Features

Features

• Build a source of truth into your network automation strategy

  Many network automation approaches rely on a source of truth repository to provide data on network behavior. But building this automation database isn't always easy.  Continue Reading

• Gartner WAN edge Magic Quadrant offers buying advice

  How should businesses buy WAN edge technology? You probably shouldn't rely on vendor name recognition alone. Instead, consider some niche players in the SD-WAN market.  Continue Reading

• Future of networking technology relies on 5G, edge computing

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts discuss the key trends they look forward to in 2020 and how these advancements could benefit networking's future.  Continue Reading

• Analyze the differences between Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5

  While Wi-Fi 5 is still sufficient for many organizations, Wi-Fi 6 is worth learning about. Check out the major differences between the two and what that means for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 glossary of 12 important terms and phrases

  This Wi-Fi 6 glossary delves into various features and capabilities the new generation of Wi-Fi technology offers, as well as what organizations can expect from Wi-Fi 6 devices.  Continue Reading

• Food manufacturer finds success with SD-WAN vendor CloudGenix

  Disappointed in a managed service from Verizon, food manufacturer Diamond Crystal Brands went looking for an SD-WAN vendor that could deliver. It found it in CloudGenix.  Continue Reading

• Aaron's deploys CloudGenix SD-WAN after issues with Meraki

  Before Aaron's could improve its real-time network visibility and VoIP performance with CloudGenix SD-WAN, the retailer had to transition from Cisco Meraki.  Continue Reading

• Decision-makers may prefer Wi-Fi over 5G in retail networks

  For retail use cases, 5G may not provide as many benefits as it would for other sectors. Yet 5G offers innovative features, and retailers may still adopt 5G networks in the future.  Continue Reading

• Volta Networks wins NIA for cloud-based routing

  Better together? Not when it comes to routing software and hardware. Networking startup Volta Networks' disaggregated routing platform promises to increase flexibility and lowers costs.  Continue Reading

• Top networking trends in 2019 to resurface in 2020

  Recapping the top networking news stories of 2019 could provide a glimpse into the future and reveal some of the top networking technology trends of 2020.  Continue Reading

• Consider these 5 FAQs for network monitoring best practices

  New technologies are transforming how organizations plan network management and monitoring, introducing questions about legacy system upgrades and the number of tools required.  Continue Reading

• Agile for infrastructure requires major cultural shift

  To realize the benefits of Agile for infrastructure, network teams must think differently about how to deliver services -- embracing radical change and a trial-by-error approach.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the evolution of Ethernet

  First developed by Xerox PARC in the 1970s and ratified by IEEE as a standard in 1983, the evolution of Ethernet has taken this LAN technology through dozens of specifications.  Continue Reading

• 3 challenges of edge computing, IoT network adoption

  While edge computing and IoT devices can spark networking innovations, these technologies can also create challenges and pitfalls organizations aren't yet equipped to deal with.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN explained in 15 key terms and phrases

  This SD-WAN glossary delves into the various capabilities, technologies and components that encompass SD-WAN, explained with 15 concise definitions.  Continue Reading

• 4 enterprise WAN challenges that 5G service could resolve

  With 5G, organizations could ease or resolve common WAN challenges around deployment, business expansion, monthly pricing models and adoption of new technologies.  Continue Reading

• It's not Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G -- it's Wi-Fi 6 and 5G

  Wi-Fi 6 and 5G have similarities and differences. Enterprises want to know how the two can work together. Vendors, for their part, will need an integration strategy.  Continue Reading

• Learn how to master network traffic analysis with Python

  In this book excerpt, explore key components of network security and network traffic analysis with Python scripting from Packt Publishing author José Manuel Ortega.  Continue Reading

• Fintech company goes all in on SD-WAN 2.0 with Versa tech

  In the age of hybrid and multi-cloud environments, software-defined WAN technology must do more than just connect branch locations to data centers. Enter SD-WAN 2.0.  Continue Reading

• How Python addresses security, network traffic analysis concerns

  Python can benefit key areas of an organization's network, including network security and traffic analysis. Glean critical expert advice from an author of various Python textbooks.  Continue Reading

• Itential's network automation software wins TechTarget award

  At the ONUG Fall 2019 conference in New York, one word was on everyone's lips: automation. Itential's infrastructure-as-code platform helps turn those four syllables into action.  Continue Reading

• 3 SD-WAN best practices before deployment

  When planning an SD-WAN deployment, some best practices include evaluating your business model, testing the product and establishing vendor support guidelines.  Continue Reading

• Discover 5 key cloud networking basics for your organization

  Clear away the fog, and explore these five key cloud networking fundamentals -- such as models, challenges and tools -- you need to know before you adopt a cloud network strategy.  Continue Reading

• Transform network management with a network automation strategy

  Enterprises can employ a network automation strategy to provide some stability for network management and monitoring. Automation, however, still requires some hard work.  Continue Reading

• Network automation skills and training in demand, research finds

  Surprisingly, scripting, programming and software development are not exactly the top network automation skills desired by enterprises, according to recent research.  Continue Reading

• 3 potential multi-cloud challenges that could go unnoticed

  Disaster recovery, vendor lock-in and cost are major factors as organizations evaluate multi-cloud strategies. However, these pros can become cons if teams aren't careful.  Continue Reading

• After ransomware virus, Merck's medicine was network automation

  After a ransomware attack, Merck decided the best remedy was to deploy network automation tools designed to transform how it handled network configuration changes.  Continue Reading

• Security, business agility kindle network automation adoption

  IT teams are confused by the multiple automation strategies available, but they're still adopting automation with hopes it will benefit network security and agility.  Continue Reading

• A glossary of key edge computing architecture terms

  Bolster your networking vocabulary and get to know the various features and technologies that constitute edge computing in this comprehensive glossary of key terms and phrases.  Continue Reading

• Educate users when troubleshooting a network connection

  In this roundup of industry blogs, engineers discuss why it's helpful to teach users the basics of troubleshooting a network connection and why it's hard to simulate a network.  Continue Reading

• Prepare for the CCNA 200-301 exam with this guide preview

  Here's a sneak peek at what to expect from Cisco's redesigned CCNA exam directly from 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1' by author Wendell Odom.  Continue Reading

• Cisco author says new CCNA exam undergoes largest change ever

  Cisco said goodbye to most CCNA tracks, and hello to a consolidated exam. Here's what you need to know about the new CCNA, from the author of every official CCNA guidebook.  Continue Reading

• Legacy tools encumber modern network infrastructure monitoring

  Many IT teams still use older monitoring tools that provide limited visibility across multiple network environments. AI and machine learning can help, but they'll take some time.  Continue Reading

• Learn how to get started with your networking career

  Wherever you are on your networking career path, these expert insights can help you decide where to go and give advice about job requirements, certifications and industry changes.  Continue Reading

• Ciena's Blue Planet automation suite wins TechTarget award

  Ciena's Blue Planet software suite has won SearchNetworking's Network Innovation Award for enabling intelligent automation and network service orchestration across large, multivendor networks.  Continue Reading

• Network pros on new Cisco DevNet certification: 'Finally!'

  Want to learn infrastructure as code? Now, there's a Cisco cert for that. Learn more about the new network automation certification suite, plus changes to the CCNA, CCNP and CCIE.  Continue Reading

• Gartner report provides reality check on the 5G hype

  The next generation of cellular technology, 5G, is nearing peak hype status, according to a Gartner report. But real, widespread adoption is still several years away.  Continue Reading

• Software drives changes in network engineer skills, certifications

  Learn what network analysts think about network engineer skills and certifications in the modern networking industry. Hint: Proprietary hardware is in the rearview mirror.  Continue Reading

• Travel tech company revs up Wi-Fi performance with analytics

  TravelTab needed to find a way to improve its Wi-Fi performance so it could better anticipate customer demands and bandwidth requirements. Analytics software from Aerohive helped.  Continue Reading

• What is data center networking, and how can you get started?

  This feature explores the basics of data center networks, such as how to plan for data center consolidation, the effects of cloud services and how to handle data center interconnects.  Continue Reading

• Gartner Hype Cycle deems software-defined networking obsolete

  A Gartner report on enterprise networking has declared the definition of SDN and its architectural approach as deceased. Cause of death? Well, the hype didn't help.  Continue Reading

• The top 5 capabilities your edge infrastructure should have

  The network edge plays a vital role in the future of networking and digital transformation. Make sure your infrastructure has these five components to help it on its way.  Continue Reading

• Top enterprise network challenges include agility, product hype

  Product hype and network agility are some of the primary network challenges for modern enterprises, according to networking experts. Read up on their insights and advice.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-native deployment isn't for every application

  In this roundup of networking blogs, analysts evaluate cloud-native deployments, the increasing value of Wi-Fi and the emergence of Citizens Broadband Radio Service.  Continue Reading

• Top AIOps use cases in network performance management tools

  AIOps use cases in network performance management include automating certain network functions, including traffic analysis. But the data could be difficult to digest.  Continue Reading

• The essential 5G glossary of key terms and phrases

  To understand 5G, delve into various elements that encompass the new technology. This glossary of 5G keywords explains what 5G is and how its new features work.  Continue Reading

• Industry grapples with new Wi-Fi naming conventions

  What's in a name? As the industry gets accustomed to the WFA's new Wi-Fi naming conventions, networking pros discuss pros and cons -- and when to use Wi-Fi 6 vs. 802.11ax.  Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of buying used networking equipment on eBay

  To buy or not to buy used networking equipment on eBay, that is the question. Here are the pros and cons, as well as best practices for making a gray market purchase.  Continue Reading

• Cloud exchange provider deploys Blue Planet orchestration

  In this case study, a Denver-based colocation and cloud exchange provider explains how Ciena's Blue Planet orchestration technology has helped make over its cloud exchange.  Continue Reading

• What is network automation, and what can it do for you?

  This feature explores what network automation is and its influence on organizations. It also discusses assumptions about its effect on network engineers and similarities with SDN.  Continue Reading

• Network teams spend more time than ever on network security issues

  The workloads of network teams have evolved from their original objectives because of network security threats. Yet teams are still expected to maintain their initial goals.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN market sees continued growth, room for mobile support

  The SD-WAN market is growing, thanks to financial firms with distributed deployments. VMware and Cisco continue to lead the vendor pack, with Aryaka and Silver Peak close behind.  Continue Reading

• Why did operator NFV adoption lag so much?

  NFV adoption was hampered by high costs and deployment issues, according to one industry insider. Also, learn about the latest on network security and industry hype.  Continue Reading

• The 5 network security basics you need to know

  In this compilation, learn what network security is, as well as how it differs from cybersecurity, common -- and potentially confusing -- technologies, threats and more.  Continue Reading

• BGP tutorial: How the routing protocol works

  Border Gateway Protocol is the complex routing protocol that literally makes the internet work. This tutorial walks you through how BGP functions and offers troubleshooting options.  Continue Reading

• How cloud network services affect transformation and security

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts dive into three facets of networking that cloud can affect: network transformation, planning and security.  Continue Reading

• A glossary of 10 essential network security terms

  This network security glossary covers both old and new key terms -- such as zero trust networks and microsegmentation -- that can bolster anyone's security vocabulary.  Continue Reading

• Open networking switch market extends focus to campus edge

  Factors such as cost and flexibility, which make open switches attractive to data centers, will eventually extend to edge deployments in campus environments.  Continue Reading

• Follow trends and research to increase networking innovations

  Organizations can witness network transformations if they are aware of market trends, research and disruptive technologies. Many turn to third parties for this information.  Continue Reading

• What networking analysts are saying about Cisco's future

  Has Cisco outgrown networking? One industry insider seems to think so. Plus, other analysts size up Cisco's future around security and intent-based networking.  Continue Reading

• How products from leading campus LAN switch vendors compare

  Before evaluating campus LAN switches, assess the organization's core needs as well as future requirements, such as capabilities for Wi-Fi 6 or high-end PoE to power IoT devices.  Continue Reading

• 802.11ac drives enterprise WLAN market growth for now

  802.11ac played a crucial role in enterprise WLAN market growth, as companies felt the pressure to upgrade their wireless infrastructure. But 802.11ax is the future.  Continue Reading

• What is NetOps? Start with these 5 common questions

  This compilation is an essential starting point for NetOps novices. These five common questions explore what NetOps is, how it can benefit networks and its effect on network teams.  Continue Reading

• Explore 4 key areas of enterprise network transformation

  Organizations have made improving network performance a major priority in 2019. But moving from legacy to modern infrastructures may introduce network challenges, as well.  Continue Reading

• F5 Super-NetOps initiative wins Network Innovation Award

  The F5 Super-NetOps training initiative has won TechTarget's Network Innovation Award for its efforts to help today's networking pros develop skills for tomorrow.  Continue Reading

• When moving cloud on premises, ask these important questions

  In this recap of industry blogs, networking analysts discuss moving cloud on premises, per-application ADC innovation and how cyberattackers target the C-suite.  Continue Reading

• Consider these 3 fundamentals of cloud architecture

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore three networking fundamentals of cloud architecture for both public and private cloud networks.  Continue Reading

• Operators make multigigabit switch push in campus networks

  As applications become more bandwidth-intensive, operators are racing to install multigigabit switch foundations in their campus network architectures.  Continue Reading

• Managed SD-WAN providers ranked in new market report

  AT&T ranked first in Vertical Systems Group's SD-WAN report that compared more than 30 carrier-managed SD-WAN providers based on market share of installed customer sites.  Continue Reading

• The 5G future will spark an evolution of telecom networks, ISPs

  Telecom networks are evolving thanks to new technologies such as 5G. This evolution will affect various types of organizations, ISPs and available services.  Continue Reading

• School adopts Wi-Fi 6 in early Wi-Fi upgrade case study

  High-capacity wireless can help close the gap between urban and rural schools. Here's how an aggressive Wi-Fi upgrade strategy helped one district meet its community's needs.  Continue Reading

• Managed SD-WAN is a developing part of WAN transformation

  Despite SD-WAN's benefits for WAN transformation, enterprises can't avoid the shortcomings. Find out how many organizations address those challenges with managed SD-WAN.  Continue Reading

• Could open switches be a game-changer for your network?

  Before selecting campus edge switches, consider evaluating open switches -- versus switches from a traditional vendor -- and learn the benefits of this open networking approach.  Continue Reading

• Compare offerings from network analytics market leaders

  Learn how 10 top network analytics tools compare when it comes to vendor type, deployment mode, specific features and technical support options.  Continue Reading

• Key factors to consider before evaluating campus edge switches

  Before buying a campus edge switch, it's important to understand how technologies such as IoT could affect campus traffic and how you architect your network.  Continue Reading

• Expectations about SDN cost savings don't match reality

  While most enterprises prepare for Opex and Capex increases during the initial stages of SDN deployment, many don't expect a continued delay in SDN savings, according to IHS Markit.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate top network analysis tools to find the right fit

  Before selecting a network analytics tool, determine which devices and vendors make up your organization's network and what problems you hope to solve by deploying this product.  Continue Reading

• A glossary for the terms and types of WAN technologies

  This introduction to WAN technologies defines several different terms -- such as VPN and SD-WAN -- that are essential in anybody's networking vocabulary.  Continue Reading

• Benefits of 5G to drive enterprise adoption regardless of provider

  Key 5G expectations among business decision-makers include improved network speed and reliability, and most enterprises are willing to obtain 5G regardless of provider or price.  Continue Reading

• Assess needs before evaluating network analytics software

  Learn how to evaluate your organization's current network to determine the most appropriate way to integrate network analytics software and what differentiates the different tools.  Continue Reading

• DIY SD-WAN more complex than some vendors admit

  Is DIY SD-WAN a do or a don't bother? One expert says it's rarely as simple as vendors suggest -- prompting a growing number of enterprises to enlist third-party support.  Continue Reading

• Specialized network engineer skills deemed unnecessary by 2020

  Common networking roles are shifting to keep up with network transformation and a changing industry. Challenges include new monitoring tools and increased complexity.  Continue Reading

• Understand why edge computing technology matters

  To deliver on IoT's promise of a digital revolution, connected devices need access to localized compute, storage and networking resources. Welcome to life on the edge.  Continue Reading

• Review the benefits of network performance monitoring strategies

  This compilation delves into five points regarding the benefits of network performance monitoring, as well as various monitoring tools and strategies.  Continue Reading

• IT directors share SD-WAN advantages and advice

  Enhanced access to internet applications, streamlined network connectivity and faster deployments at new offices are just some common SD-WAN advantages.  Continue Reading

• Network analytics tools take monitoring to the next level

  A network analytics platform augments traditional analytics with automation and AI to provide organizations with data that can help them pinpoint a specific problem.  Continue Reading

• Improve data center efficiency with these 3 steps

  As applications require more computing power, enterprises need to ensure they maximize their data centers. These three steps can improve data center efficiency.  Continue Reading

• 3 considerations that can spark modern networking innovations

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore the possibility of network transformations, including where the industry needs the most change and new ways of thinking.  Continue Reading

• A review of SD-branch and its progression from SD-WAN

  The goal of software-defined branch is to merge network functions and management into a single platform, but the branch architecture still lacks maturity, despite some early deployments.  Continue Reading

• How cloud network architecture can redesign the enterprise edge

  Networks are changing at the edge, and maintaining edge connectivity is crucial. Cloud network advancements are transforming connectivity options, as well as WANs and SD-WANs.  Continue Reading

• The campus edge switch market evolves, offers new innovations

  The campus edge LAN switching market has evolved to offer a multitude of products boasting multi-gigabit port speeds -- there are more available port speed options than ever.  Continue Reading

• With AI-based networking, UNH Wi-Fi gets smart

  When the University of New Hampshire's residence halls went wireless-only, an AI-based networking tool from Aruba gave them a closer look at Wi-Fi performance.  Continue Reading

• A brief glossary of network service provider types

  For network novices and experts alike, this glossary of basic terms covers essential keywords related to network services and the various providers that sell them.  Continue Reading

• Machine learning network monitoring shows AIOps' promise

  Machine learning network monitoring tools highlight the promise of artificial intelligence for IT operations, helping networking pros contextualize data and turn it into action.  Continue Reading

• How modern WAN edge services can benefit your network

  Modern services could replace legacy routers at the network edge. And while individual WANs have different edge requirements, common needs include flexibility and reliability.  Continue Reading

• VMware-VeloCloud sees the future of SD-WAN with 5G, hybrid cloud

  A glimpse into one software-defined WAN vendor's vision shows a heavy interest in SD-WAN's integration with the network edge, 5G and hybrid cloud.  Continue Reading

• Automation connects 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and other networking trends

  At IDC Directions, analyst Rohit Mehra discussed the role of automation in some of 2019's most talked about trends, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, SD-WAN and the network edge.  Continue Reading

• Cloud connectivity tests the bond between enterprises, WAN providers

  Collaborating on cloud connections can strengthen or strain relationships between enterprises and service providers. Service-level agreements, in particular, can be tested.  Continue Reading

• Spokane venues up their game with new guest Wi-Fi network

  The Spokane Public Facilities District refreshed its Wi-Fi infrastructure with equipment from Aruba Networks for improved device support, coverage and IT management.  Continue Reading

• 5G expansion is coming, but where will operators reap profits?

  In this recap of industry blogs, networking pundits examine the profit potential of 5G expansion, responsible use of AI and some top network security developments.  Continue Reading