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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Feature
05 Jul 2022
Customers discuss the potential of WWAN use cases
Wireless WAN offers high network speeds and enables remote connectivity at lower costs. Find out how cellular- and broadband-enabled WWAN helps organizations meet business goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jul 2022
The role of name resolution in networking
Name resolution is essential in converting hostnames and IP addresses for network communications. Here's how the process resolves hostnames, queries servers and finds IP addresses. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2022
An introduction to neutral host networks using private 5G
Enterprises often use signal boosters and distributed antenna systems to improve carrier signal strength. Neutral host networks over private 5G could disrupt those methods. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2022
How to convert binary to decimal
It's helpful for network admins to know how to convert binary to decimal, and vice versa, for IPv4 addressing, subnet masks, default gateways and network IDs. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Jun 2022
5 factors that form the future of Wi-Fi
For businesses, mounting ownership costs, unrealistic performance expectations, client device chaos and competing technologies all play a role in the future of Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2022
Linux Foundation to standardize, simplify the DPU ecosystem
The Linux Foundation's plans to standardize APIs and the software stack running on DPUs will help network operators manage network traffic more efficiently. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jun 2022
Cisco Live highlights network observability, the metaverse
The conference was teeming with topics, including network security, infrastructure transformation, cloud-based network management and open source tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jun 2022
Challenges, best practices for network operations management
Traditional network operations teams are struggling with several aspects of network management. Experts weigh in on why, and what to do to simplify operations. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2022
Cisco customers eager for Meraki's Catalyst management
IT professionals were excited to see cloud-based Meraki management for Catalyst switches but were less enthusiastic over the new Cisco Security Cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2022
Review the components of VMware SASE Platform
VMware SASE Platform provides many strong networking and security capabilities, but it comes in an offering that feels like many individual products packaged together. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2022
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins: IT spending could slow
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins said companies could reduce spending but are unlikely to slash budgets because technology has become a revenue driver. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
Cisco launches cloud management of Catalyst, Nexus switches
The latest addition to the cloud-based Cisco Meraki console expands the company's subscription-based pricing for network monitoring and management software. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2022
SD-WAN, SASE markets to grow despite challenges
SD-WAN and SASE have both seen widespread adoption throughout the networking industry, but service providers must work to address challenges that threaten to lower adoption rates. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2022
Extreme Networks integrates acquisitions with SD-WAN, switch
After five major acquisitions in six years, Extreme Networks is prioritizing a unified, cloud-managed environment with SD-WAN, switches and a digital twin. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2022
5 network virtualization challenges and how to solve them
The challenges of network virtualization include an overhaul of network architecture, thorough staff training and breaking down knowledge silos among IT departments. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2022
How zero trust unifies network virtualization
The combination of zero trust and network virtualization creates opportunities to strengthen security policies, increase cross-domain collaboration and improve overall visibility. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
01 Jun 2022
Cisco Live 2022 conference coverage, news and analysis
Cisco Live 2022, an in-person and online conference, highlights top networking trends. The five-day event also features keynote speeches and technical education sessions. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2022
What software-defined LAN means for campus virtualization
LAN virtualization has long encompassed VLANs to segment network traffic. But software-defined LAN is emerging with zero-trust strategies to provide more comprehensive security. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 May 2022
Understand the basics of 5G wireless networks
To build a 5G network, the deployment mode, spectrum band and services are all important factors to understand and consider. Here's what you should know about the basics of 5G. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 May 2022
20 systemctl commands for system and service management
System and service management are vital to ensure customer satisfaction and service delivery. These systemctl commands can help ease those management tasks for admins. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2022
How enterprise networks use WAN virtualization
SD-WAN is the most common form of WAN virtualization. But virtual WAN strategies are evolving to include software-defined perimeter and cloud concepts. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2022
Ethernet vs. Carrier Ethernet: How do they differ?
Connectivity over longer distances and higher data rates are some of the major differences that separate Carrier Ethernet from traditional wired Ethernet. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2022
Cisco revenue depressed by China lockdowns, supply woes
COVID-related lockdowns around China prevented Cisco from getting critical components, leading to a projected decline in revenue. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 May 2022
Network management tool sprawl plagues IT organizations
More network management tools often lead to manual errors and network trouble. Instead, consider tool integration and how existing tools can fix new problems. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2022
Cisco adds automated testing to ThousandEyes
Cisco added automated testing for video conferences and a troubleshooting dashboard to the ThousandEyes internet intelligence platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 May 2022
5G NSA vs. SA: How does each deployment mode differ?
Non-standalone 5G uses a combination of existing 4G LTE architecture with a 5G RAN. Standalone 5G, on the other hand, uses a 5G RAN and a cloud-native 5G core. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2022
Network virtualization benefits in the LAN, WAN and data center
Better traffic performance, scalability and security are some of the network virtualization benefits that enterprises can realize across their network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2022
Intel's data center strategy rests on accelerator chips
Intel will release three generations of 200 GB, 400 GB and 800 GB infrastructure processing units over the next four years. The first two generations will include ASICs and FPGAs. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2022
The role of network virtualization and SDN in data centers
SDN, zero trust and infrastructure as code are popular forms of network virtualization within the data center, moving away from manual VLANs toward policy-driven virtualization. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2022
Carrier network virtualization leads to enterprise services
Starting with MPLS VPNs and SD-WAN, new carrier network virtualization options, like 5G network slicing, are becoming virtual enterprise network services, and more will follow. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2022
Cisco warns of hardware failure in DIMM memory components
A manufacturing defect affecting some DIMMs made in late 2020 could cause persistent memory errors and server failure. Cisco recommends customers replace impacted DIMMs. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2022
How network virtualization works
Network virtualization uses abstraction to isolate applications and resources from the physical infrastructure. Benefits include faster provisioning, agility and operational efficiency. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2022
Cisco reveals details of predictive network management tool
Cisco's predictive analytics networking engine aims to build trust by spotting problems with a high degree of accuracy rather than by identifying every issue. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 May 2022
Enterprise 5G: Guide to planning, architecture and benefits
An enterprise 5G deployment requires extensive planning. Prepare for advances in wireless technology using this 5G guide that covers use cases, architecture integration and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2022
6 types of network topologies
Network topology is essential to network configuration, as it determines the arrangement of a network and defines how nodes connect. Here are six common types of network topologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 May 2022
Networks are the intersection in a multi-cloud strategy
Enterprises interested in multi-cloud adoption should evaluate application requirements, cloud provider features and their legacy network architecture. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2022
5 basic network commands for Linux and Windows
Linux and Windows use different network commands to run tasks that are common in both environments, such as network connectivity testing. But the commands often share similarities. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2022
Gluware launches RPA to simplify network automation workflow
Gluware's Robotic Process Automation simplifies network automation by turning discrete, automated tasks into multi-step automated workflow processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Apr 2022
Common types of enterprise network connections
The goal of every network is to connect devices. The connections that form those links -- such as wired cabling and wireless technologies -- are crucial in network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2022
Indoor 5G gets a boost as small cells come to rescue
Indoor small cells are becoming more common in consumer and enterprise markets. Along with distributed antenna systems and Wi-Fi networks, small cells increasingly enable RF coverage. Continue Reading
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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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Opinion
22 Apr 2022
The importance of unified, end-to-end network management
As network environments evolve and grow more complex, enterprises are realizing their need for unified network management. But is an end-to-end strategy possible? Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2022
Linux Foundation control helps ready SONiC for enterprise
Under the Linux Foundation, SONiC could get enterprise features that make the open source network operating system more useful within campus and edge environments. Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2022
Device42 adds intelligence to IT discovery, asset management
Device42 plans to release on May 30 Insights+ to provide customers with an in-product tool for aggregating, analyzing and visualizing stored IT data. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Apr 2022
The status of the U.S. fixed wireless access market
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest in fixed 5G. T-Mobile and Verizon are battling for new subscribers, as other MNOs look to deploy services in the coming years. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Apr 2022
The pros and cons of 5G networks
Enterprises are evaluating 5G and its effect on their operations. Before they can reap the benefits, they have to consider these 5G pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2022
Enterprise 5G deployment options and how to procure them
The two main types of 5G deployment options are standalone and non-standalone. Find out how they're different, how to procure them and some helpful tips for 5G success. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Apr 2022
7 types of networks and their use cases
Networks differ based on size, connectivity, coverage and design. This guide explores seven common types of networks, including their benefits and use cases. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Apr 2022
What are licensed and unlicensed wireless frequency bands?
Licensed frequency bands are reliable and offer better performance than unlicensed frequency bands, which are low cost and easy to deploy but interference is common. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2022
Top 5G limitations and challenges for businesses
While 5G has advanced in recent years, the fifth generation of cellular technology still has some shortcomings, such as smaller coverage ranges and a lack of rural rollouts. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2022
Cisco's SD-WAN Version 17.8 supports OnRamp for more apps
The newest version of Cisco's SD-WAN brings Cloud OnRamp support to NBAR applications like Slack or GitHub and custom apps and adds greater visibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2022
An introduction to 8 types of network devices
This introduction explores eight network devices that are commonly used within enterprise network infrastructures, including access points, routers and switches. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Apr 2022
Zero trust, wireless WAN affect the future of IoT networking
Zero-trust security models, wireless WAN evolution and the emergence of pop-up businesses are all helping to fuel innovation in IoT networking capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2022
Fortinet, Cato Networks add security for distributed SD-WANs
Fortinet updated FortiOS with an inline sandbox and a cloud access security broker. Cato has added new network access controls to its SASE service. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2022
5G and SD-WAN bring benefits to branch locations and beyond
Individually, 5G and SD-WAN promise various benefits for organizations. As a pair, 5G and SD-WAN could make the ideal network connectivity option for branch offices and WFH employees. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2022
Channel partners crucial to Arista CUE's midmarket success
For Arista's new Cognitive Unified Edge product to succeed, the company will have to nurture midmarket channel partners. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2022
AMD heats up DPU competition with Pensando acquisition
AMD's $1.9 billion acquisition of Pensando would hand the chipmaker a DPU that leans toward providing distributed network services within large enterprises' private clouds. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2022
What are the features and benefits of 5G technology?
In addition to high speeds and low latency, the emergence of 5G cellular technology could put some pressure on the market prices of incumbent WAN connectivity. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2022
The pros and cons of Netskope SASE
Netskope is undoubtedly a leader in the CASB market, but its limited security capabilities and lack of SD-WAN make Netskope an incomplete SASE offering. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2022
Aruba head Mottram prioritizes automation, Central, NaaS
Customers agreed that automation and the Central management console were essential to them. But Phil Mottram's plans to deliver more products as a service got mixed reviews. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2022
Aruba urges customers to adopt network as a service
Aruba wants more customers to switch to network as a service, but companies benefiting from a standard product license are hesitant to embrace the subscription model. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2022
Aruba Central basics key for Atmosphere attendees
IT pros like to check out cutting-edge technology, but they say Aruba Central basics like device onboarding and data privacy are most important for doing their jobs today. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Mar 2022
What is the role of machine learning in networking?
Incorporating machine learning tools into a network can help teams predict traffic flows, generate smarter analytics, monitor network health, tighten security measures and more. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2022
Aruba launches VXLAN management, GPS-enabled Wi-Fi networks
Aruba's Central NetConductor is a cloud-based service that delivers automation and identity-based network access to enforce zero-trust policies for users and devices. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2022
Cisco adds HCI, UCS, software to hybrid cloud infrastructure
Cisco's latest hardware and Intersight tie-in to public cloud Kubernetes bolster its hybrid cloud products for customers. But their appeal outside the user base is uncertain. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2022
SecOps and cybersecurity basics for NetOps teams
To bridge the gap between NetOps and SecOps teams, network pros should know security fundamentals, including different types of attackers, attacks and available security services. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2022
Experts set the record straight on new networking technology
What is the reality of new network technologies? Here, experts identify the risks -- real or perceived – and benefits that digital twins, automation and AI create for businesses. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2022
5G vs. 4G: Learn the key differences between them
4G and 5G network architectures have some significant differences. See how the two technologies differ and what the new capabilities could mean for business communications. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2022
Is it time to ditch the WAN for other connectivity options?
With the prevalence of remote work, cloud applications and internet connectivity, will enterprises ditch the WAN to save money and time? Maybe not everyone. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Mar 2022
NetOps vs. DevOps vs. NetSecOps: What's the difference?
DevOps, NetOps and NetSecOps ... oh my! These IT concepts have their differences, but at the end of the day, they're family. Here's how they relate. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2022
Cradlepoint, Extreme Networks partner on 5G WWAN
Cradlepoint and Extreme Networks will combine the former's 5G routers with the latter's network fabric to build a 5G wireless WAN for remote deployments. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2022
Startup OneLayer offers IoT security on cellular networks
Israeli startup OneLayer has launched from stealth with $8.2 million in seed funding and a software-based platform to secure IoT devices on private LTE and 5G networks. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2022
Russia-Ukraine war has tech buyers reassessing spending
The Russia-Ukraine war, which affects everything from inflation to chip availability, has left half of enterprise tech leaders reassessing IT and communication spending, IDC said. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2022
Private 5G deployments to advance in 2022
As commercial private 5G deployments begin to advance in 2022, private cellular networks will become a reality for many organizations in the U.S. and around the world. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2022
Compare 8 network automation tools
The right network automation platform can help admins build and oversee company networks. Discover some of the top choices in the market and the benefits they provide. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2022
Juniper updates Apstra intent-based networking for the edge
Juniper has targeted edge data centers with a suite of updates to its intent-based networking platform Apstra. Also, Juniper has new IBN security and professional services. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2022
NetOps automation ideas and examples
NetOps teams can hone their automation experience using these automation ideas that range from simple read/write tasks to complex automated processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2022
Macrocell vs. small cell vs. femtocell: A 5G introduction
Small cells will provide new, fast connectivity speeds for 5G networks and capable devices, but 5G won't stop there. Macrocells and femtocells are also key to connect 5G networks. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2022
Pluribus taps the DPU for a distributed network fabric
Pluribus Networks' United Cloud Fabric shifts distributed network functions from a switch CPU to a DPU on the server. The technology unifies network management across switches and servers, the company said. 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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Tip
15 Mar 2022
The benefits of network infrastructure as code
Network infrastructure as code uses DevOps methodology to create structured practices for configuration changes and establish pre- and post-change testing and validation. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2022
How to secure NetOps initiatives using Agile methodology
As more NetOps teams implement Agile methods, network and security testing must be part of a holistic approach that involves developers, networking and security teams working together. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2022
Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G: Defining differences and the need for both
While the latest Wi-Fi and cellular technology generations -- Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, respectively -- have been pitted against one another, the technologies make better friends than foes. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2022
NetOps meets DevOps concepts to tackle network problems
NetOps and DevOps are converging, due to increased use of infrastructure as code to automate enterprise networks. Shared concepts include structured coding practices and automated testing. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Mar 2022
How does a NetOps strategy affect enterprise network teams?
A NetOps approach uses DevOps frameworks to help network teams enable virtualization, automation and AI to create Agile networks and deploy applications faster. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2022
Explore 4 network performance monitoring tools
The network performance monitoring market is changing to address the emergence of IoT and AI. Read more about the NPM market evolution and available vendor products. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2022
Configure DHCP failover for Windows Server
DHCP is a critical service, and network admins should take the time to create fault tolerance. Windows Server makes it easy to configure both failover and load balancing. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Mar 2022
The rise of the NetOps engineer
The need for NetOps engineers with network automation and software development skills is rising with the continued drive to create more flexible networks. Find out what it takes. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Mar 2022
Businesses building data center network automation internally
Companies develop their own data center network automation software for security compliance, and they need tools closely aligned with their specific networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Mar 2022
Strategies, benefits of data center network automation
Data center networks aren't new, but ways of managing them are -- such as with data center network automation. Strategies include cloud automation, DevOps automation and more. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
07 Mar 2022
Demand for effective telecom service assurance to increase
As the markets for 5G, IoT and other emerging technologies continue to grow, the service assurance market that ensures the quality of these services will also increase. Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2022
Microsoft updates Azure for Operators, joins AT&T in private 5G
Microsoft's latest Azure for Operators update includes critical 5G services. The company also joined AT&T in a private 5G service that can roam on the carrier's public network. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2022
Business benefits of an Agile networking approach
Enterprises that embed an Agile approach in their networking strategies could see benefits like better network performance, enhanced data security and faster rollouts of network services. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Mar 2022
Ultimate guide to network management in the enterprise
This guide to network management explains the challenges of enterprise network monitoring and maintenance, best practices and next-generation automation using AI and ML. Continue Reading
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Quiz
01 Mar 2022
Try a network configuration quiz to study for Network+ exam
Use these sample questions from CompTIA's 'Official CompTIA Network+ Self-Paced Study Guide (Exam N10-008)' in preparation for your certification exam. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2022
Study various network types, topologies for configuration
Those looking to earn a Network+ certification need to learn about network types, topologies, network design best practices and more. James Pengelly's book covers those topics. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2022
Network design considerations for Network+ exam prep
One of the first things network pros should learn is how to design a network. In this Q&A, author James Pengelly discusses best practices for network configuration. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2022
Automation brings NetOps to the next level
Automation and AI can help enterprise NetOps teams attain the data insights they need to deliver services more efficiently and create a more agile, proactive network. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2022
Arista embeds security software in campus switches
Arista Networks will embed network detection and response software in campus switches to provide AI-driven threat detection across the network. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Feb 2022
A review of Zscaler SASE architecture
Zscaler has a strong cloud-native architecture for secure internet access. But it doesn't deliver SD-WAN or converge internet access and WAN security, leaving it with only part of a SASE platform. Continue Reading