Network Design
Top Stories
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Feature
31 May 2022
Understand the basics of 5G wireless networks
To build a 5G network, the deployment mode, spectrum band and services are all important factors to understand and consider. Here's what you should know about the basics of 5G. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Nov 2021
4 ideas for network cable management best practices
When organizing cable clutter, network engineers should follow some common best practices, including the use of cable labels, cable ties and proper documentation. Continue Reading
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Buyer's Guide
28 Aug 2018
Consider SD-WAN products to help simplify network management
Learn how to determine your organization's need for SD-WAN technology and how to evaluate offerings from the top SD-WAN providers in the market to find the right fit. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2018
Cisco refused to participate in NSS Labs report on SD-WAN
Cisco wouldn't activate NSS Labs' Viptela license after the testing firm paid between $30,000 and $40,000 for the technology for a comparative NSS Labs report on SD-WAN products. 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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Tip
22 Aug 2018
How has software-defined networking security evolved?
Software-defined networking security means more than just microsegmentation. Enterprises can also use SDN to assign security zones, improve monitoring and help with automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2018
Find network security vulnerabilities by assessing risk
IT staff needs to regularly review network security vulnerabilities and security gaps to battle rising cybersecurity breaches and keep costs under control through risk assessments. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Aug 2018
How do I troubleshoot network performance with traffic monitoring?
When undertaking network performance troubleshooting, organizations can benefit from a mix of passive and active network traffic monitoring to identify issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Aug 2018
Wireless-first networks verge on wireless-only, but concerns remain
A wireless-first strategy could spread among enterprises and proceed toward wireless-only. IT staff, however, should heed concerns around capacity, management and cost. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2018
How network operators can differentiate SD-WAN services
Providers' SD-WAN services currently compete largely on cost, but network operators hope to gain market share with network-based SD-WAN feature differentiation. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2018
What IPv6 features can be found in the latest specification?
The IPv6 specification is now becoming a full-fledged internet standard. New IPv6 features focus on enterprise reliability and operational and security considerations. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Aug 2018
How Cisco's Viptela buy affects branch routers, IT customers
Zeus Kerravala says Cisco's ISR isn't going anywhere and discusses what its use of Viptela's software-defined WAN means for the IT giant's future, its product line and its customers. 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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News
14 Aug 2018
Array bolsters throughput, security in NFV appliance
Array Networks has added support for 40 GbE interfaces in its NFV appliance. The AVX hardware also has higher throughput for encrypted traffic. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Aug 2018
What key network performance issues spark service disruptions?
From cabling to capacity issues, IT professionals need to consider all possibilities when rooting out the underlying cause of network performance problems. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Aug 2018
Which SD-WAN security concerns should I tackle first?
IT teams thinking about software-defined WAN technology should assess a few SD-WAN security concerns before deployment to make sure it's worth the investment. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2018
Mist Systems gives VMware NSX SD-WAN a boost
Arista Networks and VMware are focusing on Wi-Fi to bolster products for the wireless LAN. Wi-Fi vendor Mist is strengthening VMware's NSX SD-WAN and Arista has acquired Mojo. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2018
ITSM automation helps advance network automation
IT service management helps close the gap between IT staff and business needs, as artificial intelligence and machine learning work with ITSM automation to usher in network automation. Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2018
Juniper boosting performance of SRX5000 firewall for IoT, 5G
Juniper Networks has released an acceleration card for its SRX5000 line of firewalls. The SPC3 card readies the product for IoT, 5G and multi-cloud applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2018
What it takes to be a steward of your SDN career
When it comes to SDN careers and training, the impetus is on vendors, enterprises and individual network professionals to create and pursue training and certification opportunities. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2018
Assess technology and products from top SD-WAN vendors
SD-WAN products and services offer a variety of features and deployment options. Learn how top SD-WAN vendors stack up when it comes to addressing your key considerations. 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
Cisco Viptela integrated with IOS XE on ISR, ASR
Companies unhappy with iWAN on ISR can switch to Cisco Viptela. The networking company has integrated the Viptela SD-WAN with IOS XE, the ISR network operating system. 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
07 Aug 2018
Benefits of wireless networks extend to disaster recovery plans
In a business continuity and disaster recovery plan, IT resilience is key. Find out how the benefits of wireless networks can help keep businesses running. 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
03 Aug 2018
Cisco bolsters cloud security with Duo acquisition
Cisco has bought Duo Security to add its two-step authentication services to Cisco's cloud-based security offerings. Cisco plans to close the Duo acquisition by October. Continue Reading
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News
02 Aug 2018
Kontron heeds carrier demand for software, buys Inocybe
Kontron has bought open source networking company Inocybe. The specialty hardware maker is adding SDN software to its portfolio as telco customers buy more commodity systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Aug 2018
How hackers use idle scans in port scan attacks
Hackers exploit port scan attacks to mask their identities before launching an attack. One of their favorites: the idle scan. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Aug 2018
Origin authentication a small step toward resolving BGP security issues
Although content verification, origin authentication and shared information can address aspects of BGP security, it's unlikely we'll be able to resolve the issues completely. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2018
What networking automation tools should you consider?
When launching network automation projects, do you craft custom scripts or buy off-the-shelf networking automation tools? It probably depends on your team's capabilities. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Aug 2018
Social concept points to an SDN model with two control planes
It might not seem like control planes and SDN models have a lot in common with a social concept, but together, they could highlight how business intent and operations inform network design. 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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Feature
31 Jul 2018
Compare leading on-premises and cloud-managed WLAN products
In order for your organization to select the WLAN architecture that will best meet its needs, you must compare product types, deployment options and capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2018
How to check for high network utilization
Learn why high utilization issues in the network arise, how to detect them, and two ways to grapple with the problem to keep network latency low and application performance high. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2018
SR-IOV specification poses promise and pitfalls in virtualized networks
The SR-IOV specification gives network administrators another tool for workload optimization. While SR-IOV could offer many benefits, it does have its drawbacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2018
What you need to know about managed SD-WAN services
This guide offers easy access to information on five major topics related to managed SD-WAN services and directs you toward the latest advice, tips and recommendations. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2018
How to set up network analytics tools for successful monitoring
Learn which analytics tools help monitor the network and what systems and processes you should work out in advance to make them as effective as possible. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2018
Will network management functions as a service arrive soon?
Network management as a service isn't widespread, at least not yet. But if past history is any indication, its popularity is bound to grow, once certain hurdles are overcome. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2018
Windstream SD-WAN gets help connecting to the cloud
Windstream has introduced technology for connecting the Windstream SD-WAN to public clouds. SD-WAN Cloud Connect will support AWS and Microsoft Azure starting next month. 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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Tip
25 Jul 2018
Assessing performance bottlenecks in virtualized networking
Virtual or soft switches can add measurable overhead to network-intensive workloads, but implementing PCI devices offers one option to reduce excess overhead. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jul 2018
How can network analytics tools benefit IT staff?
Network analytics tools can help IT managers proactively pinpoint network performance issues and trends -- even before the underlying problem is revealed. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jul 2018
Midyear 2018 telecom trends: Operators broaden their focus
Midyear 2018 telecom trends show operators looking to increase profits on a number of fronts ranging from new investments, network automation and rethinking the 5G transition. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jul 2018
Does software-defined networking architecture need network overlays?
Network overlays and software-defined networking architecture share a history. But while overlays offer flexibility, they also bring extra overhead and troubleshooting complications. 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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Opinion
23 Jul 2018
New details released on Huawei's intent-based network
ZK Research offers details on Huawei's new Intent-Driven Network and what its hardware and the software can do to smooth network glitches and even raise security. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2018
Don't forget SD-WAN during your next network infrastructure upgrade
SD-WAN can be a natural progression for enterprises facing a network infrastructure upgrade. But a refresh with SD-WAN deployment requires more than a 'hope for the best' attitude. 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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Opinion
20 Jul 2018
Should IT share data analysis from network management consoles?
By making data analysis available from a network management console, IT groups could offer their lines of business better insights into end-user productivity. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Jul 2018
Cato Networks adds 'identity awareness' to SD-WAN as a service
Cato Networks SD-WAN as a service was updated this week with identity-aware routing. The vendor claims identity awareness can simplify network operations and better meet business goals. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2018
Big Switch taps AWS VPCs for hybrid cloud networking
Big Switch plans to roll out software for creating virtual networks in AWS and a private cloud. The hybrid cloud technology takes advantage of AWS VPCs. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Jul 2018
Can hyper-converged systems benefit from SDN architecture?
Hyper-convergence combined with software-defined networking architecture might seem like hyper-hype, but SDN offers many network capabilities required of hyper-converged systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2018
Understanding the exploit market: How data breaches happen
When you understand how data breaches happen, applying software patches quickly is crucial to minimize your chances of being on the wrong end of the ever-faster exploit market. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2018
Fortinet transitions from partner to FortiGate SD-WAN vendor
In a change from forging security partnerships with SD-WAN vendors, Fortinet introduced FortiGate SD-WAN, which integrates SD-WAN into its FortiGate next-generation firewall appliance. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jul 2018
Leading SD-WAN providers offer varying capabilities
By examining how leading SD-WAN providers address technology, market reach, partnerships and long-term viability, you can select an SD-WAN product to fit your organization's needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2018
New generation of network analytics software starting to emerge
Some of the newest network analytics tools can learn how a network is supposed to operate, warn managers of potential problems and offer ways to solve issues. 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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Tip
16 Jul 2018
How to simplify your overly complex networking design
If you flood your networking design with extraneous features and don't have a firm understanding of the overall system, you might fall into a complexity wormhole. 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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News
12 Jul 2018
UNH InterOperability Lab expands IPv6 testing amid SDN growth
UNH-IOL updated its IPv6 testing program to comply with newly released regulations for network devices procured by government agencies, adding SDN and IoT support along the way. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jul 2018
Vendors vie for a piece of the SD-WAN market share pie
The SD-WAN vendor market is showing some signs of consolidation. But it will remain volatile in the near term, and that should prove beneficial to customers. 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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Opinion
10 Jul 2018
MU-MIMO technology boosts system capacity for WLANs
MU-MIMO technology might not be magic, but it upgrades WLAN performance and system capacity so well that some network engineers might call it magical. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2018
Cisco, Samsung finish 5G trial for home, IoT applications
Cisco, Samsung and French carrier Orange have completed a successful 5G trial. The companies' fixed wireless network delivered HD video to homes and provided IoT services. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jul 2018
Four ways to improve network security for modern networks
The green padlock on websites doesn't improve network security, so our expert addresses four ways to secure the modern network that move beyond the castle-wall analogy. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jul 2018
HPE aims new SimpliVity HCI at edge computing
Hewlett Packard Enterprise has launched a 2U SimpliVity HCI product for virtual desktops. The condensed compute and storage system will later be offered for IoT applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2018
Cradlepoint router boosts network flexibility for dance group
Connecting an audience to the motion and music of a dance production takes more than dance and musical skills. For one professor, it required network flexibility and the Cradlepoint AER2100 router. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jul 2018
Vodafone puts Facebook Voyager through its paces
Vodafone said it has finished successfully testing the open source Facebook Voyager transponder on a live network in Spain. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jul 2018
Four misconceptions regarding the benefits of SD-WAN
It's all too easy to get sucked into the buzz and misconceptions around software-defined WAN technology. Here are four points to be aware of about the touted benefits of SD-WAN. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2018
Network security issues top the list of enterprise priorities
A network manager's list of concerns is always long. But given the rise of deadly threats, security tops the list, followed by SDN, IoT and edge computing. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Jun 2018
Transforming a legacy network through digital transformation
In a recent keynote speech, GE's CTO Chris Drumgoole outlines the transformation of a corporate giant's network from traditional and sluggish to limber and cloud-enhanced. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2018
Juniper adds core campus switch to EX series
Juniper has added to the EX series a core aggregation switch for companies that need less scale than the EX9000. The compact EX4650 campus switch supports the EVPN and VXLAN protocols Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2018
Tempered Networks extends reach of NAC software
Tempered Networks has extended the reach of its network access control technology. The company has introduced NAC software for IoT, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2018
Business IoT applications benefit from SD-WAN prioritization
Business IoT applications require prioritized traffic flows and low-cost connectivity. SD-WAN lets IT teams assign policies to prioritize traffic and use cheaper connectivity links. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2018
Is NaaS the answer to bolster network infrastructure security strategy?
Network security as a service can be a beneficial part of a network infrastructure security strategy, but you have to ask the right questions. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2018
Vendors need to concentrate on wireless reliability, not hype
Wireless reliability should be the main goal of WLAN vendors and institutions, one engineer writes. Also, how come networking didn't evolve the same way compute did? 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
Address network scalability requirements when selecting SD-WAN
Selecting an SD-WAN option that suits business needs can be daunting, but diving into network scalability requirements, like bandwidth needs and the number of sites, is a good start. 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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News
21 Jun 2018
Cisco acquires July Systems for its location, analytics services
Cisco buys July Systems to add its cloud-based location services to Cisco's enterprise Wi-Fi platform. Also, Extreme and Ruckus launch improvements to their wireless LANs. 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
20 Jun 2018
Silver Peak SD-WAN adds service chaining, partners for cloud security
Silver Peak SD-WAN now allows service chaining for Forcepoint, McAfee and Symantec security VNFs. Also, ONF targets four technologies to develop -- and four supply chain partners to help. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2018
Aruba taps ClearPass, Central for SD-Branch management
Aruba has introduced a software-defined branch offering. The product works with Aruba ClearPass and Central for management and includes an SD-WAN within a gateway appliance. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2018
Carrier cloud needs 5G wireless networks, other drivers for success
While 5G wireless networks appear to be the biggest driver in building the necessary carrier cloud, two other short-term drivers can help complete the carrier network transformation. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2018
Juniper unveils Penta chipset for 5G infrastructure
Juniper unveils the Penta chipset for carrier's 5G infrastructure. The packet-forwarding chip features higher speeds and low power consumption. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2018
Cisco to merge Viptela, DNA Center for campus networking
Cisco plans to integrate its Viptela SD-WAN with DNA Center for campus networking in the next 18 months. At the same time, Cisco expects to release a cloud version of DNA Center. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2018
Versa SD-WAN counts progress in customer wins, not 'dollars'
As IHS Markit issues its latest report on the increasing SD-WAN revenue, Versa Networks' CEO said he counts Versa SD-WAN success in customer wins, not revenue. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2018
Hybrid cloud security architecture requires rethinking
Enterprises need a centralized approach when considering a hybrid cloud security architecture, an analyst says. Plus, is user experience management an IT responsibility? Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2018
Cisco intent-based networking to beat out open OS, company claims
At Cisco Live, CEO Chuck Robbins emphasized customer preference for integrated hardware and software that offer Cisco intent-based networking over open OSes. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2018
Cisco opens DNA to developers in campus networking push
Cisco wants to turn its DNA Center campus networking platform into a platform for software development. The goal is to work with the data the system collects. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2018
ONAP Beijing release targets deployment scenarios
With its ONAP Beijing release, the Linux Foundation turns its attention to what makes a system deployment ready to go: usability, stability and security, among others. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2018
Nyansa extends network performance monitor software
In Cisco Live news, Nyansa upgrades its network performance monitor software to track WAN and Wi-Fi connection problems. Also, A10 adds Kubernetes support. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2018
SDN, machine learning could lead to intelligent networks
The next step for SDN is to integrate network analytics and machine learning to result in automated, intelligent networks. But first, humans need to trust the technology. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jun 2018
Challenges of blockchain muddle understanding of the technology
There is a lot of hype about blockchain and how it might be used within networking operations. But just understanding the technology and what it actually does might be among the biggest challenges of blockchain. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2018
LiveAction buys Savvius to combine packet monitoring and NPM
LiveAction plans to combine its software for network performance management with Savvius' packet monitoring technology to deliver both in a single product. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2018
Clarifying network disaggregation and related technologies
Trying to explain network disaggregation and related trends -- like SDN, NFV and white boxes -- can be complicated. Our expert pins the terms down and explains the tradeoffs. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2018
New Arista switches use Barefoot Tofino programmable chip
Arista has launched its first switches with the Barefoot Tofino programmable chip. The latest hardware is designed to replace some network appliances and routers. Continue Reading