Network Security Best Practices and Products
Top Stories
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Answer
13 Jul 2021
The differences between PAP and CHAP
PAP uses a two-way handshake to authenticate client sessions, while CHAP uses a three-way handshake. Both authentication processes are common, but one is more secure. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Oct 2020
What does a VPN concentrator do?
As more employees work remotely and VPN use rises, VPN concentrators have become trendy. But what does a VPN concentrator do exactly, and how do you deploy one? Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2019
AT&T-Microsoft deal secures use of 5G wireless, Azure cloud
The latest AT&T-Microsoft partnership announcement lacked details for buyers of enterprise products and services but gave a big boost to Microsoft's Azure public cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2019
Learn about the top telecom certifications
Use this expert advice to wade through myriad telecom certifications and pinpoint the top certifications for the industry, like TCO, iNARTE and BICSI certifications. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2019
Datadog network monitoring tool provides visibility to containers
Datadog Network Performance Monitoring intends to ease the workload of engineering teams by automating network monitoring and providing visibility down to containers. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2019
Why streaming telemetry tops SNMP in tracking network performance
SNMP isn't going away anytime soon, but streaming telemetry is a much more effective way to generate critical alerts and measure network performance. 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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Feature
17 Jul 2019
The 5 network security basics you need to know
In this compilation, learn what network security is, as well as how it differs from cybersecurity, common -- and potentially confusing -- technologies, threats and more. 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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Feature
11 Jul 2019
BGP tutorial: How the routing protocol works
Border Gateway Protocol is the complex routing protocol that literally makes the internet work. This tutorial walks you through how BGP functions and offers troubleshooting options. Continue Reading
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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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Feature
10 Jul 2019
How cloud network services affect transformation and security
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts dive into three facets of networking that cloud can affect: network transformation, planning and security. 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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Opinion
03 Jul 2019
Why networking certifications no longer matter
Networking certifications have consistently been an important milestone for network professionals. But diverse network infrastructure, automation and UI upgrades could change that. 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
02 Jul 2019
A glossary of 10 essential network security terms
This network security glossary covers both old and new key terms -- such as zero trust networks and microsegmentation -- that can bolster anyone's security vocabulary. 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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Answer
28 Jun 2019
Can you integrate legacy network monitoring and analytics?
Legacy network monitoring and new analytics tools don't often mix. One workaround is APIs, but a better option is to upgrade older management software. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2019
Discover 3 real-world network automation use cases
The real benefits of network automation are managing multiple network devices at once. Larger networks, in particular, can benefit from these network automation use cases. Continue Reading
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Guide
28 Jun 2019
How to improve network visibility and regain control
Gaining visibility into the network has never been easy; technology like cloud and IoT makes it even tougher. Learn how to meet such challenges and keep network traffic flowing. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2019
Extreme's Aerohive acquisition closes WLAN product gap
Extreme Networks' Aerohive acquisition would fill a gap in Extreme's WLAN portfolio by adding a cloud-based management option competitive with Cisco and Aruba. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2019
Follow trends and research to increase networking innovations
Organizations can witness network transformations if they are aware of market trends, research and disruptive technologies. Many turn to third parties for this information. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2019
Pica8 PicOS upgrade enhances network security
Pica8 claims its PicOS network operating system will address rising security and efficiency challenges with its new network access control integrations. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2019
CloudGenix SD-WAN platform open for developers
The CloudGenix SD-WAN is open for developers. The vendor has launched a developer program and tool set for integrating third-party infrastructure software. 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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News
25 Jun 2019
ARM upgrades network visibility tool cARMa and adds Guru
ARM Data Center Software upgraded its SaaS network inventory tool cARMa to include more network visibility capabilities, including the introduction of mapping and analytics tool Guru. 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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News
24 Jun 2019
Aviatrix adds next-gen firewalls to cloud services
The Palo Alto Networks VM-Series next-generation firewalls are now deployed as part of Aviatrix's Firewall Network Service -- an extension of the Multi-Cloud Backbone portfolio. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2019
Fortinet TCO low, Silver Peak high in NSS Labs SD-WAN report
The latest NSS Labs SD-WAN report gives Fortinet the best ratings for value and total cost of ownership, while Silver Peak gets the worst of eight vendors. 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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News
20 Jun 2019
Aruba NetInsight, User Experience Insight coming to Central
Aruba plans to add analytics to its Central management console for the WLAN. Customers will be able to access Aruba NetInsight and User Experience Insight in Central. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Jun 2019
How do I plan a network management strategy for multiple tools?
Many IT teams deal with a bevy of network management tools, which complicates data integration and leads to errors. A network management strategy that focuses on coordination can help. 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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Feature
19 Jun 2019
What is NetOps? Start with these 5 common questions
This compilation is an essential starting point for NetOps novices. These five common questions explore what NetOps is, how it can benefit networks and its effect on network teams. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Jun 2019
What roles are included in a network engineer job description?
What is a network engineer? The role can encompass several disciplines, especially as new technologies emerge. Software knowledge, in particular, is in high demand. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2019
5G and SD-WAN could provide reliable, alternate connectivity
5G and SD-WAN could develop into an alternative connectivity option that offers high speeds and low latency to geographic areas and remote workers with limited connectivity options. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2019
Kaloom introduces real-time INT for data center visibility
Kaloom's in-band network telemetry, FlowEye, intends to provide data center managers with a full view of a packet's real-time journey through a data center. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2019
DH2i's DxConnect brings zero-trust connectivity to networks
DH2i's zero-trust architecture software, DxConnect, will address common security issues and bring microtunnel development, discreet invisibility, an open API and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2019
The role of edge computing security in enterprise networks
By ensuring IoT security, IT teams can secure enterprise networks as well. Edge computing can provide one path toward this security, as long as IT properly evaluates and plans for it. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jun 2019
Aerohive Networks launches new Wi-Fi management products
Aerohive Networks is using AI and machine learning to provide behavior insights for Wi-Fi management with the launch of its new products, Traffic Insights and Maximum Client Capabilities. 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
14 Jun 2019
Versa Networks partnership expands Riverbed SD-WAN offerings
Riverbed and Versa Networks teamed up on an OEM agreement that enables Riverbed to use Versa's enterprise-class secure SD-WAN technology. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jun 2019
Explore 4 key areas of enterprise network transformation
Organizations have made improving network performance a major priority in 2019. But moving from legacy to modern infrastructures may introduce network challenges, as well. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2019
3 important SD-WAN security considerations and features
Device onboarding, control plane security and data plane security are three crucial SD-WAN security considerations enterprises should research when choosing an SD-WAN vendor. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2019
Ixia network packet broker, cybersecurity test introduced
Ixia launched two new products for networking and security: the Ixia network packet broker, Vision X, for data center visibility and Ixia BreakingPoint QuickTest to gauge device and network security. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2019
F5 Super-NetOps initiative wins Network Innovation Award
The F5 Super-NetOps training initiative has won TechTarget's Network Innovation Award for its efforts to help today's networking pros develop skills for tomorrow. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2019
When moving cloud on premises, ask these important questions
In this recap of industry blogs, networking analysts discuss moving cloud on premises, per-application ADC innovation and how cyberattackers target the C-suite. 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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News
10 Jun 2019
Cisco AI, machine learning network analytics head to the cloud
The new Cisco AI and machine learning platform, launched at Cisco Live, is a cloud-based network analytics service for the data center, campus and WAN. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2019
Consider these 3 fundamentals of cloud architecture
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore three networking fundamentals of cloud architecture for both public and private cloud networks. 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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News
07 Jun 2019
Sentryo acquisition to bolster Cisco IIoT security
Cisco plans to acquire industrial security firm Sentryo. The acquisition would add network visibility, anomaly detection and real-time threat detection to the Cisco IIoT portfolio. 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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Tip
06 Jun 2019
How 5G deployment will affect enterprise network hardware, software
Enterprise network architects can start thinking about 5G deployment now, focusing on mobile usage, real-time communications and 5G-capable network equipment. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jun 2019
Managed SD-WAN providers ranked in new market report
AT&T ranked first in Vertical Systems Group's SD-WAN report that compared more than 30 carrier-managed SD-WAN providers based on market share of installed customer sites. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2019
NSC joins forces with Silver Peak SD-WAN services
Silver Peak and NSC have partnered up to combine NSC IT services with Silver Peak SD-WAN services. NSC will serve as a single source provider and offer SD-WAN deployment services. 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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Guide
31 May 2019
An 802.11ax survival guide: Expectations for the Wi-Fi standard
This 802.11ax survival guide has the information you need for the newest Wi-Fi standard, including various expectations, device advice and available features. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
Tech buyer rights raised in Cisco vulnerability
The seriousness of the Cisco vulnerability, Thrangycat, raises the question of tech buyers' rights when dealing with such a serious flaw in a vendor's hardware. 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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Feature
29 May 2019
Managed SD-WAN is a developing part of WAN transformation
Despite SD-WAN's benefits for WAN transformation, enterprises can't avoid the shortcomings. Find out how many organizations address those challenges with managed SD-WAN. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2019
4 criteria to consider in your cloud migration strategy
Organizations that are evaluating a workload migration to the cloud should use this workload placement process to build a consistent cloud migration strategy. 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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News
24 May 2019
Cisco vulnerability fix for thrangrycat carries risks
The Cisco vulnerability fix for thrangrycat could make affected hardware unusable. But the vendor said its ready to replace products, if needed. 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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Quiz
23 May 2019
What do you know about the history of Wi-Fi?
If you ever wonder how Wi-Fi got to where it is today, this quiz takes you through the vast history of Wi-Fi, from the first generation through 802.11ax's impending ratification. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 May 2019
Compare offerings from network analytics market leaders
Learn how 10 top network analytics tools compare when it comes to vendor type, deployment mode, specific features and technical support options. 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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Answer
22 May 2019
What is hybrid cloud networking and how is it evolving?
With help from telecom providers and connectivity, hybrid cloud networking enables organizations to add network capacity by tapping into public cloud infrastructure. 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
17 May 2019
Extreme Networks CEO blames China, not Trump, for trade impasse
Extreme Networks CEO Ed Meyercord blames China, not President Donald Trump, for the impasse in trade talks that could force the vendor to raise prices by as much as 10%. Continue Reading
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Quiz
17 May 2019
Test your wireless knowledge: What is 802.11ax?
Despite global hype, some network professionals still wonder what 802.11ax is and how it will change networking. This quiz covers essential information all Wi-Fi aficionados should know. 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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News
15 May 2019
Extreme launches autonomous network strategy at Extreme Connect
Extreme unveils its building blocks for an autonomous network, called Elements. The company also introduces at the Extreme Connect show an IoT security tool. 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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Answer
14 May 2019
Will 5G networks require new network engineer skills?
The 5G network will likely affect network engineer skills in areas such as security, physical appliances and software. But enterprise teams won't see too much change, for now. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 May 2019
What are private 5G networks and could they emerge as a major trend?
In some network environments, businesses may need broader connection options for devices and automation. Private 5G networks, at some point, might be the answer. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2019
Evaluate top network analysis tools to find the right fit
Before selecting a network analytics tool, determine which devices and vendors make up your organization's network and what problems you hope to solve by deploying this product. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2019
Cisco AMP for Networks bolsters SD-WAN security
Cisco AMP for Networks is now part of the company's SD-WAN product. Cisco also announced this week that it had open sourced its MindMeld AI development platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2019
A glossary for the terms and types of WAN technologies
This introduction to WAN technologies defines several different terms -- such as VPN and SD-WAN -- that are essential in anybody's networking vocabulary. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2019
How to tackle network automation risks and tasks
Automation can make networks more efficient, but network engineers must first mitigate the risks. A good way to start is by setting up simple tasks that deliver operational value. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 May 2019
What is network traffic analytics and how does it enhance security?
Network traffic analysis has evolved to incorporate machine learning techniques that help identify network security threats in real time and expedite a response. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2019
New Cisco SD-WAN for enterprises using colos
The new Cisco SD-WAN for co-location facilities is aimed at enterprises that have dozens of branch offices in major cities in multiple countries. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2019
New D-Link wireless access points launched for SMEs
Two new D-Link wireless access points have been added to D-Link's Wave 2 unified AP portfolio. Designed specifically for SMEs, the APs are flexible and scalable, according to the vendor. 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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Answer
02 May 2019
What are the advantages and disadvantages of CLI and GUI?
An old-fashioned command-line interface still has some advantages over its counterpart, the graphical user interface, when managing network devices. See how CLI and GUI stack up. 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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Feature
01 May 2019
Benefits of 5G to drive enterprise adoption regardless of provider
Key 5G expectations among business decision-makers include improved network speed and reliability, and most enterprises are willing to obtain 5G regardless of provider or price. 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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Feature
30 Apr 2019
Assess needs before evaluating network analytics software
Learn how to evaluate your organization's current network to determine the most appropriate way to integrate network analytics software and what differentiates the different tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2019
DIY SD-WAN more complex than some vendors admit
Is DIY SD-WAN a do or a don't bother? One expert says it's rarely as simple as vendors suggest -- prompting a growing number of enterprises to enlist third-party support. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2019
Specialized network engineer skills deemed unnecessary by 2020
Common networking roles are shifting to keep up with network transformation and a changing industry. Challenges include new monitoring tools and increased complexity. Continue Reading