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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Opinion
22 Nov 2023
Palo Alto Networks SASE Converge updates boost security, UX
With the announcement of its latest SASE portfolio updates and the acquisition of Talon, Palo Alto Networks connects the dots between security and performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2023
5G Advanced features include accurate timing, AI support
5G Advanced is the latest 5G specification, aiming to deliver enhanced massive MIMO, 5G integration with AI and accurate location positioning. Here's more about recent developments. 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
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
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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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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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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News
19 Mar 2020
Remote work could cause mobile network problems in a pandemic
Experts said the extra traffic caused by new remote workers could put a strain on mobile networks, but it could also cause businesses to rethink how work gets done. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Mar 2020
Build up your knowledge of leaf-spine network technology
As organizations deal with challenges of single tree path networks, many admins are considering leaf-spine architectures. Learn the ways its topology helps latency and data flow. 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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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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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
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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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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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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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
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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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
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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Tip
03 Feb 2020
What to include in a network services agreement
Network teams that create MSP contracts for their managed network services should cover delivery lead times, network performance, adds and changes, network uptime and escalation. Continue Reading
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Video
23 Jan 2020
How to install the Windows Server 2019 VPN
A VPN prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to critical resources in your organization. This tutorial covers the deployment on Windows Server 2019. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2020
Network device discovery best practices -- other than ping sweeps
Traditionally, ping sweeps are the go-to method for network device discovery. But, by creating a network script, you can discover networked devices more efficiently. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2020
5G vs. Wi-Fi: Verizon says cellular will win
In the not-too-distant future, businesses could find themselves weighing 5G vs. Wi-Fi in the campus and office. Verizon has already named 5G the winner. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2020
Analyze the differences between Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5
While Wi-Fi 5 is still sufficient for many organizations, Wi-Fi 6 is worth learning about. Check out the major differences between the two and what that means for your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2020
Plan for simplicity when approaching HCI networking
HCI networking isn't as easy as plugging cables in and hoping the HCI system works. IT teams need to strategize around capacity and resiliency to achieve true simplification. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2020
Cradlepoint NetCloud update avoids unnecessary data usage
Cradlepoint Netcloud has new analytics that help companies avoid the cost of exceeding the limits of their data plans for wireless links on the vendor's SD-WAN. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2020
Aruba SD-Branch gets intrusion detection, prevention software
The latest update of the Aruba SD-Branch includes intrusion detection and prevention software built into the product's gateway appliance. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jan 2020
Wi-Fi 6 glossary of 12 important terms and phrases
This Wi-Fi 6 glossary delves into various features and capabilities the new generation of Wi-Fi technology offers, as well as what organizations can expect from Wi-Fi 6 devices. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2019
SD-WAN drives managed network services trends for 2020
As network operators offer more SD-WAN managed services in 2020, the managed services market will see some major changes regarding price, feature sets and management. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Dec 2019
5 enterprise wireless industry trends to track in 2020
Yes, 5G and Wi-Fi 6 will continue to grab headlines. But other ongoing wireless industry trends include problematic devices and heavy-handed licensing by vendors. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2019
Volta Networks wins NIA for cloud-based routing
Better together? Not when it comes to routing software and hardware. Networking startup Volta Networks' disaggregated routing platform promises to increase flexibility and lowers costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2019
How to benchmark 25 GbE NICs in converged networks
Network teams can use an array of tools to benchmark the performance and efficiency of 25 GbE network adapters that support converged networks and HCI environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2019
Top networking trends in 2019 to resurface in 2020
Recapping the top networking news stories of 2019 could provide a glimpse into the future and reveal some of the top networking technology trends of 2020. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Dec 2019
SD-WAN vs. load balancing: How are they different?
SD-WAN can use load balancing for WAN connections, but it doesn't require load balancing to work. Compare some of the similarities and differences between the two. Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2019
Cisco to acquire Exablaze for high-performance switching
Cisco plans to acquire Australia-based Exablaze and eventually use its technology in AI applicatons. The acquisition is similar to rival Arista's 2018 purchase of Metamoko. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Dec 2019
SD-WAN vs. DMVPN vs. IPsec tunnels: How do I choose?
Software-defined WAN, DMVPN and IPsec tunnels each have a place among enterprises. Our network expert compares each one and explains where they can be most beneficial. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2019
Cisco's Silicon One networking chip targets cloud data centers
Cisco's Silicon One chip launch demonstrates a willingness to embrace white box routers in the hyperscale data centers of cloud providers. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2019
Assess the Wi-Fi 6 features available in Wave 1 and Wave 2
Catch up on the different features available with the first wave of Wi-Fi 6, including OFDMA and Target Wake Time, and find out which capabilities Wave 2 will bring. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
What SD-WAN devices do I need in an SD-WAN deployment?
Despite the software-centric nature of software-defined WAN, certain SD-WAN devices are still required to help transport traffic and complete network connections. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Nov 2019
Understanding the evolution of Ethernet
First developed by Xerox PARC in the 1970s and ratified by IEEE as a standard in 1983, the evolution of Ethernet has taken this LAN technology through dozens of specifications. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2019
3 challenges of edge computing, IoT network adoption
While edge computing and IoT devices can spark networking innovations, these technologies can also create challenges and pitfalls organizations aren't yet equipped to deal with. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2019
Juniper Mist roadmap includes SD-WAN, security integrations
The Juniper Mist roadmap includes integrating the wireless LAN's cloud AI engine with Juniper's SD-WAN and malware detection service. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Nov 2019
What is the difference between a bridge and a router?
While a bridge and router share some similarities, the difference between a bridge and router is significant, including how the devices interpret network connections. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Nov 2019
How can SD-WAN and edge computing services work together?
Organizations may want to consider the effect SD-WAN and edge computing could have when combined. Make sure to consider all options before choosing a combination model, however. 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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News
12 Nov 2019
Juniper taps Mist Systems for wired, wireless LAN analytics
Juniper Networks is using its Mist Systems acquisition to provide cloud-based analytics for a wired and wireless LAN built with Mist and Juniper hardware. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2019
Latest Cisco switch uses Meraki software, Catalyst hardware
The MS390 is the first Cisco switch built using Meraki software and Catalyst hardware. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2019
Google Cloud networking BYOIP feature could ease migrations
Google Cloud Platform's networking capabilities have gotten a boost with the introduction of bring your own IP addresses, a move aimed to ease cloud migrations for customers. Continue Reading
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Video
31 Oct 2019
An overview of how BGP works
Border Gateway Protocol makes the internet work, but how does BGP work? This animated video explains the basics of BGP and discusses its role in the internet. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2019
Itential's network automation software wins TechTarget award
At the ONUG Fall 2019 conference in New York, one word was on everyone's lips: automation. Itential's infrastructure-as-code platform helps turn those four syllables into action. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Oct 2019
How to compare Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches
Organizations have much to consider when evaluating Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches, such as device architecture, Opex, Capex and analytics capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2019
ArubaOS-CX upgrade unifies campus, data center networks
Aruba's latest switches and ArubaOS-CX upgrade join campus and data center networking as Cisco heads in a similar direction with DNA Center. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2019
Edge computing use cases and drivers to watch
Edge computing use cases span across multiple industry sectors, including manufacturing, retail and medical. The motives for adoption filter down to three main drivers. 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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Feature
15 Oct 2019
After ransomware virus, Merck's medicine was network automation
After a ransomware attack, Merck decided the best remedy was to deploy network automation tools designed to transform how it handled network configuration changes. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Oct 2019
A glossary of key edge computing architecture terms
Bolster your networking vocabulary and get to know the various features and technologies that constitute edge computing in this comprehensive glossary of key terms and phrases. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2019
Data center transformation drives the ADC security use case
Application delivery controllers play many roles, but the ADC security use case might be most important. Learn about ADC features and how they boost data center security. Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2019
AT&T design for open routing covers many uses
The new AT&T design for open carrier-grade routing covers systems ranging from single line card devices to large hardware clusters. The design taps Broadcom's Jericho2 chip. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2019
The 3 types of DNS servers and how they work
DNS is a core internet technology, instrumental in mapping human-readable domains into corresponding IP addresses. Learn about the three DNS server types and their roles in the internet. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Sep 2019
Educate users when troubleshooting a network connection
In this roundup of industry blogs, engineers discuss why it's helpful to teach users the basics of troubleshooting a network connection and why it's hard to simulate a network. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Sep 2019
The evolution of SDN and its role in networking
Has SDN run its course, or has the architecture simply evolved? In many current products, data centers and cloud environments, SDN may be closer than you think. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2019
Wi-Fi Certified 6 launches new era for wireless connectivity
The Wi-Fi 6 wireless standard is now ready for deployment, thanks to the debut of a certification effort that helps guarantee interoperability. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2019
Arista CloudVision 2019 from Arista Networks advances visibility
Arista Networks upgraded its network monitoring and management platform with new features that help automate and improve change management as well as visibility. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2019
Cisco acquisitions in 2019 bolster service provider strategy
Cisco acquisitions in 2019 and 2018 include three that show the company preparing for when carriers will increase spending to ready networks for next-generation business services. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2019
Bridge vs. switch comparison: What's the difference?
A network bridge connects two local area networks. A network switch, on the other hand, connects multiple clients to a network. Learn more about these two network components. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2019
F5 Networks updates NGINX Application Platform, other tools
Updates include improved security and observability features, a new developer portal, API importing and improved analytics and configuration management. Continue Reading
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News
11 Sep 2019
CenturyLink acquires Streamroot, adding P2P CDN capabilities
Peer-to-peer content delivery network technology from Streamroot will enable CenturyLink to reach underserved areas and offer more services to customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2019
5G frequency spectrum forces new look at coverage strategies
New 5G frequency allocations will help make it an amazing technology, but it will also force a rethinking of how those signals are transmitted. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2019
How network standards and open source organizations differ
Both open source and network standards organizations want to develop the next-generation network. Yet their methods differ, and they can benefit different types of organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2019
Understanding why IPv6 renumbering problems occur
IPv6 renumbering can be a challenge, especially if a host using SLAAC obtains stale prefixes. But there are steps you can take to reduce your vulnerability. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2019
5G vs. LTE: Comparing speed, spectrum and latency
The debate between 5G and LTE largely comes down to speed and spectrum. But latency and wired network implications are also important differentiators. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Sep 2019
The benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and how to prepare for them
In order to glean the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, enterprises first need to determine the best steps for a migration strategy. Two key steps are implementing more power and faster uplinks. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Sep 2019
How client VPN technologies will evolve with AI and automation
With help from artificial intelligence and automation, client VPN technologies could innovate the way they handle data flows within hybrid cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Aug 2019
Ciena's Blue Planet automation suite wins TechTarget award
Ciena's Blue Planet software suite has won SearchNetworking's Network Innovation Award for enabling intelligent automation and network service orchestration across large, multivendor networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2019
Gartner report provides reality check on the 5G hype
The next generation of cellular technology, 5G, is nearing peak hype status, according to a Gartner report. But real, widespread adoption is still several years away. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Aug 2019
What hyper-converged network details should I consider?
No longer a second-class citizen to compute and storage, networking is now integral to most HCIs. Keep in mind certain networking facts when adopting hyper-convergence, however. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2019
Travel tech company revs up Wi-Fi performance with analytics
TravelTab needed to find a way to improve its Wi-Fi performance so it could better anticipate customer demands and bandwidth requirements. Analytics software from Aerohive helped. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Aug 2019
Gartner Hype Cycle deems software-defined networking obsolete
A Gartner report on enterprise networking has declared the definition of SDN and its architectural approach as deceased. Cause of death? Well, the hype didn't help. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Aug 2019
The top 5 capabilities your edge infrastructure should have
The network edge plays a vital role in the future of networking and digital transformation. Make sure your infrastructure has these five components to help it on its way. Continue Reading
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News
19 Aug 2019
IT favors open source networking over Cisco ACI, VMware NSX
Companies are turning to open source network automation tools as less expensive, good-enough alternatives to Cisco ACI and VMware NSX. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Aug 2019
What is 5G massive MIMO and how can it boost bandwidth?
With a large array of small antennas and time division duplex communication, 5G massive MIMO is expected to support more bandwidth and users with lower latency. Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2019
Cisco faces sales slump amid Chinese tariffs, falling SP revenues
Cisco forecast weak revenue growth in the current quarter, as service provider sales fell and product orders were flat. The company also reported being shut out of China. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Aug 2019
Achieve network perimeter security through deep segmentation
Firewall effectiveness is in deep decline, but there's still a way to create an effective security perimeter through the practice of deep segmentation. Learn how. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Aug 2019
What effect will 400 GbE have on enterprise networks?
400 Gigabit Ethernet is the next hurdle for Ethernet capabilities to surpass. But enterprises may not be prepared for this technology yet, due to its immaturity. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2019
6 steps to a successful network disaster recovery plan
Don't wait until disaster strikes to consider network resiliency and recovery. Use these six practical steps to build a network disaster recovery plan that fits your business needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jul 2019
Industry grapples with new Wi-Fi naming conventions
What's in a name? As the industry gets accustomed to the WFA's new Wi-Fi naming conventions, networking pros discuss pros and cons -- and when to use Wi-Fi 6 vs. 802.11ax. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jul 2019
Pros and cons of buying used networking equipment on eBay
To buy or not to buy used networking equipment on eBay, that is the question. Here are the pros and cons, as well as best practices for making a gray market purchase. Continue Reading