Network management and monitoring
Network management and monitoring are vital components of modern IT operations that help businesses run effectively and efficiently. Network observability also provides added visibility into the end-user experience. Find out how innovations such as AI, machine learning, network analytics and network automation are shaping the future of network management and monitoring.
Top Stories
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Tip
26 Sep 2023
Best practices for network automation with Python
Python libraries, version control, documentation and object-oriented programming provide helpful best practices for network engineers tackling network automation with Python. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Sep 2023
Cisco makes big splash with Splunk
The integration of Cisco and Splunk could result in a full-stack offering that provides comprehensive visibility across enterprise locations and AI-driven insights. 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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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
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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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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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
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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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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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
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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Tip
29 Jul 2020
As network security analysis proves invaluable, NDR market shifts
IT infrastructure threat detection and response have emerged as critical elements of enterprise cybersecurity as network security analysis proves invaluable to protecting data. 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
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
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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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
17 Jun 2020
Ensure your backup networking and infrastructure work together
How can you effectively modify your backup process to fit your network speed? Because bandwidth constantly varies, employ best practices for a range of scenarios. 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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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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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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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
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
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Tip
18 May 2020
How to build a network monitoring business case
As network teams construct a business case for a new network monitoring tool, they should include a cost comparison of alternative tools and a strong defense for the selected tool. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2020
A guide on how to learn network automation
Being a network professional means being a lifelong learner. So learn what network automation skills are essential and how best to acquire them quickly. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 May 2020
What are the 5 different types of network management?
Security policies, optimal service levels, configuration changes and even cost control measures all encompass the different types of network management. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 May 2020
The true cost of network downtime for your business
Network brownouts could be the biggest under-the-radar threat to your network. Calculate the potential costs of downtime to save your organization's productivity and money. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2020
AI-powered cyberattacks force change to network security
Companies now face sophisticated enemies using AI and machine learning tools for their attacks. It's a world of new dangers for those defending network systems and data. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 May 2020
Plan now for the future of network security
How to battle well-funded, technologically sophisticated threats and ensure high-quality network performance? CISOs need a plan to meet network challenges now and in the future. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Apr 2020
Telework security requires meticulous caution, communication
Organizations that are proactive about telework security may enjoy a more resilient network environment. Follow five steps in this webinar to ensure secure remote work. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2020
Open Systems' SASE tech wins TechTarget innovation award
Open Systems' SASE platform helped tens of thousands of workers gain secure remote access during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more about our new Network Innovation Award winner. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2020
Network automation book shares recipes for success
In this network automation book excerpt, discover how automation frameworks NAPALM and Ansible can provide network teams with vendor-agnostic network management capabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2020
Network pros need NAPALM, Ansible network automation skills
Network pros need network automation skills in NAPALM and Ansible because the two modules together can enhance multivendor environments and streamline network management tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Apr 2020
5 needed product features to fix network management issues
Virtualization and public cloud monitoring are among five top network management issues facing companies as they assess tools designed to oversee increasingly complex networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2020
SD-WAN, 5G remote work technologies enable future networks
In this roundup of networking blogs, learn how SD-WAN and 5G can benefit business continuity plans for network infrastructure and whether split tunneling is necessary -- or safe. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2020
Tips to improve network visibility and security
Network visibility and security can be tricky, especially with the range of products available. These tips help teams pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and gauge the tools they need. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2020
Why configuration management is important for networks
Configuration management is essential to keep accurate network configuration records and to help organizations avoid potential challenges or problems within their networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2020
Zoom, Netflix discuss remote network management challenges
COVID-19 forces IT teams to manage company networks remotely. Here are common issues IT teams of all sizes -- like those at Zoom and Netflix -- face and ways to solve them. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2020
Overview of network management tasks and best practices
Network management encompasses a range of tasks and processes. Explore 10 crucial tasks and accompanying best practices to ensure a resilient and functional network. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2020
How to manage the surge in remote video internet traffic
As more people work from home and create more internet traffic, enterprise network managers should adjust bandwidth levels and consider connectivity upgrades. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Apr 2020
SNMP vs. CMIP: What's the difference?
While SNMP and CMIP originally competed as network management protocols in the 1980s, SNMP has emerged as the more relevant protocol, largely due to its simplicity. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2020
How supporting a remote workforce stresses the network
Make sure your network can support a remote workforce by analyzing 12 potential issues that can cause stress on your network, including VPN concentrator capacity and traffic routing. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2020
Remote work tests corporate pandemic plans
IT leaders share what's working and how they are supporting remote work mandates for employees as part of their corporate pandemic plans, as well as social distancing among IT. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2020
AI, analytics, automation fuel the future of network management
Advances in automation, AI and analytics should help IT administrators overcome new challenges in virtualized network environments, but some obstacles will surface. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2020
Plan a VPN and remote access strategy for pandemic, disaster
Disasters and pandemics occur unexpectedly, affecting companies, workers and networks alike. Plan a remote access strategy that covers VPN requirements, bandwidth demands and licenses. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Mar 2020
What is network verification and do enterprises need it?
Network verification can help organizations gain critical network performance insight and alleviate network complexity. But aspects of the concept are new and not yet mainstream. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2020
Ansible limitations for network automation
Ansible can be a powerful tool for network automation, but users should be aware of its limitations with debugging, performance, complex data structures and control flow. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
Network traffic analysis best practices: Assess and repeat
Network traffic analysis best practices require network teams to work closely with security teams and constantly assess their tool sets, analysis processes and traffic patterns. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2020
An introduction to network automation with Ansible
Ansible is one of the most popular open source network automation tools. Network pros can use it to perform basic network automation tasks, like collecting ARP table data. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2020
What should I know about IP address management systems?
As networks continuously gain more devices, outdated IP address management methods face new challenges. Despite this, IPAM is still crucial for any organization's network. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Feb 2020
A glossary of network terms for management and monitoring
This glossary of network terms specifically highlights network management and monitoring processes. Explore these 12 key terms and concise definitions. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2020
Build a source of truth into your network automation strategy
Many network automation approaches rely on a source of truth repository to provide data on network behavior. But building this automation database isn't always easy. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2020
How to monitor network traffic in 7 steps
Effective network monitoring is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance by IT groups. This step-by-step plan can fine-tune network monitoring strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2020
Compare Paramiko, Netmiko and NAPALM network automation
Python is a useful language, but it can't do everything. Explore some basic network automation scripts that use Python with three automation libraries: Paramiko, Netmiko and NAPALM. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jan 2020
12 network automation ideas to incorporate in your network
What's your path to network automation? Here are 12 automation ideas that span different levels of expertise to help your network team get comfortable with network automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2019
Food manufacturer finds success with SD-WAN vendor CloudGenix
Disappointed in a managed service from Verizon, food manufacturer Diamond Crystal Brands went looking for an SD-WAN vendor that could deliver. It found it in CloudGenix. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Dec 2019
Why should I consider an AIOps platform for my network?
AIOps can take various tasks -- such as data collection and analysis -- off the plates of network teams. This can provide organizations with better insight into network visibility. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Dec 2019
Consider these 5 FAQs for network monitoring best practices
New technologies are transforming how organizations plan network management and monitoring, introducing questions about legacy system upgrades and the number of tools required. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Dec 2019
How do I choose the right network automation tools or platform?
In your organization's search for the best network automation platform for business operations, compare the pros and cons of proprietary and open source tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2019
Agile for infrastructure requires major cultural shift
To realize the benefits of Agile for infrastructure, network teams must think differently about how to deliver services -- embracing radical change and a trial-by-error approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2019
Boost network security visibility with these 4 technologies
The network is where it's at if you want to stop malicious actors. But first you need to up your network visibility. Learn about four technologies that can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2019
Network visibility and monitoring tools now amp up security
Three technology trends are currently making network visibility even more central to security tools. Learn more about the impact of big data, AI and APIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2019
Benefits of network automation software ease challenges for IT
Network automation software comes with a compelling list of benefits, but IT teams should confirm which processes are automated and how the software integrates with existing tools. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Nov 2019
What's the difference between half-duplex and full-duplex?
A half-duplex transmission could be considered a one-way street between sender and receiver. Full-duplex, on the other hand, enables two-way traffic at the same time. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2019
Learn how to master network traffic analysis with Python
In this book excerpt, explore key components of network security and network traffic analysis with Python scripting from Packt Publishing author José Manuel Ortega. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2019
How Python addresses security, network traffic analysis concerns
Python can benefit key areas of an organization's network, including network security and traffic analysis. Glean critical expert advice from an author of various Python textbooks. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2019
Itential's network automation software wins TechTarget award
At the ONUG Fall 2019 conference in New York, one word was on everyone's lips: automation. Itential's infrastructure-as-code platform helps turn those four syllables into action. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Oct 2019
Transform network management with a network automation strategy
Enterprises can employ a network automation strategy to provide some stability for network management and monitoring. Automation, however, still requires some hard work. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Oct 2019
Network automation skills and training in demand, research finds
Surprisingly, scripting, programming and software development are not exactly the top network automation skills desired by enterprises, according to recent research. Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2019
Gluware network automation update addresses OS changes
Gluware adds to its network automation platform easier management of changes to device configurations and operating systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Oct 2019
After ransomware virus, Merck's medicine was network automation
After a ransomware attack, Merck decided the best remedy was to deploy network automation tools designed to transform how it handled network configuration changes. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Oct 2019
Security, business agility kindle network automation adoption
IT teams are confused by the multiple automation strategies available, but they're still adopting automation with hopes it will benefit network security and agility. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2019
Extreme hands StackStorm workflow automation to Linux group
Extreme Networks will let The Linux Foundation handle development of the StackStorm workflow automation platform. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Oct 2019
How do I create proper documentation of network automation?
Despite network automation's advantages, organizations can face disadvantages if they have improper network documentation. These four components can help enable proper documentation. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Sep 2019
Educate users when troubleshooting a network connection
In this roundup of industry blogs, engineers discuss why it's helpful to teach users the basics of troubleshooting a network connection and why it's hard to simulate a network. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2019
Legacy tools encumber modern network infrastructure monitoring
Many IT teams still use older monitoring tools that provide limited visibility across multiple network environments. AI and machine learning can help, but they'll take some time. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2019
VMware acquisition of Veriflow to bolster vRealize platform
The VMware acquisition of Veriflow is expected to help vRealize users determine the integrity of a network design before it goes into production. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Aug 2019
Top enterprise network challenges include agility, product hype
Product hype and network agility are some of the primary network challenges for modern enterprises, according to networking experts. Read up on their insights and advice. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Aug 2019
What are the steps I should take for network transformation?
The path to digital transformation has three points that all organizations should reach to ensure their network is ready for digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Aug 2019
Top AIOps use cases in network performance management tools
AIOps use cases in network performance management include automating certain network functions, including traffic analysis. But the data could be difficult to digest. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2019
What are the top 3 network analytics use cases?
Network analytics use cases illustrate some of the benefits that companies are receiving from network analysis tools. Gauging network performance is just one key area. Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2019
Entuity is latest Park Place Technologies acquisition
The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, but Park Place Technologies hopes to make Entuity a key component of its multivendor service delivery model. Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2019
Itential adds new network automation tool to portfolio
Automation Gateway is a new stand-alone application within the Itential Automation Platform architecture. It aims to integrate existing automation and transform scripts into APIs. Continue Reading
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News
01 Aug 2019
New Gurucul network traffic analysis tool debuts
Gurucul's new Network Behavior Analytics tool uses machine learning analytics to provide a full view of network activity to identify and monitor unusual activity from any entity. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2019
6 steps to a successful network disaster recovery plan
Don't wait until disaster strikes to consider network resiliency and recovery. Use these six practical steps to build a network disaster recovery plan that fits your business needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2019
What is network automation, and what can it do for you?
This feature explores what network automation is and its influence on organizations. It also discusses assumptions about its effect on network engineers and similarities with SDN. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2019
Datadog network monitoring tool provides visibility to containers
Datadog Network Performance Monitoring intends to ease the workload of engineering teams by automating network monitoring and providing visibility down to containers. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2019
Why streaming telemetry tops SNMP in tracking network performance
SNMP isn't going away anytime soon, but streaming telemetry is a much more effective way to generate critical alerts and measure network performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Jun 2019
Can you integrate legacy network monitoring and analytics?
Legacy network monitoring and new analytics tools don't often mix. One workaround is APIs, but a better option is to upgrade older management software. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2019
Discover 3 real-world network automation use cases
The real benefits of network automation are managing multiple network devices at once. Larger networks, in particular, can benefit from these network automation use cases. Continue Reading
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Guide
28 Jun 2019
How to improve network visibility and regain control
Gaining visibility into the network has never been easy; technology like cloud and IoT makes it even tougher. Learn how to meet such challenges and keep network traffic flowing. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2019
Follow trends and research to increase networking innovations
Organizations can witness network transformations if they are aware of market trends, research and disruptive technologies. Many turn to third parties for this information. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2019
Aruba NetInsight, User Experience Insight coming to Central
Aruba plans to add analytics to its Central management console for the WLAN. Customers will be able to access Aruba NetInsight and User Experience Insight in Central. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Jun 2019
How do I plan a network management strategy for multiple tools?
Many IT teams deal with a bevy of network management tools, which complicates data integration and leads to errors. A network management strategy that focuses on coordination can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jun 2019
What is NetOps? Start with these 5 common questions
This compilation is an essential starting point for NetOps novices. These five common questions explore what NetOps is, how it can benefit networks and its effect on network teams. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2019
Kaloom introduces real-time INT for data center visibility
Kaloom's in-band network telemetry, FlowEye, intends to provide data center managers with a full view of a packet's real-time journey through a data center. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jun 2019
Explore 4 key areas of enterprise network transformation
Organizations have made improving network performance a major priority in 2019. But moving from legacy to modern infrastructures may introduce network challenges, as well. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2019
Ixia network packet broker, cybersecurity test introduced
Ixia launched two new products for networking and security: the Ixia network packet broker, Vision X, for data center visibility and Ixia BreakingPoint QuickTest to gauge device and network security. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2019
F5 Super-NetOps initiative wins Network Innovation Award
The F5 Super-NetOps training initiative has won TechTarget's Network Innovation Award for its efforts to help today's networking pros develop skills for tomorrow. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jun 2019
Cisco AI, machine learning network analytics head to the cloud
The new Cisco AI and machine learning platform, launched at Cisco Live, is a cloud-based network analytics service for the data center, campus and WAN. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 May 2019
Compare offerings from network analytics market leaders
Learn how 10 top network analytics tools compare when it comes to vendor type, deployment mode, specific features and technical support options. Continue Reading