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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Answer
09 Oct 2025
Traceroute vs. tracepath: What's the difference?
Traceroute and tracepath are essential network diagnostic command-line tools used to trace the path of data from source to destination, but they serve slightly different purposes. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Oct 2025
Manage storage with log forwarding via rsyslog
Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to effectively plan and implement an automated log centralization process using rsyslog's flexible features. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jul 2022
Aruba adds Client Insights in Central Foundation license
Aruba automated routine network management tasks like device discovery in Aruba Central. The customer plans to add a change rollback feature next. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2022
Best practices for DIY network automation
Many network pros write their own automation scripts. These best practices help teams implement coding and tool set standardization, proper change management and immutability. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jul 2022
8 tips to optimize network bandwidth and performance
Despite bandwidth calculations and capacity planning, networks often fail to consume bandwidth efficiently. Here are some tips to optimize bandwidth usage in enterprise networks. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2022
Juniper Mist automatically validates AP placement
Juniper has added three features to its AIOps networking assistant to improve troubleshooting and give more insights into the network. The company also introduced midrange switching hardware. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Jul 2022
Marketing hype fuels AI predictive network troubleshooting
Vendors are pushing heavily on the benefits of predictive analysis to automatically identify and remediate network issues. But should enterprise customers care? Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jun 2022
Challenges, best practices for network operations management
Traditional network operations teams are struggling with several aspects of network management. Experts weigh in on why, and what to do to simplify operations. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2022
Cisco customers eager for Meraki's Catalyst management
IT professionals were excited to see cloud-based Meraki management for Catalyst switches but were less enthusiastic over the new Cisco Security Cloud. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
Cisco launches cloud management of Catalyst, Nexus switches
The latest addition to the cloud-based Cisco Meraki console expands the company's subscription-based pricing for network monitoring and management software. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 May 2022
Network management tool sprawl plagues IT organizations
More network management tools often lead to manual errors and network trouble. Instead, consider tool integration and how existing tools can fix new problems. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2022
Cisco adds automated testing to ThousandEyes
Cisco added automated testing for video conferences and a troubleshooting dashboard to the ThousandEyes internet intelligence platform. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2022
Cisco reveals details of predictive network management tool
Cisco's predictive analytics networking engine aims to build trust by spotting problems with a high degree of accuracy rather than by identifying every issue. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2022
5 basic network commands for Linux and Windows
Linux and Windows use different network commands to run tasks that are common in both environments, such as network connectivity testing. But the commands often share similarities. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2022
Gluware launches RPA to simplify network automation workflow
Gluware's Robotic Process Automation simplifies network automation by turning discrete, automated tasks into multi-step automated workflow processes. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Apr 2022
The importance of unified, end-to-end network management
As network environments evolve and grow more complex, enterprises are realizing their need for unified network management. But is an end-to-end strategy possible? Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2022
Device42 adds intelligence to IT discovery, asset management
Device42 plans to release on May 30 Insights+ to provide customers with an in-product tool for aggregating, analyzing and visualizing stored IT data. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2022
Aruba head Mottram prioritizes automation, Central, NaaS
Customers agreed that automation and the Central management console were essential to them. But Phil Mottram's plans to deliver more products as a service got mixed reviews. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Mar 2022
oversubscription
Oversubscription in a storage area network (SAN) is the practice of committing more network bandwidth to devices connected to that network than what is physically available. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2022
Aruba Central basics key for Atmosphere attendees
IT pros like to check out cutting-edge technology, but they say Aruba Central basics like device onboarding and data privacy are most important for doing their jobs today. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Mar 2022
What is the role of machine learning in networking?
Incorporating machine learning tools into a network can help teams predict traffic flows, generate smarter analytics, monitor network health, tighten security measures and more. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2022
Aruba launches VXLAN management, GPS-enabled Wi-Fi networks
Aruba's Central NetConductor is a cloud-based service that delivers automation and identity-based network access to enforce zero-trust policies for users and devices. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2022
Experts set the record straight on new networking technology
What is the reality of new network technologies? Here, experts identify the risks -- real or perceived – and benefits that digital twins, automation and AI create for businesses. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Mar 2022
NetOps vs. DevOps vs. NetSecOps: What's the difference?
DevOps, NetOps and NetSecOps ... oh my! These IT concepts have their differences, but at the end of the day, they're family. Here's how they relate. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Mar 2022
What is NetOps? Everything you need to know
NetOps, also referred to as NetOps 2.0 and NetDevOps, is an approach to networking operations that uses DevOps tools and techniques to make network changes more efficiently and effectively than in the past. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2022
Juniper updates Apstra intent-based networking for the edge
Juniper has targeted edge data centers with a suite of updates to its intent-based networking platform Apstra. Also, Juniper has new IBN security and professional services. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2022
NetOps automation ideas and examples
NetOps teams can hone their automation experience using these automation ideas that range from simple read/write tasks to complex automated processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2022
The NetOps 2.0 era is here: A primer for networking pros
Experts say inflexible legacy networks impede critical DevOps initiatives. Enter NetOps 2.0. This primer explains how automation and virtualization can help networks evolve. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2022
The benefits of network infrastructure as code
Network infrastructure as code uses DevOps methodology to create structured practices for configuration changes and establish pre- and post-change testing and validation. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2022
How to secure NetOps initiatives using Agile methodology
As more NetOps teams implement Agile methods, network and security testing must be part of a holistic approach that involves developers, networking and security teams working together. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2022
NetOps meets DevOps concepts to tackle network problems
NetOps and DevOps are converging, due to increased use of infrastructure as code to automate enterprise networks. Shared concepts include structured coding practices and automated testing. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Mar 2022
How does a NetOps strategy affect enterprise network teams?
A NetOps approach uses DevOps frameworks to help network teams enable virtualization, automation and AI to create Agile networks and deploy applications faster. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2022
Explore 4 network performance monitoring tools
The network performance monitoring market is changing to address the emergence of IoT and AI. Read more about the NPM market evolution and available vendor products. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2022
Configure DHCP failover for Windows Server
DHCP is a critical service, and network admins should take the time to create fault tolerance. Windows Server makes it easy to configure both failover and load balancing. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Mar 2022
The rise of the NetOps engineer
The need for NetOps engineers with network automation and software development skills is rising with the continued drive to create more flexible networks. Find out what it takes. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Mar 2022
Businesses building data center network automation internally
Companies develop their own data center network automation software for security compliance, and they need tools closely aligned with their specific networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2022
Business benefits of an Agile networking approach
Enterprises that embed an Agile approach in their networking strategies could see benefits like better network performance, enhanced data security and faster rollouts of network services. Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2022
Cisco updates IoT management, go-to-market private 5G plans
Cisco has updated the IoT Control Center to support low-cost, low-bandwidth IoT. The company also released details for its private 5G go-to-market strategy. Continue Reading
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Quiz
01 Mar 2022
Try a network configuration quiz to study for Network+ exam
Use these sample questions from CompTIA's 'Official CompTIA Network+ Self-Paced Study Guide (Exam N10-008)' in preparation for your certification exam. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2022
Network design considerations for Network+ exam prep
One of the first things network pros should learn is how to design a network. In this Q&A, author James Pengelly discusses best practices for network configuration. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2022
Automation brings NetOps to the next level
Automation and AI can help enterprise NetOps teams attain the data insights they need to deliver services more efficiently and create a more agile, proactive network. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2022
How NetOps differs from traditional network operations
When comparing NetOps and conventional network operations, network teams focus on automating repeatable tasks that correct problems rather than introducing new ones manually. Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2022
NetBrain's new tool automates network troubleshooting
NetBrain's Problem Diagnosis Automation System leans on network manager expertise instead of AI to automate troubleshooting and resolve network issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Feb 2022
Load sharing vs. load balancing: What's the difference?
Load sharing and load balancing are two techniques that work to distribute traffic across a network. However, their methods of balancing differ significantly. Here's how. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2022
Why NetOps is a bridge to AIOps
As IT infrastructure grows more complex, NetOps teams should identify ways to ensure their networks remain operational and perform at peak levels. One option is AIOps. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Feb 2022
What's the status of AI in networking?
The use cases for AI are expanding, but despite the advantages, network pros have yet to implement AI fully. Three analysts explain the status of AI in enterprise networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2022
Edge, public cloud, security drive network transformation
Networking is starting to reflect innovations in compute and public cloud. A notable change will be how network teams view networking and security as a holistic platform. Continue Reading
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Infographic
28 Dec 2021
Review the major networking acquisitions of 2021
When a networking vendor announces plans to acquire another company, most people take notice. Explore which vendors made moves in 2021 and what those purchases mean. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2021
In 2022, AI network management is all about growing trust
AI network management tools are poised for significant growth in the coming year, but making the most of the tech's capabilities will require trust. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2021
AWS to rearchitect support network following major outage
AWS plans to rearchitect its support system to run across multiple regions to prevent a future hours-long outage. Also, it will release an updated Service Health Dashboard. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2021
DHCP client configuration for Linux, Windows and macOS
Network and system admins can use command-line and GUI tools to configure DHCP clients in Linux, Windows and macOS. Here's a breakdown of which commands to use for each OS. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2021
Automation, cloud lead as influential data center trends
Recent data center trends, such as AIOps and automation, have been geared toward simplifying network management. Here are the trends and challenges teams faced over the past year. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2021
Ford, Mercedes-Benz optimize 5G-enabled smart factories
Smart factories are typically powered by technologies like AI or IoT systems. Now, companies like Ford, John Deere and Mercedes-Benz are using 5G to innovate smart factories. Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2021
Cisco ThousandEyes gets SaaS application monitoring
The new service creates a global map of SaaS delays, interruptions and outages to help IT staff troubleshoot and record problems that violate service-level agreements. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2021
A guide to Windows DHCP server configuration
The main steps to configure DHCP on Windows Server are installation, Active Directory authorization, creating a scope and DNS registration. Learn about other tasks and best practices. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2021
Juniper Networks secures IoT management
Juniper Networks' latest Mist AI-enabled product uses private pre-shared keys to secure IOT devices and unify their management. Juniper also launched two 6 GHz access points. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Oct 2021
What digital experience monitoring means for network teams
Digital experience monitoring integrates several monitoring tools to provide a comprehensive view into the performance of endpoints, applications and the network. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Oct 2021
Network redundancy vs. resiliency: What's the difference?
The difference between network redundancy and resiliency is redundancy duplicates network devices while resiliency is the self-recovery of system failures. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Oct 2021
Static IP vs. dynamic IP addresses: What's the difference?
Static IP addresses are typically used for servers, routers and switches. Dynamic IP addresses, however, are commonly used for workstations, phones and tablets. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2021
4 categories of network monitoring
Network teams should routinely monitor the states of their networks. The type of network monitoring strategy used depends on the needs of the organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2021
6 Wi-Fi design best practices for enterprise networks
Designing Wi-Fi networks doesn't need to be overly complicated. Site surveys and walks around the environment are simple steps teams can take to assess coverage requirements. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2021
network analyzer (protocol analyzer or packet analyzer)
A network analyzer -- also called a network protocol analyzer or packet analyzer -- is a software application, dedicated appliance or feature set within a network component used in network performance troubleshooting or to enhance protection against malicious activity within a corporate network. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Sep 2021
Best practices and tools for public cloud monitoring
Public cloud adoption has ramped up in recent years. In these busy environments, certain cloud network monitoring tools can provide IT groups with crucial visibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2021
Automate network validation for smoother changes
Teams can verify network state before and after network changes to ensure smooth deployment of the changes. Automating those pre- and post-change checks can reduce errors and outages. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2021
runbook
Runbooks are a set of standardized written procedures for completing repetitive IT processes within a company. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Sep 2021
deep packet inspection (DPI)
Deep packet inspection (DPI) is an advanced method of examining and managing network traffic. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2021
How remote work changes the future of network management
The pandemic ushered in a new normal of hybrid workplaces. What's also new is how network teams manage these remote networks, like using zero-trust security models. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Aug 2021
autonomous system (AS)
An autonomous system (AS) in networking is a collection of one or more associated Internet Protocol (IP) prefixes with a clearly defined routing policy that governs how the AS exchanges routing information with other autonomous systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Aug 2021
bit stuffing
Bit stuffing refers to the insertion of one or more bits into a data transmission as a way to provide signaling information to a receiver. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2021
network operations center (NOC)
A network operations center (NOC) is a centralized place from which enterprise information technology (IT) administrators -- either internal or third party -- supervise, monitor and maintain a telecommunications network. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Aug 2021
Network observability vs. monitoring: What's the difference?
Traditional network monitoring is useful for collecting data about network issues. But network observability can add further insights into network health and end-user experience. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2021
BGP vs. OSPF: When to use each protocol
BGP and OSPF are two of the most common routing protocols. While BGP excels with dynamic routing for large networks, OSPF offers more efficient path choice and convergence speed. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2021
AIOps network management requires vendor-buyer teamwork
Before buying AIOps tools, network managers should work closely with vendors to ensure they collect the correct network data and use relevant algorithms. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jul 2021
2021 networking trends for a post-pandemic enterprise
In 2020, the pandemic threw the best-laid IT plans into chaos. As enterprises find their footing again, here are four network trends defining the second half of 2021. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2021
How to use iPerf3 to test network bandwidth
In this in-depth tip, learn how to use iPerf3, a network testing tool to measure throughput and benchmark your WAN links to ensure effectivity. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Jul 2021
Static vs. dynamic routing: What is the difference?
Static routing uses preconfigured routes to send traffic to its destination, while dynamic routing uses algorithms to determine the best path. How else do the two methods differ? Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2021
Five-nines availability: What it really means
Learn what five-nines availability means and discover the steps enterprises should take to make sure network services are fully accessible. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2021
3 best practices for network observability
Research shows a correlation with NetOps success and network observability. Following best practices of network observability can facilitate this success. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2021
Cisco DNA Center update tackles customer headaches
The latest DNA Center upgrade simplifies deploying the campus network controller and scaling the platform to handle more endpoints. Cisco plans to release it in mid-June. Continue Reading
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News
27 May 2021
Juniper ships first major Apstra release
Juniper said the latest update to its recently acquired Apstra network automation product sends a message to customers that the company is committed to multi-platform support. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2021
Cloud-based network management leads 2021 network investments
A recent ESG survey shows that many enterprises speeding their digital transformation plans are also increasing 2021 network investment, emphasizing cloud-based network management. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 May 2021
An introduction to Go network programming
This chapter excerpt from 'Network Programming with Go' dives into logging and metrics, while also providing Go code examples and best practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 May 2021
Best practices and strategies for logging in Go
Author Adam Woodbeck discusses how network teams can use the Go programming language for logging and metrics. One tip: Log prudently, and use metrics generously. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2021
How to prepare networks for the return to office
Network teams should evaluate their UC strategies, VPN capacity and even air conditioning requirements as employees start to return to office environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2021
A glimpse into Python network automation and APIs
This chapter excerpt from 'Mastering Python Networking' dives into the importance of APIs and network state when working with Python network automation and intent-based networking. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2021
Advice on intent-based networking and Python automation
In his book, 'Mastering Python Networking,' Eric Chou provides network practitioners with the concepts they need to understand APIs, intent-based networking and automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2021
The role of network observability in distributed systems
Network observability sounds like a new term for an existing practice, but is that the case? This chapter excerpt lays out what observability is and everything you need to know. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2021
Arista simplifies network management in latest CloudVision
Arista's CloudVision 2021 has better analytics for spotting network congestion and a dashboard for monitoring Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Workspace and other applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2021
How cloud-based network monitoring tools expand visibility
Organizations have become even more distributed and virtual in the wake of COVID-19. Cloud-based network monitoring is well suited to keep tabs on network performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Apr 2021
How are network operations center responsibilities changing?
If your network operations center responsibilities haven't changed yet due to evolutions like DevOps and edge computing, they likely will soon. Here's what you need to know. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2021
Best practices for VPN traffic monitoring
VPNs are still a critical part of many enterprise remote access strategies. Networks teams that monitor VPN traffic should look at factors like application usage and overhead. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2021
Perform a network health check with network testing
Network engineers can use myriad network testing approaches to ensure their networks are efficient and reliable. The key is incorporating them into a regular maintenance cycle. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2021
Key tasks in a network maintenance checklist
Network technologies and devices might change over time, but certain maintenance tasks, such as data backup and device inventory, will always be essential for network teams. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Mar 2021
3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project)
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaborative project between a group of telecommunications associations with the initial goal of developing globally applicable specifications for third-generation (3G) mobile systems. Continue Reading
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Quiz
10 Mar 2021
Test your knowledge of socket programming in Python
In this quiz, review the fundamentals of socket programming in Python, including port scanning, TCP and UDP, and how to enable different methods from the socket module. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Mar 2021
How to get started with socket programming for beginners
To understand socket programming for beginners, basic network and security concepts are critical -- and having Python skills won't hurt, either. Learn more in this expert Q&A. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Mar 2021
Explore this ultimate socket programming guide for beginners
In this socket programming guide preview, learn how sockets work, the role of socket programming in enterprise networks and the ins and outs of socket programming in Python. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2021
NOC performance metrics for optimal operation
NOC best practices include using standardized network designs and automation. But don't forget to identify performance metrics that help track and measure operational success. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Feb 2021
Future of NOC transformation unifies IT teams
NOC transformation could lead to unified IT operations with cross-domain teams, but not all enterprises need radical change when smaller upgrades and modernization do the job. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2021
How to monitor home network traffic for added security
When addressing home network monitoring, track all connected devices, and take advantage of open source tools, like packet capture, to sniff out malicious traffic. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2021
The tradeoffs and cost of network redundancy
Network redundancy costs vary depending on enterprise use cases, but the determining tradeoff usually depends on how long a company can sustain network downtime. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2021
Cloud networking complexity includes visibility and security
Enterprises are deploying more workloads in cloud environments. But the visibility, security and management required for those extensions of IT infrastructure can get complicated. Continue Reading