Network Management Software, Tools and Utilities

12 questions to ask about SD-WAN managed services

When contemplating SD-WAN managed services, organizations should ask questions about network security, infrastructure compatibility and bandwidth requirements. Continue Reading

How to monitor network traffic in 7 steps

Effective network monitoring is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance by IT groups. This step-by-step plan can fine-tune network monitoring strategies. Continue Reading

When to consider managed SD-WAN services for your business

SD-WAN offers promising benefits, like the ability to use multiple ISP links, but managing those links can prove challenging. Managed SD-WAN services can help. Continue Reading

5 types of network diagnostics tools and what they can do

Vendors of network analytics tools are improving older products and introducing new ones to bring network managers the information a smooth-running network now requires. Continue Reading

Using AI, machine learning in networking to improve analytics

The barrage of alerts modern network analytics tools create is problematic, but the capabilities advanced tech like AI provides can help ease the burden to network operations. Continue Reading

Wi-Fi 6 to spur industry confidence in Wi-Fi, report says

In networking news, a report shows increased confidence in Wi-Fi; Ciena releases an analytics-as-a-service product; and Avi Networks targets multi-cloud load balancing. Continue Reading

What is SD-WAN? Future, challenges, benefits of SD-WAN technology

What is SD-WAN and how can it change the way networks operate? Discover its advantages, challenges, important key terms and where the future of SD-WAN could take you. Continue Reading

Networks of the future: What automation and IBN can do for you

Learn all you need to know about how automated network management and intent-based networking can benefit your network's future, along with useful tools and vendor plays. Continue Reading

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

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

Automated network testing tools actively identify network problems

If your organization is serious about application reliability, you'll want to adopt network testing tools so you'll know what will happen when network components fail. Continue Reading

Network security challenges remain a top concern for IT pros

In networking news, security remains a top concern for IT pros; ExtraHop integrates with Microsoft Azure; and Barefoot Networks unveils developer tools for programmable ASICs. Continue Reading

What metrics and tools can accurately measure network performance?

Several methods and metrics measure network performance and throughput. But IT needs to gauge these measurements on a consistent basis to avoid major service issues. Continue Reading

Too many tools hobble network management design

'Measure twice, cut once' doesn't work for network management. It's time for the industry to consider a new way to coordinate network management design tools. Continue Reading

Market for network performance tools enters vendor consolidation phase

Recent acquisitions of network performance monitoring and diagnostic tool vendors signal market consolidation. Continue Reading

Software networking supports campus network convergence

Software networking, along with intent-based capabilities, can help improve campus network visibility and authentication, while also supporting Ethernet and Wi-Fi convergence. Continue Reading

What networking automation tools should you consider?

When launching network automation projects, do you craft custom scripts or buy off-the-shelf networking automation tools? It probably depends on your team's capabilities. Continue Reading

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

How can network analytics tools benefit IT staff?

Network analytics tools can help IT managers proactively pinpoint network performance issues and trends -- even before the underlying problem is revealed. Continue Reading

Options for DNS in networking address growing challenges

A need for modern DNS in networking has grown out of increased cloud use and distributed applications. Now, vendors are offering these services for internal enterprise use. Continue Reading

Should IT share data analysis from network management consoles?

By making data analysis available from a network management console, IT groups could offer their lines of business better insights into end-user productivity. Continue Reading

Cato Networks adds 'identity awareness' to SD-WAN as a service

Cato Networks SD-WAN as a service was updated this week with identity-aware routing. The vendor claims identity awareness can simplify network operations and better meet business goals. Continue Reading

New generation of network analytics software starting to emerge

Some of the newest network analytics tools can learn how a network is supposed to operate, warn managers of potential problems and offer ways to solve issues. Continue Reading

How to simplify your overly complex networking design

If you flood your networking design with extraneous features and don't have a firm understanding of the overall system, you might fall into a complexity wormhole. Continue Reading

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

Challenges of blockchain muddle understanding of the technology

There is a lot of hype about blockchain and how it might be used within networking operations. But just understanding the technology and what it actually does might be among the biggest challenges of blockchain. Continue Reading

LiveAction buys Savvius to combine packet monitoring and NPM

LiveAction plans to combine its software for network performance management with Savvius' packet monitoring technology to deliver both in a single product. Continue Reading

Cloud-based network monitoring creates management flexibility

Cloud-based network monitoring offers Broward Center's theater campus more flexible and efficient network management so IT can keep performing arts center stage. Continue Reading

ADC, the networking management tool, acquires new abilities

Networking pros should take a new look at what application delivery controllers now offer. ADCs now have some cutting-edge features making the networking workhorse exciting. Continue Reading

New, micro-ADC features can aid enterprise security

The ADC is no hot, new networking tool, but it's evolved dramatically, adding some features in its latest iterations that promise to increase its already important role. Continue Reading

What makes networking automation so difficult?

Analysts focus on networking automation and the problems facing it, as well as gaming trends that could affect 5G deployment costs and debate questions surrounding the future of blockchain. Continue Reading

How do I improve my network programming knowledge?

When it comes to SDN and programmable network skills, combining training with practice and hands-on experience can help advance your programming knowledge. Continue Reading

How can network analytics tools be used to improve performance?

With pressure and expectations for network and enterprise performance rising, IT professionals are turning to network analytics tools that use machine learning to remain ahead of the game. Continue Reading

What is ONAP, and how does it tie into NFV architecture?

Network expert Lee Doyle looks at ONAP, its role in NFV architecture and its progress in becoming the standard platform for NFV management and orchestration. Continue Reading

Software drives the promise of the interoperable network

Interoperability in networks is essential now, a reality that vendors increasingly acknowledge. Learn how the networking industry is changing to accommodate the need for openness. Continue Reading

Software-driven network access ups enterprise agility

Network access to service provider systems is becoming software-based. Learn more about how software-defined access works and the flexibility inherent in software. Continue Reading

Test yourself on open networking, open source and SDN

The open networking concept follows the likes of SDN and open source, but the lines separating them all are often blurred. This quiz can help you understand the differences. Continue Reading

Analyst balks at blockchain distributed ledger in networking

Blockchain distributed ledger technology is untested, unproven and overly complex, making it unsuitable for networking, GlobalData analyst Mike Fratto argued. Continue Reading

Blockchain technology use in networking? Not so fast

Blockchain technology use has little value in networking, according to one IT analyst. Analysts also examine IoT security and what might happen to AI if disasters occur. Continue Reading

Cisco DNA Center gets access to more IoT devices

Cisco DNA Center can now access an additional 620 IoT device profiles. Cisco also introduced this week a couple of Catalyst 9500 switches, including one with 100 GbE ports. Continue Reading

Networking elements of a digital transformation framework

Establishing a digital transformation framework includes adopting advanced technologies. Networking pros play a crucial role in managing this new wave of innovation. Continue Reading

Big data network analytics: The next big thing

Networking managers are trying to keep track of an ever-increasing number of moving pieces. To do so, they are turning to a new class of big data network analytics that applies machine learning and artificial intelligence to help improve performance of growing networks.

While network professionals can look at various components of their networks and see what's happening on them now, the need to create more meaningful, actionable information is leading to increased demand for more sophisticated big data network analytics. As enterprises continue to use cloud services and advanced networking technologies like software-defined WAN, this need will only grow.

In this issue of Network Evolution, read insights from network professionals who are beginning to apply big data network analytics, machine learning and AI and what enterprises expect from these tools as the industry develops them.

Also in this issue, vendor consolidation in the last several years has wrought changes to what products and services are supported. Traditional networking vendors like Cisco and Juniper have jumped into the software-defined networking space through acquisitions, and several other vendors have merged to streamline products and diversify offerings. Read how the evolving vendor landscape is impacting the way enterprises interact with their suppliers.

In addition, as more workloads are placed in the cloud, enterprises have more options for deploying unified communications. Read best practices and considerations for on-premises or cloud UC or a mix of both to decide which deployment works best.

Finally, read about one organization's mission to improve healthcare through better wireless connectivity in this issue's Subnet.

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Network analytics tools deepen with machine learning and AI

Network analytics tools that utilize machine learning and AI can help IT pros with monitoring and performance evaluation, and provide business insight. But a holistic view of the network using analytics is still on the horizon. Continue Reading

Network data analysis driving business intelligence

According to a study from Enterprise Management Associates, network data analysis tools are now being used by enterprises to deliver valuable information to business units. Continue Reading

Cloud-based Aruba NetInsight focuses on Wi-Fi performance

Aruba's latest cloud-based analytics compares user Wi-Fi performance to let companies see why theirs is underperforming. Aruba NetInsight pricing starts at $50 per managed device. Continue Reading

Digital transformation process includes the network

The digital transformation process puts pressure on the network to support new technology. Network pros need to be transformative, too, adapting new skills to interact with business. Continue Reading

Which is better for WLAN support: Mac or Windows?

Choosing the right laptop for WLAN support usually boils down to Macintosh versus Windows. But of the two, there is only one OS clearly up to the task, our expert maintains. Continue Reading

Is it best to buy or build a network automation system?

Bloggers explore the question of buying versus building a network automation system, the challenges of hyper-converged infrastructure and the integration of AI into enterprise IT. Continue Reading

The benefits of machine learning in network management

Enterprises and vendors alike are now undertaking machine learning deployment strategies. What are the benefits of machine learning in networking related to analysis and management tools? Continue Reading

Cisco adds predictive analytics to Viptela SD-WAN

Cisco's new cloud-based service, called vAnalytics, helps companies prepare for changes within the Viptela SD-WAN by giving answers to what-if questions. Continue Reading

How can IT asset management tools aid in virtualization era?

IT asset management tools allow businesses to track resources effectively. Platform organization is increasingly necessary in a virtualized enterprise. Continue Reading

Meet network management goals with new tech and techniques

Get up to speed on the new technological advances, improved products and advanced techniques that make enterprise network monitoring and management a bit less daunting. Continue Reading

How to make machine learning systems work in the network

Machine learning systems in networks are gaining acceptance, but our expert cautions that humans and APIs are still needed to keep complexity at bay. Continue Reading

Gartner: Networking innovation in the cloud tops vendors

A Gartner report says enterprises waiting on vendors for networking innovation are missing out on the better technology coming from cloud providers. Continue Reading

What's automation's role in network provisioning resources?

IT is embracing network automation, but complications with integration disrupt the process. Using automation for provisioning resources can improve efficiency, but reduce the need for IT personnel. Continue Reading

Google Cloud Dedicated Interconnect offers VPN alternative

Google's Dedicated Interconnect enables an enterprise to privately connect its data center to the public cloud. Here's a breakdown of key features and the requirements to use it. Continue Reading

Take network configuration management tools to the next level

Script management systems and intent-based networking are driving the future of network configuration management tools, shifting the paradigm of how networking systems are managed. Continue Reading

Remediation engine to improve Nyansa Voyance network monitoring

New remediation engine in Nyansa Voyance flags the cause of network troubles and recommends changes to correct it. Other improvements include more syslog data for better analytics. Continue Reading

Enterprise IT infrastructure: Outsource or upgrade for CIOs?

Intent-based networking and other emerging technologies offer new approaches to enterprise IT, but some CIOs are seeking innovation in cloud computing. Continue Reading

How to use traceroute to troubleshoot network problems

Traceroute is a tool that can provide more insight than you might think. Learn how to use traceroute to troubleshoot network issues. Continue Reading

Open source network tools compete with shrinking vendor equipment

Vendor equipment consolidation could limit network operator service automation efforts, but new open source network tools offer options and prevent lock-in. Continue Reading

Riverbed Xirrus merger brings SD-WAN, wireless integration

The Riverbed Xirrus merger will lead to unified management of SD-WAN and wireless products. Riverbed SteelConnect Manager will get some control over Xirrus access points this year. Continue Reading

Cisco DNA Center headed for central enterprise network management

The new Cisco DNA Center policy software may become the central enterprise management console for data center and campus networks, integrating Cisco's APIC controller. Continue Reading

Why SDN, DevOps don't share automated network missions

SDN and DevOps may both have a role in automated network device management, but compared to SDN, DevOps has a completely different mission, our expert explains. Continue Reading

Cisco to acquire Viptela

Cisco said it would acquire SD-WAN vendor Viptela Inc. in a deal valued at $610 million. The transaction, expected to close later this year, will fortify Cisco's existing SD-WAN portfolio with ... Continue Reading

Xirrus wireless LAN makes Riverbed WAN portfolio stronger for the branch

The acquisition of wireless LAN provider Xirrus makes the Riverbed WAN portfolio more appealing to companies with branch offices. Continue Reading

Vive la revolution! New wide area network technologies usher in change

In today's wide area network, emerging technologies disrupt the status quo ... and that's a good thing. Enterprises now have more options than ever when it comes to WAN design. Continue Reading

Managed enterprise network services gain traction

As network demands become increasingly complex, many enterprises are turning to managed network services, outsourcing maintenance to third-party providers. Continue Reading

Open source network software promises major industry shifts

Let the disruption commence! Observers say it's high time the networking sector accepts and sorts out open source, arguing it's not a question of if enterprises use it, but how. Continue Reading

API growth forcing vendors to take notice or risk losing out

The API is fast becoming a must-have in modern networking. But API growth is forcing vendors to rethink how they want their devices to be configured and managed. Continue Reading

Why 2017 promises to bring more network automation systems

Arista, Cisco and Juniper took steps this year toward providing better network automation systems. Next year, companies can expect to see technology from other vendors. Continue Reading

Startups launch verification technology to help manage networks

Forward Networks and Veriflow Systems have introduced verification technology to help engineers manage corporate networks. Continue Reading

Nyansa adds app monitoring to network traffic analytics

Nyansa has widened the capabilities of its network traffic analytics system with the addition of application monitoring. The latest capabilities are packaged as Voyance+. Continue Reading

Avaya joins vendors offering cloud-based management of WLANs

Avaya plans to offer in the first half of next year cloud-based management for its access switches and WLAN 9100 access points. Continue Reading

ScienceLogic EM7: Network performance monitor overview

ScienceLogic EM7 is still a newcomer to the network performance monitoring market, but it offers flexible deployment options, including VMs and software-as-a-service installations. Continue Reading

Glue provides SD automation for more network appliances

Glue Networks has added support for more than a dozen network products in its orchestration engine. The Gluware engine provides greater SD automation. Continue Reading

Wireless management in the cloud heralds transformation

Placing wireless management in the cloud is gaining traction among enterprises as companies examine more efficient ways to oversee their networks. It's part of a shift that's affecting network infrastructure. Continue Reading

Managing apps requires holistic, reactive approach

Managing apps' performance must be planned holistically with an eye to reactive management and proactive management. Continue Reading

Network automation scripts: Separating myth from reality

Network automation can make work easier, but be careful which processes you automate. Done wrong, automation can break more things than it fixes. Continue Reading

Ansible update gets net automation for Cisco, Arista, HPE

The latest Ansible release brings net automation to infrastructure devices from Cisco, Arista Networks, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks. Continue Reading

System management vendors target full-stack oversight

This week, bloggers explore a new breed of system management vendors, networking takeaways from the VTech breach, and endpoint detection and response. Continue Reading

Aruba Sensor takes tracking beacons to other Wi-Fi networks

Aruba's new Sensor product makes it possible to use the company's indoor tracking beacons on third-party Wi-Fi networks. Continue Reading

Aerohive API platform delivers business application data

Aerohive has unveiled an API platform that delivers wireless network data to business application developers. Continue Reading

Comcast to offer enterprise network management services

Comcast enters the market for enterprise network management services as more large companies opt to have other businesses handle networking chores in data centers. Continue Reading

Extreme adds muscle to Wi-Fi appliances

Extreme Networks introduces Wi-Fi appliances that can manage considerably more access points than previous versions. Continue Reading

Network programming skills from scripting to DevOps: What to learn

Networking pros don't need to become code monkeys, but a little network programming can go a long way toward advancing their careers. Continue Reading

Mobile network management applications offer monitoring on the go

As smartphone and tablet devices in the enterprise grow, vendors are developing mobile network management apps for iOS and Android, offering accessible views into the network. Continue Reading

The most commonly used network operating system

In this Q&A, Lindi Horton answers the question "What network operating system is more currently and commonly used?" Continue Reading

OpenNMS, an introduction: Affordable network management

Open source expert Maria Winslow brings network managers up to speed about the free open source enterprise-grade network-management system OpenNMS. Continue Reading

Multi Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) - Open Source Network Administration, Chapter 3

The Multi Router Traffic Grapher (MRTG) is an open source tool used to monitor the traffic load on network links. In this chapter James Kretchmar tells us how MRTG produces Web pages containing PNG images, which provide a live visual representation of this traffic. Continue Reading

Best practices for network management in the non-profit world

Discover how the Washington, D.C.-based National Parks Conservation Association developed their network management solution to ensure network uptime and availability. Continue Reading

Guide to network performance management

This guide introduces you to network management best practices and pitfalls to avoid, and provides troubleshooting help and advice for monitoring and maintaining your network for best performance. Continue Reading

When I use the Microsoft Windows VPN Client, what kind of VPN tunnel is created?

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