WAN technologies and services
Wide area networks enable companies to access and share corporate resources among distributed sites. Discover more about WAN technologies and service options -- such as SD-WAN, edge computing, network as a service (NaaS) and software-defined branch (SD-branch) -- and how organizations use them to meet business requirements.
Top Stories
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Feature
04 Nov 2022
OSU medical center uses automation for digital transformation
Most people think automation will take jobs away. For OSU Wexner Medical Center, network automation helps improve security, simplify tasks for staff and save lives. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2022
How Wi-Fi 6, WWAN and 5G make all-wireless offices possible
Wireless technology has evolved extensively in recent years to support end-user demands and the possibility of wireless-first network connectivity for business offices. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2022
5G for WWAN interest grows as enterprises go wireless-first
As interest in wireless-first WAN connectivity increases, network pros might want to consider using 5G to enable WWAN links. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2022
How to set up a VPN for enterprise use
VPNs are nearly ubiquitous, but does your organization know how to deploy one? Learn about use cases, requirements, deployment options and best practices for VPN deployment. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Oct 2022
VPN use prevails despite interest in VPN alternatives
Despite claims that VPNs are on their way out of enterprise networks, to be replaced by alternative technologies, research suggests VPNs are, in fact, here to stay. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2022
Valmont Industries tests network as a service to improve WAN
Valmont Industries wants an agile WAN that the company can modify in days instead of months. The global manufacturer is testing network-as-a-service provider Graphiant. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2022
Understanding the FTP PORT command
FTP uses control and data channels, each using a separate TCP port. Port 21 is for the control channel, and port 20 is for the data channel. Learn how these two channels are used. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Aug 2022
Private 5G in a box simplifies deployment, mobility
Vendors are offering private 5G in a box -- a condensed and streamlined form of standalone 5G -- to simplify the complexity of typical private 5G deployments. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2022
Cisco prioritizes ThousandEyes automation, integrations
Cisco ThousandEyes general manager Mohit Lad aims to have the internet monitor adapt to changes in the WAN without human intervention. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jul 2022
Customers discuss the potential of WWAN use cases
Wireless WAN offers high network speeds and enables remote connectivity at lower costs. Find out how cellular- and broadband-enabled WWAN helps organizations meet business goals. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
01 Jun 2022
Cisco Live 2022 conference coverage, news and analysis
Cisco Live 2022, an in-person and online conference, highlights top networking trends. The five-day event also features keynote speeches and technical education sessions. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2022
Ethernet vs. Carrier Ethernet: How do they differ?
Connectivity over longer distances and higher data rates are some of the major differences that separate Carrier Ethernet from traditional wired Ethernet. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Apr 2022
7 types of networks and their use cases
Networks differ based on size, connectivity, coverage and design. This guide explores seven common types of networks, including their benefits and use cases. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2022
Cisco's SD-WAN Version 17.8 supports OnRamp for more apps
The newest version of Cisco's SD-WAN brings Cloud OnRamp support to NBAR applications like Slack or GitHub and custom apps and adds greater visibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Apr 2022
Zero trust, wireless WAN affect the future of IoT networking
Zero-trust security models, wireless WAN evolution and the emergence of pop-up businesses are all helping to fuel innovation in IoT networking capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2022
Aruba urges customers to adopt network as a service
Aruba wants more customers to switch to network as a service, but companies benefiting from a standard product license are hesitant to embrace the subscription model. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2022
Cradlepoint, Extreme Networks partner on 5G WWAN
Cradlepoint and Extreme Networks will combine the former's 5G routers with the latter's network fabric to build a 5G wireless WAN for remote deployments. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jan 2022
Hybrid work requires enterprise Wi-Fi for the home
Many offices are still closed, and employees continue to work in home environments. Wi-Fi 6 supports this model of work more so than any previous standard of wireless. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2022
Juniper adds SSR management features to Mist cloud
Network managers can configure, deploy and manage Juniper's Session Smart Routers through the Mist cloud, which monitors the company's SD-WAN on the SSR. Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2021
AWS launches Cloud WAN to manage global networks
AWS Cloud WAN, which creates a centralized dashboard to manage globally distributed on-premises and cloud-based networks, is available in preview mode. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Dec 2021
Evaluate must-have CDN features before choosing a product
No two CDN services are identical. Explore the main feature and function areas available in today's content delivery network market to better narrow down your choice of vendors. 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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Feature
10 Nov 2021
What are the top CDN benefits for today's enterprise?
Delivering timely, high-quality content is more critical than ever, and CDN services bring that and a myriad of other benefits to the modern enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Oct 2021
What's the difference between internet and Ethernet?
Internet and Ethernet are two technologies that sound similar and provide connectivity, but the methods of providing connectivity differ significantly. 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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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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Tip
23 Apr 2021
4 attributes key to network-as-a-service model
For a network-as-a-service model to work for the enterprise, it needs to offer four key attributes: an application-specific, elastic, secure and personalized VPN. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Apr 2021
Understand top SD-WAN advantages and disadvantages
Cost, complexity, security, training, troubleshooting and software bugs are some top SD-WAN challenges. Discover more on the advantages that SD-WAN can usher into an enterprise. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2021
SASE options for the branch of one -- work from anywhere
More than ever, enterprises need to support individual employees that make up a branch of one. These setups require reliable connectivity, application performance and security. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2021
Why 5G will redefine WWAN and SD-WAN
The nexus of 5G, WWAN and SD-WAN promises to usher in an array of custom tools and services for enterprises. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2021
Pandemic pushes enterprise connectivity to take a new path
COVID-19 delivered a connectivity shock to businesses. But savvy network execs were primed -- and are now showing the way forward in 2021 with SD-WAN, 5G and Wi-Fi 6. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2020
With SASE, security and networking tech come together
SD-WAN, SASE or some combination of the two -- which approach will deliver the best and most secure network connectivity in your organization going forward? Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2020
What network managers need to know about SaaS optimization
When strategizing SaaS optimization tactics, network management teams should consider their traffic steering preferences and geographically dispersed access points. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2020
Cisco ordered to pay $1.9B in Centripetal security patent suit
U.S. District Judge Henry Coke Morgan Jr. ruled that Cisco's infringement of Centripetal Network's patents was 'willful and egregious.' Cisco said it would appeal the ruling. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Oct 2020
What does a VPN concentrator do?
As more employees work remotely and VPN use rises, VPN concentrators have become trendy. But what does a VPN concentrator do exactly, and how do you deploy one? Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Aug 2020
Managing VPN bandwidth requirements, speed and overhead
Companies are relying on IPsec VPNs to connect their remote workers. But determining how much VPN bandwidth you need is just one consideration; VPN overhead is another. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2020
Juniper Mist stretches to WAN management
Jackson Electric Cooperative expects Juniper Mist's new WAN management features to reduce the number of customer trouble tickets and simplify access to network performance data. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2020
Gain SD-branch benefits through automation, orchestration
SD-branch technology is evolving, but don't put off learning about what this tool can do now and the advantages it will deliver in the near future. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2020
How SASE architecture integrates with network infrastructure
SASE architecture offers a compelling value proposition, as it converges networking and security services onto a single cloud platform. Explore how it works with existing infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2020
Fluidmesh-Cisco deal fills gap in Cisco IIoT
The recently announced Fluidmesh-Cisco deal would fill a gap in Cisco's industrial IoT portfolio. It would provide onboard Wi-Fi for high-speed public transportation systems. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Mar 2020
What is the difference between LoRa and LoRaWAN?
LoRa is a modulation technique for specific wireless spectrum, while LoRaWAN is an open protocol that enables IoT devices to use LoRa for communication. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Mar 2020
WAN transformation sparked by 5G, cloud and SD-WAN technologies
In a modern world, legacy WAN architecture is rife with shortcomings. But 5G features and use cases could help jump-start a WAN transformation for many organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2020
3 ways to improve WAN performance with SD-WAN
SD-WAN can improve WAN performance in three ways: It adds a secondary transport for network traffic, while also taking advantage of broadband Ethernet and application acceleration. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2020
When to consider managed SD-WAN services for your business
SD-WAN offers promising benefits, like the ability to use multiple ISP links, but managing those links can prove challenging. Managed SD-WAN services can help. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Jan 2020
What's the difference between thin and thick SD-WAN branch offices?
When rolling out software-defined WAN, you'll need to consider the current makeup of your branch offices. For instance, are applications on-site or in the cloud? Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jan 2020
Future of networking technology relies on 5G, edge computing
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts discuss the key trends they look forward to in 2020 and how these advancements could benefit networking's future. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2020
7 key SD-branch trends to expect in 2020
New year, new developments. See what's new with SD-branch in 2020, including security advancements and how technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 and 5G will affect branch offices. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Dec 2019
SD-WAN vs. DMVPN vs. IPsec tunnels: How do I choose?
Software-defined WAN, DMVPN and IPsec tunnels each have a place among enterprises. Our network expert compares each one and explains where they can be most beneficial. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2019
4 enterprise WAN challenges that 5G service could resolve
With 5G, organizations could ease or resolve common WAN challenges around deployment, business expansion, monthly pricing models and adoption of new technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2019
Fintech company goes all in on SD-WAN 2.0 with Versa tech
In the age of hybrid and multi-cloud environments, software-defined WAN technology must do more than just connect branch locations to data centers. Enter SD-WAN 2.0. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Oct 2019
SD-WAN deployment in the works? Consider these 3 things
SD-WAN can simplify the deployment and management of new branch WANs, but there are some key configuration and technical choices you must make to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2019
SD-WAN vs. VPN: How do they compare?
When it comes to comparing SD-WAN vs. VPN services, enterprises choosing between the technologies should consider factors like cost, cloud usage and application awareness. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Aug 2019
Achieve network perimeter security through deep segmentation
Firewall effectiveness is in deep decline, but there's still a way to create an effective security perimeter through the practice of deep segmentation. Learn how. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jul 2019
Which SD-WAN features truly comprise SD-WAN technology?
How do you protect your organization and network against SD-WAN washing? Here are four key SD-WAN features that your system must have in order to be called SD-WAN. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2019
NSC joins forces with Silver Peak SD-WAN services
Silver Peak and NSC have partnered up to combine NSC IT services with Silver Peak SD-WAN services. NSC will serve as a single source provider and offer SD-WAN deployment services. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2019
A glossary for the terms and types of WAN technologies
This introduction to WAN technologies defines several different terms -- such as VPN and SD-WAN -- that are essential in anybody's networking vocabulary. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2019
DIY SD-WAN more complex than some vendors admit
Is DIY SD-WAN a do or a don't bother? One expert says it's rarely as simple as vendors suggest -- prompting a growing number of enterprises to enlist third-party support. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2019
The future of VPN will reflect the need for flexibility
The future of VPN services reflects the industry's trend toward software networking, evident in developments like SD-WAN and public cloud. The need for flexible technology is a main driver. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2019
A review of SD-branch and its progression from SD-WAN
The goal of software-defined branch is to merge network functions and management into a single platform, but the branch architecture still lacks maturity, despite some early deployments. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Mar 2019
How modern WAN edge services can benefit your network
Modern services could replace legacy routers at the network edge. And while individual WANs have different edge requirements, common needs include flexibility and reliability. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Mar 2019
Cloud connectivity tests the bond between enterprises, WAN providers
Collaborating on cloud connections can strengthen or strain relationships between enterprises and service providers. Service-level agreements, in particular, can be tested. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Mar 2019
How does a WAN-cloud exchange work?
WAN-cloud exchanges provide private and secure connectivity to cloud environments, making them beneficial for software-defined WAN and SaaS platforms. 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
22 Jan 2019
SD-branch begins to prove itself with growing deployments
Enterprises are beginning to deploy SD-branch and are seeing positive results, pointing to the possibility that the software-defined branch will become the norm for branch networking. Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2018
A recap of notable 2018 networking trends and news
Before the final days of 2018 fade into history like so last-generation 4G, spend some time reviewing the news and trends that graced the networking industry this year. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2018
A deep dive into SD-WAN troubleshooting and monitoring
Whether in the throes of SD-WAN issues or preparing for the future, it's important for organizations to have practical steps to follow when taking on SD-WAN troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Aug 2018
How Cisco's Viptela buy affects branch routers, IT customers
Zeus Kerravala says Cisco's ISR isn't going anywhere and discusses what its use of Viptela's software-defined WAN means for the IT giant's future, its product line and its customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2018
Business IoT applications benefit from SD-WAN prioritization
Business IoT applications require prioritized traffic flows and low-cost connectivity. SD-WAN lets IT teams assign policies to prioritize traffic and use cheaper connectivity links. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2018
Aruba taps ClearPass, Central for SD-Branch management
Aruba has introduced a software-defined branch offering. The product works with Aruba ClearPass and Central for management and includes an SD-WAN within a gateway appliance. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2018
Enterprises move from SD-WAN testing to deployment, IHS says
Enterprises are undergoing SD-WAN testing to gauge how the technology can offer better WAN control, IHS Markit says. Also, OPNFV releases Fraser to support cloud-native applications. Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2018
KDDI Europe picks Silver Peak SD-WAN for managed service
KDDI Europe makes its move in managed SD-WAN, supported by Silver Peak SD-WAN; Lumina Networks updates its Flow Manager product to support service providers transitioning to SDN. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2018
SD-branch network concept as next stage of WAN connectivity
SD-branch uses SD-WAN technology to simplify the branch network. It integrates multiple network functions now housed in separate components into software that runs in a single box. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2018
Software-defined branch networks: Why and how to do them
Software networking virtualization has reached branch networks. Learn the whys and hows of creating the software-defined branch using the latest software networking technologies. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2018
How your SD-WAN appliance can consolidate the branch stack
The latest SD-WAN appliance technology promises expanded and accelerated consolidation of branch stacks. Learn how it works and how to make it work for you. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2018
Talari adds SD-WAN appliance for smaller edge sites
With its recently added SD-WAN appliance, Talari aims for smaller branch locations, like retail and remote sites; Cradlepoint introduces subscription-based networking packages. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2018
Zayo SD-WAN available as a managed or on-premises product
Zayo Group has launched an SD-WAN product. The Zayo SD-WAN is available as an on-premises or managed product. Zayo is a bandwidth infrastructure provider in the U.S. and Europe. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2017
Visions of software-defined branch begin to take hold
Software-based technologies can apply to the vision of a software-defined branch that converges network elements and centralizes management. But getting there will take time. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2017
Comcast Business beta trials managed SD-WAN with Versa Networks
Comcast Business chooses Versa Networks as its managed SD-WAN partner, while Sprint turns to VeloCloud. Also, NEC and Dell EMC announce the availability of their SD-LAN service. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Mar 2017
How types of noise in data communication systems affect the network
Learn about the different types of noise in data communication -- including thermal, intermodulation, cross-talk, impulse and shot noise -- and how they can affect your network. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2017
Hughes' managed SD-WAN supports range of broadband access options
Hughes now offers managed SD-WAN, which supports wireless, fiber and satellite connectivity. Also, an IHS Markit survey reveals 2016 SDN expectations didn't meet the actual numbers. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2016
Liquor distributor turns to SD-WAN to support digital operation
Liquor distributor Republic National Distributing Co. chose the less expensive Silver Peak SD-WAN to raise the reliability of its new digital operation. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2016
SD-WAN vendors seek larger market slice through partnerships, services
Silver Peak, Versa Networks and Viptela are the latest SD-WAN vendors to launch partnerships and services in a market expected to top $6 billion by 2020. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Aug 2016
What do I need to do to create successful hybrid WANs?
The market for hybrid network services is growing, and with it comes the challenge of successfully creating hybrid WANs. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2016
Talari Networks seeks market edge with SD-WAN partnership program
Talari has rolled out a new strategic alliance program, indicating the vendor's interest in supporting third-party products that complement its own SD-WAN technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2016
When will SD-WANs 'cross the chasm'?
It can be difficult to separate hype from reality, especially when it comes to SDN technology. Here, analyst Jim Metzler explores when software-defined WANs might go mainstream. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2015
Is a hybrid WAN architecture right for you?
Hybrid WANs have a lot of benefits, but make sure you understand how they can work in your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2015
WAN optimization techniques pace IT investment
TechTarget's most recent Networking Purchasing Intentions survey reveals IT's priority to invest in WAN optimization techniques in the next 12 months. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Aug 2015
Classic optimization takes back seat as WAN technologies evolve
The growth of cloud apps and the increased use of Internet over traditional WAN technologies has forced WAN optimization to evolve. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
06 Jan 2012
Top 5 wide area network (WAN) trends of 2012
Cloud computing, mobility and video are some driving forces affecting enterprise networks. See the top five wide area network (WAN) trends of 2012. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Jul 2011
ADSL IP VPN advantages and disadvantages
Find out the ADSL IP VPN advantages and disadvantages before upgrading your enterprise wide area network (WAN) link to this telecom service. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2006
VPN client alternatives: Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) over IPsec
This month, Lisa Phifer discusses a robust VPN client alternative: Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) over IPsec. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Aug 2006
IPSec and NAT incompatibility
Learn why Authentication Header (AH) doesn't work with Network Address Translation (NAT) or Port Address Translation (PAT) and that Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) is also incompatible with PAT. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jul 2006
T1 vs. VoIP for branch office connectivity
Learn how to decide between a T1, fractional T1 and VoIP for connecting branch offices. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2006
WAN optimization and bottlenecks: Is the WAN really the weakest link?
"How much traffic" is no longer a good enough measure of WAN bandwidth. In this tip, Carrie Higbie looks at how today's ever-increasing expectations for data transfer rates require increased attention to WAN optimization, and suggests how applications-level traffic monitoring can lead to better WAN optimization strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2006
VPNs: Fundamentals and basics
VPNs are discussed in this introductory tip on the fundamentals of virtual private networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2006
IP network design, part 3: Designing the WAN
The wide area network (WAN) is the single biggest contributor to a corporate network's cost of ownership. Therefore, this is the area where the cost-versus-performance tradeoff is most pronounced and most critical. This article explores the various alternatives that must be evaluated when choosing and designing a WAN infrastructure. The different topological and technological options are discussed in terms of how they relate to the fundamental WAN design goals. Traditional technological alternatives that include synchronous serial lines, frame relay and ATM will be discussed along with more state-of-the-art options such as DSL and MPLS. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Dec 2005
Subnetting to increase performance
There comes a time when a network becomes too big and performance begins to suffer as a result of too much traffic. When that happens, one of the ways that you can solve the problem is by breaking the network into smaller pieces using subnets. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Dec 2005
VRFs and routing
Doug Downer continues his series about VPN routing and forwarding instances focused on the task of configuring and verifying a VRF scenario with a requirement for separate customers on a shared device. In this tip, he shows how to configure a method for communication between each customer outside of the shared interfaces and how to ensure that all customer routes are being advertised correctly. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2005
Keeping it all separate with VRFs
A Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instance can deliver separation across both a shared infrastructure and shared devices, ultimately simplifying management. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Mar 2005
Can I connect two computers through Ethernet on a WAN?
Can I connect two computers through Ethernet on a WAN? Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2004
VPLS, a new Layer 2 MPLS VPN technology
A new Layer 2 MPLS VPN technology that provides similar reliablity and QoS as MPLS VPN, but in a more simplified way. But beware, it does have it's limitations. Continue Reading