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
30 Oct 2020
Growth of enterprise Wi-Fi at home spotlights digital divide
Remote enterprise workers need a reliable internet connection. Learn how the digital divide can touch workers and how companies can help bridge this gap. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2020
Cisco dashboard simplifies access to multiple NetOps tools
Cisco's Nexus Dashboard will offer a single location for several NetOps tools designed for networks serving cloud-centric applications. The software is set for release this year. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2020
The role of SD-WAN templates before and during deployment
SD-WAN deployments require knowledge of network design and trust in software to take over some network maintenance duties. This is where SD-WAN templates come into play. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2020
Learn to onboard, provision devices in Cisco's SD-WAN book
Here's a look inside Cisco's SD-WAN book, which details design and deployment for network teams looking to deploy SD-WAN and insights for SD-WAN certification hopefuls. Continue Reading
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Quiz
30 Oct 2020
6 practice questions for SD-WAN certification training
Before you start SD-WAN certification training, try this quiz from Cisco's official SD-WAN guidebook, which covers onboarding and provisioning devices, as well as SD-WAN templates. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2020
The top 5 benefits of SASE to enhance network security
A cloud-based distributed architecture, centralized management and endpoint-specific security policies are just some of the benefits of Secure Access Service Edge. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Oct 2020
Explore 5 SASE vendors to cut through the truth vs. hype
Secure Access Service Edge can address common networking and security dilemmas, but it's still a new technology. Learn more about five leading platforms in this in-depth roundup. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Oct 2020
How COVID-19 will reshape 2021 enterprise network spending
COVID-19 has shifted enterprise network spending. Campus LAN traffic may never be the same, but companies are earmarking funds to better support the remote workforce. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2020
The power and plights of female network engineers
Impostor syndrome burdens female network engineers, due to discrimination, as well as a lack of representation and education. But many of these women are working to change that. Continue Reading
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News
22 Oct 2020
Bye-bye ISR, hello Catalyst 8000 for Cisco SD-WAN
The new Catalyst 8300 Series of routers replace ISRs that customers said were ill-equipped to run the Cisco SD-WAN. Cisco also introduced Catalyst 8500 aggregation routers. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Oct 2020
What network automation certification options are available?
Network automation certifications and training include vendor-specific commercial credentials, as well as open source options. Which career path is right for you? Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2020
Juniper's 128 acquisition needed to improve SD-WAN
Juniper Networks plans to 'enhance' its Contrail SD-WAN through the acquisition of 128 Technology. 128 has a more advanced SD-WAN that competes with Cisco and VMware products. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2020
How to ensure a scalable SASE architecture
Don't assume all SASE architecture is the same, especially when it comes to scalability. Enterprises should consider distance to vendor PoPs, office locations and agent onboarding. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Oct 2020
Compare low-power Wi-Fi protocols and their roles in IoT
Wi-Fi means more than faster speeds. Low-power Wi-Fi will help companies improve the efficiency of their IoT deployments, thanks to longer signal range and power consumption features. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Oct 2020
What are some VPN alternatives for remote access?
VPN security has its imperfections, especially when tracking user data and online activity. Some VPN alternatives may provide different security elements for users. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2020
How to build a resilient network design
Everything fails eventually, even in networking. Enterprises can prepare for network failure by building resilience and redundancy into their network infrastructure design. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2020
Cisco ordered to pay $1.9B in Centripetal security patent suit
U.S. District Judge Henry Coke Morgan Jr. ruled that Cisco's infringement of Centripetal Network's patents was 'willful and egregious.' Cisco said it would appeal the ruling. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Oct 2020
Edge computing challenges and ways to address them
Edge computing can reduce processing times and improve application performance, but the architecture has its issues. Here are eight challenges edge computing creates for the network. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Oct 2020
How a network segmentation strategy works with SD-WAN
Legacy segmentation techniques are often unwieldy. But, as enterprises contemplate network segmentation with SD-WAN, they must understand their network environments and goals. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2020
Cisco to acquire container security specialist Portshift
Cisco's acquisition of Israeli startup Portshift would add essential security tools for companies that use the Kubernetes system for deploying cloud-native applications. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2020
VMware updates vRealize Network Insight, NSX-T
Launched at VMworld 2020, the latest version of vRealize Network Insight has verification technology that lets managers see the impact of network changes before deploying them. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2020
US-China 5G competition hinges on enterprise apps, services
In the U.S.-China competition over 5G, the infrastructure deployment race sets the stage for a larger struggle over the application layer. Here's why enterprise IT teams should care. 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
01 Oct 2020
The 3 different types of 5G technology for enterprises
5G isn't a single flavor of cellular technology; it's three flavors, and each one can enable advanced capabilities, such as ultrareliable low latency and IoT connectivity. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2020
VMware unveils rearchitected vSphere as Project Monterey
At VMworld 2020, VMware unveiled a rearchitected vSphere dubbed Project Monterey. The new product will benefit VMware customers across industries, an analyst said. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2020
Global company weighs 5G for manufacturing, IoT analytics
Global manufacturer Sanmina is studying the benefits of deploying 5G on its manufacturing floor to improve the speed of IoT and analytics data exchanges to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2020
How to build a network automation architecture in 5 phases
The implementation of a network automation architecture involves several elements, including a core orchestration engine, assorted databases and proper network testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2020
Teleworkers need enhanced home internet access in the US
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased reliance on home networks and highlighted the need in marginalized communities for dedicated resources to enable reliable internet access. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2020
5G network security concerns and how to prepare for them
Enterprises looking forward to deploying 5G must first assess their security concerns upfront and review their policies and procedures, despite 5G's security improvements. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2020
Network monitoring market converges with security analytics
As cyber attacks increase and enterprise networks require threat detection and protection, network monitoring and security analytics are converging for more comprehensive visibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2020
What's involved in VPN maintenance and management?
Before an organization's VPN is up and running, IT teams must address four important aspects of VPN maintenance and management to keep abreast of transforming security concerns. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Sep 2020
Tips and tools for home network security monitoring
Homes now have more connected devices, which could become targets for hackers. Consequently, work-from-home employees should take certain steps to safeguard their networks. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2020
Palo Alto SD-WAN gets analytics, Prisma security
The Prisma integration and root cause analysis in the Palo Alto SD-WAN could help it standout in a market packed with competitors. Palo Alto also launched two SD-WAN appliances. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2020
How and when to establish enterprise 5G partnerships
Enterprises that buy 5G public services, procure network slices or build their own private 5G networks need to establish the right partnerships for mobile services, equipment and software. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2020
How to build a private 5G network architecture
A private 5G network could provide organizations with greater control over their wireless environments. But cost and complexity could be critical deterrents. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Sep 2020
Private LTE networks grow as 5G comes into view
Private LTE networks deliver secure cellular connectivity in localized enterprise or industrial spaces, with private 5G networks and newly available spectrum bands soon to follow. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2020
Extreme launches ExtremeCloud IQ apps, switches
The latest apps for Extreme's cloud-based network management portal include intrusion prevention , IoT onboarding and compliance testing for the wireless LAN. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Sep 2020
Home SD-WAN will redefine next-generation WAN
The need for home-office SD-WAN won't end when the pandemic does. Learn how best to provide this essential tech to your organization's at-home employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2020
7 top 5G enterprise use cases and business opportunities
While 5G is not fully baked yet, early business use cases are intriguing. Connections between branch offices and headquarters, for instance, could be improved with fixed wireless. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Sep 2020
3 ways to prevent DDoS attacks on networks
DDoS attacks on networks can result in devastating and expensive damage for organizations. Learn three ways to prevent and respond to DDoS attacks to keep company networks secure. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Sep 2020
Telecommunications book highlights spectrum, fiber cabling
5G touts faster download speeds and new application types, but other major 5G changes will be in spectrum and fixed wireless. Learn more in this telecommunications book excerpt. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Sep 2020
Multimedia data and 5G drive network transformation
Emerging networking trends and touted innovations always showcase faster speeds and new use cases. Yet, new challenges keep pace, too, such as security and privacy issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Sep 2020
How are network management and security converging?
Network management and security have become even more intertwined now that more employees are working from home. How can enterprises ensure they are keeping their networks secure? Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Sep 2020
LoRa vs. 5G: Can they coexist for IoT network connectivity?
LoRa vs. 5G technologies differ in terms of cost, use cases and technology types. However, LoRa and 5G may complement each other well for IoT connectivity. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2020
Best practices to maintain VPN security
Enterprises looking to maintain VPN security should focus on proper endpoint security and authentication, VPN server security and documentation for security policies. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Aug 2020
Benefits of intent-based networking for modern networks
Intent-based networking can benefit network teams working remotely with increased workloads due to COVID-19. Benefits include reduced human error and automated manual tasks. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Aug 2020
12 common network protocols and their functions explained
Networking makes the internet work, but neither can succeed without protocols. Common network protocols and functions are key for communication and connection across the internet. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2020
Arista will charge a premium for CloudVision as a service
Arista's CloudVision as a service will have a higher subscription price than the on-premises version. The vendor says the new product will have better network analytics. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2020
3 SD-WAN cloud connectivity options to explore
Enterprises can connect their SD-WAN infrastructure to cloud providers' platforms using three methods: back-to-back access, private PoP connections and internet VPN. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Aug 2020
Enterprises prefer private 5G networks over network slicing
Large enterprises are wary of network slicing within public 5G networks because of potential security risks. But SMBs see network slicing as a viable 5G option. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Aug 2020
What is the difference between SNMP and RMON?
While Simple Network Management Protocol tracks network devices, Remote Network Monitoring tracks traffic. As a team, SNMP and RMON are essential for network management. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2020
Cisco restructuring follows weak revenues, forecast
The Cisco restructuring includes shifting research and development to different technology areas and offering employees early retirement. An analyst says layoffs are likely. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2020
The future of networking jobs in the new normal
Soft skills will grow in relevance as network pros adapt to a post-pandemic world that includes more remote troubleshooting and the move away from a hard network edge. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2020
3 DDoS mitigation strategies for enterprise networks
Enterprises can choose from three major approaches to mitigate DDoS attacks on their networks: Buy from an ISP, do it themselves or use a CDN service. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Aug 2020
Managing VPN bandwidth requirements, speed and overhead
Companies are relying on IPsec VPNs to connect their remote workers. But determining how much VPN bandwidth you need is just one consideration; VPN overhead is another. Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2020
T-Mobile 5G progresses, Samsung intros 5G tablets
This week's 5G news includes T-Mobile 5G taking a significant step forward, Samsung releasing tablets and Intel and VMware joining forces on network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Aug 2020
8 network diagramming tools for architects
Network design tools help architects map out the company infrastructure but only with the right product. Explore these eight vendors and their tools to make the right buy. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2020
5G for enterprises requires other tech to reap full benefits
5G won't solve all an organization's problems or fully replace existing 4G LTE architecture. In fact, 5G needs other technology for it to truly succeed and be useful. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2020
What IT pros can expect from 5G core network architecture
5G is the first 'G' in the cloud, which means its network architecture can enable functions, services and capabilities past cellular generations couldn't. Here's what to expect. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2020
The benefits of building a network automation lab
Network teams can build network automation labs to create a safe environment to test and validate automation tasks before running them in production networks. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Aug 2020
Cloud security vs. network security: What's the difference?
While network security focuses on solely protecting networks, cloud security provides protection for networks, servers, containers, apps and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Aug 2020
5 edge computing basics you need to know
Edge computing is forcing IT teams to rethink legacy architectures. In this guide, explore edge computing basics, including its pros and cons and its effect on enterprise networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2020
How to select and set up SD-WAN and DIA
When evaluating different options for SD-WAN and direct internet access, IT teams can't forget to consider application performance, network uptime and support for each option. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2020
Juniper Mist stretches to WAN management
Jackson Electric Cooperative expects Juniper Mist's new WAN management features to reduce the number of customer trouble tickets and simplify access to network performance data. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jul 2020
Network security in 2020 highlights zero trust, SD-branch
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore various aspects of network security -- from old and evergreen to new and innovative -- and the roles they play in 2020. Continue Reading
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29 Jul 2020
A Deep Dive Into Border Gateway Protocol
This step-by-step training guides you through all the border gateway protocol components -- from how the protocol works to how to verify that it is working correctly. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2020
5G enterprise market will overtake consumer cellular by 2036
5G is the first cellular technology generation that enterprise use cases will play a larger role than consumer use cases. Learn more from ABI Research's 5G Technology Summit. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2020
VMware load balancing aimed at NSX-T
Users reacted positively to the latest VMware load-balancing product. The NSX Advanced Load Balancer promises to improve application performance in a VMware NSX-T virtual network. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jul 2020
What's the difference between GRE and IPsec tunnels?
IPsec provides more comprehensive security for IP tunneling, while GRE tunnels work well when network teams need to tunnel with multiple protocols or multicast. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jul 2020
IT spending priorities in 2020 shift to network management, UC
The global pandemic has temporarily slowed SD-WAN and campus network spending, but enterprises are still investing in network infrastructure, focusing on network management and UC. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jul 2020
How to secure a home network for remote workforces
Remote workers rarely achieve the same network security at home that offices provide. Yet, with the right tools, remote workers can efficiently learn how to secure a home network. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2020
HPE ups SD-WAN chops with Silver Peak acquisition
Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Silver Peak acquisition could significantly improve the software-defined WAN offering that's available today in HPE's Aruba-branded network portfolio. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jul 2020
What are the risks of third-party VPN services?
IP address leaks, DNS service leaks and WebRTC transmissions could expose your online activities if you use certain unreliable third-party VPN services. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2020
How to set up a new business network
Building a new network can be complicated, but IT teams can ease the design process and future management by choosing the right architecture and documenting each decision. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jul 2020
Evolution of WLAN technology improves data rates, security
WLAN technology has evolved dramatically -- most notably, in terms of network speeds and security. Innovations in Wi-Fi 6 show that the WLAN evolution isn't slowing, either. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jul 2020
Future of wireless communications unifies 5G and Wi-Fi 6
The future of cellular, Wi-Fi and other wireless communication networks will see these technologies unify to support faster network speeds and real-time communications. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jul 2020
Tech pros focus on application delivery during pandemic
Tech pros have added security, automation and session capacity to their application delivery infrastructure to support business operations during the pandemic. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2020
How the cloud fractures application delivery infrastructure ops
Within a single IT organization, traditional network teams may clash with cloud teams over application delivery infrastructure operations and management. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jul 2020
What's the difference between a Layer 3 switch and a router?
Even though they have common traits, there is a difference between a Layer 3 switch and a router. Each plays a key role in making sure packets get sent to their proper destination. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2020
Why network configuration templates are useful in automation
If a network team automates network configuration templates, it can save time and eliminate redundant activities in order to focus more on data collection and analysis. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2020
An automation-first approach enables network predictability
For an organization to prioritize network automation, it needs an automation-first approach. This strategy involves understanding automation workflows and enabling proper training. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2020
COVID-19 tech will fail without employee privacy
Businesses can choose from a growing number of mobile apps and Wi-Fi software to protect workers from COVID-19. But tech won't succeed without top-of-the-line privacy protection. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Jun 2020
What's the difference between OFDMA vs. MU-MIMO in Wi-Fi 6?
Is there a difference between OFDMA and MU-MIMO? The two important Wi-Fi 6 features are complementary but distinct. Here's why. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jun 2020
Compare the 2 common types of technical debt
While enterprises often incur technical debt inadvertently through inexperience or poor management, sometimes, developers will plan technical debt to establish a market presence. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2020
Gain SD-branch benefits through automation, orchestration
SD-branch technology is evolving, but don't put off learning about what this tool can do now and the advantages it will deliver in the near future. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2020
What to know about VPN termination
Network teams make several decisions when designing a secure VPN. One of those is where in the network, logically, they will terminate the VPN tunnels. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2020
Edge computing and 5G bring the edge to remote workers
As remote work increases, edge computing services must extend to employees' homes. While 5G could help, internet connectivity must improve to enable edge access before 5G prevails. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Jun 2020
Is Wi-Fi 6 backward-compatible? Yes and no
With the advent of a new wireless standard, some users may wonder: Is Wi-Fi 6 backward-compatible? The answer is yes. But do you want full backward compatibility? Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2020
Network traffic pattern shifts reflect COVID-19 changes
The novel coronavirus pandemic spurred initial changes in network traffic patterns, but other trends are playing important roles in perpetuating permanent traffic shifts. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2020
Aruba Central touches more devices, gets better analytics
A new version of Aruba Central will include features for managing as many as 50,000 network devices from the cloud. The upgrade also includes better analytics for troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jun 2020
Telemetry vs. SNMP: Is one better for network management?
Networks are more complex, making network management more challenging. Enterprises are weighing telemetry vs. SNMP to see which method is better. Each has pluses and minuses. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jun 2020
Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet: What's the difference and which is better?
When assessing Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet, each connection type has its benefits and drawbacks. Find out why one standard might be more reliable for your network. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2020
Cisco DNA Center's new features may mean more user headaches
Cisco continues to add features to DNA Center to centralize more network control within the software. But as the product grows more complex, users struggle to deploy it. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jun 2020
MLB uses NetBox automation for network configuration backup
Major League Baseball used NetBox in tandem with its network automation project to streamline its configuration backup process and keep its infrastructure systems in sync. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jun 2020
What's the difference between Wi-Fi and the internet?
The distinction between Wi-Fi and the internet is important, especially as more people work from home and try to troubleshoot their network connectivity problems. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jun 2020
A glossary of home network basics for the networking novice
A remote employee's home network requires basics such as routers, modems and VPN services. For the networking novice, this glossary explains and defines these terms and more. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2020
Cisco acquisition of ThousandEyes has many user benefits
Cisco's acquisition of ThousandEyes could benefit companies using Cisco's SD-WAN, AppDynamics, Duo Security and AnyConnect. Cisco plans to close the deal by the end of October. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2020
Wi-Fi vendors pitch people tracking for COVID-19 safety
Wi-Fi vendors Aruba and Juniper Networks work with partners to offer in-office people tracking to defend against a COVID-19 outbreak. Cisco focuses on managing gatherings in physical spaces. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 May 2020
5 things to know about MU-MIMO technology in Wi-Fi networks
'Multiuser multiple input, multiple output' might not roll off the tongue, but MU-MIMO technology is increasingly important in modern wireless networks. Here's what you should know. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2020
Small vendors that stand out in network automation
When incumbent vendors fall short, enterprises should consider these small vendors for new approaches to analytics and network automation. Continue Reading