Network Hardware
Top Stories
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Tip
29 Nov 2021
Cable management software enhances documentation, visibility
Even a timeworn networking discipline like cabling can undergo a renaissance. See how cable management software helps organizations visualize network connectivity. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jul 2021
What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address?
A MAC address and an IP address each identify network devices, but they do the job at different levels. Explore the differences between the two and learn why both are necessary. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2021
Hybrid network vs. hybrid network infrastructure
Hybrid networks and hybrid network infrastructure blend different kinds of equipment, geographic locations, network ownership and technology disciplines. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Dec 2020
Managed vs. unmanaged switches: What are the differences?
Managed and unmanaged network switches differ in various ways, including control and cost. Managed switches support more granular control, yet unmanaged switches have lower prices. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jul 2020
What's the difference between a Layer 3 switch and a router?
Even though they have common traits, there is a difference between a Layer 3 switch and a router. Each plays a key role in making sure packets get sent to their proper destination. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Nov 2019
What's the difference between half-duplex and full-duplex?
A half-duplex transmission could be considered a one-way street between sender and receiver. Full-duplex, on the other hand, enables two-way traffic at the same time. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Oct 2019
What are SFP ports on a Gigabit switch and what are they used for?
SFP ports enable Gigabit switches to connect to a wide variety of fiber and Ethernet cables in order to extend switching functionality throughout the network. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2018
AT&T 5G router expected to lower purchases from established vendors
AT&T has handed the Open Compute Project its internally designed cell site router. The AT&T 5G router could take as much as $200 million in sales from the carrier's suppliers. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Oct 2018
Using an IoT gateway to connect the 'things' to the cloud
There's one device that is key to tying internet of things systems together: the IoT gateway. Read on to learn the benefits and applications of an IoT edge gateway. 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
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
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
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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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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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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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
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
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Feature
01 Jun 2018
Cloud-based network monitoring creates management flexibility
Cloud-based network monitoring offers Broward Center's theater campus more flexible and efficient network management so IT can keep performing arts center stage. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2018
A refresher course on white box networking equipment
This white box networking review sheds some light on the variations, as it's all too easy to confuse the intricacies of white boxes, universal CPEs and brite boxes. 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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Tip
29 May 2018
New, micro-ADC features can aid enterprise security
The ADC is no hot, new networking tool, but it's evolved dramatically, adding some features in its latest iterations that promise to increase its already important role. 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
19 Apr 2018
128 Technology delivers routing software, SD-WAN on white box
128 Technology integrated its routing software and SD-WAN capabilities with white box CPEs from Lanner. Arrow Electronics will preconfigure the software onto the CPEs. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2018
Enterprise network management in the wake of vendor consolidation
Consolidation is a driving force among networking vendors, but network professionals have to actively consider how those changes affect enterprise network management. Continue Reading
- 03 Apr 2018
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News
22 Mar 2018
Open Compute Project hardware sales surpass $1B, sellers eye more markets
A study found Open Compute Project hardware sales topped $1 billion last year. The OCP-commissioned study also reports sellers are eyeing new markets for their open source products. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
Yahoo Japan deploys intent-based network with Apstra AOS
Yahoo Japan deploys an Apstra intent-based network to oversee multiple vendors. Cisco touts Los Angeles Hospital, as well as the benefits it's getting from its DNA strategy. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2018
Latest Juniper switches up throughput for cloud applications
The latest Juniper switches target companies that want a network infrastructure with the throughput and management software to run apps in the data center and public clouds. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2018
Apstra bolsters IBN with customizable analytics
Startup Apstra has introduced customizable analytics in its network operating system. The latest AOS upgrade bolsters Apstra's intent-based networking capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2018
Cybersecurity skills shortage continues to worsen
This week, bloggers explore the cybersecurity skills shortage, the challenges of deploying edge computing and how best to mitigate Meltdown in a software-centric environment. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Dec 2017
How can network management systems boost troubleshooting?
What can IT teams do to combine network management systems and application performance management tools to boost troubleshooting in enterprise infrastructure? Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2017
Why device upgrade strategies fail
The industry is built on 30-year-old code, writes one analyst, and that is one reason why device upgrade strategies often fall short. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2017
Dell open networking gets more 25 GbE switches, SD-WAN appliances
An expanded Dell open networking portfolio includes a high-performing switch for connecting data centers and a 25 GbE model with a new OS for managing network fabrics. Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2017
ManageEngine launches OpManager Plus deep packet inspection tool
ManageEngine launches OpManager Plus, a new deep packet inspection tool; Nyansa broadens analytics for Voyance; and Aerohive premieres a new combined switch-access point. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2017
Open source network tools compete with shrinking vendor equipment
Vendor equipment consolidation could limit network operator service automation efforts, but new open source network tools offer options and prevent lock-in. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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News
12 Aug 2016
New Huawei Enterprise chief handicapped by politics, not products
David He, newly appointed president at Huawei Enterprise U.S., is ready to turn over 100% of sales to partners. He is optimistic despite cloud of Chinese cyber spying. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2016
Wi-Fi Alliance blasted for 'bias' in test for carrier LTE-U on Wi-Fi
A wireless carrier group has accused the Wi-Fi Alliance of kowtowing to cable operators as it nears completion of a test for LTE-U on Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2016
Comparing cable types: Fiber vs. copper twisted pair
What's the difference in fiber vs. copper cables? Key differences include cost, speed and more when it comes to fiber optic and copper twisted-pair cabling options. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2016
Latest Lenovo networking offerings include NOS, Juniper switches
The latest Lenovo networking products reflect the vendor's shift to technologies outside of the shrinking PC market. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2016
Corsa boosts its programmable switch system offerings
This week, bloggers assess Corsa's programmable switch offerings, Verizon DBIR, and how to create a marketing and technology 'lingua franca.' Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2016
Martin Casado predicts infrastructure evolution at Interop 2016
Speaking at Interop 2016, Martin Casado laid out his vision for infrastructure evolution instead of a future that predicts its demise. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2016
Network refresh: Look at your needs, not the name on the box
In this Q&A, one networking pro shares why he and his team broke from their existing vendors during a network refresh and went with a new roster for their routers and switches. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2016
Arista spine hardware aimed at largest data centers
Arista has introduced the 7500R series -- a suite of third-generation spine hardware that has a maximum capacity of 115 Tbps. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Mar 2016
Cisco buys semiconductor firm Leaba
Cisco Wednesday said it would purchase Israeli-based Leaba Semiconductor to beef up its chip research and development efforts. Cisco said the acquisition--for $320 million in cash--will lay the ... Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2016
Cisco earnings show slowdown in data center tech buying
Besides higher revenue and profits, Cisco earnings also showed that volatility in the global markets had caused tech buyers to reduce spending in the data center. Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2016
Cisco switch engines boost Catalyst performance
Cisco's latest supervisor switch engines lift Catalyst performance to handle more application-driven network traffic. Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Feb 2016
You never know where you'll find a network deployment
A network deployment can be a good reminder that IT isn’t always a desk job. Network engineers often go into cramped, dirty or unsafe places to install equipment. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jan 2016
Cisco leads, HPE gains in key tech infrastructure markets
Cisco led in six of seven key tech infrastructure markets last year, while Hewlett Packard Enterprise gained strength in several of the sectors, a research firm reported. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jan 2016
An inside look at beacon technology, manufacturers and use cases
Beacons have been making headlines for a couple of years now, yet their true potential has not been reaped. Is it finally the beacon's time to shine? Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2015
Juniper pricing to reflect industry shift to software
Juniper pricing for networking products is changing, as the company prepares to become a software business, moving away from per-port pricing. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Sep 2015
What's the best way to handle end-of-sale devices on your network?
A majority of organizations have end-of-sale and end-of-life devices on their networks. What's the best way to ensure your equipment is up to date? Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2015
HP open switches mark the latest challenge to Cisco
HP introduced two Altoline open switches that increase the company's portfolio of alternatives to Cisco's proprietary hardware. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2015
Juniper rise could be good news for enterprise tech buyers
Juniper Networks is selling to more enterprises, a trend that could heat up the competition for the wallets of tech buyers. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2015
Plexxi aims low-latency switch at emerging workloads
Plexxi launched a low-latency switch that's suitable for high-frequency financial trading. The Switch 2 Series is also aimed at analytics applications and cloud data centers. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jun 2015
What are data center-class switches?
Choosing the right switch for your data center can be a difficult task. This article looks at how data center-class switches are evolving in the enterprise to offer flexibility and speed for new traffic flows. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jul 2014
Don't ignore this great wireless training resource
Online wireless support communities are a great resource for IT professionals who need their questions answered quickly. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jun 2013
What is Ethernet-dedicated Internet?
Ethernet-dedicated Internet is a continuous, high-bandwidth way for enterprises to connect their LANs to the public Internet and to streamline the performance of their WAN. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2013
Primer: A new generation of programmable ASICs
Programmable application-specific integrated circuits allow the data plane of switches to support new technologies, like software-defined networking. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2013
How to plan for a campus core switch refresh: Basic requirements
Network architects and engineers discuss the features and functions they look for when planning a campus core upgrade. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Nov 2012
Will we ever need 400 Gigabit Ethernet enterprise networks?
With 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet so new, what could possibly drive the need for 400 Gigabit Ethernet in the enterprise? Hint: It’s not just the WAN. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2012
Arista FPGA switch could revolutionize Layer 4-7 network services
With its embedded field-programmable gate array, Arista's new switch may resonate beyond the latency-phobic government and financial sectors and transform Layer 4-7 services. Continue Reading
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News
06 Aug 2010
HP CEO Hurd resigns in scandal with networking business at critical transition point
With HP Networking at a critical transition point following the 3Com acquisition, HP CEO Mark Hurd has resigned amidst a scandal. How will this affect the networking buisness? Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2009
Avaya-Nortel acquisition: Infamous end; questionable beginning
The Avaya-Nortel acquisition was one of the more notable top networking stories of 2009, marking the end of a legacy player and a questionable beginning for Avaya as it struggles with whether to integrate the Nortel data networking portfolio. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Apr 2007
What equipment do I use to connect two LANs in different cities? What are the steps?
How do you connect two LANS from different cities? VPN expert Sampath Ramaswami notes the steps to be taken, in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Dec 2006
What is the relationship between network cable frequency and its bandwidth?
Learn about the relationship between the network cable's frequency and its bandwidth capacity, the frequency formula and its physics in this expert response by Carrie Higbie. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Nov 2006
How a Switch Works -- Chapter 6 of 'LAN Switching First-Step'
How a Switch Works explains how to differentiate among unicast, multicast, and broadcast transmission methods; store-and-forward, cut-through, and fragment-free switching mechanisms and then describes Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching operation. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2006
Duplex mismatch
What is duplex, and what is the difference between half and full duplex? What is a duplex mismatch? How can autonegotiation help or hurt your network? How can you resolve duplex conflicts? In this tip, David Davis helps networking engineers and newcomers understand the issues behind one of the most troublesome problems plaguing today's networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2006
Securing your Layer 2 network: Don't overlook the basics
Before dropping substantial cash on a fancy surveillance system, most sensible home owners would ensure that their doors and windows were locked. Similarly, there are simple security measures you can take to configure your systems for Layer 2 security. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2005
Router numbers
Many of the routing protocols implemented in Cisco's IOS require a number to follow the command that enables the routing protocol in question. If you're new to routing, these numbers can be a little confusing, as they mean something different to each protocol. This tip presents a quick explanation and general guidelines for understanding router numbers. Continue Reading
- Answer 14 Oct 2005
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News
10 Oct 2005
Analysts: 3Com trying to woo enterprises with new ad campaign
Following strategic missteps and profitability woes, 3Com hopes a new ad campaign will remind enterprises that Cisco and HP ProCurve aren't the only vendors in town. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2005
Hardening your router in 9 easy steps
For most enterprise LANs, the router has become one of the most critical security appliances in use. Configured properly, it can keep all but the most determined bad guys out, and if you want, it can even keep the good guys in. But an improperly configured router is only marginally better than having no security in place at all. This expert tip presents nine easy steps that you can take to ensure that your router is adequately protected. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2005
Router Expert: Standard interface configuration for a WLAN proxy server
Our router expert continues his series on building a secure WLAN with a Linux base. This article covers standard interface configuration of the http proxy server. Continue Reading
- Answer 20 Jul 2005
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Feature
22 Jun 2005
Router and firewall configuration
ITKnowledge Exchange member "stephang" had a question about the balance between blocking packets and enabling NAT on his router and on his firewall. Fellow forum members chipped in with their advice; check out what they had to say. Continue Reading
- Answer 06 May 2005
- Answer 19 Apr 2005
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Tip
18 Mar 2005
Router Expert: Filtering with MAC addresses
This month our router expert discuss some strategies for controlling host network access using MAC address filtering. Continue Reading
- Answer 15 Feb 2005
- Answer 15 Feb 2005
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News
19 Jan 2005
Juniper Q4 earnings strong
Juniper CEO Scott Kriens cites his company's strong earnings on a healthy security business, which increased 26%--mostly due to the network firm's recent purchase of firewall player NetScreen. Juniper's core infrastructure business, which excludes security, grew 62% to just over $1 billion in 2004. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2005
Minimizing Layer 2 problems
Understanding the fundamentals of Spanning Tree Protocol. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Nov 2004
How do I connect to the console and AUX port of my router?
How do I connect to the console and AUX port of my router? Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Aug 2004
Where to connect a switch -- Patch panel versus ports around the office
Is it possible to connect my switch directly to my patch panel rather than connecting the switch to the various ports around my office? Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2004
Router Expert: Understanding reverse telnet and IOS terminal lines
Learn how users interact with the terminal server and its connected devices through the use of reverse telnet, line and group rotaries, and terminal line interfaces. Continue Reading
- Answer 25 Jun 2004
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Tip
23 May 2004
Router Expert: Implementing router interface redundancy
While redundancy is simple as a concept, it becomes quite problematic in practice. This tip offers the basic options for router interface redundancy. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2004
Router Expert: Cisco asynchronous serial support
Cisco IOS-based routers support three asynchronous serial interface types: Console, Auxiliary, and asynchronous port modules. This tip compares them. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
19 Apr 2004
Networking hardware, Lesson 2: Switches and bridges
Explanation of how switches and bridges work. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2004
Dell delving deeper into networking
Looking to strengthen its position in the enterprise networking space, Dell has introduced two new Layer 3 switches for small, medium and large businesses. The 6024 and 6024F offer customers 24 ports of Gigabit Ethernet in copper and fiber configurations, respectively, and support a comprehensive routing protocol set. Continue Reading