Network Design
Top Stories
-
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
-
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
-
Opinion
14 Apr 2017
Market trends will push Cisco to make an open NOS
Cisco remains committed to selling a network operating system tightly integrated with hardware. But market trends will likely force the vendor to release an open NOS soon. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Apr 2017
VeloCloud introduces SD-WAN security partnership program
VeloCloud introduced a partner program that lets security vendor partners develop integrated SD-WAN security services. Current partners include Fortinet, IBM Security and Check Point. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Apr 2017
Google Espresso to boost delivery of cloud-based application services
Google Espresso, unveiled at the Open Networking Summit, is a peering architecture that improves the delivery of application services from Google Cloud. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
05 Apr 2017
Cloud visibility goal of Ixia CloudLens software update
Ixia takes aim at cloud visibility with its new CloudLens Public for tracking cloud performance. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Mar 2017
SD-WAN vendor Silver Peak enticing enterprise with security, routing
SD-WAN vendor Silver Peak releases an EdgeConnect update that takes the company closer to a complete branch office networking platform. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Mar 2017
Layer 3 switches explained
Layer 3 switches are important in enterprise networks -- particularly in designs with many subnets and virtual LANs. What is a Layer 3 switch, what can it do for you, and how does it differ from a regular switch or router? Continue Reading
-
News
28 Mar 2017
Session stickiness in the race for load-balancer performance
This week, bloggers look into load-balancer performance, congressional changes to ISP rules and software-defined perimeters. Continue Reading
-
Answer
23 Mar 2017
How will virtual router software benefit the networking industry?
Although virtual router software has been around for more than a decade, 2017 could be the year vRouting experiences greater adoption due to its available use cases. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 Mar 2017
Managing apps essential in realizing their business value
Apps have taken center stage, but in order to exploit their value, enterprises have to find a way of managing apps that works best for them. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Mar 2017
Status report 2017: NFV deployments grow; standards issues remain
Large service providers are continuing their NFV deployments, which will enable 5G wireless and IoT. But management, orchestration and standards questions remain. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Mar 2017
Barefoot Networks' Ethernet switch chip wins Network Innovation Award
Tofino, a high-speed programmable chip that brings software-defined networking capabilities to the forwarding plane, aims to revolutionize the network. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Mar 2017
Users of Avaya networking products could benefit from Extreme purchase
Users of Avaya networking products would be in a strong negotiating position if Extreme Networks bought the portfolio. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Mar 2017
Assessing the Google Cloud security strategy
This week, bloggers assess the Google Cloud security strategy, Cisco's lessons from OpenStack and Arista's new containerized network operating system. Continue Reading
-
Answer
15 Mar 2017
How to make a network SLA work for your organization
What's the best way to focus on outcomes and construct a network SLA that reflects end-to-end service performance? Continue Reading
-
News
09 Mar 2017
New York cybersecurity regulations could have big impact nationwide
This week, bloggers assess the effect of New York cybersecurity regulations, whether the network edge will grow in importance and how customers create complexity. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Mar 2017
Cisco adds cloud management to hyper-converged integrated systems
Cisco has added cloud-based management to its HyperFlex hyper-converged integrated systems. The vendor also released a HyperFlex model with a much larger network interconnect. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Mar 2017
How types of noise in data communication systems affect the network
Learn about the different types of noise in data communication -- including thermal, intermodulation, cross-talk, impulse and shot noise -- and how they can affect your network. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
03 Mar 2017
Customer-focused strategy more key than digital transformation hype
The tech industry's chatter about digital transformation and disruption are scare tactics that shouldn't distract companies from making purchases based on a customer-focused strategy. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Mar 2017
Versa Networks' SD-WAN platform now supports IPv6
In SDN news, Versa Networks announces SD-WAN that supports IPv6, and ONUG releases the speaker lineup for its upcoming spring conference, hosted in San Francisco on April 25-26. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Mar 2017
SDN service for sale ... from a healthcare provider?
Early NSX adopter BayState Health is weighing the possibility of a future as an SDN service provider -- using multi-tenancy to run other organizations' networks parallel to its own. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Mar 2017
Managed enterprise network services gain traction
As network demands become increasingly complex, many enterprises are turning to managed network services, outsourcing maintenance to third-party providers. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Feb 2017
Higher spending on public cloud service providers bad news for Cisco
Enterprise spending on public cloud service providers will increase almost 22% annually through 2020, depressing sales of data center switches from Cisco and other suppliers. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Feb 2017
New Cisco VNF hardware designed for data centers, branch offices
Cisco has introduced hardware that contains all the components for running virtual network functions. The new gear delivers Cisco VNFs in the data center and branch office. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Feb 2017
Arista Networks' revenue rises, while rival Cisco stumbles
Arista Networks' revenue rose more than 33% on strong sales of switches and routers. Arista released results a day after Cisco reported a decline in sales of networking gear. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Feb 2017
Will automation define the future of network technology?
This week, bloggers look at automation as the future of network technology, weigh in on Cumulus' EVPN features and examine ExtraHop's Addy machine learning analytics. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Feb 2017
ExtraHop intros Addy, machine learning as a service
ExtraHop integrates machine learning and artificial intelligence with Addy, its new machine-learning-as-a-service offering. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Feb 2017
Riverbed bolsters SteelHead WAN optimization appliance with SD-WAN
Riverbed cloaks its SteelHead SD-WAN optimization appliance with SteelConnect features to provide security and application acceleration. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Feb 2017
Cisco joins Microsoft in providing Azure Stack services in UCS server
Cisco and Microsoft have worked together in delivering Azure Stack services through Cisco's UCS server. The new product ships in the third quarter. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Feb 2017
Software networking supports wide range of deployment use cases
Software networking includes elements of SDN, NFV and network virtualization, which have taken the industry by storm; it also supports advances like 5G wireless and hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Feb 2017
An Avaya networking sale may prove challenging
This week, bloggers look into challenges facing an Avaya networking sale, ZeroStack's launch of automated infrastructure, and discuss the hot topics of this year's RSA Conference. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Feb 2017
Cloud security tips to consider when mulling external data centers
The old security rules don't apply when moving workloads to the cloud. These cloud security tips will help you make the right decision. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Feb 2017
Cato Networks' new SD-WAN service combines security and networking
This week's SDN news revolves around SD-WAN. Cato Networks introduces an SD-WAN service which merges networking and security, while Viptela and Riverbed roll out managed SD-WAN announcements. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Feb 2017
New telecom transformation goals require service automation
Restarting a telecom transformation means putting business goals first and technology choices second, and making the service process more efficient through automation. Continue Reading
-
News
02 Feb 2017
Aerohive eyes small firms with APs, cloud-based management software
Aerohive shifts gears with Wi-Fi for small businesses that feature cloud-based management software, Cisco considers the true cost of a data breach and Arista beefs up visibility. Continue Reading
-
News
01 Feb 2017
SN blogs: Are dropped packets better than delayed packets?
This week, bloggers look into whether dropped packets are better than delayed packets, discuss cloud-based shadow IT and clarify the meaning of microservices. Continue Reading
-
Feature
01 Feb 2017
Open source network software promises major industry shifts
Let the disruption commence! Observers say it's high time the networking sector accepts and sorts out open source, arguing it's not a question of if enterprises use it, but how. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
01 Feb 2017
SD-WAN vendors enjoy rave reviews from happy users
Compared to data center SDN companies, SD-WAN vendors seem to have it easy, with a relative slew of satisfied customers eager to share their deployment stories. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Jan 2017
Juniper switch fabric includes single set of data center tools
The latest Juniper switch fabric is aimed at multiple data centers and includes a single set of management tools. The product is the latest under the Unite brand. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Jan 2017
HPE focuses on hyper-converged infrastructure consolidation
This week, bloggers assess hyper-converged infrastructure consolidation after HPE's buy, Cumulus Networks' new switch hardware and why companies accept poor cybersecurity. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Jan 2017
Hughes' managed SD-WAN supports range of broadband access options
Hughes now offers managed SD-WAN, which supports wireless, fiber and satellite connectivity. Also, an IHS Markit survey reveals 2016 SDN expectations didn't meet the actual numbers. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Jan 2017
IT infrastructure market jumps by 8% as Ethernet sales grow
The IT infrastructure market grows by 8%, while HPE acquires SimpliVity and Barefoot Networks strikes a chip deal with vendors. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jan 2017
Trigger gets props among hot next-gen network automation tools
This week, bloggers look into network automation tools, incident response, and the new reality of MPLS and SD-WAN. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jan 2017
Enterprises finding high value in 25 GbE, 100 GbE switches
Research finds shipments of 25 GbE and 100 GbE switches are outpacing 10/40 GbE hardware, as companies find more value in the higher-bandwidth gear. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Jan 2017
DARPA project could help with mobile security in the enterprise
A DARPA project seeks researchers from academia and business to improve security for mobile networks and devices. The program could bring better tools for the enterprise. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Jan 2017
API growth forcing vendors to take notice or risk losing out
The API is fast becoming a must-have in modern networking. But API growth is forcing vendors to rethink how they want their devices to be configured and managed. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jan 2017
Seeking truth in network device configuration
This week, bloggers look into network device configuration, the tools the next generation of network engineers will require and security scalability. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jan 2017
Cisco market share report shows big lead for the vendor
This week, a report shows a big lead in Cisco market share in multiple segments; Ericsson extends its Cisco partnership; and Extreme targets retailers with new products. Continue Reading
-
Answer
05 Jan 2017
Will NFV standards address orchestration in the near future?
NFV standards for orchestration are affected by the number of standards groups and service providers' individual approaches, says SDN expert Lee Doyle. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jan 2017
Looking at cybersecurity initiatives in 2016 and 2017
This week, bloggers explore cybersecurity initiatives, Google Compute Engine and new Versa SD-WAN options. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Jan 2017
Nyansa user experience tools platform garners Network Innovation Award
Nyansa uses a blend of cloud-based analytics, real-time DPI and an easy-to-understand console for its user experience tools platform. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Dec 2016
Looking back at the biggest 2016 tech trends in networking
In 2016 tech trends in networking, the industry witnessed the growth of analytics, Cisco's embrace of software and services and new Ethernet standards. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Dec 2016
Cisco software strategy worries network operators
Cisco's push into SDN concerns network operators who see the Cisco software strategy as de-emphasizing traditional hardware. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Dec 2016
2016 SDN trends: The year of the software-defined WAN
As 2016 draws to a close, SD-WAN paced SDN trends as it permeated the SDN world; Cisco and VMware dominated SDN deployments; and concerns remain about training. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Dec 2016
Networking decides between modern Ethernet standards
This week, bloggers discuss the debate between modern Ethernet standards, compare network management to landlords and examine 2017 cybersecurity threats. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Dec 2016
Cisco closing Intercloud Fabric in cloud strategy shift
Cisco is in the process of moving customers off the Intercloud Fabric as the company prepares to close the infrastructure-as-a-service offering. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Dec 2016
AWS device cited as stepping stone to Amazon foray into HCI
This week, bloggers assess what Amazon's Snowball Edge really means when it comes to HCI, as well as discuss some of the new features of Arista's new leaf and spine switch. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Dec 2016
Why 2017 promises to bring more network automation systems
Arista, Cisco and Juniper took steps this year toward providing better network automation systems. Next year, companies can expect to see technology from other vendors. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Dec 2016
County government redesigns data center around Cisco ACI fabric
Durham County, N.C., had a traditional data center. But it also had forward-thinking employees looking at Cisco ACI fabric to lay the groundwork for tech innovation. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
07 Dec 2016
Ethernet switch market up 2%: IDC
The worldwide Ethernet switch market grew 2%, racking up revenues of $6.29 billion in the third quarter, according to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Ethernet Switch Tracker and Worldwide Quarterly ... Continue Reading
-
News
06 Dec 2016
Arista, Brocade intro better spine, leaf switches for the data center
Arista and Brocade have introduced spine and leaf switches. Arista has focused on performance; Brocade has added network automation and visibility. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Nov 2016
HPE Aruba networks readied for mobile, IoT
HPE Aruba networks are getting the access switch and software needed to support mobile and IoT devices, such as surveillance cameras and medical gear. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Nov 2016
Mobile edge computing promises wide variety of uses
Mobile edge computing can bring applications and data closer to the end user, resulting in lower latency and better data analytics for network virtualization and IoT. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Nov 2016
Cisco patent infringement avoided, new Arista OSes OK to import
Federal officials have cleared Arista's newer switches for importation to the U.S. after trade officials found older Arista products in violation of three Cisco patents. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Nov 2016
Viptela, CA Technologies merge network performance management, SD-WAN
Viptela's SD-WAN meets CA Technologies' network performance management in a new partnership; VeloCloud adds voice quality monitoring to SD-WAN services; and AT&T and Colt test SDN interoperability. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Nov 2016
Republican leaders recommend postponing FCC regulations
Following the presidential election, Republican leaders suggest the FCC take a pause in voting on any new FCC regulations. Plus, Facebook turns its attention to telecom. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Nov 2016
Cisco earnings show service providers are not buying
The latest Cisco earnings show a drop in overall revenue, as service providers spend less. Cisco blames lower sales on macroeconomics. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 Nov 2016
Network engineering tools changing as cloud shift pressures profession
As more companies examine the cloud, network engineering tools are changing, requiring engineers to rethink and recraft their job descriptions. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Nov 2016
Identifying the IT operations analytics product your enterprise needs
This guide to IT operations analytics tools explains how ITOA works so networking pros can determine the most important features and assess vendor offerings. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Nov 2016
F5 pushing application delivery platform to the Equinix hybrid cloud
Data center provider Equinix has agreed to provide customers with the option of using the F5 application delivery platform in hybrid cloud environments. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Nov 2016
Broadcom Brocade deal leaves questions
This week, bloggers weigh the possible outcomes of the Broadcom Brocade deal and discuss cybersecurity lessons fueled by the 2016 U.S. election. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Nov 2016
Startups launch verification technology to help manage networks
Forward Networks and Veriflow Systems have introduced verification technology to help engineers manage corporate networks. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Nov 2016
Facebook's new switching platform completes 100 Gb data center pod
Facebook has completed its open source 100 Gb data center pod. The technology for hyperscale data centers includes a second-generation modular switching platform called Backpack. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Nov 2016
President-elect silent on federal cybersecurity policies
This week, bloggers look ahead to the new administration's cybersecurity policies, how to close gaps in app delivery management and the best way to optimize data centers. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Nov 2016
Juniper launches hybrid cloud network services on Amazon
Juniper Networks is offering its MX router and SRX firewall on the Amazon cloud. Hybrid cloud network services are available on the Amazon Marketplace. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Nov 2016
Four top products leading the way in multicloud management
In this multicloud review, see the top multicloud management products. How do they approach different cloud environments, and what separates them from each other? Continue Reading
-
News
08 Nov 2016
Nyansa adds app monitoring to network traffic analytics
Nyansa has widened the capabilities of its network traffic analytics system with the addition of application monitoring. The latest capabilities are packaged as Voyance+. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Nov 2016
Dell EMC code contributions restructure OpenSwitch architecture
In this blog roundup, networking bloggers discuss changes in OpenSwitch architecture, SD-WAN's advantages and disadvantages, and the latest container security project. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Nov 2016
Three advances making NFV deployments better for the business
NFV deployments made progress this year, thanks to three significant developments, but will they be enough to make NFV's business case more compelling among other industry changes? Continue Reading
-
News
03 Nov 2016
Cisco pledges a quicker rollout of network automation tools
Cisco tells Partner Summit attendees it will move faster to deliver the network automation tools the vendor has been slow to provide. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Nov 2016
Is API adoption necessary for successful network automation?
This week, bloggers explore API adoption for network automation, Igneous Systems' hyperconverged cloud management and NetBeez's troubleshooting. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
02 Nov 2016
Broadcom buys Brocade in $5.9B deal
Broadcom Ltd. Nov. 2 said it would acquire storage and networking supplier Brocade Communications Systems Inc. in a deal valued at $5.9 billion. Chip-maker Broadcom said it will keep Brocade's ... Continue Reading
-
Feature
01 Nov 2016
Networked cloud emerges to meet evolving infrastructure needs
Some enterprise network managers are beginning to move networking out to the cloud, as they sort out how to best meet their organizations' evolving infrastructure needs. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Oct 2016
Liquor distributor turns to SD-WAN to support digital operation
Liquor distributor Republic National Distributing Co. chose the less expensive Silver Peak SD-WAN to raise the reliability of its new digital operation. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Oct 2016
Yahoo, Verizon execs: Prepare your networking team for SDN and DevOps
Enterprises need to prepare networking team members for SDN and DevOps, as the industry continues to change, Verizon and Yahoo said at the ONUG fall conference. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Oct 2016
Riverbed software update boosts performance monitoring
A Riverbed software update blends SteelCentral; Gigamon intros a security appliance; Check Point warns of 2017 ransomware threats. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Oct 2016
Wi-Fi AP vendors getting creative to stand out in the market
Vendors Extreme Networks and Mist are promoting Wi-Fi APs that include services delivered today by other devices on the wireless network. The new products are unique in the market, but experts expect that to change. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Oct 2016
Intent-driven networking reshaping network service delivery
When configuring a network, engineers often focus on individual tasks to enable network service delivery. Intent-driven networking transfers the focus to the overall network. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Oct 2016
Why one Gartner analyst is 'not sorry' about DDoS attack program
This week, bloggers look into the DDoS attack program that leveraged IoT devices, Webscale's cloud-resource-allocation platform and alternative views of digital transformation. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Oct 2016
Facebook Wedge switch still a curiosity in the enterprise
The latest version of the Facebook Wedge switch raises the hardware's throughput to 100 Gbps. But the networking gear remains a non-enterprise technology. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Oct 2016
VMware hybrid cloud announcement gets reality check
Analysts examine how the VMware hybrid cloud announcement pits the vendor against OpenStack and Azure, and they discuss must-have features in an automation RFP. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Oct 2016
FCC proposal seeks to reduce price cap on TDM business data services
FCC chairman proposes reducing price caps on TDM business data services. Google Fiber and Verizon propose expansion in wireless testing locations and high-frequency spectrum, respectively. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Oct 2016
VMware-AWS hybrid cloud challenges OpenStack
The VMware-AWS hybrid cloud partnership pressures OpenStack supporters to simplify deployment of the open source cloud platform in the enterprise. Continue Reading
-
Tip
18 Oct 2016
WAN access options multiply when buying network services
A new menu of WAN access options means companies have a wide variety of means to reach cloud and network services. But more choice also means more potential pitfalls. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Oct 2016
Mist introduces new analytics capabilities for wireless
ICYMI: Mist premieres new analytics capabilities on its Wi-Fi platform, while Broadcom targets large data centers with its new switches and IDC sees more security spending. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Oct 2016
Digital transformation to be major theme in ONUG 2016 fall conference
Nick Lippis, co-founder and co-chairman of ONUG, describes what to expect from ONUG 2016. Major topics will include digital transformation and its effect on the IT industry. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Oct 2016
Digital infrastructure technology is the 'glue' of cohesion
This week, bloggers look into digital infrastructure technology, threat fatigue and virtual appliance optimization for data centers. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Oct 2016
Avaya joins vendors offering cloud-based management of WLANs
Avaya plans to offer in the first half of next year cloud-based management for its access switches and WLAN 9100 access points. Continue Reading
-
Feature
05 Oct 2016
CN Tower climbs heights with mobile engagement platform
The CN Tower, Canada's tallest building, implements an Aruba mobile engagement platform to connect with customers. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Oct 2016
CloudPhysics details virtual machine cost in the cloud
This week, bloggers look into virtual machine cost in the cloud, incident response automation and untangling Mac OS X PPTP connections. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
03 Oct 2016
Amidst complex infrastructures, network visualization is needed
Today's networks are increasingly complex. An overhaul in network visualization is needed to help parse and diagnose modern networks. Continue Reading