Features

Features

• What's the difference between internet and Ethernet?

  Internet and Ethernet are two technologies that sound similar and provide connectivity, but the methods of providing connectivity differ significantly.  Continue Reading

• Ways to speed up white box networking adoption

  Most organizations are slow to deploy new techniques, white box networking included. Experts explain why and offer advice on how to speed up adoption across enterprises.  Continue Reading

• The role of smartNICs in modern enterprise networks

  This chapter excerpt from 'Building a Future-Proof Cloud Infrastructure' looks at how smartNICs can support distributed services platforms for both cloud providers and enterprises.  Continue Reading

• How smartNIC architecture supports scalable infrastructure

  In this Q&A, author Silvano Gai discusses how smartNICs can benefit enterprises by providing more granular telemetry and supporting distributed cloud infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• CompTIA Cloud+ tips to troubleshoot cloud networks

  The CompTIA Cloud+ exam covers a range of topics, including how to secure and troubleshoot cloud networks. Some of the first steps: Start simple, and isolate the problem.  Continue Reading

• Virtualization concepts to study for CCNP and CCIE exams

  In this Q&A, author Patrick Gargano discusses the importance of virtualization in networking and offers studying advice for aspiring CCNPs and CCIEs in preparation for the exams.  Continue Reading

• Explore virtualization study topics for CCNP, CCIE exams

  Aspiring CCNPs and CCIEs will need to grasp one of networking's most important topics: virtualization. 'Day 7' from Patrick Gargano's '31 Days' explains the subject in detail.  Continue Reading

• 3 delivery models for 5G and MEC

  To enhance network capabilities, enterprises will need to consolidate 5G and MEC technologies in the future. Following a deployment model is the first step.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises look to formalize WFH network architecture

  As work-from-home programs prove they're here to stay, enterprise network teams are assessing their network designs to ensure adequate support and performance for home offices.  Continue Reading

• 5G core network functionality driven by SDN, NFV

  To reap the full benefits of 5G, operators are using SDN, NFV and network slicing to build out core network functionality.  Continue Reading

• An introductory overview of 5G network capabilities

  In this Q&A, author William Stallings discusses 5G services, such as network slicing and QoS, and other topics covered in his book, '5G Wireless: A Comprehensive Introduction.'  Continue Reading

• AIOps network management requires vendor-buyer teamwork

  Before buying AIOps tools, network managers should work closely with vendors to ensure they collect the correct network data and use relevant algorithms.  Continue Reading

• Experts discuss stretched VLAN use cases, MEC and more

  In this networking blog roundup, experts give reasons to stretch VLANs, discuss benefits of deploying private MEC with 5G, and differentiate between junior and senior IT engineers.  Continue Reading

• 2021 networking trends for a post-pandemic enterprise

  In 2020, the pandemic threw the best-laid IT plans into chaos. As enterprises find their footing again, here are four network trends defining the second half of 2021.  Continue Reading

• Five-nines availability: What it really means

  Learn what five-nines availability means and discover the steps enterprises should take to make sure network services are fully accessible.  Continue Reading

• How enterprises can close 5 major SASE gaps

  Despite five major gaps that hamper SASE implementation, Gartner recommended enterprises should plan their migration timeline and aim to consolidate to a single vendor.  Continue Reading

• 3 best practices for network observability

  Research shows a correlation with NetOps success and network observability. Following best practices of network observability can facilitate this success.  Continue Reading

• Experts say Open RAN deployment is on the rise

  Networking experts examined Open RAN revenue surges as the industry shifts toward the open model. Meanwhile, enterprises should consider the long-term benefits of switching vendors.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based network management leads 2021 network investments

  A recent ESG survey shows that many enterprises speeding their digital transformation plans are also increasing 2021 network investment, emphasizing cloud-based network management.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to Go network programming

  This chapter excerpt from 'Network Programming with Go' dives into logging and metrics, while also providing Go code examples and best practices.  Continue Reading

• Best practices and strategies for logging in Go

  Author Adam Woodbeck discusses how network teams can use the Go programming language for logging and metrics. One tip: Log prudently, and use metrics generously.  Continue Reading

• Top network IT investments include 5G, smartNICs, cloud

  Market analysts showed interest in 5G and smartNICs during an ONUG conference panel on enterprise IT investments. And don't forget the seemingly inevitable mention of cloud.  Continue Reading

• A glimpse into Python network automation and APIs

  This chapter excerpt from 'Mastering Python Networking' dives into the importance of APIs and network state when working with Python network automation and intent-based networking.  Continue Reading

• Advice on intent-based networking and Python automation

  In his book, 'Mastering Python Networking,' Eric Chou provides network practitioners with the concepts they need to understand APIs, intent-based networking and automation.  Continue Reading

• How cloud-native networking will transform infrastructure

  Cloud-native networking aims to prioritize business needs and enable networks to become more efficient. Learn more about the potential benefits and challenges in this expert Q&A.  Continue Reading

• The role of network observability in distributed systems

  Network observability sounds like a new term for an existing practice, but is that the case? This chapter excerpt lays out what observability is and everything you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Understand top SD-WAN advantages and disadvantages

  Cost, complexity, security, training, troubleshooting and software bugs are some top SD-WAN challenges. Discover more on the advantages that SD-WAN can usher into an enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Black network engineers juggle building networks, being seen

  2020 didn't transform diversity and inclusion in companies, according to some Black network engineers. But diversity in their careers and networks goes beyond hiring practices.  Continue Reading

• Pandemic pushes enterprise connectivity to take a new path

  COVID-19 delivered a connectivity shock to businesses. But savvy network execs were primed -- and are now showing the way forward in 2021 with SD-WAN, 5G and Wi-Fi 6.  Continue Reading

• What to expect at Cisco Live 2021: Future of work, networks

  At Cisco Live 2021, attendees will hear about the future of work and what that means for the future of networks and network technologies, like SASE, 5G and cloud networks.  Continue Reading

• Cisco's future banks on security, service providers, 5G

  A big part of Cisco's future strategy will be enhancing its global presence and service provider customer base. For networking, it still pursues software and subscription models.  Continue Reading

• The complete Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) guide

  SASE helps organizations manage and secure external traffic. But is it the best choice for your environment? Find out how to buy, deploy and manage SASE in this adoption guide.  Continue Reading

• Explore this ultimate socket programming guide for beginners

  In this socket programming guide preview, learn how sockets work, the role of socket programming in enterprise networks and the ins and outs of socket programming in Python.  Continue Reading

• How to get started with socket programming for beginners

  To understand socket programming for beginners, basic network and security concepts are critical -- and having Python skills won't hurt, either. Learn more in this expert Q&A.  Continue Reading

• Get started with network penetration testing for beginners

  Authentication, patching and configuration are among the most common vulnerabilities found through network penetration testing. Learn more in this free chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Advice on how to learn network penetration testing skills

  As beginners learn network penetration testing skills, they should remember these expert tips: Pay attention to what the client wants, and stick to offense, not defense.  Continue Reading

• 3 SASE case studies exploring real-world deployments

  Three case studies demonstrate how SASE technology helps organizations securely connect geographically distributed workforces.  Continue Reading

• Future of NOC transformation unifies IT teams

  NOC transformation could lead to unified IT operations with cross-domain teams, but not all enterprises need radical change when smaller upgrades and modernization do the job.  Continue Reading

• SASE vs. SD-WAN comparison: How are they related?

  SASE and SD-WAN both connect geographically separate endpoints to each other and an organization's network resources, but the methods in which they do so differ in various ways.  Continue Reading

• SASE market emerges and grows as the 'wave of the future'

  Secure Access Service Edge is the latest technology to garner industry buzz in networking and security. Although it's still relatively new, the technology is making waves.  Continue Reading

• An overview of 3GPP 5G releases and what each one means

  3GPP has standardized features and specifications for all cellular technology generations since 3G. Learn about 3GPP's 5G timeline and notable features each 5G release introduces.  Continue Reading

• Cloud networking complexity includes visibility and security

  Enterprises are deploying more workloads in cloud environments. But the visibility, security and management required for those extensions of IT infrastructure can get complicated.  Continue Reading

• How to understand networking and the internet for beginners

  For beginners, learning how networking and the internet truly work can feel overwhelming. One expert encourages patience, practice and assurance that networking isn't unknowable.  Continue Reading

• How to learn networking fundamentals, from a software pro

  Networking basics include protocols, network layers and processes that must happen for computers to communicate across a network. Here's how to start learning these basics.  Continue Reading

• IT groups abandon DIY SD-WAN; prefer managed, hybrid model

  Enterprises don't want DIY SD-WAN. Instead, they prefer managed SD-WAN, but they also don't want to outsource all SD-WAN operations to a service provider.  Continue Reading

• SolarWinds: Lessons learned for network management, monitoring

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts reveal the critical lessons learned from the SolarWinds hack in regard to network management and monitoring capabilities.  Continue Reading

• VPN vs. VLAN: What's the difference?

  VPNs and VLANs are different technologies with some similarities. VPNs connect authorized users to corporate network resources, while VLANs connect geographically separate devices.  Continue Reading

• 5 networking startups helping enterprises adapt and prepare

  Even in a global pandemic, these five networking startups continue to impress. Learn how their innovative technologies can help enterprises prepare for unforeseen challenges.  Continue Reading

• Ensure network resilience with redundancy and skills

  Ensuring network resilience doesn't just mean building redundancy in network infrastructure. It should also include planning contingencies for people and skills.  Continue Reading

• Gluware automation tech shines in brownfield networks

  Gluware's intelligent network automation technology helps enterprises outgrow manual configurations, even in technically complex, multivendor brownfield environments.  Continue Reading

• What experts say to expect from 5G in 2021

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore 5G's potential in 2021, including new business and technical territories 5G may explore and features to transform enterprises.  Continue Reading

• Top network attacks of 2020 that will influence the decade

  You've heard of phishing, ransomware and viruses. Now, keep them in mind because one cybersecurity expert says these threats and more may cause IT headaches for the next decade.  Continue Reading

• Advice for an effective network security strategy

  Security audits, evaluations of tools and looking realistically at trending technologies are some ways an organization can ensure its network security is the best it can be.  Continue Reading

• Network performance issues are IT pain point amid COVID-19

  Network performance is a top issue among IT teams and remote workers amid the pandemic and can correlate with other technical issues, such as cybersecurity and hardware problems.  Continue Reading

• New Celona 5G platform nets TechTarget innovation award

  Celona 5G technology uses Citizens Broadband Radio Service spectrum to bring private mobile networking to the enterprise, enabling mission-critical automation and IoT.  Continue Reading

• Network pros share Cisco DevNet certification advice

  Cisco DevNet certifications require a lot of time investment, but network pros who pursue the certifications say the gained skills and knowledge are worth it.  Continue Reading

• A look inside the official Cisco DEVASC 200-901 guidebook

  In this book excerpt, readers can explore the Cisco DEVASC 200-901 official guide and get a flavor of one of Cisco's newest exams and its blend of networking and software topics.  Continue Reading

• Is Cisco DevNet worth it? Experts say yes, it's the future

  Any IT professional who's heard the hype for Cisco's newest certification track may wonder, 'Is Cisco DevNet worth it?' Some experts say it's the future. Find out more in this Q&A.  Continue Reading

• SmartNIC market capitalizes on advances in programmability

  Traditional NICs are getting an upgrade, thanks to smartNICs and function accelerator cards that add programmability. But this doesn't really change things for enterprises -- yet.  Continue Reading

• Growth of enterprise Wi-Fi at home spotlights digital divide

  Remote enterprise workers need a reliable internet connection. Learn how the digital divide can touch workers and how companies can help bridge this gap.  Continue Reading

• The role of SD-WAN templates before and during deployment

  SD-WAN deployments require knowledge of network design and trust in software to take over some network maintenance duties. This is where SD-WAN templates come into play.  Continue Reading

• Learn to onboard, provision devices in Cisco's SD-WAN book

  Here's a look inside Cisco's SD-WAN book, which details design and deployment for network teams looking to deploy SD-WAN and insights for SD-WAN certification hopefuls.  Continue Reading

• Explore 5 SASE vendors to cut through the truth vs. hype

  Secure Access Service Edge can address common networking and security dilemmas, but it's still a new technology. Learn more about five leading platforms in this in-depth roundup.  Continue Reading

• The power and plights of female network engineers

  Impostor syndrome burdens female network engineers, due to discrimination, as well as a lack of representation and education. But many of these women are working to change that.  Continue Reading

• US-China 5G competition hinges on enterprise apps, services

  In the U.S.-China competition over 5G, the infrastructure deployment race sets the stage for a larger struggle over the application layer. Here's why enterprise IT teams should care.  Continue Reading

• Teleworkers need enhanced home internet access in the US

  The COVID-19 pandemic has increased reliance on home networks and highlighted the need in marginalized communities for dedicated resources to enable reliable internet access.  Continue Reading

• Network monitoring market converges with security analytics

  As cyber attacks increase and enterprise networks require threat detection and protection, network monitoring and security analytics are converging for more comprehensive visibility.  Continue Reading

• Telecommunications book highlights spectrum, fiber cabling

  5G touts faster download speeds and new application types, but other major 5G changes will be in spectrum and fixed wireless. Learn more in this telecommunications book excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Multimedia data and 5G drive network transformation

  Emerging networking trends and touted innovations always showcase faster speeds and new use cases. Yet, new challenges keep pace, too, such as security and privacy issues.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises prefer private 5G networks over network slicing

  Large enterprises are wary of network slicing within public 5G networks because of potential security risks. But SMBs see network slicing as a viable 5G option.  Continue Reading

• 8 network diagramming tools for architects

  Network design tools help architects map out the company infrastructure but only with the right product. Explore these eight vendors and their tools to make the right buy.  Continue Reading

• 5G for enterprises requires other tech to reap full benefits

  5G won't solve all an organization's problems or fully replace existing 4G LTE architecture. In fact, 5G needs other technology for it to truly succeed and be useful.  Continue Reading

• What IT pros can expect from 5G core network architecture

  5G is the first 'G' in the cloud, which means its network architecture can enable functions, services and capabilities past cellular generations couldn't. Here's what to expect.  Continue Reading

• 5 edge computing basics you need to know

  Edge computing is forcing IT teams to rethink legacy architectures. In this guide, explore edge computing basics, including its pros and cons and its effect on enterprise networks.  Continue Reading

• Network security in 2020 highlights zero trust, SD-branch

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore various aspects of network security -- from old and evergreen to new and innovative -- and the roles they play in 2020.  Continue Reading

• 5G enterprise market will overtake consumer cellular by 2036

  5G is the first cellular technology generation that enterprise use cases will play a larger role than consumer use cases. Learn more from ABI Research's 5G Technology Summit.  Continue Reading

• IT spending priorities in 2020 shift to network management, UC

  The global pandemic has temporarily slowed SD-WAN and campus network spending, but enterprises are still investing in network infrastructure, focusing on network management and UC.  Continue Reading

• Evolution of WLAN technology improves data rates, security

  WLAN technology has evolved dramatically -- most notably, in terms of network speeds and security. Innovations in Wi-Fi 6 show that the WLAN evolution isn't slowing, either.  Continue Reading

• Future of wireless communications unifies 5G and Wi-Fi 6

  The future of cellular, Wi-Fi and other wireless communication networks will see these technologies unify to support faster network speeds and real-time communications.  Continue Reading

• How the cloud fractures application delivery infrastructure ops

  Within a single IT organization, traditional network teams may clash with cloud teams over application delivery infrastructure operations and management.  Continue Reading

• Why network configuration templates are useful in automation

  If a network team automates network configuration templates, it can save time and eliminate redundant activities in order to focus more on data collection and analysis.  Continue Reading

• An automation-first approach enables network predictability

  For an organization to prioritize network automation, it needs an automation-first approach. This strategy involves understanding automation workflows and enabling proper training.  Continue Reading

• Edge computing and 5G bring the edge to remote workers

  As remote work increases, edge computing services must extend to employees' homes. While 5G could help, internet connectivity must improve to enable edge access before 5G prevails.  Continue Reading

• MLB uses NetBox automation for network configuration backup

  Major League Baseball used NetBox in tandem with its network automation project to streamline its configuration backup process and keep its infrastructure systems in sync.  Continue Reading

• A glossary of home network basics for the networking novice

  A remote employee's home network requires basics such as routers, modems and VPN services. For the networking novice, this glossary explains and defines these terms and more.  Continue Reading

• 5 things to know about MU-MIMO technology in Wi-Fi networks

  'Multiuser multiple input, multiple output' might not roll off the tongue, but MU-MIMO technology is increasingly important in modern wireless networks. Here's what you should know.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 VPN myths and misconceptions for IT organizations

  Although VPN technology has its challenges, various misconceptions exist that can muddle IT teams' understandings of VPNs. Here are five common VPN misconceptions debunked.  Continue Reading

• Explore real-world edge computing examples for network teams

  Developed out of a necessity to handle increasing amounts of data, edge computing will disrupt traditional computing and benefit various modern use cases.  Continue Reading

• Edge computing book introduces edge laws and techniques

  In this book excerpt, discover the three laws of edge computing, as well as how to use edge computing techniques to solve common IT problems within organizations.  Continue Reading

• NetOps-SecOps collaboration has its benefits and challenges

  Companies are forming formal partnerships between their network and security teams. While this collaboration reaps benefits, some significant roadblocks remain.  Continue Reading

• COVID-19 speeds SD-WAN evolution to elastic infrastructure

  The next phase of SD-WAN requires elastic infrastructure and distributed edge access to better support remote workers. The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating that evolution.  Continue Reading

• The true cost of network downtime for your business

  Network brownouts could be the biggest under-the-radar threat to your network. Calculate the potential costs of downtime to save your organization's productivity and money.  Continue Reading

• Open Systems' SASE tech wins TechTarget innovation award

  Open Systems' SASE platform helped tens of thousands of workers gain secure remote access during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more about our new Network Innovation Award winner.  Continue Reading

• Network automation book shares recipes for success

  In this network automation book excerpt, discover how automation frameworks NAPALM and Ansible can provide network teams with vendor-agnostic network management capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Network pros need NAPALM, Ansible network automation skills

  Network pros need network automation skills in NAPALM and Ansible because the two modules together can enhance multivendor environments and streamline network management tasks.  Continue Reading

• ISPs rely on capacity for COVID-19 internet traffic spikes

  As COVID-19 causes surges in internet traffic, internet and network providers have responded by increasing capacity and installing more fiber. So far, it's worked.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN, 5G remote work technologies enable future networks

  In this roundup of networking blogs, learn how SD-WAN and 5G can benefit business continuity plans for network infrastructure and whether split tunneling is necessary -- or safe.  Continue Reading

• Dental group slashes downtime by 99% with Meraki SD-WAN

  In this SD-WAN case study, a dental group with chronic network outages deployed Cisco Meraki to eliminate downtime. Learn more about the software-defined win.  Continue Reading

• National Instruments SD-WAN case study: Bandwidth up 1,500%

  In this SD-WAN case study, learn how Cisco Viptela technology transformed one enterprise WAN for the better -- from decreased costs to increased performance.  Continue Reading

• A glossary of the VPN terminology you need to know

  For organizations with remote workforces, VPNs can be an essential part of daily life. This VPN glossary explores the essential terms and phrases that constitute VPN services.  Continue Reading