Network Security Best Practices and Products

VMware is redesigning NSX networking for the cloud

A VMware researcher says the company is preparing a new version of NSX networking for public clouds and expects the technology to be available in about a year. Continue Reading

Cloud-based network monitoring creates management flexibility

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Choosing the right software-driven network technology

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Enterprises use network security in the cloud to combat threats

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DevOps for networking evolves with software

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Software-based networks lay foundation of networking's future

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DevOps in networking begins to gain ground

Software development has benefited from a DevOps framework, which brings together software engineers and operating teams to collaborate in a continuous integration/continuous delivery model that helps automate and deploy code faster. DevOps in networking, however, is still an emerging concept. Many networks are still managed and updated using heavily manual processes.

In this issue of Network Evolution, find out how network virtualization and automation are leading enterprises to consider whether they can manage their networks through DevOps methodologies. As more network elements become software-driven, organizations will see a shift to DevOps in networking.

In addition to an emerging DevOps approach, the software-driven network brings with it a slew of new technologies and approaches to understand. From software-defined networking and software-defined WAN to network functions virtualization and virtual network functions, network professionals have to wade through options aimed at changing everything about how networks are built and managed. Read on as we sort out the subtle differences among these technologies.

And as virtualization enhances network design, it also makes the network a more attractive target for hackers. We also look at what security tools and services enterprises are investing in to boost network security in the cloud.

Finally, read how the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is using cloud-based network monitoring to keep its theater in the spotlight.

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Software-based networks lay foundation of networking's future

Software-based networks are evolving, reshaping how companies do business and blending into legacy networking. Enterprises will have to sort out which approaches work best. 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

Choosing the right software-driven network technology

The software-driven network can drive efficiency and flexibility, but network pros first need to identify the problems they're trying to fix to choose the right technology options. Continue Reading

Enterprises use network security in the cloud to combat threats

The market for network security in the cloud is growing as enterprises shift workloads to the cloud to combat potential data breaches and system threats. Continue Reading

DevOps for networking evolves with software

Enterprises have yet to fully integrate a collaborative approach to DevOps for networking, but that's changing as networks become more automated and software-driven. Continue Reading

MEF targets multivendor interoperability for network services

Vendors participating in MEF's SD-WAN implementation project aim to develop better multivendor interoperability that can lend itself to improved automation. Continue Reading

AT&T NetBond for Cloud connects Google to enterprises

AT&T NetBond for Cloud is the latest member of Google's Partner Interconnect. The AT&T service provides midsize enterprises with private connections of up to 10 Gbps to Google Cloud. Continue Reading

A refresher course on white box networking equipment

This white box networking review sheds some light on the variations, as it's all too easy to confuse the intricacies of white boxes, universal CPEs and brite boxes. Continue Reading

Optical interconnect DCI frameworks need more flexibility to keep pace

An optical interconnect framework can support high-speed DCI deployments. But it's important that optical networks become programmable to ensure reliability. Continue Reading

Cato's network security feature on the hunt for threats

Cato Networks added a network security feature that detects and identifies threats within customer networks. The capability is built into Cato's SD-WAN platform, Cato Cloud. 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

The growing ties between networking roles and automation

Network automation is here, bringing with it new demands for network professionals. But these changes should go beyond shifting networking roles, responsibilities and skills. 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

IDC, Cisco survey assesses future IT staffing needs

New IDC survey on digital transformation's effects on future IT staffing outline technology trends affecting IT hiring and 20 roles that emphasize need for expanded skill sets. Continue Reading

Private CDN services fill specific needs for some businesses

In addition to shared CDN service options, private CDNs with dedicated edge servers are the obvious answer for businesses with specific content delivery needs. Continue Reading

Network engineering skills should include software fluency

Network engineers need to rethink their network engineering skills and embrace software fluency training to meet business needs for modern network infrastructure. 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

Pica8 wooing campus with white box network switch software

Pica8 is rolling out new white box network switch software aimed at campus and branch-office deployments in a bid to build a new market. Continue Reading

Key considerations before evaluating SD-WAN vendors

Before selecting an SD-WAN technology, organizations must understand what problems they need to solve and assess which implementation option is best suited to their WAN and business requirements. 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

Q3 Cisco financials show another uptick in sales, services

Cisco financials show a 4% boost in sales as Cisco records its second consecutive quarter of revenue growth and continues to embrace software services. Continue Reading

SN blogs: Is Arista making right move with campus switches?

Bloggers discuss Arista's new strategy to market campus switches, examine container security risks and ask the question of whether networking is a commodity. Continue Reading

Helping enterprises adapt to open source switching

Enterprise adoption of open source switching hasn't kept pace with cloud providers and telcos. What are some of the barriers blocking the use of disaggregation? Continue Reading

HPE to acquire hyper-converged networking company Plexxi

Plexxi bolstered its hyper-converged networking fabric to further support VMware vSAN and NSX amid the news of HPE's acquisition intent. 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

Network disaggregation key topic at Dell event

Analysts focus on Dell's embrace of network disaggregation, how Google is narrowing the gap between human and machine and whether virtual appliances are ready for prime time. Continue Reading

Nutanix combines SDN, microsegmentation in Nutanix Flow

With the availability of Nutanix Flow, the HCI vendor merges SDN and microsegmentation to incorporate networking capabilities in its hyper-converged infrastructure stack. Continue Reading

Network infrastructure design for network-as-a-service

When it comes to network as a service, network infrastructure design depends on if you want services delivered across the LAN, WAN or data center. Find out what you need to know. Continue Reading

CDN providers comparison: Highlighting vendors' focus

Get to know the top content delivery networks with the help of this CDN providers comparison infographic, breaking down vendors' network capacity, services offered and more. Continue Reading

Growing CDN services market changes to meet cloud needs

Enterprises looking for greater network performance and scalability turn to traditional CDN services providers for nontraditional help to improve security and offer access to APIs. Continue Reading

New Arista campus switches aim to simplify designs

The Arista campus switches are an effort by the company to target enterprises with the same set of features used by large data centers and carriers. Continue Reading

Telefonica uses Nuage Networks to software-define data centers

Following Telefonica's existing Nuage Networks' SD-WAN deployment, the service provider announced it's in the process of using Nuage to deploy software-defined data centers. Continue Reading

SD-WAN technology eases network operational challenges

Services from SD-WAN vendors provide numerous benefits to organizations worldwide that rely on communications to their branch or remote offices. Continue Reading

How do the benefits of SDN improve network automation?

The ability to automate networks isn't new, and while the benefits of SDN reach out to encompass aspects of automation, SDN and network automation don't mean the same thing. Continue Reading

Cloud network management begins with the basics

Learn the essentials of how to manage cloud networks, from network architecture to how to store and transmit data to security. Includes a segment on cloud trends, too. Continue Reading

The importance of staying up to date with Wi-Fi training

Wireless networking is changing at breakneck speeds, but Wi-Fi training isn't keeping up. Find out why firms must pay more attention to ensuring engineers are properly trained. Continue Reading

Verizon SDN used to manage legacy Cisco, Juniper routers

Verizon has built a software-defined networking controller for its legacy routers. The Verizon SDN technology is being used on Cisco and Juniper hardware delivering Ethernet services. Continue Reading

Why hybrid cloud data protection is so crucial

This week's roundup of analyst musings includes discussions about the importance of hybrid cloud data protection and whether it's beneficial to strike a work-life balance. Continue Reading

Enterprises move from SD-WAN testing to deployment, IHS says

Enterprises are undergoing SD-WAN testing to gauge how the technology can offer better WAN control, IHS Markit says. Also, OPNFV releases Fraser to support cloud-native applications. Continue Reading

How do I choose between open source and commercial SDN?

Commercial SDN offers vendor-backed support, while open source platforms can be upgraded more quickly. Whether an enterprise chooses one over the other depends on its preferences. Continue Reading

NSX networking update unifies branch, data center, cloud

VMware is using its VeloCloud SD-WAN to extend NSX networking to the branch. The move makes NSX the unifier of branch, data center and cloud networking. Continue Reading

Navigating the network ADC buying process

Learn how to assess your organization's needs for an ADC device and to evaluate the different application delivery controllers in the market to find the right fit. 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

What tools are needed to build a DevOps management model?

Amy Larsen DeCarlo answers why so many businesses are combining their development and operations teams and what tools are needed to make effective DevOps management happen. Continue Reading

The role of SDN in 5G technology and the WAN: Can it scale?

Network operators have a narrow window to figure out if SDN in 5G technology can scale well enough to move it beyond the data center and into the WAN. Continue Reading

Big Switch offers analytics, recording with packet broker

Big Switch has added value to its network packet broker with the introduction of analytics and recording nodes. The new products are sold as add-ons to Big Monitoring Fabric. Continue Reading

Juniper battles Cisco, VMware with Contrail cloud tools

Juniper plans to release the first iteration of its Contrail cloud tools in June. Contrail Enterprise Multicloud will compete in cloud networking with Cisco ACI and VMware NSX. Continue Reading

Is programmable infrastructure ready for prime time in networking?

In this week's networking blog roundup, analysts examine whether programmable infrastructure is now a thing, what would make a good AI tool and what's wrong with telcos. 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

How can I prevent a DDoS attack program?

DDoS programs overwhelm networks with a torrent of requests. How can you prevent a DDoS attack, and what are the steps you can take to keep your networking environment secure? Continue Reading

2018 ONUG conference to tackle IT disruption, building blocks

With the spring 2018 ONUG conference coming up on May 8 to 9, Nick Lippis, ONUG co-founder, discusses how IT teams are facing disruption from technologies like the cloud and SD-WAN. Continue Reading

Top application delivery controllers offer range of options

The leading vendors in the application delivery controller market offer a broad range of physical and virtual appliances, with varying throughput levels and diverse function sets. Which product is right for you? Continue Reading

New Accedian SkyLIGHT PVX has root-cause analytics

Accedian Networks has launched its first product from the Performance Vision acquisition. SkyLIGHT PVX includes network monitoring, plus root-cause analytics and remediation. Continue Reading

New CDN services give providers an edge in WAN marketplace

With enterprises moving workloads to public cloud, the CDN services market could see growth in security and performance services, as providers exploit their network-edge locations. Continue Reading

How data center interconnect technologies shape WAN performance

Latency, congestion and sluggish TCP stacks can plague application performance, but understanding data center interconnect technologies is key. Continue Reading

Router security options advised following U.S. hacker alert

A rare government alert that Russian hackers are targeting routers in the United States and the United Kingdom has security experts debating router security options. 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

128 Technology delivers routing software, SD-WAN on white box

128 Technology integrated its routing software and SD-WAN capabilities with white box CPEs from Lanner. Arrow Electronics will preconfigure the software onto the CPEs. Continue Reading

SD-WAN benefits the changing network connectivity landscape

In the latest networking advance, SD-WAN benefits the evolving network connectivity landscape by allowing customers to use less expensive internet links and keep MPLS for important traffic. Continue Reading

Network-as-a-service market blossoms as demands grow

The network-as-a-service market is attracting more attention, as enterprises look for ways to outsource some of their infrastructure needs to providers. 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

Cisco advances Network Assurance Engine, network verification tech

The Cisco Network Assurance Engine, a network verification tool, will add support for more third-party devices and platforms. Cisco's Sundar Iyer shares plans. Continue Reading

AT&T mobile 5G network falling short

The latest update on AT&T's mobile 5G network trials indicates the company will need to work faster to meet its goal of launching a commercial service by the end of the year. Continue Reading

IDC: Steady growth for IT infrastructure products spending

IDC maps growth in IT infrastructure products spending, cPacket beefs up monitoring for 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps networks, and Dell agrees to resell Metaswitch's composables package. Continue Reading

Gordon: Trends driving network access control systems

Pulse Secure executive Scott Gordon cites industry trends driving the vendor's new product launch and how endpoint security is driving shifts in network access control systems. Continue Reading

Edge computing, cloud data centers drive decentralized IT

This week, bloggers explore the growth of decentralized IT, thanks to edge computing; Infoblox DNS security updates; and how machine learning is becoming a feature, rather than a product. Continue Reading

MEF launches SDN certification and specs for Presto APIs

MEF worked with The Linux Foundation and ETSI to develop an NFV and SDN certification to focus on related knowledge and skills. Meantime, MEF published specs for its Presto APIs. Continue Reading

Pay as you go with new Cisco Tetration analytics SaaS

The latest versions of Cisco Tetration analytics include a software-as-a-service offering with pay-as-you-go pricing. Cisco is also offering a software-only version. Continue Reading

KDDI Europe picks Silver Peak SD-WAN for managed service

KDDI Europe makes its move in managed SD-WAN, supported by Silver Peak SD-WAN; Lumina Networks updates its Flow Manager product to support service providers transitioning to SDN. Continue Reading

Despite WLAN speed growth, do we really need mGig?

Networking vendors introduced mGig to support 802.11ac Wave 2 devices within enterprise networks. But do you really need to upgrade to accommodate the new WLAN speed? Continue Reading

Russian hackers target opening in Cisco switch security

Russian hackers are suspected of targeting a utility flaw to bypass Cisco switch security and penetrate enterprise networks and critical U.S. infrastructure. Continue Reading

Meta Networks NaaS offers SD-WAN, VPN, cloud connectivity

Startup Meta Networks has debuted its network as a service. The company's first offering delivers SD-WAN, security, VPNs and multi-cloud connectivity in an internet-based WAN. Continue Reading

How to bridge the network engineering skills gap

Training for new network engineering skills should emphasize basic concepts behind building a network, whether it's software-defined, intent-based or disaggregated. Continue Reading

Integrate endpoint management systems for better security

This week, networking bloggers discuss combining endpoint management systems with security, thorny wireless devices and the logic of an IXP atop a VXLAN infrastructure. Continue Reading

IDC names four SDN providers to watch

An IDC report named Apstra, Big Switch Networks, Plexxi and Pluribus Networks as SDN providers to watch; Martello aims to validate Elfiq-based SD-WAN; and Aryaka extends to China. 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

Juniper Security Director helped by Cyphort analytics

Cyphort analytics is now a part of Juniper Security Director. Juniper has introduced integration between the policy manager and the Cyphort security software acquired last year. Continue Reading

Enterprise network management in the wake of vendor consolidation

Consolidation is a driving force among networking vendors, but network professionals have to actively consider how those changes affect enterprise network management. Continue Reading

Wireless networking technology helps craft IT modernization

A long-term care business looks to wireless network technology and Active Directory to kick off its IT modernization plan and business growth. Continue Reading

Wireless networking technology helps craft IT modernization

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Enterprise network management in the wake of vendor consolidation

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Networking elements of a digital transformation framework

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Network data analytics must work alongside human ingenuity

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Network analytics tools deepen with machine learning and AI

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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 data analytics must work alongside human ingenuity

Network data analytics offer a key tool in the arsenal of monitoring and understanding network behavior. But network professionals can't forget another crucial element -- themselves. Continue Reading

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

Improvements and features of the new POE standard, IEEE 802.3bt

The new IEEE 802.3bt standard focuses on Power over Ethernet to improve efficiency and support the proliferation of edge devices, from lighting systems to point-of-sale. Continue Reading

New Arista switches offer 25/100 GbE for large data centers

The latest Arista switches are 25/100 GbE hardware designed to provide a smooth migration from systems with less bandwidth. The new gear is for companies with large data centers. Continue Reading

Examine CORD architecture's benefits and challenges

CORD architecture offers service providers a compelling way to combine open hardware and software in the central office, boost service delivery and enable NFV capabilities. Continue Reading