Tips

Tips

• Effective soft skills for network engineers

  Soft skills such as empathy, active listening and problem-solving can be valuable assets to network engineers who interact with nontechnical business stakeholders.  Continue Reading

• Beam division multiple access features and their effect on 5G

  BDMA, a new multiple access technology, has the potential to boost the efficiency of 5G networks through its use of beam formation and orthogonality.  Continue Reading

• OpenRoaming vs. Passpoint: What's the difference?

  OpenRoaming and Passpoint both provide users with internet access outside of their coverage area via Wi-Fi, but they differ in terms of use cases, implementation, cost and more.  Continue Reading

• Introduction to IP addressing and subnetting

  IP addresses and subnets are necessary for effective network communications. Learn how IP addresses and subnets work, and compare classful and classless IP addresses.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for secure network automation workflows

  It's not enough to build network automation workflows. It's important to secure those workflows, as well. Access control, encryption and collaboration all play important roles.  Continue Reading

• 6 types of quantum network topologies

  Quantum networks require efficient architectures to optimize communication and enable large-scale quantum information processing. Learn about the main quantum network topologies.  Continue Reading

• 8 network tasks administrators can do quicker from the CLI

  Admins can use the command-line interface to manage network tasks. Learn how to streamline automation, troubleshoot networks and manage services on Linux, macOS and Windows.  Continue Reading

• How to simplify network operations

  Network challenges include visibility, scalability and security. NetOps teams should follow management best practices and consider cloud networking to simplify operations.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to cloud network architecture

  Enterprises have three main options when it comes to cloud network architecture: Use built-in CSP tools, buy virtual networking appliances or use a multi-cloud management platform.  Continue Reading

• 5 network requirements for cloud computing

  Network and cloud teams should consider factors such as bandwidth and latency optimization, security, network redundancy, QoS and network automation in their cloud strategies.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise 5G deployment options and how to procure them

  The two main types of 5G deployment options are standalone and non-standalone. Find out how they're different, how to procure them and some helpful 5G tips.  Continue Reading

• Building data center networks for GenAI fabric enablement

  Network scalability, throughput and orchestration are some of the key elements that enterprises need to consider as they build out generative AI data centers.  Continue Reading

• Network considerations for cloud migration to data center

  Performance, security concerns and high costs are factors that prompt organizations to migrate workloads from cloud to data centers. Here's what to consider.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for network automation with Python

  Python libraries, version control, documentation and object-oriented programming provide helpful best practices for network engineers tackling network automation with Python.  Continue Reading

• How low Earth orbit satellite networks improve internet access

  Compared to traditional satellite setups, LEO satellite internet provides several benefits, such as low latency, reduced costs and better support for remote sites.  Continue Reading

• How enterprises can migrate from IPv4 to IPv6

  Both IPv4 and IPv6 are suitable for enterprise networks, but organizations that want to switch over to the latest IP address format can follow a few methods to make the transition.  Continue Reading

• How to use NAPALM for efficient network management

  NAPALM is a flexible Python library that can integrate with Ansible modules, support multivendor environments, and ease network management and automation strategies.  Continue Reading

• Are wireless networks more energy-efficient than wired LANs?

  The quick, complicated answer is yes and no. Wireless can be more energy-efficient than wired, but businesses need to weigh several variables to reap energy savings.  Continue Reading

• How to modernize networks with sustainability in mind

  A network modernization project is a good time to consider sustainability initiatives, such as using energy-efficient devices and renewable energy sources.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to quantum networks and how they work

  Quantum networks hold potential for faster and more secure communication. But true quantum networks are still experimental and require more engineering and scientific research.  Continue Reading

• Types of Nmap scans and best practices

  Nmap scanning helps network teams with network reconnaissance and vulnerability discovery. Common types of scans include TCP SYN, OS detection, vulnerability and version detection.  Continue Reading

• Network modernization benefits and challenges

  The benefits of network modernization include better visibility and automated configuration. The challenges include integration with existing tools and cost concerns.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to Git for network engineers

  Git can be a useful tool for network engineers who manage complex infrastructure, especially as networking increasingly overlaps with software, automation and DevOps.  Continue Reading

• Automation, orchestration software fuel network modernization

  In some ways, network modernization means cutting manual configuration errors and relying on automation and orchestration to achieve unified network management.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to smartNICs and their benefits

  SmartNICs offload packet processing tasks from server CPUs, freeing up resources for application performance. They can run packet capture and load balancing, among other tasks.  Continue Reading

• 5 techniques to debug network issues in Linux and Windows

  Debugging a network issue should start with basic troubleshooting. If that doesn't fix it, admins should check, verify and configure connections to the client, server and network.  Continue Reading

• SmartNICs and the need for evolving network infrastructure

  SmartNICs can meet the increasing demand for high performance, low latency and secure data transfer. But the implementation of smartNICs requires reliable network infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• What are the elements of modern network security architecture?

  Modern network security is a mix of several elements, including secure access service edge, virtualization technologies, segmentation and zero-trust models.  Continue Reading

• What's shaping the future of wireless networking technology?

  Cloud-managed Wi-Fi, radio spectrum expansion and the hybrid workplace are some of the converging developments that are modernizing wireless networks.  Continue Reading

• How to interact with network APIs using cURL, Postman tools

  Network engineers can use cURL and Postman tools to work with network APIs. Use cases include getting interface information and manipulating device configuration data.  Continue Reading

• Modular network design benefits and approaches

  Modular network design is a strategic way for enterprises to group network building blocks in order to streamline network maintenance, additions and troubleshooting.  Continue Reading

• 9 ways to make network modernization work

  More cloud computing, container networking and network capacity are some of the ways businesses could modernize their networks. AI and automation can help, too.  Continue Reading

• Python interpreter vs. IDE: What network engineers should know

  When using Python for network automation, network engineers often work with interpreters and integrated development environment tools to test modules and debug code.  Continue Reading

• Review the components of VMware SASE Platform

  VMware SASE Platform provides many strong networking and security capabilities, but it comes in an offering that feels like many individual products packaged together.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of VPNs for enterprises

  VPNs use different protocols and encryption to protect data and prevent unauthorized users from accessing company resources. But those protocols come with their own benefits and challenges.  Continue Reading

• 6 steps for rapid geographic network segmentation

  When segmenting network operations in certain parts of the world, modular network design and geographic domain definition are two vital elements to consider.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN and MPLS costs more complementary than clashing

  An SD-WAN vs. MPLS cost comparison is not always an either-or decision. Organizations often implement both technologies to enhance network traffic performance.  Continue Reading

• Use cases of digital twins for networks

  Network engineers can use digital twins for design, testing, security and maintenance. But limitations with vendor specificity and a lack of standards hinder wider adoption for now.  Continue Reading

• Self-healing networks goals, benefits and how they work

  With help from automation and AI, self-healing networks promise to detect, remediate and even predict network problems. But can these systems be trusted?  Continue Reading

• How network perimeters secure enterprise networks

  Network perimeters serve as essential network security to block unwanted traffic. Find out how they differ from the network edge and how they help secure enterprise networks.  Continue Reading

• Configure NIC teaming in Windows Server

  NIC teaming maximizes network bandwidth and provides redundancy benefits. These steps guide users through NIC teaming configuration in Windows Server with GUI and PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• White box networking use cases and how to get started

  Rising cloud costs have prompted organizations to consider white box switches to lower costs and simplify network management. Here's what to know about white box networking.  Continue Reading

• 4 ways to reduce network power consumption

  A heavy reliance on the network can increase energy use across businesses. Here are some best practices network teams can follow to reduce power consumption.  Continue Reading

• Vendor SD-WAN labs offer hands-on testing and learning

  Software-defined WANs can be confusing. Fortunately, networking vendors offer SD-WAN labs to help organizations learn about the technology.  Continue Reading

• Compare 6 major network certifications

  Network certifications can span networking fundamentals to product-specific knowledge. Evaluate six certifications, and weigh factors like job roles, cost, prerequisites and skills.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate Wi-Fi mapping tools and best practices

  As Wi-Fi is now a critical component of enterprise network connectivity, Wi-Fi mapping helps teams evaluate their wireless coverage. Learn the basics of Wi-Fi mapping.  Continue Reading

• How cloud-managed Wi-Fi simplifies policy and AP controls

  Cloud-managed Wi-Fi provides IT groups with several benefits, including policy enforcement, network management and consistent AP configuration across multiple sites.  Continue Reading

• A guide to network APIs and their use cases

  An API enables communication between two applications, while a network API provides communication between the network infrastructure -- and its protocols -- and applications.  Continue Reading

• How to use Nmap to scan a network for documentation

  Nmap might be more common for security tasks, but it's also useful for network documentation and inventory. Follow these best practices to make the most of Nmap scan results.  Continue Reading

• Ensure network resilience in a network disaster recovery plan

  A network disaster recovery plan doesn't always mean network resilience. Learn how factors like funding, identifying potential risks and constant updates make a difference.  Continue Reading

• LEO satellite communications come to Earth

  Apple, T-Mobile and others are kicking off early satellite communications projects. Direct satellite communications should become available on some new midband 5G phones in 2024.  Continue Reading

• 16 PowerShell commands for network troubleshooting

  These 16 Windows PowerShell cmdlets, including Get-NetIPAddress and Test-Connection, help network administrators troubleshoot their network environments.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• The future of VPNs in the enterprise

  VPNs have been the workhorse of online connectivity. Enhancements to software and processing power in end devices will transform how companies use the technology going forward.  Continue Reading

• How to perform VLAN troubleshooting

  Common VLAN issues include physical connectivity problems, duplex mismatches, forwarding loops, unicast flooding and Layer 3 configuration errors. These troubleshooting steps can help.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for network documentation and auditing

  Network documentation helps enterprises resolve problems more quickly and create more reliable networks. But documentation needs to include various components to be effective.  Continue Reading

• What is zero-trust network access? ZTNA basics explained

  Zero-trust network access is touted as the solution to replace the VPN. As the potential future of network security, learn more about ZTNA, including its benefits and challenges.  Continue Reading

• What to include in a network disaster recovery plan checklist

  A network disaster recovery plan should include components like documentation, emergency contacts, step-by-step procedures, provider and vendor details, backup info and more.  Continue Reading

• How to build a zero-trust network in 4 steps

  While network teams are responsible for deploying the elements of a zero-trust network, security teams should also be involved in developing the overall zero-trust framework.  Continue Reading

• 4 tips for network capacity planning and provisioning

  To avoid network overprovisioning, teams should review baselines and roadmaps, assess limitations and consider business strategy changes when focusing on network capacity planning.  Continue Reading

• Tips to prepare for a network disaster recovery audit

  Enterprises can audit their network disaster recovery plans to ensure thorough protection and preparation. Consider factors like documentation, management support and audit type.  Continue Reading

• DNS server troubleshooting for Linux and Windows

  Steps in DNS server troubleshooting include checking the DNS status, looking at zone configurations and evaluating logs. Follow these best practices for Windows and Linux servers.  Continue Reading

• New data center demands reshape enterprise app delivery

  Discover how modern application delivery controllers and web application firewalls can improve network provisioning processes and help secure distributed workloads.  Continue Reading

• How does SD-access work?

  SD-access is a combination of two elements: SDN and the access edge. The result is a network with a centralized management system and improved security policies.  Continue Reading

• VXLAN vs. VLAN: What's the difference?

  VLANs offer security and traffic management benefits but have limitations in routing and scale. VXLANs address those challenges by creating a Layer 3 network overlay.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Wi-Fi sensing has the potential to be disruptive

  With help from AI and machine learning, Wi-Fi sensing detects movement in the Wi-Fi environment. While it sounds promising, the technology still has a long way to go.  Continue Reading

• What an AI-driven network looks like

  Log analysis and wireless management are common AI use cases in networking. Future applications could include chatbot alerts, digital experience monitoring and traffic engineering.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot name resolution on Windows, Linux and macOS

  Network administrators can troubleshoot name resolution using a variety of methods, including ping, nslookup and PowerShell cmdlets. Here are some troubleshooting best practices.  Continue Reading

• 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

• BGP vs. EIGRP: What's the difference?

  BGP is an exterior gateway protocol optimized for routing between large networks. EIGRP is an interior gateway protocol that is well suited for routing within smaller networks.  Continue Reading

• A guide to distributed network architectures

  Distributed network architectures have become popular because of their adaptability, reliability and scalability. But every new technology also has its challenges.  Continue Reading

• The role of name resolution in networking

  Name resolution is essential in converting hostnames and IP addresses for network communications. Here's how the process resolves hostnames, queries servers and finds IP addresses.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to neutral host networks using private 5G

  Enterprises often use signal boosters and distributed antenna systems to improve carrier signal strength. Neutral host networks over private 5G could disrupt those methods.  Continue Reading

• How to convert binary to decimal

  It's helpful for network admins to know how to convert binary to decimal, and vice versa, for IPv4 addressing, subnet masks, default gateways and network IDs.  Continue Reading

• 6 types of network topologies

  Network topology is essential to network configuration, as it determines the arrangement of a network and defines how nodes connect. Here are six common types of network topologies.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Common types of enterprise network connections

  The goal of every network is to connect devices. The connections that form those links -- such as wired cabling and wireless technologies -- are crucial in network infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Power over Ethernet basics for network architects

  Power over Ethernet provides a way to supply electricity to low-power devices through a standard Ethernet cable. Learn about the different standards and PoE types.  Continue Reading

• 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

• The pros and cons of Netskope SASE

  Netskope is undoubtedly a leader in the CASB market, but its limited security capabilities and lack of SD-WAN make Netskope an incomplete SASE offering.  Continue Reading

• Is it time to ditch the WAN for other connectivity options?

  With the prevalence of remote work, cloud applications and internet connectivity, will enterprises ditch the WAN to save money and time? Maybe not everyone.  Continue Reading

• Private 5G deployments to advance in 2022

  As commercial private 5G deployments begin to advance in 2022, private cellular networks will become a reality for many organizations in the U.S. and around the world.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• A review of Zscaler SASE architecture

  Zscaler has a strong cloud-native architecture for secure internet access. But it doesn't deliver SD-WAN or converge internet access and WAN security, leaving it with only part of a SASE platform.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 7 steps of an SD-WAN implementation

  Organizations interested in implementing SD-WAN need to collect site profiles and requirements, analyze their options, perform tests and evaluate the results.  Continue Reading

• Integrating zero-trust practices into private 5G networks

  One of the first steps in deploying a technology is protecting it from potential security threats. Learn how to secure a private 5G network with zero-trust security practices.  Continue Reading

• Intro to encapsulation and decapsulation in networking

  Encapsulation adds information to a packet as it travels to its destination. Decapsulation reverses the process by removing the info, so a destination device can read the original data.  Continue Reading

• Will 5G replace Wi-Fi? No, but maybe in some use cases

  Geographically remote locations, large public venues and manufacturing sites are a few of the key areas in which business 5G technology could provide real benefits.  Continue Reading

• How to implement network segmentation for better security

  For a network segmentation strategy to be effective and improve security, network teams need to create detailed security policies, identify each resource and use allowlists.  Continue Reading