port 21 is for the control channel, and port 20 is for the data channel. Learn how these two channels are used. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Aug 2022
Why modern networks require AIOps
Distributed IT environments increasingly require automated networks, and AIOps can provide the answer for network operations teams dealing with increased complexity, starting now. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Aug 2022
Private 5G in a box simplifies deployment, mobility
Vendors are offering private 5G in a box -- a condensed and streamlined form of standalone 5G -- to simplify the complexity of typical private 5G deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Aug 2022
Wi-Fi sensing has the potential to be disruptive
With help from AI and machine learning, Wi-Fi sensing detects movement in the Wi-Fi environment. While it sounds promising, the technology still has a long way to go. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2022
What an AI-driven network looks like
Log analysis and wireless management are common AI use cases in networking. Future applications could include chatbot alerts, digital experience monitoring and traffic engineering. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2022
Cisco executive Todd Nightingale to take Fastly CEO job
Executive Todd Nightingale will step away from Cisco after a decade. Cisco plans to combine the enterprise networking and cloud division he led with another department. Continue Reading
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News
04 Aug 2022
Arista acquires Pluribus Networks for cloud fabric product
Arista plans to fold Pluribus technology into a new product that lets telcos run a software-defined network across switches, routers, computer servers and accelerator DPUs. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Aug 2022
Troubleshoot name resolution on Windows, Linux and macOS
Network administrators can troubleshoot name resolution using a variety of methods, including ping, nslookup and PowerShell cmdlets. Here are some troubleshooting best practices. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2022
AIOps in networking helps but can't solve complex problems
The AIOps tools offered by network management vendors are good at solving routine problems but lack the intelligence to address complicated issues, customers said. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2022
How vendors support sustainable networking initiatives
Organizations are focusing on sustainability in all business divisions, including network operations. These tools could help organizations make their enterprise networks green. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2022
Aruba adds Client Insights in Central Foundation license
Aruba automated routine network management tasks like device discovery in Aruba Central. The customer plans to add a change rollback feature next. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2022
Best practices for DIY network automation
Many network pros write their own automation scripts. These best practices help teams implement coding and tool set standardization, proper change management and immutability. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2022
Cisco prioritizes ThousandEyes automation, integrations
Cisco ThousandEyes general manager Mohit Lad aims to have the internet monitor adapt to changes in the WAN without human intervention. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jul 2022
8 tips to optimize network bandwidth and performance
Despite bandwidth calculations and capacity planning, networks often fail to consume bandwidth efficiently. Here are some tips to optimize bandwidth usage in enterprise networks. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2022
Juniper Mist automatically validates AP placement
Juniper has added three features to its AIOps networking assistant to improve troubleshooting and give more insights into the network. The company also introduced midrange switching hardware. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
Counterfeit scheme trafficked in $1 billion in Cisco gear
A Florida man has been charged with running a counterfeit operation that duped hospitals, schools, government agencies and the military. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Jul 2022
Marketing hype fuels AI predictive network troubleshooting
Vendors are pushing heavily on the benefits of predictive analysis to automatically identify and remediate network issues. But should enterprise customers care? Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2022
Chinese vendor H3C introduces first Wi-Fi 7 router
The H3C Magic BE18000, powered by a Qualcomm chipset, offers several significant Wi-Fi 7 features, including multilink operation and 320 MHz of channel bandwidth. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2022
BGP vs. EIGRP: What's the difference?
BGP is an exterior gateway protocol optimized for routing between large networks. EIGRP is an interior gateway protocol that is well suited for routing within smaller networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2022
A guide to distributed network architectures
Distributed network architectures have become popular because of their adaptability, reliability and scalability. But every new technology also has its challenges. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2022
Evernote, Home Depot outsource network management
Offloading daily network management to networking vendors allowed Home Depot and Evernote to direct in-house IT staff to business-critical projects. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2022
Customers discuss the potential of WWAN use cases
Wireless WAN offers high network speeds and enables remote connectivity at lower costs. Find out how cellular- and broadband-enabled WWAN helps organizations meet business goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jul 2022
The role of name resolution in networking
Name resolution is essential in converting hostnames and IP addresses for network communications. Here's how the process resolves hostnames, queries servers and finds IP addresses. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2022
An introduction to neutral host networks using private 5G
Enterprises often use signal boosters and distributed antenna systems to improve carrier signal strength. Neutral host networks over private 5G could disrupt those methods. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2022
How to convert binary to decimal
It's helpful for network admins to know how to convert binary to decimal, and vice versa, for IPv4 addressing, subnet masks, default gateways and network IDs. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Jun 2022
5 factors that form the future of Wi-Fi
For businesses, mounting ownership costs, unrealistic performance expectations, client device chaos and competing technologies all play a role in the future of Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2022
Linux Foundation to standardize, simplify the DPU ecosystem
The Linux Foundation's plans to standardize APIs and the software stack running on DPUs will help network operators manage network traffic more efficiently. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jun 2022
Cisco Live highlights network observability, the metaverse
The conference was teeming with topics, including network security, infrastructure transformation, cloud-based network management and open source tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jun 2022
Challenges, best practices for network operations management
Traditional network operations teams are struggling with several aspects of network management. Experts weigh in on why, and what to do to simplify operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2022
virtual network functions (VNFs)
Virtual network functions (VNFs) are virtualized tasks formerly carried out by proprietary, dedicated hardware. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2022
Cisco customers eager for Meraki's Catalyst management
IT professionals were excited to see cloud-based Meraki management for Catalyst switches but were less enthusiastic over the new Cisco Security Cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jun 2022
network functions virtualization (NFV)
Network functions virtualization (NFV) is a network architecture model designed to virtualize network services that have traditionally run on proprietary, dedicated network appliances. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2022
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins: IT spending could slow
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins said companies could reduce spending but are unlikely to slash budgets because technology has become a revenue driver. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
Cisco launches cloud management of Catalyst, Nexus switches
The latest addition to the cloud-based Cisco Meraki console expands the company's subscription-based pricing for network monitoring and management software. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2022
overlay network
An overlay network is a virtual or logical network that is created on top of an existing physical network. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2022
SD-WAN, SASE markets to grow despite challenges
SD-WAN and SASE have both seen widespread adoption throughout the networking industry, but service providers must work to address challenges that threaten to lower adoption rates. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jun 2022
What is network virtualization? Everything you need to know
Network virtualization is a method of combining the available resources in a network to consolidate multiple physical networks, divide a network into segments or create software networks between VMs. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2022
Extreme Networks integrates acquisitions with SD-WAN, switch
After five major acquisitions in six years, Extreme Networks is prioritizing a unified, cloud-managed environment with SD-WAN, switches and a digital twin. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jun 2022
VLAN (virtual LAN)
A virtual LAN (VLAN) is a logical overlay network that groups together a subset of devices that share a physical LAN, isolating the traffic for each group. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2022
5 network virtualization challenges and how to solve them
The challenges of network virtualization include an overhaul of network architecture, thorough staff training and breaking down knowledge silos among IT departments. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2022
How zero trust unifies network virtualization
The combination of zero trust and network virtualization creates opportunities to strengthen security policies, increase cross-domain collaboration and improve overall visibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2022
What software-defined LAN means for campus virtualization
LAN virtualization has long encompassed VLANs to segment network traffic. But software-defined LAN is emerging with zero-trust strategies to provide more comprehensive security. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2022
virtual networking
Virtual networking is the abstraction of network resources from the underlying physical network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 May 2022
Understand the basics of 5G wireless networks
To build a 5G network, the deployment mode, spectrum band and services are all important factors to understand and consider. Here's what you should know about the basics of 5G. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2022
How enterprise networks use WAN virtualization
SD-WAN is the most common form of WAN virtualization. But virtual WAN strategies are evolving to include software-defined perimeter and cloud concepts. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2022
Ethernet vs. Carrier Ethernet: How do they differ?
Connectivity over longer distances and higher data rates are some of the major differences that separate Carrier Ethernet from traditional wired Ethernet. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2022
Cisco revenue depressed by China lockdowns, supply woes
COVID-related lockdowns around China prevented Cisco from getting critical components, leading to a projected decline in revenue. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 May 2022
Network management tool sprawl plagues IT organizations
More network management tools often lead to manual errors and network trouble. Instead, consider tool integration and how existing tools can fix new problems. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2022
Cisco adds automated testing to ThousandEyes
Cisco added automated testing for video conferences and a troubleshooting dashboard to the ThousandEyes internet intelligence platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2022
Network virtualization benefits in the LAN, WAN and data center
Better traffic performance, scalability and security are some of the network virtualization benefits that enterprises can realize across their network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2022
Intel's data center strategy rests on accelerator chips
Intel will release three generations of 200 GB, 400 GB and 800 GB infrastructure processing units over the next four years. The first two generations will include ASICs and FPGAs. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2022
The role of network virtualization and SDN in data centers
SDN, zero trust and infrastructure as code are popular forms of network virtualization within the data center, moving away from manual VLANs toward policy-driven virtualization. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2022
Carrier network virtualization leads to enterprise services
Starting with MPLS VPNs and SD-WAN, new carrier network virtualization options, like 5G network slicing, are becoming virtual enterprise network services, and more will follow. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2022
Cisco warns of hardware failure in DIMM memory components
A manufacturing defect affecting some DIMMs made in late 2020 could cause persistent memory errors and server failure. Cisco recommends customers replace impacted DIMMs. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2022
How network virtualization works
Network virtualization uses abstraction to isolate applications and resources from the physical infrastructure. Benefits include faster provisioning, agility and operational efficiency. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2022
Cisco reveals details of predictive network management tool
Cisco's predictive analytics networking engine aims to build trust by spotting problems with a high degree of accuracy rather than by identifying every issue. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2022
6 types of network topologies
Network topology is essential to network configuration, as it determines the arrangement of a network and defines how nodes connect. Here are six common types of network topologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 May 2022
Networks are the intersection in a multi-cloud strategy
Enterprises interested in multi-cloud adoption should evaluate application requirements, cloud provider features and their legacy network architecture. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2022
5 basic network commands for Linux and Windows
Linux and Windows use different network commands to run tasks that are common in both environments, such as network connectivity testing. But the commands often share similarities. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2022
Gluware launches RPA to simplify network automation workflow
Gluware's Robotic Process Automation simplifies network automation by turning discrete, automated tasks into multi-step automated workflow processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Apr 2022
Common types of enterprise network connections
The goal of every network is to connect devices. The connections that form those links -- such as wired cabling and wireless technologies -- are crucial in network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2022
Power over Ethernet basics for network architects
Power over Ethernet provides a way to supply electricity to low-power devices through a standard Ethernet cable. Learn about the different standards and PoE types. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Apr 2022
The importance of unified, end-to-end network management
As network environments evolve and grow more complex, enterprises are realizing their need for unified network management. But is an end-to-end strategy possible? Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2022
Linux Foundation control helps ready SONiC for enterprise
Under the Linux Foundation, SONiC could get enterprise features that make the open source network operating system more useful within campus and edge environments. Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2022
Device42 adds intelligence to IT discovery, asset management
Device42 plans to release on May 30 Insights+ to provide customers with an in-product tool for aggregating, analyzing and visualizing stored IT data. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2022
Cisco's SD-WAN Version 17.8 supports OnRamp for more apps
The newest version of Cisco's SD-WAN brings Cloud OnRamp support to NBAR applications like Slack or GitHub and custom apps and adds greater visibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Apr 2022
Zero trust, wireless WAN affect the future of IoT networking
Zero-trust security models, wireless WAN evolution and the emergence of pop-up businesses are all helping to fuel innovation in IoT networking capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2022
Fortinet, Cato Networks add security for distributed SD-WANs
Fortinet updated FortiOS with an inline sandbox and a cloud access security broker. Cato has added new network access controls to its SASE service. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Apr 2022
OSGi (Open Service Gateway Initiative)
The OSGi (Open Service Gateway Initiative) specification is a Java framework for developing and deploying modular software programs and libraries. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2022
Channel partners crucial to Arista CUE's midmarket success
For Arista's new Cognitive Unified Edge product to succeed, the company will have to nurture midmarket channel partners. Continue Reading
