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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Tip
04 Sep 2015
Is a hybrid WAN architecture right for you?
Hybrid WANs have a lot of benefits, but make sure you understand how they can work in your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Sep 2015
Do managed software-defined WAN services make sense?
By offering managed software-defined WAN services -- and potentially hastening MPLS' demise -- are providers sabotaging themselves? Our expert says no. Continue Reading
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News
03 Sep 2015
SDN blogs: Will the SD-WAN market gold rush pan out?
How big is the SD-WAN market? One blogger says to take your best guess. And a network engineer argues that the ONF's definition of SDN is "mostly useless." Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Sep 2015
How will software-defined WANs impact the enterprise?
SD-WAN has a lot of potential for enterprises, especially as developers cobble together custom services and capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
02 Sep 2015
ICYMI: Ethernet market hits $5.8B mark in Q2
IDC says the Ethernet switch and router market remains healthy; retailers are ready to spend on IoT. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2015
HP seeks NSX certification for FlexFabric switch
HP seeks NSX certification to sell the VMware network virtualization software with the FlexFabric switch. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2015
Wi-Fi update 802.11ac set to take over in 2016
Research firm IDC expects the latest Wi-Fi update 802.11ac to account for the majority of access point shipments and revenue in 2016. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2015
VMware updates SDN platform for data center networking
VMware releases a new version of its SDN platform. Network administrators are expected to welcome the latest NSX features. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2015
WAN optimization techniques pace IT investment
TechTarget's most recent Networking Purchasing Intentions survey reveals IT's priority to invest in WAN optimization techniques in the next 12 months. Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2015
HP open switches mark the latest challenge to Cisco
HP introduced two Altoline open switches that increase the company's portfolio of alternatives to Cisco's proprietary hardware. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2015
Intel-Mirantis collaboration could ease OpenStack integration with networking
The Intel-led $100 million investment in Mirantis is expected to help ease the pain of OpenStack integration with corporate networks. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2015
Xirrus unveils high-capacity 802.11ac Wave 2 access point
Xirrus plans to release in October an 802.11ac Wave 2 access point. The device is expected to fill a niche in the wireless market. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Aug 2015
NIA: Saisei's FlowCommand SDN appliance secures network flows
Saisei, our latest Network Innovation Award winner, uses its FlowCommand virtual SDN appliance to control network flows and prevent individual users from hogging bandwidth. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Aug 2015
OPM hack two months later: What was learned?
Network security expert Michele Chubirka shares her thoughts about June's OPM hack and what steps IT should take to fend off future attacks. Continue Reading
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News
21 Aug 2015
Container IT gets boost with Docker enhancement
In this week's SN blogs, analysts discuss Docker, the real value of an industry certification and the capabilities of a new Linux project aimed at virtualized environments. Continue Reading
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News
18 Aug 2015
Big Switch SDN fabric gets better OpenStack, VMware support
The Big Switch SDN fabric upgrade improves OpenStack and vSphere support for cloud providers and high-scale data centers. Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2015
SDN blogs: How white box networking saves money
In this week's blogs, experts explain why white box networking costs less, and the differences between SD-WAN and WAN optimization. Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2015
Analysts: SDN wouldn't have prevented United Airlines network outage
Some speculate that SDN could prevent a network outage like the one that brought United Airlines to a screeching halt. Others, however, say the industry needs an SDN reality check. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2015
Google Fiber targets San Antonio for fiber optic cable rollout
Google Fiber plans to lay 4,000 miles of fiber optic cable in the San Antonio area; FCC voted to revise IP transition rules. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Aug 2015
SDN monitoring means new transitions for engineers
SDN network management means tools are transforming from listening mode to active mode. Continue Reading
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News
06 Aug 2015
SN blogs: Cloud workspace approach can work if you plan correctly
An analyst debates the merits of cloud-assembled workflows; and a new security feature gets a thumbs-up. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Aug 2015
Facing network breach threats, visibility is key
In this Q&A, an IT pro at Penn Mutual shares how his dual strategy of user education and Layer 7 visibility helps prevent network breaches. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Aug 2015
Classic optimization takes back seat as WAN technologies evolve
The growth of cloud apps and the increased use of Internet over traditional WAN technologies has forced WAN optimization to evolve. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2015
ICYMI: Brocade assists CERN with open SDN
Brocade teams up with CERN openlab to create an SDN strategy for the "new IP," while Fujitsu offers Midokura's software in its OpenStack cloud architecture. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2015
News recap: FCC OKs $48.5 billion AT&T-DirecTV deal
After a year of review, the FCC approved the AT&T-DirecTV acquisition. Additionally, the FCC might add mobile speeds to its broadband review. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2015
Juniper rise could be good news for enterprise tech buyers
Juniper Networks is selling to more enterprises, a trend that could heat up the competition for the wallets of tech buyers. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2015
SN blogs: Google OpenStack support could have ulterior motives
Industry analysts speculate about Google's decision to back an OpenStack initiative and discuss the impacts of 'attacktivism.' Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2015
Cisco stops SSD hardware production for UCS servers
Cisco has dropped its Invicta all-flash product line, leaving customers to buy SSD hardware for its UCS servers from third parties. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2015
Cisco sheds set-top box business to develop cloud-based video delivery
Cisco is selling its set-top box and cable modem business as pay TV delivery shifts to cloud-based video. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2015
ICYMI: Masergy expands cloud marketplace with Microsoft Azure
Masergy has added the Microsoft Azure cloud platform to its cloud marketplace, while Sonus demonstrated that its SDN controller can be used with Skype for Business. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2015
VMware NSX sales a positive sign for SDN market
VMware has reported growing NSX sales, the latest indicator that the SDN market has momentum. Rival Cisco has also reported rising SDN platform sales. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2015
SN blogs: Hybrid approach to corporate WAN merits study
This week, analysts examine the advantage of hybrid WANs and discuss the emergence of Microsoft as a viable MDM provider. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2015
News recap: Wi-Fi Aware to connect nearby smartphones
New Wi-Fi Aware will enable smartphones within close proximity to communicate with each other; a new program will provide Internet access to public housing residents. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2015
Plexxi aims low-latency switch at emerging workloads
Plexxi launched a low-latency switch that's suitable for high-frequency financial trading. The Switch 2 Series is also aimed at analytics applications and cloud data centers. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2015
SDN blogs: SD-WAN may be the answer to your problems
This week, experts discuss software-defined WANs as an alternative to traditional wide area networks. And one startup is looking to make data centers more efficient. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2015
IEEE group advocates random MAC addresses for Wi-Fi security
An IEEE group advocates random MAC addresses for increased Wi-Fi security, while networking pros say enterprise security isn't strong enough for moving applications to the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2015
Extreme adds muscle to Wi-Fi appliances
Extreme Networks introduces Wi-Fi appliances that can manage considerably more access points than previous versions. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2015
ICYMI: International carriers deploying SDN technologies
In this week's SDN news, international telecom and Internet providers are deploying SDN technologies, while AT&T is testing a new software-defined storage platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jun 2015
What are data center-class switches?
Choosing the right switch for your data center can be a difficult task. This article looks at how data center-class switches are evolving in the enterprise to offer flexibility and speed for new traffic flows. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Jan 2015
Can a piece of software really determine if you’re ready to quit your job?
The evolution of predictive analytics technology continues to be something to keep an eye on in 2015. Although the technique is nothing new to the average consumer – we see it every time Netflix ... Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2015
Ethernet switch market to hit $25 billion; Verizon feels mobile carrier war
In telecom news, the Ethernet switch market is expected to reach $25 billion, while Verizon's Q4 report shows the impact of mobile carrier competition. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2014
Three ways to measure wireless network performance
Trying to find ways to assess your wireless network performance? Here are some tools that can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2014
With MPLS-TP and SDN, a simpler dynamic control plane
MPLS-TP transforms carrier networks for packet switching, but SDN could take it a step further. Combining the technologies, engineers could reduce complexity in the dynamic control plane and gain flexible service creation. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2014
Network timing: Everything you need to know about NTP
As more applications use IP networks, reliable distribution of authoritative timing information is becoming critical. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2014
VMware NSX locks network security down with micro-segmentation
At VMworld 2014, VMware highlighted the network security benefits of NSX, with micro-segmentation that makes every VM an island. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2014
F5 BIG-IQ meets VMware NSX for L4-7 orchestration
Cloud architects can now automate the instantiation of F5 network services on VMware NSX networks through new F5 BIG-IP integration with NSX. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Aug 2014
Umpqua Bank employs NSX, micro-segmentation for enterprise security
Umpqua Bank's Sam Guidice tells how the organization deployed VMware's NSX as part of its effort to utilize micro-segmentation for enterprise security. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Aug 2014
Network programming skills from scripting to DevOps: What to learn
Networking pros don't need to become code monkeys, but a little network programming can go a long way toward advancing their careers. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2014
How Apple iOS MAC address spoofing affects location-based services
Apple iOS 8 will add a MAC address spoofing feature to iPhones and iPads for wireless privacy. It could interfere with Wi-Fi location-based services used by many consumer-facing businesses. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2014
Arista switch pioneers 100 GbE uplinks in top-of-rack
Arista announced top-of-rack 7280E with 100 GbE uplinks. It also released an optic that allows a migration from 10 to 40 GbE without a fiber upgrade. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jul 2014
Will MPLS traffic engineering technology help you?
MPLS traffic engineering can improve VPN performance to ensure data travels the most efficient path. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2014
GENEVE primer: The answer to network virtualization interoperability?
The GENEVE network encapsulation protocol is more flexible than VXLAN and NVGRE. Will it bring interoperability to network virtualization overlays? Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2014
How to buy: Assessing next-gen firewalls
Is there a next-gen firewall in your future? Our How to Buy guide offers advice you need to ensure you purchase the best platform to meet your needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jul 2014
Don't ignore this great wireless training resource
Online wireless support communities are a great resource for IT professionals who need their questions answered quickly. Continue Reading
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Quiz
25 Jun 2014
Networking Classroom: Next-generation firewalls
After watching to Dave Shackleford's webcast, reading his tip and listening to the podcast, you should be an expert of the ins and outs of next-generation firewalls. Test your knowledge with this quiz. Continue Reading
- Quiz 13 Jun 2014
- Quiz 15 May 2014
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Opinion
18 Apr 2014
Identify this network convergence nomenclature: You could be a winner
As the admin and platform owner of a project, Patrick Hubbard has to monitor everything, and he coined a new term that describes that responsibility. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Mar 2014
Boost your network productivity for free with 'lost things'
Like Tinker Bell, network engineers can work magic by sprinkling fairy dust on formerly dormant equipment. And it doesn't cost a cent. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Feb 2014
RSA security conference still relevant in today's landscape?
The RSA conference convenes in San Francisco this week. But, asks Michele Chubirka, is the meeting really focusing on the critical issues? Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2014
Hyper-V networking: The three virtual switches that fuel connectivity
In this Hyper-V networking primer, learn about the three virtual switches behind Microsoft virtualization connectivity. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Nov 2013
Your next job may be 'network programmer': What you'll need to know
SDN brings flexibility to networking, but this will require engineers to gain new skills in order to fill the emerging role of network programmer. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Nov 2013
Subnet basics: Must you set up Wi-Fi subnets in a single building?
Expert Mike Jude discusses the rationale of creating distinct Wi-Fi subnets in a single building. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Aug 2013
Are there alternatives to the OpenFlow protocol?
Jason Edelman explains OpenFlow protocol alternatives and what's important in determining which southbound protocol will work for you. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2013
News briefs: Red Hat OpenShift Online goes live; Lenovo pushes cloud
This week, Red Hat's OpenShift Online rolls out for commercial use, Lenovo enters the cloud market and NTT deploys VMware network virtualization. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jun 2013
What is Ethernet-dedicated Internet?
Ethernet-dedicated Internet is a continuous, high-bandwidth way for enterprises to connect their LANs to the public Internet and to streamline the performance of their WAN. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2013
Interop Conference 2013
Your home for all the news at Interop Conference 2013. Cloud computing, SDN, big data, virtualization, data center networking and more from New York City. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2013
Primer: A new generation of programmable ASICs
Programmable application-specific integrated circuits allow the data plane of switches to support new technologies, like software-defined networking. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2013
How to plan for a campus core switch refresh: Basic requirements
Network architects and engineers discuss the features and functions they look for when planning a campus core upgrade. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2013
Centralized vs. decentralized SDN architecture: Which works for you?
Two SDN architecture models -- centralized and decentralized -- have much in common, but key differences center on the use of the OpenFlow protocol. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2013
Networking 2012: Top ten news stories of the year
The top ten networking news stories of 2012 reflect the tectonic shift in network technology, including software-defined networking and BYOD Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
19 Dec 2012
Networking 2012: Top ten news stories of the year
The top ten networking news stories of 2012 reflect the tectonic shift in network technology, including software-defined networking and BYOD Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Nov 2012
Will we ever need 400 Gigabit Ethernet enterprise networks?
With 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet so new, what could possibly drive the need for 400 Gigabit Ethernet in the enterprise? Hint: It’s not just the WAN. Continue Reading
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Report
18 May 2012
Interop 2012: Conference Coverage recap
Check out our news, views and video from Interop 2012 in Las Vegas, which covered new service offerings, product announcements and networking trends. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2012
Arista FPGA switch could revolutionize Layer 4-7 network services
With its embedded field-programmable gate array, Arista's new switch may resonate beyond the latency-phobic government and financial sectors and transform Layer 4-7 services. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Apr 2012
How do I disable VPN passthrough? What are the pros and cons to disabling it?
In this Ask the Expert response, Rainer Enders explains how to disable VPN passthrough and what the benefits and drawbacks are. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Feb 2012
Turf war: Systems vs. networking at the virtual edge
Network engineers fight to gain visibility and management control in a virtual environment. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Feb 2012
Testing FCoE and data center bridging at UNH’s InterOperability Lab
In this video Mikkel Hagen, a testing manager with UNH-IOL tells SearchNetworking.com about the work that UNH-IOL provides and the testing it is doing with data center bridging and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) products. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
06 Jan 2012
Top 5 wide area network (WAN) trends of 2012
Cloud computing, mobility and video are some driving forces affecting enterprise networks. See the top five wide area network (WAN) trends of 2012. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
04 Jan 2012
Mobile network management applications offer monitoring on the go
As smartphone and tablet devices in the enterprise grow, vendors are developing mobile network management apps for iOS and Android, offering accessible views into the network. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Jul 2011
ADSL IP VPN advantages and disadvantages
Find out the ADSL IP VPN advantages and disadvantages before upgrading your enterprise wide area network (WAN) link to this telecom service. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jun 2011
Multiple access point configuration: Distinguish transmitted signals
Lisa Phifer explains multiple access point configuration when a device tries to differentiate transmitted signals from each point and explains potential issues. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2011
Multihop FCoE highlights Cisco's data center network product blitz
Multihop FCoE highlighted a laundry list of new Cisco data center network products, inching the market closer to data center network convergence from the edge to the core. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2010
Advanced wireless M2M services monetize machine-to-machine ecosystem
Many wireless M2M applications consume little bandwidth, translating to low ARPU. In response, carriers are launching concierge-style wireless M2M services to generate more revenue and widen partnerships within the larger M2M ecosystem. Continue Reading
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News
23 Sep 2010
Next-generation firewalls not ready to replace all legacy firewalls
Application-aware firewalls enhance network security by offering deeper visibility, but enterprises will hang on to old-style firewalls. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2010
Networking vendors aim to improve server virtualization security
Server virtualization security is no longer guaranteed by creating physical security zones for different classes of virtual machines on host servers. Networking and network security vendors are introducing virtual security products that apply security controls and policies directly to virtual machines within virtual hosts. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2010
Using virtual appliances and desktop virtualization
IT organizations are implementing desktop virtualization and virtual appliances for virtual WAN optimization and virtual application delivery, but there are challenges to overcome along the way. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
12 Mar 2010
Cloud computing network primer
Cloud computing network architecture is moving toward a flat, leaf-spine topology, enabling reduced latency and balancing bandwidth, providing any-to-any connectivity within and between servers. Learn more in this primer. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2009
Avaya-Nortel acquisition: Infamous end; questionable beginning
The Avaya-Nortel acquisition was one of the more notable top networking stories of 2009, marking the end of a legacy player and a questionable beginning for Avaya as it struggles with whether to integrate the Nortel data networking portfolio. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2009
10 Gigabit Ethernet tutorial: Connecting data centers, storage, LAN and beyond
As IT teams build 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks, they'll have to choose the right 10 Gigabit Ethernet cabling and components in order to ensure data center optimization and prevent latency in the network. They''ll also need to be sure their networks are ready to grow. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Feb 2009
Difference between circuit-switching and packet-switching in examples
What is the difference between a circuit switching and packet switching? Our networking fundamentals expert gives examples of packet switching and circuit switching in this response. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Feb 2009
VLANs versus IP subnets: Why use a VLAN over IP subnetting?
A virtual local area network (VLAN) is better than IP subnetting because its advantage is security. Learn what a VLAN is and how it differs from creating IP subnets, in this expert response from our networking fundamentals expert. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Dec 2008
Calculating subnets for IP addresses in IPv6
Understand how subnetting in IPv6 differs from that of IPv4 and what you need to do in order to calculate the subnet of an IP address in IP version 6. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Sep 2008
Network-to-network VPN gateway configuration for Cisco EzVPN
Learn how to support network-to-network IPsec VPN topologies using a router as the VPN gateway with Cisco EzVPN. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2008
Troubleshooting remote scripting using Network Monitor 3.0 -- Managing Windows networks using script
Learn how to use Network Monitor 3.0 for troubleshooting a remote scripting error in this tip originally published on WindowsNetworking.com. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2007
Optical networks: Core network design best practices
Core optical network design must take into consideration network requirements specific to the core, including a high degree of aggregation, low reconfigurability, and large geographic scope, while confronting such challenges as router adjacency, service interconnection and overall management. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Apr 2007
What equipment do I use to connect two LANs in different cities? What are the steps?
How do you connect two LANS from different cities? VPN expert Sampath Ramaswami notes the steps to be taken, in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2007
Cisco wireless access point configuration from scratch
Learn what the Cisco 1242 wireless access point can do for you and how to configure one from scratch. This tip covers basic security settings, enabling the wireless radios, and how to make a successful connection. The 1242AG is a powerful business-grade wireless AP with lots of features. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2006
Cisco WLAN design best practices
Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology has built-in security features, but a one-size-fits-all approach won't ensure adequate security for your organization. This tip provides best practices for designing your security architecture, including user community considerations, controller architecture and access point placement. Examples are specific to the Cisco Unified WLAN solution, but best practices apply for any WLAN deployment. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Dec 2006
What is the relationship between network cable frequency and its bandwidth?
Learn about the relationship between the network cable's frequency and its bandwidth capacity, the frequency formula and its physics in this expert response by Carrie Higbie. Continue Reading