Features

Features

• Choose your own network operating systems? IT pros weigh bare metal

  Enterprise networking pros tend to favor uptime over innovation. Many see bare-metal switches with third-party network operating systems as risky. Can they be swayed?  Continue Reading

• WAN optimization techniques pace IT investment

  TechTarget's most recent Networking Purchasing Intentions survey reveals IT's priority to invest in WAN optimization techniques in the next 12 months.  Continue Reading

• NIA: Saisei's FlowCommand SDN appliance secures network flows

  Saisei, our latest Network Innovation Award winner, uses its FlowCommand virtual SDN appliance to control network flows and prevent individual users from hogging bandwidth.  Continue Reading

• Facing network breach threats, visibility is key

  In this Q&A, an IT pro at Penn Mutual shares how his dual strategy of user education and Layer 7 visibility helps prevent network breaches.  Continue Reading

• Buying data center-class switches: What you need to know

  Choosing the right switches for your data center can be difficult in an increasingly virtual environment. In this article, we explore the purchasing criteria for data center-class switches.  Continue Reading

• Making the business case for data center-class switches

  Choosing the right data center-class switch depends on your needs. This article breaks down the benefits and uses for data center-class switches in emerging data center architectures.  Continue Reading

• What are data center-class switches?

  Choosing the right switch for your data center can be a difficult task. This article looks at how data center-class switches are evolving in the enterprise to offer flexibility and speed for new traffic flows.  Continue Reading

• Will IT generalists replace network engineering jobs?

  Network engineering jobs have moved from crimping cable to managing traffic between VMs. Software-everything means another seismic shift. Is the network engineer still relevant?  Continue Reading

• When users say the network is slow, APM tools can prove them wrong

  Not a week goes by when many network managers don't hear this complaint: "The network is slow." In this Q&A, one IT pro describes how he's often able to prove otherwise.  Continue Reading

• What to consider when choosing the best Ethernet switch

  IT pros need to consider new developments in technology like software-defined networking and the Internet of Things when choosing the best Ethernet switch for their current and future network.  Continue Reading

• Adios, legacy network architectures: Making the jump to NSX

  Frustrated by the limits of hardware-centric network architectures, cloud provider FireHost has been testing VMware's NSX platform to improve its security.  Continue Reading

• Shattering the 'single pane of glass' myth of network management

  Vendors claim that their network management systems can do it all, but in a world of virtualization and cloud, is that still true?  Continue Reading

• Why one IT pro’s network upgrade led him from Cisco to Dell

  In this Q&A, one network admin explains how rapid growth at his company prompted a massive network upgrade that included migrating from Cisco to Dell.  Continue Reading

• What is the network’s role in a cloud computing service?

  Download this free chapter excerpt from “Designing Networks and Services for the Cloud” to learn how networks can make a cloud computing service more reliable and secure.  Continue Reading

• Cloud networks need careful planning, not just more bandwidth

  Cloud computing has fundamentally changed the way enterprises deploy and use IT resources. So what does it mean to build a cloud network?  Continue Reading

• Why you might not need an expensive wireless site survey kit

  In this Q&A, one wireless engineer shares how she built a wireless site survey rig for less than $40 using supplies from a hardware store.  Continue Reading

• Named Data Networking project wants to retire TCP/IP

  TCP/IP is buckling under the demands of today's Internet, according to researchers who want to replace it with a new Internet protocol stack. Their solution: Named Data Networking.  Continue Reading

• 25 Gigabit Ethernet: Why that, why now and what's next

  If you blinked, you may have missed it: A consortium formed this summer to develop a 25 Gigabit Ethernet specification, with plans to have 25 Gbps switches shipping in two years. Here's why the industry is in such a hurry.  Continue Reading

• Upgrading the core when network downtime isn't an option

  Network downtime is often a necessary evil for network upgrades, but in the world of 24/7 broadcast media, maintenance windows are hard to come by.  Continue Reading

• Network programming skills from scripting to DevOps: What to learn

  Networking pros don't need to become code monkeys, but a little network programming can go a long way toward advancing their careers.  Continue Reading

• Context-aware security: Big benefits for networks, but no shortcuts

  Context-aware security has the potential to make network security a lot smarter. But it also requires legwork many IT shops aren't equipped to handle.  Continue Reading

• Why not replace routers with smart switches?

  In this Q&A, one network manager discusses how he's ripping out routers and replacing them with smart switches at sites with Ethernet WAN transport.  Continue Reading

• MPLS networks not obsolete, but Internet as WAN catches up

  MPLS networks have been the undisputed king of WAN services for years, but more enterprises are looking at supplementing them with Internet services.  Continue Reading

• 802.11ac standard: How did we get here?

  The timeline describes the evolution of the 802.11ac standard, commonly known as Wi-Fi, starting with the creation of the Ethernet in 1973.  Continue Reading

• 802.11ac Wi-Fi takes the lead, but wired network has to play backup

  As adoption of the new 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard picks up, wired networks must be ready to support faster speeds and greater capacities it brings.  Continue Reading

• Ethernet fabric primer

  Virtualization and cloud exposed legacy data center networks as fragile and inefficient. This primer explains how Ethernet fabrics meet new demands.  Continue Reading

• For cloud providers, fraud detection is integral part of business plan

  Without the proper cloud fraud detection and prevention practices, cloud providers can become unwitting hosts for cybercriminals.  Continue Reading

• The 802.11ad standard is fast, but do we need that much throughput?

  The new 802.11ad standard offers 7 Gbps of throughput and can supplement existing wireless networks, but it’s got technical challenges.  Continue Reading

• Differentiating your cloud computing SLA: Availability vs. performance

  Most providers make cloud computing SLA claims around availability, and some are exploring the viability of performance claims. But there are risks.  Continue Reading

• What is Ethernet-dedicated Internet?

  Ethernet-dedicated Internet is a continuous, high-bandwidth way for enterprises to connect their LANs to the public Internet and to streamline the performance of their WAN.  Continue Reading

• Primer: A new generation of programmable ASICs

  Programmable application-specific integrated circuits allow the data plane of switches to support new technologies, like software-defined networking.  Continue Reading

• Integrating physical and virtual networks: Virtual switching tactics

  In order to make networks flexible enough to support cloud orchestration, engineers will have to bridge physical and virtual networks.  Continue Reading

• How to plan for a campus core switch refresh: Basic requirements

  Network architects and engineers discuss the features and functions they look for when planning a campus core upgrade.  Continue Reading

• Will we ever need 400 Gigabit Ethernet enterprise networks?

  With 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet so new, what could possibly drive the need for 400 Gigabit Ethernet in the enterprise? Hint: It’s not just the WAN.  Continue Reading

• Avaya-Nortel acquisition: Infamous end; questionable beginning

  The Avaya-Nortel acquisition was one of the more notable top networking stories of 2009, marking the end of a legacy player and a questionable beginning for Avaya as it struggles with whether to integrate the Nortel data networking portfolio.  Continue Reading

• Network-to-network VPN gateway configuration for Cisco EzVPN

  Learn how to support network-to-network IPsec VPN topologies using a router as the VPN gateway with Cisco EzVPN.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 learning tools

  Explore our most popular in-depth information on topics such on bandwidth optimization, IP network design, network engineering, WLAN security, MPLS and more.  Continue Reading

• Introduction -- Chapter 1 of 'Network Analysis, Architecture and Design'

  This chapter introduces the analysis, architecture, and design processes. Described are the fundamental concepts of the processes of network analysis, architecture, and design; systems and services; as well as their characteristics and prepares the ...  Continue Reading

• How a Switch Works -- Chapter 6 of 'LAN Switching First-Step'

  How a Switch Works explains how to differentiate among unicast, multicast, and broadcast transmission methods; store-and-forward, cut-through, and fragment-free switching mechanisms and then describes Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching operation.  Continue Reading

• "Network Security: The Complete Reference," Chapter 10: Network device security

  Chapter 10 focuses on using routers and switches to increase the security of the network as well as providing appropriate configuration steps for protecting the devices themselves against attacks.  Continue Reading

• Reducing costs and generating revenue with network monitoring

  Like most IT managers, you have a lot on your plate, and improving network monitoring is only one of the tasks you need to address. This article will discuss business-focused ROI around a network monitoring system (NMS) and enable you to demonstrate...  Continue Reading

• Mobility -- Chapter 5 of 802.11 Wireless LAN Fundamentals

  Mobility, Chapter 5 of 802.11 Wireless LAN Fundamentals, covers the characteristics of roaming, Layer 2 roaming, Layer 3 roaming and an introduction to mobile IP.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi firewalls boost wireless security by blocking airborne attacks

  Wi-Fi firewalls, or wireless intrusion prevention systems, are servers that monitor and filter Wi-Fi traffic, blocking unauthorized 802.11 usage and attacks while still in the air. Learn about the benefits of the product and what to consider when ...  Continue Reading

• Multi Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) - Open Source Network Administration, Chapter 3

  The Multi Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) is an open source tool used to monitor the traffic load on network links. In this chapter James Kretchmar tells us how MRTG produces Web pages containing PNG images, which provide a live visual representation ...  Continue Reading

• Lesson 2: How to build a secure wireless infrastructure

  In Lesson 2 of Wireless Security Lunchtime Learning, you'll learn how to build a secure wireless infrastructure by understanding the myriad security standards and features that Wi-Fi products boast, as well as how traditional wired network devices ...  Continue Reading

• To block or not to block: Rogue containment methods

  Wireless network monitoring systems are quickly moving from detection alone to detection and prevention. In particular, many now provide options to "block" rogue devices, preventing wireless or wired network access. This tip explores how these ...  Continue Reading

• Lesson 4: How to use wireless IDS/IPS

  In Lesson 4 of Wireless Security Lunchtime Learning, you'll walk away with an understanding of the value of wireless IDS/IPS -- even if your organization doesn't support a wireless LAN. Also learn how to choose a WIDS for your environment and how to...  Continue Reading

• Using your WIDS to monitor WLAN performance

  "Wireless intrusion detection" -- the very name brings to mind security. But many WIDS products can also be used to monitor WLAN performance, providing valuable insight for trouble-shooting, fine-tuning, and usage planning. This tip explains how to ...  Continue Reading

• Fighting wireless DoS attacks

  Despite recent 802.11 security advances, WLANs remain very vulnerable to Denial of Service attacks. While you may not be able to prevent DoS attacks, a WIDS can help you detect when DoS attacks occur and where they come from, so that you can track ...  Continue Reading

• Combining 802.1X and VLANs for WLAN authorization

  Many WLAN owners know that 802.1X/EAP makes it possible to authenticate individual wireless users. But did you know that 802.1X can also be used to funnel wireless traffic onto VLANs, enforcing user or group-based permissions? This tip explains how ...  Continue Reading

• Choosing the right flavor of 802.1X

  Which of the nearly 50 defined EAP Types would work best in your WLAN? In this tip, we compare the most popular EAP Types used with 802.1X, authentication methods that can be supported by each, known vulnerabilities and suitable usage environments.  Continue Reading

• Wireless attacks, A to Z

  In our buzzword-filled industry, wrapping your arms around wireless attacks and their potential business impacts can be tough. This tip tries to bring order to this chaos by providing a reference list of attacks against 802.11 and 802.1X, ...  Continue Reading

• Using VLANs to compartmentalize WLAN traffic

  Virtual LANs have long been used within enterprise networks to create logical workgroups, independent of physical location or LAN topology. This tip describes how to use these same VLAN capabilities, found in both wired and wireless devices, to tag ...  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi vulnerability assessment checklist

  Vulnerability assessments can help you find and fix WLAN weaknesses before attackers take advantage of them. But where do you start? What should you look for? Have you covered all the bases? This checklist will help to answer these questions.  Continue Reading

• Building a wireless LAN proxy server

  Our router expert, Michael Martin, walks you through building an http proxy server for a wireless LAN with a Linux base.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for network management in the non-profit world

  Discover how the Washington, D.C.-based National Parks Conservation Association developed their network management solution to ensure network uptime and availability.  Continue Reading

• The importance of IP address management

  IP addresses are an integral part of any corporate network, and companies large and small are consuming them faster with more applications and devices than ever before. Overlooking the importance of getting a handle on IP addresses can prove ...  Continue Reading

• CompTIA A+ overview

  This guide helps you get a better grasp of what is involved with studying for the CompTIA A Plus certification exam.  Continue Reading

• Will becoming an A+ certified technician help you?

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• Subnetting to increase performance

  There comes a time when a network becomes too big and performance begins to suffer as a result of too much traffic. When that happens, one of the ways that you can solve the problem is by breaking the network into smaller pieces using subnets.  Continue Reading

• Router and firewall configuration

  ITKnowledge Exchange member "stephang" had a question about the balance between blocking packets and enabling NAT on his router and on his firewall. Fellow forum members chipped in with their advice; check out what they had to say.  Continue Reading

• Commonly overlooked security hazards

  Security expert Dave Piscitello covers the ten most commonly overlooked security hazards and easy ways to prevent them from placing your network at risk.  Continue Reading

• Top ten ways to optimize network performance

  SearchNetworking.com expert Carrie Higbie shares her top ten ways to optimize network performance.  Continue Reading

• The importance of asset management

  Keeping track of your machines isn't just bean-counter busywork. It's an essential enterprise task that facilitates hardware and software management, license compliance, regulatory compliance, and security. Indeed, a successful asset management ...  Continue Reading

• The network administrator's survival guide

  This piece from contributor Douglas Chick presents a humorous look at surviving in your role as a network administrator.  Continue Reading

• Most popular viruses and hacking tools

  Here are 2004's most popular hacker tools, viruses, remote tools, adware, spyware, Trojans and worms.  Continue Reading

• Network Security Principles and Practices: Secure LAN switching

  This book excerpt offers steps you can take to make Layer 2 environments and switches more secure, including permit lists, protocol filtering and VLANs.  Continue Reading