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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News
15 May 2020
Cisco says IT spending uptick possible despite pandemic
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins said some industries could resume IT spending soon, despite the pandemic. Robbins' comments came after the company reported an 8% drop in quarterly revenue. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2020
Enterprises struggle to learn Microsoft Sonic networking
Problems with Microsoft Sonic include a lack of management tools, weak support from hardware vendors and a steep learning curve for engineers, companies said at the OCP Virtual Summit. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2020
Explore real-world edge computing examples for network teams
Developed out of a necessity to handle increasing amounts of data, edge computing will disrupt traditional computing and benefit various modern use cases. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2020
Edge computing book introduces edge laws and techniques
In this book excerpt, discover the three laws of edge computing, as well as how to use edge computing techniques to solve common IT problems within organizations. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2020
NetOps-SecOps collaboration has its benefits and challenges
Companies are forming formal partnerships between their network and security teams. While this collaboration reaps benefits, some significant roadblocks remain. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2020
COVID-19 speeds SD-WAN evolution to elastic infrastructure
The next phase of SD-WAN requires elastic infrastructure and distributed edge access to better support remote workers. The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating that evolution. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2020
Network engineer career advice amid the COVID-19 pandemic
As COVID-19 dramatically affects the global economy, people may ask, 'What's next for my career?' No one is sure, but these tips can help network engineers feel and stay secure. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2020
A guide on how to learn network automation
Being a network professional means being a lifelong learner. So learn what network automation skills are essential and how best to acquire them quickly. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 May 2020
What are the 5 different types of network management?
Security policies, optimal service levels, configuration changes and even cost control measures all encompass the different types of network management. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2020
Pair programming pros and cons for network automation
Pair programming is an Agile software development technique that reduces bugs and produces better software. Can pair programming work between networking experts and programmers? Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2020
Nvidia acquisitions open up AI opportunities
Nvidia's recent acquisition of Cumulus Networks and Mellanox provide the components for building systems to power future AI applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 May 2020
Remote access best practices emphasize security, ease of use
COVID-19 has forced companies to determine the best way to keep remote employees supported. Not sure which way to proceed? Consider these remote access best practices. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 May 2020
What are the differences between VPN and VDI services?
With a common denominator of 'virtual,' both VPNs and VDI are common in remote work strategies. However, the technologies differ in terms of cost, use cases and performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 May 2020
The true cost of network downtime for your business
Network brownouts could be the biggest under-the-radar threat to your network. Calculate the potential costs of downtime to save your organization's productivity and money. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 May 2020
What is the difference between a socket and a port?
Sockets, ports and port numbers have functional overlap, but the terms are distinct. A socket is part of a port, while a port number is part of a socket. We explain. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2020
The pros and cons of SD-WAN and remote access
SD-WAN could be a compelling option for enterprises that require remote access for mission-critical jobs. But IT teams should be aware of cost, training and implementation barriers. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2020
Remote work infrastructure requires on-prem network changes
Demilitarized zone, network access control and VPN termination points are some of the on-premises components that need to be addressed in a remote work infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2020
Open Systems' SASE tech wins TechTarget innovation award
Open Systems' SASE platform helped tens of thousands of workers gain secure remote access during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more about our new Network Innovation Award winner. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2020
How telemedicine, SD-WAN helped two firms get back to work
COVID-19 is forcing companies to rethink their workplaces. Medical companies TrialCard and Vohra have turned to SD-WAN and telemedicine, respectively, to keep employees productive. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2020
Network automation book shares recipes for success
In this network automation book excerpt, discover how automation frameworks NAPALM and Ansible can provide network teams with vendor-agnostic network management capabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2020
Network pros need NAPALM, Ansible network automation skills
Network pros need network automation skills in NAPALM and Ansible because the two modules together can enhance multivendor environments and streamline network management tasks. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2020
ISPs rely on capacity for COVID-19 internet traffic spikes
As COVID-19 causes surges in internet traffic, internet and network providers have responded by increasing capacity and installing more fiber. So far, it's worked. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Apr 2020
5 needed product features to fix network management issues
Virtualization and public cloud monitoring are among five top network management issues facing companies as they assess tools designed to oversee increasingly complex networks. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2020
Cisco SD-WAN to use Google Cloud backbone
Cisco plans to launch next year SD-WAN technology that improves WAN performance by directing traffic over Google Cloud's low-latency network backbone. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2020
SD-WAN, 5G remote work technologies enable future networks
In this roundup of networking blogs, learn how SD-WAN and 5G can benefit business continuity plans for network infrastructure and whether split tunneling is necessary -- or safe. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Apr 2020
Dental group slashes downtime by 99% with Meraki SD-WAN
In this SD-WAN case study, a dental group with chronic network outages deployed Cisco Meraki to eliminate downtime. Learn more about the software-defined win. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2020
How ISPs and operators ensure network quality in a pandemic
COVID-19 has caused a spike in remote workers, increased internet usage and traffic surges. Here's how ISPs and telecom operators plan for continuity and quality during the pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2020
Cisco online certification tests are now available
Cisco online certification testing launched April 15. To prevent cheating, the Pearson VUE testing software commandeers the video cameras and microphones on candidates' home PCs. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2020
National Instruments SD-WAN case study: Bandwidth up 1,500%
In this SD-WAN case study, learn how Cisco Viptela technology transformed one enterprise WAN for the better -- from decreased costs to increased performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2020
A glossary of the VPN terminology you need to know
For organizations with remote workforces, VPNs can be an essential part of daily life. This VPN glossary explores the essential terms and phrases that constitute VPN services. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2020
Cisco, HPE counter COVID-19 impact with tech financing
Cisco and HPE are offering special tech financing to businesses struggling to keep IT projects going in an economy rocked by the COVID-19 crisis. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2020
Tips to improve network visibility and security
Network visibility and security can be tricky, especially with the range of products available. These tips help teams pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and gauge the tools they need. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Apr 2020
Wi-Fi 6 explained: Speed, range, latency, frequency and security
Wi-Fi 6 is more than just another wireless upgrade, boasting substantial gains over Wi-Fi 5. Learn how frequency, speed, range, latency and security change with the new standard. Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2020
Short-depth Supermicro SuperServer targets 5G telecoms
New 2U Supermicro SuperServer provides compute in micro data centers. The vendor said it aims to help telecommunications firms adopt open systems to support edge computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2020
Why configuration management is important for networks
Configuration management is essential to keep accurate network configuration records and to help organizations avoid potential challenges or problems within their networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2020
Evolution of cellular 5G backhaul architecture faces challenges
Backhaul has become trendy again and for good reason. 5G backhaul architecture means network architects will have to reconsider how their networks can handle 1 Gbps speeds. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Apr 2020
What to include in an SD-WAN security checklist
SD-WAN security encompasses more than integrated security functionality. Find out which capabilities enterprises should look for when evaluating SD-WAN and security. Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2020
NSX-T 3.0 enriches VMware's hybrid IT offering
VMware's new NSX-T 3.0 brings important tools to customers modernizing data centers for the cloud era. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2020
Zoom, Netflix discuss remote network management challenges
COVID-19 forces IT teams to manage company networks remotely. Here are common issues IT teams of all sizes -- like those at Zoom and Netflix -- face and ways to solve them. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2020
How Wi-Fi experts can help during times of crisis management
When faced with disaster response, wireless network professionals can volunteer their Wi-Fi skills and advise friends and family about home network security. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2020
Overview of network management tasks and best practices
Network management encompasses a range of tasks and processes. Explore 10 crucial tasks and accompanying best practices to ensure a resilient and functional network. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2020
How SASE architecture integrates with network infrastructure
SASE architecture offers a compelling value proposition, as it converges networking and security services onto a single cloud platform. Explore how it works with existing infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2020
Software-based routing on its way to become the new normal
SD-WAN took the networking world by storm, and software-based routing aims to do the same in the router market. Here's what to expect from the move to software. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Apr 2020
How SD-WAN and cloud exchanges benefit multi-cloud settings
As more organizations move IT workloads outside of company walls, SD-WAN services can help ease the shift to cloud environments and secure cloud connections, like cloud exchanges. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2020
Why SASE adoption requires a paradigm shift
Enterprises preparing to adopt Secure Access Service Edge should understand how the architecture presents organizational and architectural challenges for network and security teams. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2020
Fluidmesh-Cisco deal fills gap in Cisco IIoT
The recently announced Fluidmesh-Cisco deal would fill a gap in Cisco's industrial IoT portfolio. It would provide onboard Wi-Fi for high-speed public transportation systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2020
How to manage the surge in remote video internet traffic
As more people work from home and create more internet traffic, enterprise network managers should adjust bandwidth levels and consider connectivity upgrades. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Apr 2020
SNMP vs. CMIP: What's the difference?
While SNMP and CMIP originally competed as network management protocols in the 1980s, SNMP has emerged as the more relevant protocol, largely due to its simplicity. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Apr 2020
Take a look at 6 top VPN service providers for remote work
The right VPN connection ensures workers can do their jobs with an efficient and secure connection. Explore the leading options and their pricing and protection details. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Apr 2020
How free Wi-Fi hotspots help in emergency response situations
Emergency and disaster response require teamwork among businesses, governments and community groups. In these times, free Wi-Fi hotspots help people feel connected. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2020
Tech users weigh in on upcoming approval of more Wi-Fi 6 spectrum
Technology users say the pending Federal Communications approval of additional spectrum for Wi-Fi 6 should bring much higher wireless performance than available today. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2020
CloudGenix-Palo Alto buy combines SD-WAN with cloud security
The CloudGenix-Palo Alto Networks acquisition will combine the Prisma cloud security suite with CloudGenix's software-defined WAN. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2020
DriveNets' disaggregated router tech wins innovation award
Networking startup DriveNets is bringing cloud principles to carrier networks with disaggregated router technology that could change how providers manage their infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2020
U-turn in network market forecast amid coronavirus pandemic
IDC predicts the global market for switches and wireless LAN products will fall in 2020, with revenues from switches below last year and wireless LAN sales rising less than 1%. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Mar 2020
What's the latest on NFV and VNFs for enterprises?
As virtualized network functions become more and more common, will that change NFV and VNF roles in businesses? Probably not, but other roadblocks may hinder further results. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2020
802.3cg standard extends single-pair Ethernet range and speed
IEEE 802.3cg is a single-pair Ethernet standard that aims to support speeds up to 10 Mbps, extend Ethernet range up to 1,000 meters and offer multidrop capabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2020
4 lasting effects of growing remote workforces on networks
In this roundup of network blogs, explore expert advice on increasing remote workers' efficiency, potential lasting effects of COVID-19 on networks and the future of networking. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2020
Coronavirus: VPN hardware becomes a chokepoint for remote workers
VPN hardware has become a bottleneck for companies with a high number of employees working from home as a result of efforts to combat the coronavirus. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2020
Discover key OpenStack deployment methods for networks
In this book excerpt, explore best practices for OpenStack deployment methods, and glean expert advice on how to achieve an efficient OpenStack network deployment. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2020
Business culture is key in OpenStack network requirements
Network teams should expect a shift in their day-to-day routines if their organization embraces OpenStack. However, if the business culture is flexible, changes will be positive. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Mar 2020
How is SD-WAN as a service different from managed SD-WAN?
SD-WAN technology is available in a variety of business models, including SD-WAN as a service and managed SD-WAN. But how do the different consumption models compare? Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Mar 2020
What do the 6 GHz band and Wi-Fi 6E mean for wireless networking?
The FCC is expected to approve the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi, which should improve speed and capacity for wireless networks. But make sure your devices can use the 6 GHz band. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2020
How supporting a remote workforce stresses the network
Make sure your network can support a remote workforce by analyzing 12 potential issues that can cause stress on your network, including VPN concentrator capacity and traffic routing. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2020
Remote work tests corporate pandemic plans
IT leaders share what's working and how they are supporting remote work mandates for employees as part of their corporate pandemic plans, as well as social distancing among IT. Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2020
Dell warns of order delays; tech buyers worry about IT supply chain
Tech buyers feared the coronavirus pandemic could rattle IT supply chains. Meanwhile, Dell warned customers of delays in fulfilling orders on time. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2020
AI, analytics, automation fuel the future of network management
Advances in automation, AI and analytics should help IT administrators overcome new challenges in virtualized network environments, but some obstacles will surface. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Mar 2020
What does 'network on demand' mean for enterprises?
Following the on-demand trend, network on-demand options provide enterprises with more flexible consumption models, such as managed network services and cloud-based networking. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2020
HPE touts pricing, tech flexibility of 5G Core Stack
HPE has unveiled carrier software for the 5G Core. HPE touts flexibility in pricing and tech in its 5G Core Stack, which would compete in a market dominated by six vendors. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2020
Before deploying SD-WAN, assess your underlay network components
If enterprises are to reap the benefits of SD-WAN, they better pay attention to the SD-WAN underlay network. Learn what you should take into consideration. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Mar 2020
What are some of the weaknesses of SD-WAN?
Cost, complexity and interoperability issues with existing network components are some of the weaknesses of SD-WAN that organizations need to consider. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2020
Cisco restructuring follows Goeckeler departure
The Cisco restructuring that follows the departure of executive VP David Goeckeler has reshuffled the company's executive team among five newly created product groups. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Mar 2020
Can WPA2 be upgraded to WPA3?
A migration from WPA2 to WPA3 is not simple. Organizations may need to update their hardware extensively to accommodate the newer Wi-Fi encryption standard. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Mar 2020
How to handle vendor code bugs in enterprise Wi-Fi networking
Too many features in Wi-Fi devices can breed some serious code bugs. One coping mechanism is to seek help from fellow customers and network integrators. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Mar 2020
The convergence of networking and security at the edge
Networking and security are converging with offerings like SD-WAN and SD-branch. But enterprises and vendors must overcome IT silos that delay innovation and decision-making. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2020
COVID-19 depresses 5G smartphone shipments
Omdia is the latest analyst firm to lower its projections for 5G smartphone shipments because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The firm expects 20% fewer phones in 2020. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Mar 2020
A roundup of the Cisco certification changes in 2020
The network industry is changing and so are required network engineer skills. Here's how Cisco redesigned its certification programs to keep up with industry goals. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Mar 2020
What is the difference between LoRa and LoRaWAN?
LoRa is a modulation technique for specific wireless spectrum, while LoRaWAN is an open protocol that enables IoT devices to use LoRa for communication. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2020
Plan a VPN and remote access strategy for pandemic, disaster
Disasters and pandemics occur unexpectedly, affecting companies, workers and networks alike. Plan a remote access strategy that covers VPN requirements, bandwidth demands and licenses. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Mar 2020
WAN transformation sparked by 5G, cloud and SD-WAN technologies
In a modern world, legacy WAN architecture is rife with shortcomings. But 5G features and use cases could help jump-start a WAN transformation for many organizations. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Mar 2020
What is network verification and do enterprises need it?
Network verification can help organizations gain critical network performance insight and alleviate network complexity. But aspects of the concept are new and not yet mainstream. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2020
Ansible limitations for network automation
Ansible can be a powerful tool for network automation, but users should be aware of its limitations with debugging, performance, complex data structures and control flow. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2020
RSA 2020: US needs allies to battle China's 5G threat
Experts at RSA 2020 said the United States and its allies have to solve trade disputes and combine resources to secure global 5G infrastructure against Chinese threats. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
Networking startup Arrcus wins TechTarget innovation award
Networking startup Arrcus aims to disrupt the industry with its software-based routing technology. Here's how the young company plans to go toe-to-toe with industry giants. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2020
What do 2G and 3G sunset dates mean for business customers?
A 2G and 3G shutdown probably won't affect businesses much, but embedded IoT devices may see some problems as these two older cellular technologies fade away. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Feb 2020
How does DevOps in networking change network requirements?
As more organizations embrace DevOps in networking, the approach can transform network requirements, such as visibility and security policies, which network teams should consider. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
Network traffic analysis best practices: Assess and repeat
Network traffic analysis best practices require network teams to work closely with security teams and constantly assess their tool sets, analysis processes and traffic patterns. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2020
RSA 2020: Experts say US is too slow in deploying 5G
At the RSA 2020 conference, experts said enterprise-class 5G services are years away. Obstacles include security and doubts about profitability. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2020
CISA chief can't guarantee election security
CISA Chief Christopher Krebs told RSA attendees he can't guarantee election security. Krebs also discussed CISA's efforts against Iranian hackers and ransomware attacks. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2020
Cisco SecureX provides front end for all security tools
Cisco SecureX, unveiled at RSA, provides centralized intelligence from all the vendor's security products. Also at RSA, Juniper adds encrypted traffic analysis to the Juniper ATP Cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2020
IEEE reveals 802 standards process and the future of Wi-Fi
The IEEE 802 Standards Committee looks years in advance to improve Wi-Fi and Ethernet technology. A sampling of the future: 802.11be, Wi-Fi sensing and increased Ethernet range. Continue Reading
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Quiz
18 Feb 2020
Try 10 practice questions for the CCNP, CCIE ENCOR 350-401
This practice quiz for CCNP and CCIE ENCOR 350-401 explores what readers must know about IP routing essentials -- including BGP and OSPF -- from the new certification guidebook. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2020
How Cisco certification changes alter CCNP and CCIE tracks
Here's what to expect from the colossal Cisco certification changes to the CCNP and CCIE tracks that aim to increase material relevance and benefit network engineers' daily lives. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2020
Prepare for CCNP, CCIE ENCOR 350-401 with this guide preview
Here's an excerpt from the new 'CCNP and CCIE ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide' that provides the key IP routing essentials network engineers require for their job roles. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2020
An introduction to network automation with Ansible
Ansible is one of the most popular open source network automation tools. Network pros can use it to perform basic network automation tasks, like collecting ARP table data. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Arista's Big Switch buy adds customers, engineers, network software
The Arista-Big Switch deal adds significant software-defined networking technology to Arista's EOS operating system. Also, Arista will acquire 300 customers and dozens of engineers. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2020
Watch for these 6 wireless networking trends in 2020
No doubt you've heard about 5G and Wi-Fi 6. But don't forget other wireless trends emerging in 2020, such as CBRS, dynamic spectrum sharing and Open RAN. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Latest Cisco earnings show tech buyers remain skittish
The latest Cisco earnings report shows customers paused tech spending despite a stabler global economy, while the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China was a looming unknown. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2020
Explore the top Wi-Fi 6 technology benefits and providers
Learn the basics around Wi-Fi 6 along with the security, battery and bandwidth improvements that come with the upgrade and the top companies to consider for buying options. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2020
Network software subscription models befuddle tech buyers
Tech buyers are frustrated and confused over network vendors' software subscription models. Some buyers say they're unconvinced the pricing models favor them. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2020
What should I know about IP address management systems?
As networks continuously gain more devices, outdated IP address management methods face new challenges. Despite this, IPAM is still crucial for any organization's network. Continue Reading