Network Security Best Practices and Products

Top Stories

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
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

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
Tip 12 Nov 2018

How 3 benefits of SDN can help small businesses

As SDN matures and evolves from its original definition, it's getting harder for small businesses to ignore the benefits of SDN, like better visibility, security and efficiency. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Nov 2018

NetOps, SecOps, DevOps concepts merge to automate security testing

By adopting DevOps concepts, network teams can automate security testing. But, as development, network and security tasks mingle, some staffing challenges can arise. Continue Reading
News 09 Nov 2018

Cisco layoffs mark Customer Experience restructuring

Cisco is laying off hundreds of employees as it restructures its Customer Experience unit led by new-hire Maria Martinez. The Cisco layoffs come the week before its Partner Summit. Continue Reading
News 09 Nov 2018

Teridion intros cloud-based WAN for enterprises

Teridion plans to launch next year a cloud-based WAN for enterprises that includes a carrier-grade service-level agreement. The service connects to SaaS, IaaS and branch offices. Continue Reading
Feature 09 Nov 2018

Adobe adopts Versa SD-WAN architecture for cloud performance

After moving its business to the cloud, Adobe chose to deploy Versa SD-WAN architecture when it needed four-nines availability for critical services -- all on a smaller budget. Continue Reading
News 08 Nov 2018

How the right network automation tools can modernize your network

In this roundup of networking blogs, industry experts examine network automation innovation, the partnership between networking and DevOps, and the importance of data sheet specs. Continue Reading
News 07 Nov 2018

Automation added to Extreme SLX data center networking

Extreme Networks has introduced network automation and a single console for managing data center and campus networks. The technology is part of the Extreme SLX Agile Data Center. Continue Reading
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
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
Blog Post 05 Nov 2018

5 questions to ask about open data centers

Editor's note: In this opinion piece, industry analyst Zeus Kerravala shares his thoughts on open data centers and Extreme Networks' approach. Extreme Networks is a client of Kerravala's ZK ... Continue Reading
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
Answer 02 Nov 2018

How do last-mile connections work for SD-WAN deployments?

SD-WAN technology plays well with existing last-mile connections, and it allows enterprises to use more than one type of transport link. But beware of provider sprawl. Continue Reading
News 01 Nov 2018

How Cisco 400 GbE switches compare with Arista's

The introduction of Cisco's 400 GbE switches comes a week after Arista unveiled its hardware. The products differ in merchant silicon, optical connectors and backward compatibility. Continue Reading
News 01 Nov 2018

MEF's new SD-WAN standard too low-level, according to analysts

MEF is making its SD-WAN standard available to members, with public availability expected in 2019. But analysts deem the specifications too low-level to effect change. Continue Reading
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
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
Feature 31 Oct 2018

How to select a CDN provider that addresses your specialized needs

Leading CDN services offer a wide range of traffic management functionality, including application load balancing, and provide a variety of network security services. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Oct 2018

11 common wireless security risks you don't have to take

Wi-Fi is a boon to productivity, but it can also create serious security issues. Learn how any company can uncover and fortify their wireless security setup. Continue Reading
Feature 29 Oct 2018

Edge computing in IoT: Increasing network efficiency to ease traffic

Edge computing in IoT is tied to IoT's growth in a number of vertical markets due to the benefits of processing data close to the data source, which relieves network overload. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Oct 2018

SD-WAN and SLAs: Why crafting internal SLAs is a smart move

IT teams can use SD-WAN to keep track of network performance, upping the possibility to create and enforce internal SLAs that better reflect business requirements. Continue Reading
News 26 Oct 2018

Job cuts part of Nokia 5G, enterprise changes

Nokia plans to cut thousands of jobs as it doubles down on its 5G and enterprise businesses. The Nokia 5G strategy focuses on selling and developing mobile radio products. Continue Reading
Feature 26 Oct 2018

Comparing content delivery offerings from 10 leading CDN providers

It may seem that all CDN services have similar functionality for optimizing traditional apps and video. But before you select a CDN, learn how the offerings compare and differ. Continue Reading
News 26 Oct 2018

Versa Networks integrates SD-WAN service with Azure Virtual WAN

In networking news, Versa Networks partners with Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN; CenturyLink launches the Managed Cisco SD-WAN service; and Aryaka expands cloud offerings with Oracle. Continue Reading
News 25 Oct 2018

Be prepared for SD-WAN implementation complexities

With SD-WAN implementation burgeoning, enterprises should ensure they have the internal staff to support the technology. And it doesn't hurt to plan for deployment challenges. 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 25 Oct 2018

Juniper earnings downed by a lack of cloud sales

The latest Juniper earnings report shows lower-than-expected sales to cloud providers will result in a revenue decline in the current quarter. The company had expected to return to growth. Continue Reading
Answer 25 Oct 2018

How to perform packet loss tests and how they work

Network engineers have two standard systems utilities that help them check for packet loss. Learn how this is done and, should a problem prove persistent, the best next steps for troubleshooting packet loss. Continue Reading
News 24 Oct 2018

Comcast Business unveils Alexa integration with ActiveCore SD-WAN

Comcast Business supports Alexa integration with its ActiveCore platform, allowing customers on the go to ask Alexa how their SD-WAN sites are performing. Continue Reading
Blog Post 24 Oct 2018

Expect slow adoption of 400 Gigabit Ethernet, for now

Editor's note: In this opinion piece, industry analyst Zeus Kerravala shares his thoughts on 400 Gigabit Ethernet adoption and Arista Networks' 400 GbE approach. Arista is a client of Kerravala's ... Continue Reading
Answer 24 Oct 2018

What is a long-tail DoS threat, and how does it target web apps?

Fine-grained application monitoring can defend against a long-tail DoS threat. This new kind of vulnerability manipulates service queues within a web application. Continue Reading
News 23 Oct 2018

The Arista 400 GbE 7060X4 takes on Cisco, Juniper

Arista has joined rivals Cisco and Juniper in the 400 GbE switching market. The company introduced this week the Arista 400 GbE 7060X4 Series for hyperscale data centers. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Oct 2018

SD-WAN connectivity options hinge on latency, app performance

Users debating MPLS vs. internet for SD-WAN connectivity should take the time to extensively research latency and quality-of-service requirements in terms of application performance. Continue Reading
News 19 Oct 2018

VMware faces strong challengers in cloud systems management

VMware topped IDC's latest vendor ranking in the cloud systems management market. But the analyst firm said the market is too young to declare any vendor a winner. Continue Reading
News 19 Oct 2018

How SD-WAN services could improve application metrics

In this roundup of network blogs, industry insiders dissect SD-WAN's role in application metrics, the future of 5G growth and the evolution of network automation. 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
Tip 19 Oct 2018

Network monitoring systems best practices include centralized data

With the help of a centralized data store and modeling language, network monitoring systems can both separate and unify data collection and analysis functions. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Oct 2018

4 switch ASIC interfaces to drive SDN and machine learning growth

Learn how four interfaces that are designed to control switch ASICs and packet forwarding can help accelerate developments in SDN and machine learning. Continue Reading
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
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
News 17 Oct 2018

Cato SD-WAN adds 'self-healing' capabilities to product portfolio

Cato Networks hones Cato SD-WAN with 'self-healing' features designed to fight against network failures. Also, Kaloom unveils Software Defined Fabric to improve data center programmability. 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
News 16 Oct 2018

Public cloud management tools lacking, research finds

Networking experts discuss the challenge of finding robust public cloud management tools, how to improve network resiliency and avoiding network exceptions. 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
News 12 Oct 2018

Riverbed tailors SteelCentral AppResponse for the cloud

Riverbed has launched SteelCentral AppResponse Cloud. The latest version of the application monitor troubleshoots problems found in business applications running on the AWS cloud. Continue Reading
News 12 Oct 2018

ONUG conference to highlight cybersecurity and data protection

At the ONUG fall conference on Oct. 22 to 23, attendees will learn how enterprises can secure assets in a digital economy and how automation, cybersecurity and data protection fit in. 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 11 Oct 2018

Cisco Business Critical Services gets better network monitoring

The latest version of Cisco Business Critical Services includes limited management of third-party devices and improved detection of an impending hardware failure. Continue Reading
News 11 Oct 2018

SevOne and Versa Networks join forces for SD-WAN monitoring

In networking news, SevOne adds SD-WAN monitoring support for Versa Networks; HPE announces new hybrid cloud services with Microsoft; and Aerohive updates its A3 service with cloud management. Continue Reading
News 10 Oct 2018

CenturyLink service offers self-serve connection to AWS

CenturyLink has introduced a service that lets companies create a temporary virtual connection to AWS. The pay-as-you-go CenturyLink service is called Cloud Connect Dynamic Connections. 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 05 Oct 2018

AT&T blockchain effort includes IBM, Microsoft

AT&T has linked its IoT services to the blockchain offerings of IBM and Microsoft. The AT&T blockchain effort is aimed at retailers, manufacturers and healthcare organizations. 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 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
Blog Post 03 Oct 2018

Palo Alto Networks adds cloud analytics with RedLock acquisition

It's fair to say the cloud has become a core component of most organizations' IT strategies. The growth of public cloud services -- such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google ... 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
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
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
News 27 Sep 2018

VMware, Riverbed integrate SD-WANs with Azure Virtual WAN

VMware and Riverbed have integrated their SD-WAN software with Azure Virtual WAN, improving interoperability between the products and Microsoft Azure. 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
Tip 24 Sep 2018

A 7-step checklist for designing a cloud migration plan

Enterprises want their applications to be portable and able to shift easily among multiple cloud providers. To do that, putting together a good cloud migration plan is a must. 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 21 Sep 2018

Trump tariffs on China could spark Cisco, Juniper price increase

Enterprises will pay more for networking gear as a result of President Donald Trump's tariffs on China. Vendors planning to pass on added costs to customers include Cisco and Juniper. 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
Answer 20 Sep 2018

How do I begin network infrastructure planning for SD-WAN?

When gearing up for SD-WAN upgrades, enterprises should take their time with network infrastructure planning. These three steps can help get them started. 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
News 19 Sep 2018

Nuage Networks, Talari SD-WAN tack on multi-cloud connectivity

With their respective SD-WAN platform updates this week, Nuage Networks and Talari took a page from Oprah: You get multi-cloud connectivity, and you get multi-cloud connectivity. 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 17 Sep 2018

Are SD-WAN security concerns warranted?

Networking analysts and engineers examine SD-WAN security concerns, the importance of cabling in wireless environments and a new security attack that's difficult to detect. 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
News 14 Sep 2018

Mist automates WLAN monitoring with new AI features

Mist says its AI platform for WLAN monitoring can now handle hundreds of queries and will use deep learning to flag anomalies before they cause problems for users. Continue Reading
News 13 Sep 2018

AT&T Spark highlights big changes in networking market

The AT&T Spark event showed more than the service provider's latest 5G technology. It also revealed how AT&T is redefining the role of networking vendors in its data centers. Continue Reading
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
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
News 12 Sep 2018

Cisco ASR 9000 router gets usage-based pricing

Cisco has changed licensing for the ASR 9000 router to let service providers pay only for the throughput they use. The new pricing arrives as service providers prepare for 5G. Continue Reading
Opinion 12 Sep 2018

4G LTE or 5G could be your branch office backup internet connection

As of May, Citrix has entered this space, too. Continue Reading
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
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
Tip 10 Sep 2018

What is carrier cloud's role in 5G and IoT transformation?

Carrier cloud deployment is helping network operators respond to opportunities that will drive transformation, like 5G and IoT. The question is, where can carrier cloud help? 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
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
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
Opinion 06 Sep 2018

What's VMware's goal with its Virtual Cloud Network release?

Attendees saw a noteworthy turnabout at VMworld 2018. With its Virtual Cloud Network announcement, VMware signaled its new vision of cloud, and the network is the center of its strategy. 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
Answer 06 Sep 2018

Does software networking fit modern data center requirements?

Software networking can support modern data center requirements, private clouds and accompanying applications. But IT teams need to wade through components and suppliers to get there. Continue Reading
News 05 Sep 2018

5G services to headline Mobile World Congress Americas 2018

In a roundup of industry insights, 5G services will be a hot topic at Mobile World Congress, VMware embraces multi-cloud and cybersecurity platforms require key features. Continue Reading
News 31 Aug 2018

NSS Labs-Cisco spat raises licensing restriction enforceability

The NSS Labs-Cisco tiff raises questions on the validity of licensing that prohibits customers from testing software performance and publishing the results. Continue Reading
Opinion 30 Aug 2018

Nyansa's Voyance uses machine learning to improve Wi-Fi troubleshooting

Wi-Fi woes trip up company business, but a tool that uses machine learning can help. Read this review that covers one company's experience with Nyansa's Voyance tool. Continue Reading
News 30 Aug 2018

VMware takes NSX security to AWS workloads

VMware has brought NSX microsegmentation to workloads running on Amazon Web Services. Also, at VMworld 2018, VMware said NSX security is now enforceable on Arista switches. 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 29 Aug 2018

Talari SD-WAN targets mobile with Meta Networks integration

Talari combined its SD-WAN service with Meta Networks' NaaS platform, and California Telecom chose Versa Networks for managed SD-WAN. 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
Buyer's Guide 28 Aug 2018

Consider SD-WAN products to help simplify network management

Learn how to determine your organization's need for SD-WAN technology and how to evaluate offerings from the top SD-WAN providers in the market to find the right fit. Continue Reading
News 23 Aug 2018

Cisco refused to participate in NSS Labs report on SD-WAN

Cisco wouldn't activate NSS Labs' Viptela license after the testing firm paid between $30,000 and $40,000 for the technology for a comparative NSS Labs report on SD-WAN products. Continue Reading