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
28 Mar 2024
How to handle environmental regulations and green networking
Green networking is achievable if network managers ensure devices and supporting systems are energy-efficient and comply with established environmental regulations. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2024
How to avoid internet black holes for the network
Black holes in the network disrupt connectivity and compromise data integrity. Network monitoring, team collaboration and routing optimization help minimize the negative effects. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2019
Machine learning network monitoring shows AIOps' promise
Machine learning network monitoring tools highlight the promise of artificial intelligence for IT operations, helping networking pros contextualize data and turn it into action. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Mar 2019
How are automated network configuration and management changing?
Could a new generation of network testing and verification tools combine with automated network configuration to mimic intent-based networking systems? Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2019
Understand limitations when monitoring cloud performance
When monitoring cloud performance, organizations need to recognize the limitations that come with SaaS, PaaS and IaaS models, as well as public and private cloud architectures. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2019
3 types of configuration tools for network change management
From openly available scripting tools to vendor-supplied services, network change management and configuration tools generally fit into three main categories. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2019
How to monitor CPU usage in SDN environments
Monitoring CPU usage in a software-defined network is necessary to determine adequate network capacity and compute capacity, especially if workloads are competing for resources. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Mar 2019
What 5 items should be on your network monitoring checklist?
Device monitoring, visual performance tools and a deep understanding of network data are just a few of the items that should be on your network monitoring checklist. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2019
AI-enabled network automation supports milliseconds response time
Enterprises need to respond to network and security events in milliseconds, not seconds. Network automation coupled with artificial intelligence tools can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2019
How to strategize for WAN and SD-WAN performance monitoring
The importance of WAN performance monitoring hasn't decreased with the introduction of SD-WAN and other technologies. Enterprises still need to enforce proper monitoring strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2019
Network visibility challenges in modern networks
To tackle current visibility issues, you must first understand the nature and sources of the problems. Learn why visibility is essential but so tough to achieve. Continue Reading
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Quiz
08 Mar 2019
How much do you really know about intent-based networks?
Break through the intent-based networking hype and take the time to evaluate what you know about the architecture. This quiz covers IBN basics, the benefits of IBN and beyond. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2019
Use the right performance monitoring strategy for automated networks
Virtual and automated networks can often hide performance issues that lurk within the network. Learn performance monitoring strategies to get the most out of these environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Mar 2019
Spokane venues up their game with new guest Wi-Fi network
The Spokane Public Facilities District refreshed its Wi-Fi infrastructure with equipment from Aruba Networks for improved device support, coverage and IT management. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2019
Forward Networks' software enables intent-based networking
TechTarget has named Forward Networks a winner of its Network Innovation Award. Learn how the company's visibility and verification software supports intent-based networking. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Feb 2019
How does security for intent-based networking work?
Monitoring plays an essential role when it comes to security in intent-based networking environments, as it ensures policies are met and detects network anomalies. Continue Reading
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Infographic
21 Feb 2019
NetOps by design: How data center pods enable network agility
To bring a DevOps approach to the network, one expert suggests enterprises take a page from the cloud-provider playbook. Here's how data center pods can support a NetOps evolution. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Feb 2019
What you need to know about intent-based networks
This compilation explores five pertinent questions about intent-based networking, including those about its benefits, why organizations move to it and where it stands in 2019. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Feb 2019
How to assess an SD-WAN product and determine which you need
Two main differentiators have emerged in SD-WAN products. Learn how they work and how an IT manager can use them to assess network performance and diagnose problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Feb 2019
How to improve network latency in 3 steps
High latency can snarl network traffic and disrupt communications, resulting in unhappy end users. Check out these three steps to reduce and improve network latency. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2019
Why would an organization move to intent-based networking?
Intent-based networking doesn't use any magical commands. But it does use a heavy dose of automation, which might cause some network teams to be wary of the new approach. Continue Reading
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Infographic
12 Feb 2019
What is intent-based networking and how does it work?
Intent-based networking might be the future of networking, but it needs to be more than just another networking strategy that offers advanced automation and simplified provisioning. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Feb 2019
What 4 questions can help prepare your network for IoT?
Increasingly, organizations are seeing a marriage of IoT and networking for more efficiency and enhanced services. Here's what you need to know to prepare your networks for IoT. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2019
A brief index of network configuration basics
This glossary of terms provides a brief overview of network configuration and some of the crucial components involved -- many of which remain as necessary as ever. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2019
Intent-based networking reality check for 2019
The transition to intent-based networking won't happen overnight. But organizations can study up on different IBN approaches now to plan for future intelligent deployments. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Feb 2019
What network tools are available for hybrid cloud monitoring?
As hybrid cloud adoption ramps up, businesses should consider hybrid cloud monitoring tools that provide network performance insight across the entire environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2019
Network configuration basics: Focus on users and software tools
When configuring a network, keep a detailed and updated document to track user needs and network changes. And, of course, take advantage of network configuration software. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jan 2019
What are the pros and cons of open source network monitoring tools?
They're usually free and customizable, but can lack customer support. Take a look at the best and worst features of open source network monitoring tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2019
How Dartmouth College improved its campus-wide Wi-Fi
Dartmouth College brought 21st-century wireless infrastructure from Mist Systems to its 18th-century architecture in a highly anticipated update to its campus Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2019
NetInsight enables proactive network performance monitoring
With NetInsight, network performance monitoring and analytics get smart. The cloud-based subscription service tells customers how their Wi-Fi stacks up and exactly how to improve. Continue Reading
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Infographic
18 Jan 2019
Network management and monitoring top of mind for IT teams
Network management and monitoring will take center stage in 2019, as IT professionals feel the pressure to monitor network devices, traffic and performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2019
Predictive networks: How realistic are they?
While the associated term might sound magical, predictive networks make use of real historical data to predict network events. Be ready for a bit of complexity, though. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2018
Seneca College brings its campus Wi-Fi back to school
Wi-Fi has gone back to school. Seneca College deployed a new Wi-Fi system from Aruba Networks to support its tens of thousands of students, faculty and plentiful devices. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Dec 2018
How can organizations improve their network change management?
Organizations can optimize their network change management processes with dedicated change management services for improved planning, monitoring and communication capabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Dec 2018
How to choose the right CDN service for your organization
Organizations that distribute web content to users worldwide are turning to CDN services to provide fast, secure delivery of their content. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2018
3 tips for managing multi-cloud network architectures
By correlating network events, understanding network paths and crafting detailed exception reports, network managers can get a handle on their multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2018
Colorado believes autonomous vehicles technology can save lives
Edge computing, take the wheel. The Colorado Department of Transportation is deploying roadside network devices to support connected and autonomous vehicles technology. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2018
Cato SD-WAN service targets last-mile management
In networking news, Cato Networks unveils an SD-WAN tool to detect network outages; SolarWinds spotlights DevOps features; and Kaloom gets $10 million. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Nov 2018
What are the pros and cons of blockchain in networking?
While blockchain could be a valuable network management tool, enterprises don't exactly have a driving need for the ledger technology in the networking arena. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
LiveAction updates LiveNX network management service
In networking news, LiveAction launches LiveNX 8 and LiveWire; Kaloom and Red Hat collaborate for a virtualized central office; and Siemens and Aruba bridge the IT-OT gap. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2018
How the right network automation tools can modernize your network
In this roundup of networking blogs, industry experts examine network automation innovation, the partnership between networking and DevOps, and the importance of data sheet specs. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2018
5 types of network diagnostics tools and what they can do
Vendors of network analytics tools are improving older products and introducing new ones to bring network managers the information a smooth-running network now requires. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2018
Using AI, machine learning in networking to improve analytics
The barrage of alerts modern network analytics tools create is problematic, but the capabilities advanced tech like AI provides can help ease the burden to network operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Nov 2018
Cisco Enterprise Agreement (EA)
Cisco Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a software buying program that digitizes and simplifies license management for Cisco suite customers. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
Wi-Fi 6 to spur industry confidence in Wi-Fi, report says
In networking news, a report shows increased confidence in Wi-Fi; Ciena releases an analytics-as-a-service product; and Avi Networks targets multi-cloud load balancing. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2018
How to select a CDN provider that addresses your specialized needs
Leading CDN services offer a wide range of traffic management functionality, including application load balancing, and provide a variety of network security services. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Oct 2018
Comparing content delivery offerings from 10 leading CDN providers
It may seem that all CDN services have similar functionality for optimizing traditional apps and video. But before you select a CDN, learn how the offerings compare and differ. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2018
Network monitoring systems best practices include centralized data
With the help of a centralized data store and modeling language, network monitoring systems can both separate and unify data collection and analysis functions. Continue Reading
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Guide
17 Oct 2018
Networks of the future: What automation and IBN can do for you
Learn all you need to know about how automated network management and intent-based networking can benefit your network's future, along with useful tools and vendor plays. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2018
Public cloud management tools lacking, research finds
Networking experts discuss the challenge of finding robust public cloud management tools, how to improve network resiliency and avoiding network exceptions. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Oct 2018
How to get your branch network up and running
Setting up the branch office network can feel overwhelming, but you need only to ask the right questions to be able to evaluate the available technology and provider services. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2018
Cisco Business Critical Services gets better network monitoring
The latest version of Cisco Business Critical Services includes limited management of third-party devices and improved detection of an impending hardware failure. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2018
AT&T blockchain effort includes IBM, Microsoft
AT&T has linked its IoT services to the blockchain offerings of IBM and Microsoft. The AT&T blockchain effort is aimed at retailers, manufacturers and healthcare organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2018
Automated network testing tools actively identify network problems
If your organization is serious about application reliability, you'll want to adopt network testing tools so you'll know what will happen when network components fail. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2018
Mist automates WLAN monitoring with new AI features
Mist says its AI platform for WLAN monitoring can now handle hundreds of queries and will use deep learning to flag anomalies before they cause problems for users. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2018
What metrics and tools can accurately measure network performance?
Several methods and metrics measure network performance and throughput. But IT needs to gauge these measurements on a consistent basis to avoid major service issues. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Sep 2018
Too many tools hobble network management design
'Measure twice, cut once' doesn't work for network management. It's time for the industry to consider a new way to coordinate network management design tools. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Sep 2018
Market for network performance tools enters vendor consolidation phase
Recent acquisitions of network performance monitoring and diagnostic tool vendors signal market consolidation. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Aug 2018
Nyansa's Voyance uses machine learning to improve Wi-Fi troubleshooting
Wi-Fi woes trip up company business, but a tool that uses machine learning can help. Read this review that covers one company's experience with Nyansa's Voyance tool. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Aug 2018
How do I troubleshoot network performance with traffic monitoring?
When undertaking network performance troubleshooting, organizations can benefit from a mix of passive and active network traffic monitoring to identify issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Aug 2018
What key network performance issues spark service disruptions?
From cabling to capacity issues, IT professionals need to consider all possibilities when rooting out the underlying cause of network performance problems. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2018
Mist Systems gives VMware NSX SD-WAN a boost
Arista Networks and VMware are focusing on Wi-Fi to bolster products for the wireless LAN. Wi-Fi vendor Mist is strengthening VMware's NSX SD-WAN and Arista has acquired Mojo. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2018
ITSM automation helps advance network automation
IT service management helps close the gap between IT staff and business needs, as artificial intelligence and machine learning work with ITSM automation to usher in network automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2018
What networking automation tools should you consider?
When launching network automation projects, do you craft custom scripts or buy off-the-shelf networking automation tools? It probably depends on your team's capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2018
How to check for high network utilization
Learn why high utilization issues in the network arise, how to detect them, and two ways to grapple with the problem to keep network latency low and application performance high. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2018
How to set up network analytics tools for successful monitoring
Learn which analytics tools help monitor the network and what systems and processes you should work out in advance to make them as effective as possible. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2018
Will network management functions as a service arrive soon?
Network management as a service isn't widespread, at least not yet. But if past history is any indication, its popularity is bound to grow, once certain hurdles are overcome. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jul 2018
How can network analytics tools benefit IT staff?
Network analytics tools can help IT managers proactively pinpoint network performance issues and trends -- even before the underlying problem is revealed. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jul 2018
New details released on Huawei's intent-based network
ZK Research offers details on Huawei's new Intent-Driven Network and what its hardware and the software can do to smooth network glitches and even raise security. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Jul 2018
Should IT share data analysis from network management consoles?
By making data analysis available from a network management console, IT groups could offer their lines of business better insights into end-user productivity. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Jul 2018
Cato Networks adds 'identity awareness' to SD-WAN as a service
Cato Networks SD-WAN as a service was updated this week with identity-aware routing. The vendor claims identity awareness can simplify network operations and better meet business goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2018
New generation of network analytics software starting to emerge
Some of the newest network analytics tools can learn how a network is supposed to operate, warn managers of potential problems and offer ways to solve issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jul 2018
How to simplify your overly complex networking design
If you flood your networking design with extraneous features and don't have a firm understanding of the overall system, you might fall into a complexity wormhole. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2018
Network security issues top the list of enterprise priorities
A network manager's list of concerns is always long. But given the rise of deadly threats, security tops the list, followed by SDN, IoT and edge computing. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2018
Cisco intent-based networking to beat out open OS, company claims
At Cisco Live, CEO Chuck Robbins emphasized customer preference for integrated hardware and software that offer Cisco intent-based networking over open OSes. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2018
ONAP Beijing release targets deployment scenarios
With its ONAP Beijing release, the Linux Foundation turns its attention to what makes a system deployment ready to go: usability, stability and security, among others. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2018
Nyansa extends network performance monitor software
In Cisco Live news, Nyansa upgrades its network performance monitor software to track WAN and Wi-Fi connection problems. Also, A10 adds Kubernetes support. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2018
SDN, machine learning could lead to intelligent networks
The next step for SDN is to integrate network analytics and machine learning to result in automated, intelligent networks. But first, humans need to trust the technology. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jun 2018
Challenges of blockchain muddle understanding of the technology
There is a lot of hype about blockchain and how it might be used within networking operations. But just understanding the technology and what it actually does might be among the biggest challenges of blockchain. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jun 2018
LiveAction buys Savvius to combine packet monitoring and NPM
LiveAction plans to combine its software for network performance management with Savvius' packet monitoring technology to deliver both in a single product. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
01 Jun 2018
DevOps in networking begins to gain ground
Software development has benefited from a DevOps framework, which brings together software engineers and operating teams to collaborate in a continuous integration/continuous delivery model that helps automate and deploy code faster. DevOps in networking, however, is still an emerging concept. Many networks are still managed and updated using heavily manual processes.
In this issue of Network Evolution, find out how network virtualization and automation are leading enterprises to consider whether they can manage their networks through DevOps methodologies. As more network elements become software-driven, organizations will see a shift to DevOps in networking.
In addition to an emerging DevOps approach, the software-driven network brings with it a slew of new technologies and approaches to understand. From software-defined networking and software-defined WAN to network functions virtualization and virtual network functions, network professionals have to wade through options aimed at changing everything about how networks are built and managed. Read on as we sort out the subtle differences among these technologies.
And as virtualization enhances network design, it also makes the network a more attractive target for hackers. We also look at what security tools and services enterprises are investing in to boost network security in the cloud.
Finally, read how the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is using cloud-based network monitoring to keep its theater in the spotlight.
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Feature
01 Jun 2018
Cloud-based network monitoring creates management flexibility
Cloud-based network monitoring offers Broward Center's theater campus more flexible and efficient network management so IT can keep performing arts center stage. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jun 2018
DevOps for networking evolves with software
Enterprises have yet to fully integrate a collaborative approach to DevOps for networking, but that's changing as networks become more automated and software-driven. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2018
ADC, the networking management tool, acquires new abilities
Networking pros should take a new look at what application delivery controllers now offer. ADCs now have some cutting-edge features making the networking workhorse exciting. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2018
New, micro-ADC features can aid enterprise security
The ADC is no hot, new networking tool, but it's evolved dramatically, adding some features in its latest iterations that promise to increase its already important role. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 May 2018
The growing ties between networking roles and automation
Network automation is here, bringing with it new demands for network professionals. But these changes should go beyond shifting networking roles, responsibilities and skills. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2018
What makes networking automation so difficult?
Analysts focus on networking automation and the problems facing it, as well as gaming trends that could affect 5G deployment costs and debate questions surrounding the future of blockchain. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 May 2018
How can network analytics tools be used to improve performance?
With pressure and expectations for network and enterprise performance rising, IT professionals are turning to network analytics tools that use machine learning to remain ahead of the game. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2018
What is ONAP, and how does it tie into NFV architecture?
Network expert Lee Doyle looks at ONAP, its role in NFV architecture and its progress in becoming the standard platform for NFV management and orchestration. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 May 2018
How do the benefits of SDN improve network automation?
The ability to automate networks isn't new, and while the benefits of SDN reach out to encompass aspects of automation, SDN and network automation don't mean the same thing. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2018
Software drives the promise of the interoperable network
Interoperability in networks is essential now, a reality that vendors increasingly acknowledge. Learn how the networking industry is changing to accommodate the need for openness. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2018
Software-driven network access ups enterprise agility
Network access to service provider systems is becoming software-based. Learn more about how software-defined access works and the flexibility inherent in software. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 May 2018
What tools are needed to build a DevOps management model?
Amy Larsen DeCarlo answers why so many businesses are combining their development and operations teams and what tools are needed to make effective DevOps management happen. Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2018
Is programmable infrastructure ready for prime time in networking?
In this week's networking blog roundup, analysts examine whether programmable infrastructure is now a thing, what would make a good AI tool and what's wrong with telcos. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2018
New Accedian SkyLIGHT PVX has root-cause analytics
Accedian Networks has launched its first product from the Performance Vision acquisition. SkyLIGHT PVX includes network monitoring, plus root-cause analytics and remediation. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Analyst balks at blockchain distributed ledger in networking
Blockchain distributed ledger technology is untested, unproven and overly complex, making it unsuitable for networking, GlobalData analyst Mike Fratto argued. Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2018
Blockchain technology use in networking? Not so fast
Blockchain technology use has little value in networking, according to one IT analyst. Analysts also examine IoT security and what might happen to AI if disasters occur. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2018
Cisco DNA Center gets access to more IoT devices
Cisco DNA Center can now access an additional 620 IoT device profiles. Cisco also introduced this week a couple of Catalyst 9500 switches, including one with 100 GbE ports. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2018
Cisco advances Network Assurance Engine, network verification tech
The Cisco Network Assurance Engine, a network verification tool, will add support for more third-party devices and platforms. Cisco's Sundar Iyer shares plans. Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2018
Pay as you go with new Cisco Tetration analytics SaaS
The latest versions of Cisco Tetration analytics include a software-as-a-service offering with pay-as-you-go pricing. Cisco is also offering a software-only version. Continue Reading