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
-
Feature
17 Apr 2024
Is network automation adoption necessary?
Automation is not a one-size-fits-all strategy for every network problem. Enterprises must examine their network's needs to determine if automation is a worthwhile investment. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Apr 2024
Building networks for AI workloads
Conventional and high-performance computing networks cannot adequately support AI workloads, so network engineers must build specialized networks to accommodate their massive size. 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
-
Answer
31 Dec 2018
What are the top benefits of CDN services for enterprises?
You might be asking yourself, 'Do I need a CDN?' According to one network analyst, the answer is most likely yes, as CDNs provide faster access to internet content. Continue Reading
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Feature
13 Dec 2018
Providers widen telecom cloud services for the enterprise
Some traditional service providers are reinventing telecom cloud services enabled by new networking partnerships and technologies to offer enterprise customers a number of benefits. Continue Reading
-
Answer
13 Dec 2018
What are the top 3 benefits of NFV technology?
The use of standard hardware, consolidation of network functions and machines, and flexible system upgrades are some of the key benefits of NFV technology. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Dec 2018
Packet broker added to Big Switch cloud fabric on AWS
Big Switch cloud fabric for AWS has a network packet broker. The company launched Big Mon for the cloud this week. Upcoming tech includes Big Cloud Fabric and Multi-Cloud Director. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Dec 2018
SolarWinds adds SDN monitoring to network management tools
In networking news, SolarWinds updates its network management software; a report predicts SDN's future; and Barefoot Networks updates its P4-programmable switch. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Dec 2018
ONAP Casablanca release targets cross-carrier deployment, 5G
ONAP's latest release, Casablanca, focuses on enhancing existing features within its architecture to better support cross-carrier site connectivity, deployment and 5G. Continue Reading
-
Feature
30 Nov 2018
Colorado believes autonomous vehicles technology can save lives
Edge computing, take the wheel. The Colorado Department of Transportation is deploying roadside network devices to support connected and autonomous vehicles technology. Continue Reading
-
Feature
30 Nov 2018
Reality check: How has data center SDN evolved?
Considering the twists and turns in SDN technology and adoption, it's easy to wonder about future development. Learn what three industry analysts think about the evolution of SDN and its drawbacks. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Nov 2018
Aviatrix unveils AVX Orchestrator for AWS
Aviatrix has introduced software for dividing virtual private clouds into secured groups on AWS. AVX Orchestrator complements AWS' Transit Gateway, launched this week at re:Invent. Continue Reading
-
Answer
28 Nov 2018
What are the pros and cons of deploying containers?
Containers can reduce a company's OS licensing costs and required CPU usage, while acting as a bridge to serverless computing. But IT teams need to evaluate the potential drawbacks. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Nov 2018
Apstra AOS IDs root cause of network problems
Startup Apstra has launched version 2.3 of its intent-based networking OS. The new Apstra AOS includes analytics for finding the root cause of network problems. Continue Reading
-
Answer
26 Nov 2018
Where does SDN fit in edge computing architecture?
SDN and edge computing can work together to apply data processing decisions that make better use of network links and bandwidth, especially when it comes to edge versus cloud. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Nov 2018
Cisco earnings, revenue up as sales rise across product lines
Cisco earnings and revenues grew in the quarter ended Oct. 27 as sales increased across product lines, geographies and customer segments. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Nov 2018
Aruba 802.11ax APs, switches address niche market
Aruba has launched access points and switches aimed at early adopters of the next-generation Wi-Fi standard. The Aruba 802.11ax gear is aimed at colleges, retailers and hotels. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Nov 2018
How NFV and SDN could shape the future of telecom
Looking to the future of telecom, NFV and SDN can help generate new services revenue and lower operating costs using cloud principles, rather a traditional network standards approach. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Oct 2018
PwC 5G survey finds consumers not ready to pay
A PwC 5G survey finds service providers will have to educate consumers and build unique services if they expect potential buyers to pay more for the high-speed wireless technology. Continue Reading
-
Answer
25 Oct 2018
What is the status of VNF deployments among service providers?
Although service providers are undertaking VNF deployments in the network core, they're hard-pressed to deploy them at the network edge due to complexity and cost. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Oct 2018
Comcast gigabit service ready in 39 states
Comcast gigabit cable is now available to 58 million homes and businesses in 39 states. Comcast completed the rollout as AT&T and Verizon start launching 5G internet services. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Oct 2018
Arista CloudVision gets campus Wi-Fi management
Arista will have to do more than wrap its Mojo Wi-Fi infrastructure into the Arista CloudVision management console to catch Cisco and HPE Aruba in campus networking. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Oct 2018
802.11ax standard promises tectonic shift in wireless
It's shiny, bright and new -- and, like 'Anchorman' Ron Burgundy, kind of a big deal. Here's why networking experts say high-efficiency 802.11ax Wi-Fi actually lives up to the hype. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
16 Oct 2018
Merging wired and wireless networks spawns valuable analytics
Editor's note: Industry analyst Zeus Kerravala provides his thoughts on Arista Networks' effort to unify wired and wireless networks. Arista is a client of Kerravala's ZK Research, a consulting ... Continue Reading
-
Feature
15 Oct 2018
How to get your branch network up and running
Setting up the branch office network can feel overwhelming, but you need only to ask the right questions to be able to evaluate the available technology and provider services. Continue Reading
-
Answer
11 Oct 2018
How do virtual ADCs benefit enterprise data centers?
Virtual ADCs bring another level of flexibility, authentication and performance monitoring, moving application delivery controllers beyond load balancing and application acceleration. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Oct 2018
Nyansa Voyance gets user collaboration feature
Nyansa Voyance has a new feature that lets companies request the contact information of other users of the Wi-Fi performance monitoring software. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Oct 2018
Wi-Fi Alliance introduces Wi-Fi 6 as part of new naming system
In networking news, Wi-Fi 6 now connotes 802.11ax technology, Aerohive Networks introduces machine learning analytics tools and Viavi releases a platform update. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Oct 2018
Time-sensitive networking standards could boost industrial control
With the help of VLAN priority levels, time-sensitive networking can make packet flow more predictable. The technology could especially benefit the factory floor. Continue Reading
-
News
02 Oct 2018
AT&T 5G router expected to lower purchases from established vendors
AT&T has handed the Open Compute Project its internally designed cell site router. The AT&T 5G router could take as much as $200 million in sales from the carrier's suppliers. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Sep 2018
FCC 5G ruling tries to speed up small cell deployments in cities
The Federal Communications Commission has ordered cities to move faster in deciding on small cell deployments. Telecom firms praise the new FCC 5G rules while cities denounce them. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Sep 2018
Linux Foundation drives VNF migration to cloud-native functions
The Linux Foundation is driving VNF migration to cloud-native network functions, claiming the transition results in better efficiency, scalability and reliability. Continue Reading
-
Feature
27 Sep 2018
Aerohive's Atom, 802.11ax access points win innovation award
The winner of this month's Network Innovation Award, Aerohive Networks, has already begun shipping its new 802.11ax wireless APs and its plug-and-play 802.11ac Atom AP. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Sep 2018
Software-defined networking security involves 3 factors
Software-defined networking security requires IT teams to ensure data confidentiality, the integrity of the network and the availability of network services, along with compliance. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Sep 2018
Software-defined access networks pose promise and pitfalls
By implementing software-defined controls on the access layer, IT can centralize and unify network policies. However, any new technology is still rife with risk. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Sep 2018
How three new telecom services can compete with OTT services
Network operators should embrace three new types of telecom services -- hosting, information processing and experiences -- to increase revenue and compete with OTT services providers. Continue Reading
-
Answer
24 Sep 2018
Does software-defined networking architecture use segment routing?
Segment routing steers packets using a list of instructions, and it can be used in MPLS and IPv6 architecture. But does software-defined networking architecture support it? Continue Reading
-
News
20 Sep 2018
Linksys enters cloud-managed Wi-Fi market
Belkin International's Linksys unit has launched a cloud-managed Wi-Fi system. Linksys is tapping MSPs for help in selling Cloud Manager to small businesses. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Sep 2018
Juniper bundles Contrail Networking, OpenStack for the edge
Juniper Networks has introduced the Contrail Edge Cloud. The platform for running service providers' network edge applications includes Contrail Networking and Red Hat OpenStack. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
18 Sep 2018
Access networking layer ready for software-defined reboot
After years of stagnation, the access-layer network is in need of a makeover. Implementing software-defined configurations is perhaps a good place to start. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Sep 2018
Verizon 5G rollout could change broadband competition
Verizon launches Oct. 1 a 5G internet service in four U.S. cities. The Verizon 5G rollout could give the company an edge against cable companies in the high-speed internet market. Continue Reading
-
Answer
13 Sep 2018
What is multi-access edge computing, and how has it evolved?
Multi-access edge computing provides the processing capacity needed to support the increase of 'things' at the network edge. But for all its promise, MEC has challenges to face. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Sep 2018
Network functions morph with SD-WAN deployment strategy
Companies are approaching network infrastructure upgrades with SD-WAN deployment, but a new survey shows they're weighing issues like service chaining and integrated functionality. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Sep 2018
Juniper-Ericsson partnership aimed at 5G market
Juniper Networks has partnered with Ericsson to sell 5G gear and software to carriers. The Juniper-Ericsson alliance arrives as Cisco's partnership with Ericsson weakens. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Sep 2018
VMware Project Dimension to deliver managed HCI, edge networking
VMware's lightweight hyper-converged infrastructure system, called Project Dimension, includes the vendor's SD-WAN. The HCI appliance is aimed at retailers and manufacturers. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Sep 2018
Ensuring P2P apps don't cause network performance issues with IPv6
Peer-to-peer applications can cause performance issues with IPv6 branch-office networks. Universal Plug and Play might be an effective way to overcome access issues. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Aug 2018
Cisco adds LTE modem to Meraki MX security appliance
Cisco adds a built-in 4G wireless broadband modem to two Meraki MX security appliances. Cisco launched the Meraki MX67C and the MX68CW devices with an integrated CAT 6 LTE cellular modem. The company also introduced four faster MX models without LTE. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Aug 2018
Cambium Networks certified in Express Wi-Fi by Facebook program
In networking news, Cambium gets certified in Facebook's Express Wi-Fi program, Nyansa frees up network data worldwide and SevOne will support VMware NSX SD-WAN. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Aug 2018
Wireless-first networks verge on wireless-only, but concerns remain
A wireless-first strategy could spread among enterprises and proceed toward wireless-only. IT staff, however, should heed concerns around capacity, management and cost. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Aug 2018
How network operators can differentiate SD-WAN services
Providers' SD-WAN services currently compete largely on cost, but network operators hope to gain market share with network-based SD-WAN feature differentiation. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Aug 2018
What IPv6 features can be found in the latest specification?
The IPv6 specification is now becoming a full-fledged internet standard. New IPv6 features focus on enterprise reliability and operational and security considerations. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
16 Aug 2018
How Cisco's Viptela buy affects branch routers, IT customers
Zeus Kerravala says Cisco's ISR isn't going anywhere and discusses what its use of Viptela's software-defined WAN means for the IT giant's future, its product line and its customers. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Aug 2018
Array bolsters throughput, security in NFV appliance
Array Networks has added support for 40 GbE interfaces in its NFV appliance. The AVX hardware also has higher throughput for encrypted traffic. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Aug 2018
Benefits of wireless networks extend to disaster recovery plans
In a business continuity and disaster recovery plan, IT resilience is key. Find out how the benefits of wireless networks can help keep businesses running. Continue Reading
-
News
02 Aug 2018
Kontron heeds carrier demand for software, buys Inocybe
Kontron has bought open source networking company Inocybe. The specialty hardware maker is adding SDN software to its portfolio as telco customers buy more commodity systems. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Aug 2018
Origin authentication a small step toward resolving BGP security issues
Although content verification, origin authentication and shared information can address aspects of BGP security, it's unlikely we'll be able to resolve the issues completely. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
01 Aug 2018
Social concept points to an SDN model with two control planes
It might not seem like control planes and SDN models have a lot in common with a social concept, but together, they could highlight how business intent and operations inform network design. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Jul 2018
Compare leading on-premises and cloud-managed WLAN products
In order for your organization to select the WLAN architecture that will best meet its needs, you must compare product types, deployment options and capabilities. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Jul 2018
SR-IOV specification poses promise and pitfalls in virtualized networks
The SR-IOV specification gives network administrators another tool for workload optimization. While SR-IOV could offer many benefits, it does have its drawbacks. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Jul 2018
Assessing performance bottlenecks in virtualized networking
Virtual or soft switches can add measurable overhead to network-intensive workloads, but implementing PCI devices offers one option to reduce excess overhead. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Jul 2018
Midyear 2018 telecom trends: Operators broaden their focus
Midyear 2018 telecom trends show operators looking to increase profits on a number of fronts ranging from new investments, network automation and rethinking the 5G transition. Continue Reading
-
Answer
25 Jul 2018
Does software-defined networking architecture need network overlays?
Network overlays and software-defined networking architecture share a history. But while overlays offer flexibility, they also bring extra overhead and troubleshooting complications. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
23 Jul 2018
New details released on Huawei's intent-based network
ZK Research offers details on Huawei's new Intent-Driven Network and what its hardware and the software can do to smooth network glitches and even raise security. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jul 2018
Big Switch taps AWS VPCs for hybrid cloud networking
Big Switch plans to roll out software for creating virtual networks in AWS and a private cloud. The hybrid cloud technology takes advantage of AWS VPCs. Continue Reading
-
Answer
19 Jul 2018
Can hyper-converged systems benefit from SDN architecture?
Hyper-convergence combined with software-defined networking architecture might seem like hyper-hype, but SDN offers many network capabilities required of hyper-converged systems. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jul 2018
UNH InterOperability Lab expands IPv6 testing amid SDN growth
UNH-IOL updated its IPv6 testing program to comply with newly released regulations for network devices procured by government agencies, adding SDN and IoT support along the way. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
10 Jul 2018
MU-MIMO technology boosts system capacity for WLANs
MU-MIMO technology might not be magic, but it upgrades WLAN performance and system capacity so well that some network engineers might call it magical. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jul 2018
HPE aims new SimpliVity HCI at edge computing
Hewlett Packard Enterprise has launched a 2U SimpliVity HCI product for virtual desktops. The condensed compute and storage system will later be offered for IoT applications. Continue Reading
-
Feature
05 Jul 2018
Cradlepoint router boosts network flexibility for dance group
Connecting an audience to the motion and music of a dance production takes more than dance and musical skills. For one professor, it required network flexibility and the Cradlepoint AER2100 router. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Jul 2018
Vodafone puts Facebook Voyager through its paces
Vodafone said it has finished successfully testing the open source Facebook Voyager transponder on a live network in Spain. Continue Reading
-
Definition
29 Jun 2018
Networking (computer)
Networking, also known as computer networking, is the practice of transporting and exchanging data between nodes over a shared medium in an information system. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
28 Jun 2018
Transforming a legacy network through digital transformation
In a recent keynote speech, GE's CTO Chris Drumgoole outlines the transformation of a corporate giant's network from traditional and sluggish to limber and cloud-enhanced. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jun 2018
Juniper adds core campus switch to EX series
Juniper has added to the EX series a core aggregation switch for companies that need less scale than the EX9000. The compact EX4650 campus switch supports the EVPN and VXLAN protocols Continue Reading
-
News
22 Jun 2018
Vendors need to concentrate on wireless reliability, not hype
Wireless reliability should be the main goal of WLAN vendors and institutions, one engineer writes. Also, how come networking didn't evolve the same way compute did? Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Jun 2018
Options for dedicated cloud interconnects and their benefits
There are clear benefits to replacing existing VPN tunnels now. Discover the advantages to dedicating cloud interconnects to improve your enterprise traffic flows. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jun 2018
Cisco acquires July Systems for its location, analytics services
Cisco buys July Systems to add its cloud-based location services to Cisco's enterprise Wi-Fi platform. Also, Extreme and Ruckus launch improvements to their wireless LANs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Jun 2018
Three goals of multiple cloud management and how to reach them
Attaining the benefits of the cloud is getting ever more complex. Learn ways to enable efficient and effective management of hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
-
Tip
18 Jun 2018
Carrier cloud needs 5G wireless networks, other drivers for success
While 5G wireless networks appear to be the biggest driver in building the necessary carrier cloud, two other short-term drivers can help complete the carrier network transformation. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jun 2018
Cisco to merge Viptela, DNA Center for campus networking
Cisco plans to integrate its Viptela SD-WAN with DNA Center for campus networking in the next 18 months. At the same time, Cisco expects to release a cloud version of DNA Center. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jun 2018
Cisco opens DNA to developers in campus networking push
Cisco wants to turn its DNA Center campus networking platform into a platform for software development. The goal is to work with the data the system collects. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Jun 2018
Clarifying network disaggregation and related technologies
Trying to explain network disaggregation and related trends -- like SDN, NFV and white boxes -- can be complicated. Our expert pins the terms down and explains the tradeoffs. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jun 2018
New Arista switches use Barefoot Tofino programmable chip
Arista has launched its first switches with the Barefoot Tofino programmable chip. The latest hardware is designed to replace some network appliances and routers. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Jun 2018
Network edge switch upgrades hinge on WLAN deployments
Network edge switch upgrades depend on a variety of factors, but one of the most critical is taking a look at your future WLAN deployment strategies. Continue Reading