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

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
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

Answer 31 Jul 2019

What is the difference between TCP/IP model vs. OSI model?

Use this expert advice to learn the differences between the TCP/IP model vs. the OSI model, and explore how they relate to each other in network communications. Continue Reading
News 30 Jul 2019

VMware acquisition of Uhana bolsters 5G offering to carriers

The VMware acquisition of Uhana adds AI-driven network automation to VMware's virtualization platform for carriers. VMware competes against IBM's Red Hat. Continue Reading
News 25 Jul 2019

Arrcus upgrades ArcOS to support Jericho2-based routers

Arrcus' latest version of ArcOS supports Broadcom's Jericho2 chipset for switches and routers aimed at 5G networks, hyperscale cloud and the edge. Continue Reading
News 23 Jul 2019

Verizon, Equinix cooperate on SDI to colo data centers

Verizon is offering a software-defined interconnection to Equinix colo data centers. The Verizon-Equinix service is an alternative to a physical network connection. Continue Reading
Answer 23 Jul 2019

What steps should I take in the event of a network failure?

Don't panic when the network goes down. Instead, use this checklist to go through five factors that could cause network failure, and follow tips on how to plan for them in advance. Continue Reading
News 18 Jul 2019

AT&T-Microsoft deal secures use of 5G wireless, Azure cloud

The latest AT&T-Microsoft partnership announcement lacked details for buyers of enterprise products and services but gave a big boost to Microsoft's Azure public cloud. Continue Reading
News 17 Jul 2019

VMware tops Cisco in fast-growing SDN market

VMware surpassed Cisco in grabbing the largest share of the money spent on software-defined networking for the data center in 2018, when the SDN market reached $7 billion. Continue Reading
Answer 11 Jul 2019

What does stateful vs. stateless mean in a networking context?

When it comes to understanding state from a networking perspective, knowing the difference between stateful vs. stateless firewalls is a crucial starting point. Continue Reading
Feature 11 Jul 2019

BGP tutorial: How the routing protocol works

Border Gateway Protocol is the complex routing protocol that literally makes the internet work. This tutorial walks you through how BGP functions and offers troubleshooting options. Continue Reading
News 10 Jul 2019

Cisco's acquisition of Acacia bolsters service provider offerings

Cisco plans to buy Acacia for $2.6 billion. Cisco's acquisition will make it a direct supplier of optical interconnects for the data centers of carriers and service providers. Continue Reading
News 03 Jul 2019

U.S. tech buyers expected to shun Huawei CloudEngine refresh

The latest refresh of the Huawei CloudEngine switches highlights the preference of U.S. and Chinese enterprises to buy homegrown gear. Continue Reading
Answer 03 Jul 2019

What does open source SD-WAN look like, and do we need it?

Open source software has an openly available source code that users can adopt or modify. Open source combined with SD-WAN might be a perfect match or a too idealistic goal. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Jun 2019

Open networking switch market extends focus to campus edge

Factors such as cost and flexibility, which make open switches attractive to data centers, will eventually extend to edge deployments in campus environments. Continue Reading
Feature 26 Jun 2019

What networking analysts are saying about Cisco's future

Has Cisco outgrown networking? One industry insider seems to think so. Plus, other analysts size up Cisco's future around security and intent-based networking. Continue Reading
Feature 25 Jun 2019

How products from leading campus LAN switch vendors compare

Before evaluating campus LAN switches, assess the organization's core needs as well as future requirements, such as capabilities for Wi-Fi 6 or high-end PoE to power IoT devices. Continue Reading
News 25 Jun 2019

Mist Wi-Fi no longer just cloud

The Mist Wi-Fi is no longer cloud only. The company's new Mist Edge appliance splits some management components between the cloud and on premises. Continue Reading
Feature 21 Jun 2019

802.11ac drives enterprise WLAN market growth for now

802.11ac played a crucial role in enterprise WLAN market growth, as companies felt the pressure to upgrade their wireless infrastructure. But 802.11ax is the future. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jun 2019

Edge computing and IoT combine to reshape the network

Enterprises are examining edge computing and IoT in a new light to determine the best way to process and transmit the mountain of data generated by IoT devices. Continue Reading
News 14 Jun 2019

VMware acquisition of Avi fills NSX gaps

VMware plans to acquire Avi Networks. The VMware acquisition of the application delivery controller maker will fill gaps in VMware's NSX virtual networking software. Continue Reading
News 11 Jun 2019

CEO Robbins: Cisco won't use Huawei ban in sales pitch

CEO Chuck Robbins said Cisco won't use the U.S. ban on Huawei exports in sales pitches. Robbins also said the Huawei ban has not had an effect on sales. Continue Reading
Feature 07 Jun 2019

Operators make multigigabit switch push in campus networks

As applications become more bandwidth-intensive, operators are racing to install multigigabit switch foundations in their campus network architectures. Continue Reading
News 06 Jun 2019

New Arista campus switches, APs complete product portfolio

The latest Arista campus switches and Wi-Fi 6 APs meet enterprise requirements. But success against established rivals will depend on an effective sales and channel strategy. Continue Reading
News 06 Jun 2019

Pluribus Networks unveils edge router for service providers

Pluribus Networks has unveiled a gateway router for service providers that's a no-frills alternative to products from Cisco and Juniper Networks. Continue Reading
Feature 05 Jun 2019

The 5G future will spark an evolution of telecom networks, ISPs

Telecom networks are evolving thanks to new technologies such as 5G. This evolution will affect various types of organizations, ISPs and available services. Continue Reading
Feature 30 May 2019

School adopts Wi-Fi 6 in early Wi-Fi upgrade case study

High-capacity wireless can help close the gap between urban and rural schools. Here's how an aggressive Wi-Fi upgrade strategy helped one district meet its community's needs. Continue Reading
News 24 May 2019

Huawei ban will hasten its retreat from U.S. suppliers

The Huawei ban will spur a faster retreat from U.S. suppliers, as the Chinese tech company invests more in its manufacturing plants and adds non-U.S. partners, analysts said. Continue Reading
Tip 23 May 2019

The status of white box networking in the enterprise

Despite the benefits of white box networking, most enterprises are cautious about deployment. Use these five questions to determine when white box implementation is a smart move. Continue Reading
Feature 23 May 2019

Could open switches be a game-changer for your network?

Before selecting campus edge switches, consider evaluating open switches -- versus switches from a traditional vendor -- and learn the benefits of this open networking approach. Continue Reading
Answer 22 May 2019

How is service mesh architecture different from SDN and NFV?

Service mesh separates itself from SDN and NFV approaches with its clear focus on managing the communication and forwarding between multiple microservices. Continue Reading
News 21 May 2019

Riverbed launches SaaS accelerator and updates SD-WAN products

Riverbed's latest update is spearheaded by the launch of its SaaS Accelerator, promising to speed up SaaS apps primarily for enterprise users working remotely. Continue Reading
News 21 May 2019

Customers get a peek at future Extreme Networks products

Extreme Connect attendees got a peek at the company's product roadmap. Upcoming Extreme Networks products include an IoT device profiler and online application store. Continue Reading
Answer 21 May 2019

What's the difference between a router, switch and hub?

Although a router, switch and hub all help direct network traffic, the devices transmit packets in different ways. Discover the differences among these network devices. Continue Reading
News 20 May 2019

Marconi Mainnet launched for building, scaling complex networks

The Marconi Mainnet platform provides blockchain security, multi-cloud connectivity, advanced firewalls and secure gateways for decentralized networks. Continue Reading
Feature 20 May 2019

Key factors to consider before evaluating campus edge switches

Before buying a campus edge switch, it's important to understand how technologies such as IoT could affect campus traffic and how you architect your network. Continue Reading
News 16 May 2019

New executive order moves to ban Huawei

U.S. businesses are barred from dealing with Huawei following an executive order from the White House and the additions of Huawei and its affiliates to a trade blacklist. Continue Reading
Feature 15 May 2019

Expectations about SDN cost savings don't match reality

While most enterprises prepare for Opex and Capex increases during the initial stages of SDN deployment, many don't expect a continued delay in SDN savings, according to IHS Markit. Continue Reading
Answer 15 May 2019

What's the difference between an edge router vs. core router?

Clearly, an edge router and core router are placed in different parts of the network, but their routing roles are more complex than their physical locations. Continue Reading
Tip 14 May 2019

The benefits of open source networking for enterprise IT

The benefits of open source are proved among large providers. But enterprises are less inclined to use open source networking, due to its limited functionality and support. Continue Reading
News 02 May 2019

Dell EMC offering a VeloCloud SD-WAN Edge appliance

The new Dell EMC SD-WAN Edge product includes hardware and support, as well as VMware's VeloCloud software. Continue Reading
Tip 02 May 2019

Wi-Fi 6 and IoT could threaten the network

New advances in Wi-Fi technology -- like Wi-Fi 6 -- and IoT can create bottlenecks in legacy campus LANs due to increased throughput consumption and slower uplink speeds. Continue Reading
Tip 01 May 2019

Weighing the pros and cons of enterprise network subscriptions

A centralized repository of network licenses can help enterprises visualize their IT assets and manage their purchases. But higher costs and amortization issues lurk. Continue Reading
Tip 01 May 2019

Wireless capacity more important than fast Wi-Fi 6 speed

Wi-Fi 6 speed may be getting all the attention, but the most compelling advantages of the new standard are techniques engineered to increase wireless capacity. Continue Reading
News 30 Apr 2019

New Cisco Wi-Fi 6 products include Catalyst switch, APs

Cisco has launched itself into the Wi-Fi 6 market with the release of the Catalyst 9600 core campus switch. Other new Cisco Wi-Fi 6 gear includes Catalyst access points. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Apr 2019

Drawbacks of open source networking could impede full growth

IT teams have increasingly accepted the use of open source within their organizations. But open source networking continues to lag behind -- and it may not catch up. Continue Reading
News 25 Apr 2019

Pica8 Nymble provides branch network automation

Pica8's second branch product provides network automation and provisioning. But the jury is out on whether Pica8 Nymble can compete with offerings from established vendors. Continue Reading
Feature 23 Apr 2019

Understand why edge computing technology matters

To deliver on IoT's promise of a digital revolution, connected devices need access to localized compute, storage and networking resources. Welcome to life on the edge. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Apr 2019

Should you buy 802.11ax devices before the Wi-Fi standard is ratified?

The Wi-Fi 6 standard has not been ratified yet, but enterprises are faced with a decision. Should they buy 802.11ax devices now or wait for the standard to be approved? Continue Reading
Answer 17 Apr 2019

What is a programmable data plane and where does P4 fit in?

A programmable data plane presents a versatile way to forward packets and supports various formats and protocols. The P4 language is used to configure the forwarding actions. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Apr 2019

What happens when edge computing hits enterprise networks?

Is it time to take your network to the edge? Learn what edge networking can do to improve traffic flows, ease demand for high-performing connectivity and more. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Apr 2019

What the future of edge computing means for cloud and networks

IoT and application processing needs are shaping the future of edge computing, driving the growth of micro modular data centers and raising the question of cloud computing's relevance. Continue Reading
News 11 Apr 2019

Juniper SD-WAN as a service linked to wired, wireless LAN

The new Juniper SD-WAN as a service integrates with the vendor's EX Series wired LAN switches and the Mist wireless LAN. The bundle shows Juniper moving toward an SD-branch offering. Continue Reading
Tip 11 Apr 2019

Examine the requirements for 5G core networks

The 5G core network will support millions of devices that need high-speed communication and data processing. Learn what other capabilities are required for 5G deployment. Continue Reading
Answer 11 Apr 2019

What is Cisco Smart Licensing and how might it benefit my business?

Cisco Smart Licensing, the networking vendor's fairly new approach to software licensing, aims to provide customers with more visibility and control over their licenses. Continue Reading
Answer 09 Apr 2019

When will enterprises adopt the new Wi-Fi 6 standard?

Networking vendors have unveiled Wi-Fi 6 devices, yet the wireless standard is not ratified. Don't expect Wi-Fi 6 to flow into the mainstream anytime soon. Continue Reading
Feature 09 Apr 2019

3 considerations that can spark modern networking innovations

In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore the possibility of network transformations, including where the industry needs the most change and new ways of thinking. Continue Reading
News 05 Apr 2019

Execs talk product roadmap at Aruba Atmosphere 2019

At Aruba Atmosphere 2019, executives said the WLAN vendor plans to improve its cloud services this year with changes to Central, ClearPass, Introspect and NetInsight. Continue Reading
Opinion 04 Apr 2019

Skip the wireless site survey cost and invest in more wireless APs

A wireless site survey simply provides a one-time snapshot of a work environment's wireless coverage. But Wi-Fi requires ongoing management based on several changing variables. Continue Reading
Feature 03 Apr 2019

How cloud network architecture can redesign the enterprise edge

Networks are changing at the edge, and maintaining edge connectivity is crucial. Cloud network advancements are transforming connectivity options, as well as WANs and SD-WANs. Continue Reading
Opinion 02 Apr 2019

Wireless site surveys and why you no longer need them

Wireless site surveys have always been part of a WLAN installation, but today that no longer should be the case. Capacity, not coverage, is more important. Continue Reading
News 02 Apr 2019

Aruba ClearPass Device Insight IDs more IoT devices

Aruba ClearPass Device Insight discovers more IoT devices on the IP network than the company's previous product. The software collects better data from the network to ID hardware. Continue Reading
Infographic 01 Apr 2019

802.11ax release date: Here's what has to happen first

Members of the IEEE committee developing the new wireless LAN standard now expect the final 802.11ax release date won't arrive until mid- to late-2020. Here's what has to happen first. Continue Reading
Feature 29 Mar 2019

The campus edge switch market evolves, offers new innovations

The campus edge LAN switching market has evolved to offer a multitude of products boasting multi-gigabit port speeds -- there are more available port speed options than ever. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Mar 2019

A brief glossary of network service provider types

For network novices and experts alike, this glossary of basic terms covers essential keywords related to network services and the various providers that sell them. Continue Reading
News 28 Mar 2019

F5 Cloud Services aims ADC features at DevOps

Initially, F5 Cloud Services will provide only load balancing for DNS servers. Later in the year, F5 plans to add security features for DevOps teams building cloud applications. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Mar 2019

How 5G can start a brand new era for the virtual RAN

5G is forging the way for operators to delve into virtualized RANs. Yet, despite its benefits, vRAN lacks standards and is still in the early developmental stages. Continue Reading
Answer 22 Mar 2019

What tools can reinforce network edge security?

Firewalls, intrusion prevention systems and cloud-based threat intelligence are just a few of the many ways that organizations can bolster network edge security. Continue Reading
News 22 Mar 2019

Array Networks launches monitoring system for app performance

Array Networks launches a monitoring and reporting tool that draws data from the vendor's application delivery controllers to pinpoint application troubles. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Mar 2019

How to monitor CPU usage in SDN environments

Monitoring CPU usage in a software-defined network is necessary to determine adequate network capacity and compute capacity, especially if workloads are competing for resources. Continue Reading
Feature 15 Mar 2019

Automation connects 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and other networking trends

At IDC Directions, analyst Rohit Mehra discussed the role of automation in some of 2019's most talked about trends, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, SD-WAN and the network edge. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Mar 2019

What is service chaining and where does VNF onboarding fit in?

Service chaining and VNF onboarding aren't easy. Companies interested in these processes need to understand the challenges involved, as well as various requirements for onboarding. Continue Reading
News 12 Mar 2019

F5-NGINX acquisition removes open source rival

F5 Networks plans to buy NGINX for $670 million. The F5-NGINX acquisition removes from the market a business founded on open source software used in 375 million websites. Continue Reading
Tip 08 Mar 2019

Network visibility challenges in modern networks

To tackle current visibility issues, you must first understand the nature and sources of the problems. Learn why visibility is essential but so tough to achieve. Continue Reading
News 05 Mar 2019

AI-powered WLAN behind Juniper-Mist acquisition

Juniper plans to acquire WLAN vendor Mist for $405 million. The Juniper-Mist acquisition is an offensive move that fills a hole in the networking vendor's campus portfolio. Continue Reading
Tip 01 Mar 2019

Take steps now to ready your network for 802.11ax specification

The 802.11ax specification promises higher speeds and lower latency. Preparing now will help you make the transition easier. Here's what you need to know. Continue Reading
News 27 Feb 2019

Macroeconomics, service providers behind ICT spending slowdown

Service providers will buy less information and communications technologies, contributing significantly to an overall slowdown in ICT spending this year and next, IDC said. Continue Reading
News 21 Feb 2019

HPE, Juniper intro 5G hardware for the edge

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks have introduced 5G hardware for service providers' network edge. Continue Reading
Infographic 21 Feb 2019

NetOps by design: How data center pods enable network agility

To bring a DevOps approach to the network, one expert suggests enterprises take a page from the cloud-provider playbook. Here's how data center pods can support a NetOps evolution. Continue Reading
Opinion 20 Feb 2019

AI in networking presents opportunities for service providers

Network installers and managed service providers can reap key benefits with AI in networking, including better productivity, staff management and customer response. Continue Reading
Answer 20 Feb 2019

How do SDN protocols compare to those used in SD-WAN?

Traditional SDN controllers use northbound and southbound APIs to communicate. But software-defined WAN controllers don't rely on those same SDN protocols. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Feb 2019

Wireless network configuration basics: 5 steps to follow

Different wireless networks have different requirements. However, some common principles exist for strategizing your wireless network configuration steps. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Feb 2019

The pros and cons of network slicing in 5G

Although network slicing is useful for certain applications, like IoT and mobile networks, it might not be necessary at this point, especially when considering its cost. Continue Reading
News 12 Feb 2019

Netsurion intros low-maintenance SD-branch

Netsurion has introduced a software-defined branch product for retailers, hotels and restaurants. The managed SD-branch, called BranchSDO, includes networking and security. Continue Reading
Answer 11 Feb 2019

How do network virtualization and network abstraction compare?

Network virtualization and network abstraction share similarities, like supporting the creation of virtual resources, but the two approaches vary in complexity and outcome. Continue Reading
News 08 Feb 2019

WAN access focus of Cisco Viptela-DNA Center integration

The first phase of integration between the Cisco Viptela SD-WAN and DNA Center is aimed at providing WAN access from branch offices. Continue Reading
Answer 07 Feb 2019

What 4 questions can help prepare your network for IoT?

Increasingly, organizations are seeing a marriage of IoT and networking for more efficiency and enhanced services. Here's what you need to know to prepare your networks for IoT. Continue Reading
Feature 06 Feb 2019

A brief index of network configuration basics

This glossary of terms provides a brief overview of network configuration and some of the crucial components involved -- many of which remain as necessary as ever. Continue Reading
Feature 04 Feb 2019

Waiting too long for Wi-Fi upgrade puts security at risk

To the average end user, wireless gear tends to be out of sight and out of mind. But experts warn: Put off an overdue Wi-Fi upgrade and you put your network's security at risk. Continue Reading
News 01 Feb 2019

Cisco DNA Center takes intent-based networking to IoT

Cisco has introduced IoT-enabled hardware that companies can manage through Cisco DNA Center. The connection between products takes intent-based networking to IoT deployments. Continue Reading
Feature 31 Jan 2019

8 common questions about the new Wi-Fi 6 standard

Industry excitement around the next-generation Wi-Fi standard continues to grow, with good reason -- many experts say Wi-Fi 6 is a game-changer. Here's what you need to know. Continue Reading
News 30 Jan 2019

Automation potential outweighs SDN deployment risks

SDN deployment varies among service providers and enterprises due to risks, costs and use cases. But, when it comes to SD-WAN, both groups appear to agree about the potential. Continue Reading
Feature 29 Jan 2019

Fiber expansion paves way for V2X technology in Colorado

Colorado wants to enable highway automation by building smart, connected infrastructure it says can save lives. But to get roadside devices online throughout the state, it's going to need a bigger fiber optic network. Continue Reading
Feature 28 Jan 2019

Mist's smart WLAN gets rave reviews from Ohio schools

A school district's dissatisfaction with its legacy Wi-Fi system led to a rip and replace of its entire network. This case study explores the deployment of Mist's smart WLAN. Continue Reading
Tip 24 Jan 2019

Enterprises iffy on telecom services beyond network connectivity

Enterprises look to telecom carriers for network connectivity services, but providers need to win them over to sell cloud and productivity options, according to network pros. Continue Reading
News 17 Jan 2019

Look back at top IT infrastructure spending trends of 2018

Enterprise IT infrastructure spending trends in 2018 focused on data center servers and hosted and cloud collaboration, driving an increase in annual vendor revenue. Continue Reading
Answer 17 Jan 2019

Intent-based networking vs. SDN: How do they differ?

When it comes to the primary differentiators between intent-based networking and SDN, abstraction and administrator commands are at the top of the list. Continue Reading
News 16 Jan 2019

Shopper privacy critical when using new Cisco DNA Spaces

Software like the new Cisco DNA Spaces can help retailers improve their merchandising and supply chains. But the first priority should be protecting shopper privacy, an expert says. Continue Reading
Answer 10 Jan 2019

What is a software-defined perimeter, and do I need it?

An evolving network world requires evolving network security. Learn how software-defined perimeter offers a compelling answer to network vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
Answer 08 Jan 2019

Which core network functions are being virtualized?

Network functions virtualization can virtualize both data center and branch office network services. But a couple of special cases, like virtual switches, require clarification. Continue Reading
Tip 02 Jan 2019

Telecom trends 2019: Time for operator 5G and IoT decisions

Telecom trends in 2019 dictate that network operators have tough choices to make to compete with OTT players, increase revenue in terms of 5G and IoT, and consider the software-based fast-fail model. Continue Reading
Answer 02 Jan 2019

What roles do vCPE and uCPE have at the network edge?

As service providers look to virtualize the edge and deliver network services faster, they're turning to vCPE and uCPE that run services as software on generic hardware. Continue Reading