Features

Features

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Wi-Fi 6 explained: Speed, range, latency, frequency and security

  Wi-Fi 6 is more than just another wireless upgrade, boasting substantial gains over Wi-Fi 5. Learn how frequency, speed, range, latency and security change with the new standard.  Continue Reading

• What to include in an SD-WAN security checklist

  SD-WAN security encompasses more than integrated security functionality. Find out which capabilities enterprises should look for when evaluating SD-WAN and security.  Continue Reading

• Zoom, Netflix discuss remote network management challenges

  COVID-19 forces IT teams to manage company networks remotely. Here are common issues IT teams of all sizes -- like those at Zoom and Netflix -- face and ways to solve them.  Continue Reading

• How SD-WAN and cloud exchanges benefit multi-cloud settings

  As more organizations move IT workloads outside of company walls, SD-WAN services can help ease the shift to cloud environments and secure cloud connections, like cloud exchanges.  Continue Reading

• Take a look at 6 top VPN service providers for remote work

  The right VPN connection ensures workers can do their jobs with an efficient and secure connection. Explore the leading options and their pricing and protection details.  Continue Reading

• DriveNets' disaggregated router tech wins innovation award

  Networking startup DriveNets is bringing cloud principles to carrier networks with disaggregated router technology that could change how providers manage their infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• 4 lasting effects of growing remote workforces on networks

  In this roundup of network blogs, explore expert advice on increasing remote workers' efficiency, potential lasting effects of COVID-19 on networks and the future of networking.  Continue Reading

• Discover key OpenStack deployment methods for networks

  In this book excerpt, explore best practices for OpenStack deployment methods, and glean expert advice on how to achieve an efficient OpenStack network deployment.  Continue Reading

• Business culture is key in OpenStack network requirements

  Network teams should expect a shift in their day-to-day routines if their organization embraces OpenStack. However, if the business culture is flexible, changes will be positive.  Continue Reading

• Remote work tests corporate pandemic plans

  IT leaders share what's working and how they are supporting remote work mandates for employees as part of their corporate pandemic plans, as well as social distancing among IT.  Continue Reading

• AI, analytics, automation fuel the future of network management

  Advances in automation, AI and analytics should help IT administrators overcome new challenges in virtualized network environments, but some obstacles will surface.  Continue Reading

• A roundup of the Cisco certification changes in 2020

  The network industry is changing and so are required network engineer skills. Here's how Cisco redesigned its certification programs to keep up with industry goals.  Continue Reading

• WAN transformation sparked by 5G, cloud and SD-WAN technologies

  In a modern world, legacy WAN architecture is rife with shortcomings. But 5G features and use cases could help jump-start a WAN transformation for many organizations.  Continue Reading

• Networking startup Arrcus wins TechTarget innovation award

  Networking startup Arrcus aims to disrupt the industry with its software-based routing technology. Here's how the young company plans to go toe-to-toe with industry giants.  Continue Reading

• Network traffic analysis best practices: Assess and repeat

  Network traffic analysis best practices require network teams to work closely with security teams and constantly assess their tool sets, analysis processes and traffic patterns.  Continue Reading

• IEEE reveals 802 standards process and the future of Wi-Fi

  The IEEE 802 Standards Committee looks years in advance to improve Wi-Fi and Ethernet technology. A sampling of the future: 802.11be, Wi-Fi sensing and increased Ethernet range.  Continue Reading

• How Cisco certification changes alter CCNP and CCIE tracks

  Here's what to expect from the colossal Cisco certification changes to the CCNP and CCIE tracks that aim to increase material relevance and benefit network engineers' daily lives.  Continue Reading

• Prepare for CCNP, CCIE ENCOR 350-401 with this guide preview

  Here's an excerpt from the new 'CCNP and CCIE ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide' that provides the key IP routing essentials network engineers require for their job roles.  Continue Reading

• Explore the top Wi-Fi 6 technology benefits and providers

  Learn the basics around Wi-Fi 6 along with the security, battery and bandwidth improvements that come with the upgrade and the top companies to consider for buying options.  Continue Reading

• A glossary of network terms for management and monitoring

  This glossary of network terms specifically highlights network management and monitoring processes. Explore these 12 key terms and concise definitions.  Continue Reading

• A look inside 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 2'

  Network security is a crucial skills area for network engineers, and the CCNA 200-301 reflects this. Here's a chapter excerpt on network security from the new guide.  Continue Reading

• Traditional, emerging topics unite in the new CCNA exam

  As of Feb. 24, all eyes are on the CCNA 200-301 exam -- Cisco's latest update to the CCNA track. Here's a look at what's on the exam and how it compares to previous CCNA exams.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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