Network Management Software, Tools and Utilities
Top Stories
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Tip
25 Apr 2022
Power over Ethernet basics for network architects
Power over Ethernet provides a way to supply electricity to low-power devices through a standard Ethernet cable. Learn about the different standards and PoE types. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2022
The NetOps 2.0 era is here: A primer for networking pros
Experts say inflexible legacy networks impede critical DevOps initiatives. Enter NetOps 2.0. This primer explains how automation and virtualization can help networks evolve. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jan 2020
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
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Tip
21 Jan 2020
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
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Tip
21 Jan 2020
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
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Feature
07 Nov 2018
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
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Tip
07 Nov 2018
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
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News
02 Nov 2018
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
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Guide
01 Nov 2018
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
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Guide
17 Oct 2018
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
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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
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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
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Tip
04 Oct 2018
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
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News
27 Sep 2018
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
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Answer
13 Sep 2018
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
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Opinion
11 Sep 2018
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
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Opinion
06 Sep 2018
Market for network performance tools enters vendor consolidation phase
Recent acquisitions of network performance monitoring and diagnostic tool vendors signal market consolidation. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Aug 2018
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
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Tip
01 Aug 2018
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
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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
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Answer
25 Jul 2018
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
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Feature
23 Jul 2018
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
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Opinion
20 Jul 2018
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
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Opinion
19 Jul 2018
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
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Tip
17 Jul 2018
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
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Tip
16 Jul 2018
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
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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
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Opinion
11 Jun 2018
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
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News
08 Jun 2018
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
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Feature
01 Jun 2018
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
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Tip
29 May 2018
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
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Tip
29 May 2018
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
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News
25 May 2018
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
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Answer
22 May 2018
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
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Answer
21 May 2018
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
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Tip
14 May 2018
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
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Tip
01 May 2018
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
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Tip
01 May 2018
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
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Quiz
26 Apr 2018
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
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News
20 Apr 2018
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
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News
19 Apr 2018
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
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News
18 Apr 2018
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
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Feature
03 Apr 2018
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
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E-Zine
03 Apr 2018
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.
Continue Reading -
Feature
03 Apr 2018
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
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Tip
29 Mar 2018
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
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News
27 Mar 2018
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
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Feature
22 Mar 2018
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
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Answer
22 Mar 2018
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
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News
15 Mar 2018
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
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Tip
13 Mar 2018
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
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News
08 Mar 2018
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
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Answer
26 Feb 2018
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
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Guide
15 Feb 2018
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
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Tip
09 Feb 2018
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
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News
08 Feb 2018
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
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Answer
05 Feb 2018
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
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Tip
17 Jan 2018
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
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Tip
16 Jan 2018
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
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News
10 Nov 2017
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
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Feature
27 Oct 2017
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
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Tip
26 Sep 2017
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
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Tip
09 Aug 2017
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
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News
03 Aug 2017
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
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News
28 Jun 2017
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
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Tip
12 May 2017
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
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Blog Post
01 May 2017
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
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News
21 Apr 2017
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
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Opinion
19 Apr 2017
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
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Feature
02 Mar 2017
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
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Feature
01 Feb 2017
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
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Tip
13 Jan 2017
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
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News
14 Dec 2016
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
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News
15 Nov 2016
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
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News
08 Nov 2016
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
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News
07 Oct 2016
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
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Feature
01 Aug 2016
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
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News
11 Jul 2016
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
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Opinion
24 May 2016
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
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Podcast
06 Apr 2016
Managing apps requires holistic, reactive approach
Managing apps' performance must be planned holistically with an eye to reactive management and proactive management. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Apr 2016
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
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News
18 Feb 2016
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
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News
09 Dec 2015
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
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News
02 Dec 2015
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
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News
20 Nov 2015
Aerohive API platform delivers business application data
Aerohive has unveiled an API platform that delivers wireless network data to business application developers. Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2015
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
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News
14 Jul 2015
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
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Feature
01 Aug 2014
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
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Photo Story
04 Jan 2012
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
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Answer
04 Oct 2006
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
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Tip
31 May 2006
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
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Feature
18 Apr 2006
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
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Feature
16 Mar 2006
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
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Tutorial
26 Aug 2005
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
- Answer 20 Jul 2004