Cloud and data center networking
Data center networks are responsible for traffic routing, switching, resource hosting and more. While on-premises data center networking remains essential, enterprises are also turning to cloud networking, which enables them to host services in cloud environments. Discover various strategies for data center network architecture, hybrid cloud and cloud networking services.
Top Stories
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Feature
23 Apr 2024
Why GenAI infrastructure optimization starts with the network
GenAI deployment requires optimized infrastructure. The networking aspects, such as workload placement and the type of deployment model, could determine GenAI performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Apr 2024
Building networks for AI workloads
Conventional and high-performance computing networks cannot adequately support AI workloads, so network engineers must build specialized networks to accommodate their massive size. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2019
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
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Feature
10 Jul 2019
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
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News
25 Jun 2019
ARM upgrades network visibility tool cARMa and adds Guru
ARM Data Center Software upgraded its SaaS network inventory tool cARMa to include more network visibility capabilities, including the introduction of mapping and analytics tool Guru. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2019
Ixia network packet broker, cybersecurity test introduced
Ixia launched two new products for networking and security: the Ixia network packet broker, Vision X, for data center visibility and Ixia BreakingPoint QuickTest to gauge device and network security. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2019
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
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Feature
10 Jun 2019
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
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News
31 May 2019
Tech buyer rights raised in Cisco vulnerability
The seriousness of the Cisco vulnerability, Thrangycat, raises the question of tech buyers' rights when dealing with such a serious flaw in a vendor's hardware. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2019
4 criteria to consider in your cloud migration strategy
Organizations that are evaluating a workload migration to the cloud should use this workload placement process to build a consistent cloud migration strategy. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2019
Cumulus NetQ aimed at broader enterprise market
Cumulus Networks has revamped Cumulus NetQ. The latest version of the network troubleshooting and change validation software is aimed at a larger segment of the enterprise market. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2019
Google Cloud, HPE team up for new hybrid cloud platforms
New hybrid cloud platforms, released as a collaboration between Google Cloud and HPE, are available to create similar experiences across both clouds and on-premises environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2019
Public cloud networking basics: How to navigate to AWS, Azure
Moving workloads to AWS and Azure doesn't have to be difficult as long as you follow a few cloud networking basics. What do you need to know to make the shift? Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2019
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
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Tip
01 Apr 2019
3 steps for a successful data center consolidation plan
A data center consolidation plan is usually riddled with questions. But careful forethought is key for the successful centralization of software and servers. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2019
Latest Arrcus protocols for webscale data centers
Startup Arrcus has added to its network operating system protocols that could appeal to cloud providers and companies with webscale data centers. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2019
Facebook unveils data center overhaul at OCP 2019
Facebook's two-year data center overhaul, discussed at OCP 2019, included two new switches: the Facebook-designed Minipack and the 7368X4 developed jointly with Arista. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2019
Facebook Minipack joins other advancements at OCP 2019
Facebook launches the power-saving Minipack switching platform, and Arista unveils the 7368X4 for hyperscalers at the OCP 2019 Global Summit. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Mar 2019
What are the benefits of ADCs with per-application functionality?
DevOps development has driven the need for application delivery controllers to adapt. The result is per-application functionality, which enables customization for each application. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Mar 2019
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
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Answer
06 Mar 2019
How do cloud data centers affect network bandwidth requirements?
When deciding which applications to move to a cloud data center, enterprises should consider network bandwidth requirements and latency, among other factors. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Mar 2019
The switch to 400 GbE may be closer than you think
Several dynamics are driving the need for 400 GbE infrastructures, including the increase in server density, private cloud applications and network edge data. Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2019
Veriflow launches cloud-only network verification
Veriflow's new CloudPredict SaaS provides network verification for AWS and Google Cloud. The product is for companies that need visibility only in the public clouds. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2019
VMware NSX-T gets revamped UI, more automation
The latest iteration of VMware NSX-T includes a revamped UI and other features meant to improve its ability to provide virtual networking in hybrid, private and public clouds. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2019
Network operating system advantages extend to white box switching
The network operating system is changing, moving toward software acceleration, open APIs and white box switching. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the new NOS. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2019
Kemp 360 Vision analyzes F5, Nginx data
The latest version of the Kemp 360 Vision service can apply predictive analytics to data taken from F5 Networks and Nginx load balancers. Continue Reading
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Infographic
21 Feb 2019
NetOps by design: How data center pods enable network agility
To bring a DevOps approach to the network, one expert suggests enterprises take a page from the cloud-provider playbook. Here's how data center pods can support a NetOps evolution. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2019
Cisco earnings, revenue show strength of product roadmap
Cisco earnings and revenue show customers are putting aside global uncertainties and buying into the company's shift toward a more software-centric form of networking. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2019
5 steps to troubleshoot a virtual machine problem in Azure
If you're wrestling with a virtual machine problem, like a faulty connection issue, be sure to check the domain name system and network traffic routing. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2019
Cisco APIC controller heading for AWS, Azure
The latest version of the Cisco APIC controller is designed to bring consistency to managing network fabrics on AWS, Microsoft Azure and private data centers. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2019
Arrcus chasing larger rivals with 400 GbE NOS
Arrcus has introduced a 400 GbE network operating system, demonstrating a maker of a stand-alone NOS can keep pace with the largest networking companies. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2019
Cisco launches AppDynamics integration with ACI
Cisco has provided AppDynamics integration with ACI, the company's software-defined networking architecture. Cisco expects the integration to help DevOps teams. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2019
AI center stage in new Huawei CloudEngine switch
Huawei is betting on its Ascend AI chip to draw the largest enterprises to its latest high-capacity spine switch. The Huawei CloudEngine 16800 embeds AI into the network fabric. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2019
Cisco ACI controller headed for AWS
An AWS version of the Cisco ACI controller set to launch this quarter brings consistency in fabric management between private data centers and Amazon's public cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2019
Consider these 5 factors of DCI technology
This feature showcases five pieces of advice that detail what you need to know about data center interconnect, its pros and cons, and its relationship with other networking areas. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2019
What's the difference between multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud strategies?
When comparing multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud deployments, you'll want to pay particular attention to the management concepts and tools for each cloud strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2019
Data center interconnects rife with application challenges
Avoid pushing complexity into your network. This is especially true with data center interconnect design, Layer 2 mobility and application requirements. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2018
100 GbE switch market shifting to large enterprises
The 100 GbE switch market is shifting away from webscale data center operators, as Arista and Cisco benefit from large enterprises buying more of the faster ports to replace 40 GbE. Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2018
Cisco sees the future of switching in Luxtera silicon photonics
Cisco believes the future in switching and routing is in Luxtera silicon photonics. As a result, the networking giant plans to buy the company for $660 million in cash. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2018
Arista EOS containers integrated with Red Hat, Tigera products
Arista EOS containers have been integrated with Red Hat OpenShift and Tigera security software. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2018
VMware service mesh aims to help DevOps with microservices
VMware has introduced the NSX Service Mesh. Based on the Istio platform, the VMware service mesh manages traffic between microservices and enforces access policies. Continue Reading
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News
05 Dec 2018
Juniper ATP appliance gets broader device support
Juniper has bolstered the security features in its Advanced Threat Prevention product. The vendor also released a Juniper ATP appliance for midsize enterprises. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2018
What's in AWS Outposts with VMware?
AWS Outposts, the new on-premises hybrid cloud, includes a VMware Cloud version that is not expected to provide NSX as a native option for connecting to the AWS public cloud. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2018
Viptela SD-WAN security unveiled at Cisco Partner Summit
At Cisco Partner Summit this week, Cisco announced better security for the Viptela SD-WAN, two ISRs, a Catalyst wireless LAN controller and a Catalyst midmarket switch. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2018
Cisco layoffs mark Customer Experience restructuring
Cisco is laying off hundreds of employees as it restructures its Customer Experience unit led by new-hire Maria Martinez. The Cisco layoffs come the week before its Partner Summit. Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2018
Automation added to Extreme SLX data center networking
Extreme Networks has introduced network automation and a single console for managing data center and campus networks. The technology is part of the Extreme SLX Agile Data Center. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Nov 2018
5 questions to ask about open data centers
Editor's note:Â In this opinion piece, industry analyst Zeus Kerravala shares his thoughts on open data centers and Extreme Networks' approach. Extreme Networks is a client of Kerravala's ZK ... Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2018
How Cisco 400 GbE switches compare with Arista's
The introduction of Cisco's 400 GbE switches comes a week after Arista unveiled its hardware. The products differ in merchant silicon, optical connectors and backward compatibility. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2018
Job cuts part of Nokia 5G, enterprise changes
Nokia plans to cut thousands of jobs as it doubles down on its 5G and enterprise businesses. The Nokia 5G strategy focuses on selling and developing mobile radio products. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2018
Versa Networks integrates SD-WAN service with Azure Virtual WAN
In networking news, Versa Networks partners with Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN; CenturyLink launches the Managed Cisco SD-WAN service; and Aryaka expands cloud offerings with Oracle. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2018
Juniper earnings downed by a lack of cloud sales
The latest Juniper earnings report shows lower-than-expected sales to cloud providers will result in a revenue decline in the current quarter. The company had expected to return to growth. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Oct 2018
Expect slow adoption of 400 Gigabit Ethernet, for now
Editor's note: In this opinion piece, industry analyst Zeus Kerravala shares his thoughts on 400 Gigabit Ethernet adoption and Arista Networks' 400 GbE approach. Arista is a client of Kerravala's ... Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2018
The Arista 400 GbE 7060X4 takes on Cisco, Juniper
Arista has joined rivals Cisco and Juniper in the 400 GbE switching market. The company introduced this week the Arista 400 GbE 7060X4 Series for hyperscale data centers. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2018
VMware faces strong challengers in cloud systems management
VMware topped IDC's latest vendor ranking in the cloud systems management market. But the analyst firm said the market is too young to declare any vendor a winner. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2018
Riverbed tailors SteelCentral AppResponse for the cloud
Riverbed has launched SteelCentral AppResponse Cloud. The latest version of the application monitor troubleshoots problems found in business applications running on the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2018
CenturyLink service offers self-serve connection to AWS
CenturyLink has introduced a service that lets companies create a temporary virtual connection to AWS. The pay-as-you-go CenturyLink service is called Cloud Connect Dynamic Connections. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2018
A 7-step checklist for designing a cloud migration plan
Enterprises want their applications to be portable and able to shift easily among multiple cloud providers. To do that, putting together a good cloud migration plan is a must. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2018
Trump tariffs on China could spark Cisco, Juniper price increase
Enterprises will pay more for networking gear as a result of President Donald Trump's tariffs on China. Vendors planning to pass on added costs to customers include Cisco and Juniper. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2018
AT&T Spark highlights big changes in networking market
The AT&T Spark event showed more than the service provider's latest 5G technology. It also revealed how AT&T is redefining the role of networking vendors in its data centers. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2018
Cisco ASR 9000 router gets usage-based pricing
Cisco has changed licensing for the ASR 9000 router to let service providers pay only for the throughput they use. The new pricing arrives as service providers prepare for 5G. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Sep 2018
What's VMware's goal with its Virtual Cloud Network release?
Attendees saw a noteworthy turnabout at VMworld 2018. With its Virtual Cloud Network announcement, VMware signaled its new vision of cloud, and the network is the center of its strategy. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Sep 2018
Does software networking fit modern data center requirements?
Software networking can support modern data center requirements, private clouds and accompanying applications. But IT teams need to wade through components and suppliers to get there. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2018
Arista CloudVision gets multi-cloud, NSX security features
Arista CloudVision will soon be able to distribute security policies across Amazon, Google and Microsoft public clouds. Other upcoming features include VMware NSX integration. Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2018
Cisco revenues up, customers warming to new products
Cisco revenues in the last quarter rose 6% as businesses took advantage of a strong economy to refresh networks and deploy new products. Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2018
New Dell EMC 100 GbE switch tailored for east-west traffic
The latest Dell EMC 100 GbE switch is an open system aimed at service providers and large enterprises. The Z9264F is a 2RU system, with 64 100 GbE ports. Pricing starts at $45,000. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2018
Active-active data centers key to high-availability application resilience
Enterprises dependent upon a high-availability application should investigate active-active data center designs to ensure reliability and resiliency. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Aug 2018
Software networking supports campus network convergence
Software networking, along with intent-based capabilities, can help improve campus network visibility and authentication, while also supporting Ethernet and Wi-Fi convergence. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2018
Arista, Cisco agree to stop patent suits for five years
The Arista-Cisco agreement includes Arista paying $400 million to end their patent infringement dispute. The companies also agreed to a lawsuit moratorium on existing products. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Aug 2018
How micro modular data centers simplify complex network routes
The deployment of prefabricated micro modular data centers could ease network traffic to customer premises and multiple clouds by processing data locally at the network edge. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Aug 2018
Network performance metrics pose data center challenges
Currently, network performance metrics are not fully formed and offer just a generic view of the network. Plus, metrics produce reams of data that are difficult to digest. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2018
Juniper multi-cloud strategy aimed at enterprise data centers
The Juniper multi-cloud strategy is aimed at expanding the vendor's reach beyond carriers and the largest enterprises. Key to the game plan is Contrail Enterprise Multicloud. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2018
Avi load balancer gets tighter with Cisco products
The Avi load balancer is more tightly integrated with Cisco ACI in the latest Avi Vantage Platform upgrade. Vantage 18.1 also sends more data to Cisco AppDynamics and Tetration. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2018
Juniper preps 400 GbE across PTX, MX and QFX hardware
Juniper will ship 400 GbE in PTX, MX and QFX routers and switches over the next 12 months. Cisco and Arista are expected to follow with their 400 GbE products as demand from service providers rises. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2018
Options for DNS in networking address growing challenges
A need for modern DNS in networking has grown out of increased cloud use and distributed applications. Now, vendors are offering these services for internal enterprise use. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2018
Startup Arrcus aims NOS at Cisco, Juniper in the data center
Startup Arrcus has launched a scalable network operating system aimed at all switching tasks in the leaf-spine network. The new ArcOS is a NOS alternative to Cisco and Juniper. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2018
Experts skeptical an AWS switch is coming
An AWS switch -- reportedly possible in the next 18 months -- would not benefit the cloud provider's customers, experts said. Instead, AWS needs to offer better connectivity. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2018
IT spending shows cloud-focused data center architectures
Corporate IT spending shows companies are revamping data center architectures in preparation for a multi-cloud future. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Jul 2018
Hybrid cloud strategies should be reimagined as multi-cloud
The tech industry needs to change the way it defines hybrid cloud. A multi-cloud environment is often a more accurate description and worthwhile goal. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2018
ThousandEyes launches cloud performance monitoring tools
ThousandEyes has launched cloud performance monitoring tools. The latest offering provides critical metrics for software running in multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2018
Options for dedicated cloud interconnects and their benefits
There are clear benefits to replacing existing VPN tunnels now. Discover the advantages to dedicating cloud interconnects to improve your enterprise traffic flows. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2018
Three goals of multiple cloud management and how to reach them
Attaining the benefits of the cloud is getting ever more complex. Learn ways to enable efficient and effective management of hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2018
Apstra adds EVPN configuration to AOS
The newly released version of Apstra AOS includes EVPN configuration. The latest feature in the intent-based OS reduces the manual labor behind network segmentation. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jun 2018
VMware is redesigning NSX networking for the cloud
A VMware researcher says the company is preparing a new version of NSX networking for public clouds and expects the technology to be available in about a year. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2018
AT&T NetBond for Cloud connects Google to enterprises
AT&T NetBond for Cloud is the latest member of Google's Partner Interconnect. The AT&T service provides midsize enterprises with private connections of up to 10 Gbps to Google Cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 May 2018
Optical interconnect DCI frameworks need more flexibility to keep pace
An optical interconnect framework can support high-speed DCI deployments. But it's important that optical networks become programmable to ensure reliability. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2018
ADC, the networking management tool, acquires new abilities
Networking pros should take a new look at what application delivery controllers now offer. ADCs now have some cutting-edge features making the networking workhorse exciting. Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2018
Q3 Cisco financials show another uptick in sales, services
Cisco financials show a 4% boost in sales as Cisco records its second consecutive quarter of revenue growth and continues to embrace software services. Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2018
SN blogs: Is Arista making right move with campus switches?
Bloggers discuss Arista's new strategy to market campus switches, examine container security risks and ask the question of whether networking is a commodity. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2018
HPE to acquire hyper-converged networking company Plexxi
Plexxi bolstered its hyper-converged networking fabric to further support VMware vSAN and NSX amid the news of HPE's acquisition intent. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2018
Network disaggregation key topic at Dell event
Analysts focus on Dell's embrace of network disaggregation, how Google is narrowing the gap between human and machine and whether virtual appliances are ready for prime time. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2018
Telefonica uses Nuage Networks to software-define data centers
Following Telefonica's existing Nuage Networks' SD-WAN deployment, the service provider announced it's in the process of using Nuage to deploy software-defined data centers. Continue Reading
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Guide
08 May 2018
Cloud network management begins with the basics
Learn the essentials of how to manage cloud networks, from network architecture to how to store and transmit data to security. Includes a segment on cloud trends, too. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2018
Big Switch offers analytics, recording with packet broker
Big Switch has added value to its network packet broker with the introduction of analytics and recording nodes. The new products are sold as add-ons to Big Monitoring Fabric. Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2018
Juniper battles Cisco, VMware with Contrail cloud tools
Juniper plans to release the first iteration of its Contrail cloud tools in June. Contrail Enterprise Multicloud will compete in cloud networking with Cisco ACI and VMware NSX. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2018
How data center interconnect technologies shape WAN performance
Latency, congestion and sluggish TCP stacks can plague application performance, but understanding data center interconnect technologies is key. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2018
Meta Networks NaaS offers SD-WAN, VPN, cloud connectivity
Startup Meta Networks has debuted its network as a service. The company's first offering delivers SD-WAN, security, VPNs and multi-cloud connectivity in an internet-based WAN. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2018
New Arista switches offer 25/100 GbE for large data centers
The latest Arista switches are 25/100 GbE hardware designed to provide a smooth migration from systems with less bandwidth. The new gear is for companies with large data centers. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2018
Cisco network disaggregation for carriers, enterprises
Cisco has embraced network disaggregation for data centers and carriers. The company is providing the option of running its network operating systems on third-party switches. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2018
What cloud data center interconnect technologies can do
Data center interconnect technologies and services now use cloud. Learn how CDCI improves traffic delivery and how to choose the right equipment and services. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2018
A comparison of leading application delivery controllers
You can simplify the process of buying an ADC device by examining how leading vendors address key considerations, including platform options, security and server load balancing. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
Ethernet bandwidth costs fall to a six-year low
Ethernet bandwidth costs in data center switches fell to a six-year low in 2017. Crehan Research reported cloud provider demand for speed was behind the drop. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2018
How to plan for network disaggregation with APIs
Network disaggregation is a lot of work for engineers, and it's fraught with potential hurdles posed by sourcing hardware, a control plane, network operating system and how you manage necessary APIs. Continue Reading