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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Video
18 Jul 2025
An explanation of local area networks
Local area networks are interconnected systems that share resources within a limited geographic area. They can be wired, wireless or virtual, depending on workplace needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jul 2025
An introduction to satellite network architecture
Satellite network architecture consists of three segments: space, ground and control. Satellite networks enhance networking beyond terrestrial network capabilities. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Definition
07 Jun 2019
speculative execution
Speculative execution is an optimization technique in which a processor (CPU) performs a series of tasks before it is prompted to in order to have the information ready if it is required at any point. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Definition
01 Apr 2019
baseband unit (BBU)
A baseband unit (BBU) is a device that interprets baseband frequencies in telecom systems including computer networks, the internet, phone networks and radio broadcasting systems. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Answer
31 Dec 2018
Which KPIs should I measure for security in SDN?
KPIs provide useful guidelines to measure how network performance and security align with business objectives. Here are some KPIs to help keep track of an SDN environment. Continue Reading
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Infographic
28 Dec 2018
Final 802.11ax release date now slated for late 2019
When it comes to the hotly anticipated new wireless standard, are we there yet? This 802.11ax timeline notes key milestones in the draft's development and explains what's next. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Dec 2018
What is a service mesh, and how does it relate to networking?
A service mesh can ease the deployment of microservices and container-based applications, while supporting the delivery of network services, like load balancing and authentication. Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2018
A recap of notable 2018 networking trends and news
Before the final days of 2018 fade into history like so last-generation 4G, spend some time reviewing the news and trends that graced the networking industry this year. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Dec 2018
The top 9 trends in network technology for 2019
In the new year, expect SDN and SD-WAN to come back down to earth. Meanwhile, multi-cloud, edge computing and intent-based networking will ramp up. Plus, data centers are not dead. Continue Reading
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News
13 Dec 2018
Cumulus Linux, NetQ available for Lenovo RackSwitch
The combination of Lenovo RackSwitch models with Cumulus Linux and NetQ monitoring software is aimed at companies that prefer open networking in the data center. Continue Reading