Network infrastructure
Network hardware and physical appliances, such as routers, switches, gateways, hubs and bridges, serve as the vital foundation of network infrastructure. Common network protocols and more emergent network software also play major roles in any architecture. While networking has shifted to software-centric principles, see how traditional network infrastructure keeps pace.
Top Stories
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Feature
10 Dec 2024
The business case for AI-driven network orchestration
Organizations that are considering AI-driven network orchestration will find it has many business cases -- chief among them are reduced Opex and efficient resource use. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2024
The purpose of route poisoning in networking
Route poisoning is an effective way of stopping routers from sending data packets across bad links and stop routing loops. This limits delays and creates a more stable network. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Apr 2017
Vive la revolution! New wide area network technologies usher in change
In today's wide area network, emerging technologies disrupt the status quo ... and that's a good thing. Enterprises now have more options than ever when it comes to WAN design. 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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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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News
30 Sep 2016
DirecTV Now on target to become AT&T's main video platform
AT&T plans to test wireless broadband traveling near power lines; AT&T pushes its online-streaming platform, DirecTV Now; and Yahoo and Verizon weigh the effects of the largest recorded company hack on its deal. Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2016
ONF Project Boulder continues working toward SDN interoperability
SDN market-watchers discussed Project Boulder's SDN interoperability trial, nine good reasons to buy white box switches and Riverbed's latest SD-WAN strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2016
The white box switching market gets a closer look
Following years of development, is the potential of the white box switching market finally being realized? Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2016
Masergy, Interoute to offer Silver Peak managed SD-WAN services
Silver Peak has joined a growing list of WAN vendors partnering with service providers to roll out managed SD-WAN services for enterprise customers. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2016
NFV, SD-WAN and vCPE shift scope of managed WAN services
This week, a networking analyst examines the future of managed WAN services, while another one remembers his time at EMC in the wake of last week's Dell-EMC merger. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2016
IP subnetting: How to calculate subnet masks
Check out IP subnetting shortcuts on how to do subnet mask calculations and break down IP address classes to route traffic within your network. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2016
SDN, open source nexus to accelerate service creation
What's new in the SDN blog world? One expert says SDN advancements will be accelerated, thanks to SDN and open source convergence, while another points out the influence SDN has in the cloud industry. Continue Reading
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News
18 Aug 2016
Cisco layoffs a response to industry shift to software, cloud services
The latest Cisco layoffs are a result of customers moving to networking software and the cloud instead of the company's proprietary hardware. 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
12 Aug 2016
Agencies urged to speed up Next-Generation 911 transition
Municipalities are being urged toward Next-Generation 911 as phone companies complete fiber optic cable transition, and Google Fiber's Webpass acquisition will make wireless broadband connections possible. 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
29 Jul 2016
Verizon launches virtualized services for enterprises
ICYMI: Verizon launches VNF service to enterprises; Ethernet organizations plan 2.5, 5 GbE plugfest for fall and Riverbed beefs up SteelCentral. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2016
Cisco vCenter plug-in bridges physical, virtual data center networks
Cisco has launched a vCenter plug-in for connecting the VMware management tool to applications running on non-virtualized servers. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2016
New AT&T Network on Demand service provides Cisco virtual router, more
The latest AT&T Network on Demand service provides virtualized versions of Cisco or Juniper routers, Fortinet firewalls or Riverbed WAN optimization technology. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2016
Glue provides SD automation for more network appliances
Glue Networks has added support for more than a dozen network products in its orchestration engine. The Gluware engine provides greater SD automation. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2016
Mist spreads new idea for cloud-managed Wi-Fi
Startup Mist rolls out a wireless service that blends artificial intelligence, virtual Bluetooth Low Energy beacons and unprecedented visibility into network performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jun 2016
What is the difference between bit rate and baud rate?
Learn how to understand the difference between bit rate and baud rate in this expert answer. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2016
Juniper simplifies branch network deployment with SD technology
Juniper has introduced SD technology for enterprises that the vendor says will simplify the deployment of branch networks. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2016
Avaya VSP NOS targets network disaggregation
This week, bloggers explore Avaya VSP updates, the federal Software Assurance Marketplace and packet loss with TCP. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2016
Netronome offers P4 support on server adapters
This week, networking industry bloggers examine Symantec's decision to buy Blue Coat and whether cloud-native applications have merit. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2016
VMware's Arkin acquisition to bolster NSX microsegmentation
VMware says it will acquire startup Arkin to provide analytics that help customers broaden the use of NSX microsegmentation. 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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Opinion
25 May 2016
Physical network infrastructure to decrease in SDN virtual evolution
Ethernet switches, Wi-Fi APs and routers may be the only physical network infrastructure you need in a virtual-, SDN- and cloud-based future, according to networking expert Craig Mathias. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2016
Cisco sales down in switching; up in software, services
Cisco sales last quarter revealed weakness in its switching and router business, as revenue from software subscriptions and cloud-based services increased. 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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News
02 May 2016
Verizon NFV infrastructure offers interchangeable parts
This week, networking analysts explore Verizon NFV, SD-WAN as intent-based networking and automation costs. 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
02 May 2016
New Verizon data centers support businesses, jar suppliers
New Verizon data centers are part of a two-pronged strategy of helping customers and taming suppliers through open technology. Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2016
Networking panels at Interop conference cover gamut
Interop networking track chair Tom Hollingsworth talks about the topics he believes are most important to today's networking engineers. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2016
Dell, Aerohive partner in WLAN infrastructure management
Partners Dell and Aerohive have collaborated on software for managing WLAN infrastructure hardware, including switches and access points. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2016
Veriflow aims to prevent network outages
This week, networking bloggers discuss a new way to eliminate network outages, OpenStack networking and whether SDN is novel or just natural. Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2016
Carrier shift to NFV driving virtual CPE deployments
Carrier adoption of software-based network functions will lead to better virtual CPE for enterprise branch networks. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Apr 2016
How can my company reap the advantages of SDN if its culture is risk-averse?
SDN expert Will Murrell discusses how the advantages of SDN will speak to cautious companies only when network engineers can make a case for SDN's lower cost and high functionality. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2016
Brocade's Ruckus buy betters chances in campus WLAN market
Brocade's acquisition of Ruckus Wireless would counter the stronger portfolios of Cisco and HPE for the campus WLAN. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2016
Users find harmony in Cisco, VMware SDN software
Baystate Health and Sugar Creek Packing give Cisco and VMware SDN software separate chores in data center networks. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Mar 2016
Group begins work on 400 Gbps QSFP interfaces
Thirteen networking and electronics industry suppliers said they would work together to develop a new generation of double-density quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) interfaces that would ... Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2016
AT&T reveals details of ECOMP SDN platform
AT&T is seeking developer input in deciding whether to open source its ECOMP SDN platform for self-service networking. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2016
Survey shows how early adopters define SDN
In this week's blog roundup, a survey of early adopters offers insights into the evolving definition of SDN, and several service providers join an SDN alliance. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2016
Serro unveils new open source SDN framework, AuSM
Serro releases its new open source SDN framework, AuSM, to link up network and monitoring tools via API. 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
02 Mar 2016
Mulling the network impact of the Internet of Things
This week, bloggers examine the network impact of IoT, tackle RSA Conference priorities and how to use MS Visio for network diagramming. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2016
Cisco NFV platform could become a 'game changer' for customers
The new Cisco NFV software stack will eventually run on any Intel-based x86 server. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2016
Could OpenConfig resolve automation struggles?
SDN bloggers consider the need for standard network models, why simplicity rules in buying decisions and how automation cut a five-week configuration project to four minutes. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2016
Cisco NFV technology targeted at mobile carriers
Introduced at Mobile World Congress, the latest Cisco NFV technology is an all-in-one package of computing, storage and networking infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2016
Fiber Mountain Glass Core embraces Layer 1 devices, software
In the world of SDN, Layers 2 and 3 tend to take all the glory. But Fiber Mountain's Glass Core architecture puts the focus on the physical layer for the first time. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2016
Casado departure not expected to hurt VMware SDN tech plans
SDN pioneer Martin Casado is leaving VMware, and analysts say the departure is unlikely to affect VMware's SDN tech strategy. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2016
Security company uses SDN framework to fight DDoS attacks
Cybersecurity company Nexusguard said it implemented SDN technology to fight large DDoS attacks -- automating routing decisions and scaling network resources. Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2016
5G wireless standards years away but 5G testing moves ahead
The competition is on for 5G wireless dominance at Mobile World Congress as carriers beef up their fiber networks a la Verizon's XO deal, and AT&T rolls out landline texting. 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
29 Jan 2016
2016 CIO top priorities revealed in survey
This week, CIO top priorities revealed, Juniper Networks acquires BTI Systems -- an optical networking firm -- and Netronome introduces Agilio. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2016
Stop looking for an SDN definition, says networking pro
In this SDN blogs roundup, an expert says deploying SDN is more important than defining it; an SDN company gets Google's attention; and the brite box turns 2. Continue Reading