Tips

Tips

• The 3 pillars of SD-WAN QoS and questions to ask your providers

  Traffic shaping, path control and forward error correction are three core components of SD-WAN QoS. Here are some crucial questions to ask your vendors regarding those areas.  Continue Reading

• 3 steps for a successful data center consolidation plan

  A data center consolidation plan is usually riddled with questions. But careful forethought is key for the successful centralization of software and servers.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How 5G can start a brand new era for the virtual RAN

  5G is forging the way for operators to delve into virtualized RANs. Yet, despite its benefits, vRAN lacks standards and is still in the early developmental stages.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• What is service chaining and where does VNF onboarding fit in?

  Service chaining and VNF onboarding aren't easy. Companies interested in these processes need to understand the challenges involved, as well as various requirements for onboarding.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• How to improve network speed and get faster Wi-Fi in 3 steps

  Proper router placement and maintenance, along with tighter security controls, can help IT departments improve network speed and boost Wi-Fi performance.  Continue Reading

• Take steps now to ready your network for 802.11ax specification

  The 802.11ax specification promises higher speeds and lower latency. Preparing now will help you make the transition easier. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• How to improve network security in 5 steps

  The basics of network security start with a proactive and comprehensive audit of connectivity points. Also, be sure to get end users involved with network security policies.  Continue Reading

• Network operating system advantages extend to white box switching

  The network operating system is changing, moving toward software acceleration, open APIs and white box switching. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the new NOS.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN cost savings hinge on underlying WAN technologies

  SD-WAN marketing almost always mentions the benefit of cost savings. Cut through the hype and discover how SD-WAN works with MPLS and internet connectivity to drive savings.  Continue Reading

• Wireless network configuration basics: 5 steps to follow

  Different wireless networks have different requirements. However, some common principles exist for strategizing your wireless network configuration steps.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• The pros and cons of network slicing in 5G

  Although network slicing is useful for certain applications, like IoT and mobile networks, it might not be necessary at this point, especially when considering its cost.  Continue Reading

• How to improve your networking career path in 3 steps

  Network technology is always changing. As a result, your IT network skills need to evolve, as well. Take a look at three steps you can take on your networking career path.  Continue Reading

• How SD-WAN architectures improve network flexibility and efficiency

  The key benefits of SD-WAN architectures include better network redundancy, efficient MPLS connections and added flexibility to deploy new services remotely.  Continue Reading

• 5 steps to troubleshoot a virtual machine problem in Azure

  If you're wrestling with a virtual machine problem, like a faulty connection issue, be sure to check the domain name system and network traffic routing.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Have newer security methods made NAC systems obsolete?

  While newer security methods, like microsegmentation and software-defined perimeter, diminish the role of network access control, NAC systems can still help secure the network edge.  Continue Reading

• 6 steps to troubleshoot Wi-Fi network issues

  In a business setting, as you troubleshoot Wi-Fi network issues, these six steps provide a foundation to get you started and keep you grounded when wireless problems hit.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises iffy on telecom services beyond network connectivity

  Enterprises look to telecom carriers for network connectivity services, but providers need to win them over to sell cloud and productivity options, according to network pros.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• What's the difference between multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud strategies?

  When comparing multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud deployments, you'll want to pay particular attention to the management concepts and tools for each cloud strategy.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN features lacking, but offer differentiation opportunity

  Most available SD-WAN products focus on a few main features, which risks making SD-WAN a commodity offering. But vendors are starting to combat that with feature differentiation.  Continue Reading

• Data center interconnects rife with application challenges

  Avoid pushing complexity into your network. This is especially true with data center interconnect design, Layer 2 mobility and application requirements.  Continue Reading

• Network security, SD-WAN suppliers revamp branch security

  Branch network security is getting a face-lift, as network security and SD-WAN suppliers look at new ways to integrate their platforms and upgrade products.  Continue Reading

• Telecom trends 2019: Time for operator 5G and IoT decisions

  Telecom trends in 2019 dictate that network operators have tough choices to make to compete with OTT players, increase revenue in terms of 5G and IoT, and consider the software-based fast-fail model.  Continue Reading

• What to consider when integrating SD-WAN and ITSM tools

  We haven't really heard a lot about SD-WAN integration with IT service management. But getting SD-WAN to work with existing ITSM tools is a big priority for enterprises.  Continue Reading

• The future of SD-WAN moves away from stand-alone product

  'Tis the season for a look at the future of SD-WAN. In 2019, one networking expert expects more managed SD-WAN, further market consolidation and a shift away from individual SD-WAN devices.  Continue Reading

• Gauge your platform purchasing options before SD-WAN deployment

  Finalizing how an organization deploys SD-WAN can be a complex process, especially with the range of available purchasing options. But studying the options is always a good start.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How NFV and SDN could shape the future of telecom

  Looking to the future of telecom, NFV and SDN can help generate new services revenue and lower operating costs using cloud principles, rather a traditional network standards approach.  Continue Reading

• How 3 benefits of SDN can help small businesses

  As SDN matures and evolves from its original definition, it's getting harder for small businesses to ignore the benefits of SDN, like better visibility, security and efficiency.  Continue Reading

• NetOps, SecOps, DevOps concepts merge to automate security testing

  By adopting DevOps concepts, network teams can automate security testing. But, as development, network and security tasks mingle, some staffing challenges can arise.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 11 common wireless security risks you don't have to take

  Wi-Fi is a boon to productivity, but it can also create serious security issues. Learn how any company can uncover and fortify their wireless security setup.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN and SLAs: Why crafting internal SLAs is a smart move

  IT teams can use SD-WAN to keep track of network performance, upping the possibility to create and enforce internal SLAs that better reflect business requirements.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN connectivity options hinge on latency, app performance

  Users debating MPLS vs. internet for SD-WAN connectivity should take the time to extensively research latency and quality-of-service requirements in terms of application performance.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 4 switch ASIC interfaces to drive SDN and machine learning growth

  Learn how four interfaces that are designed to control switch ASICs and packet forwarding can help accelerate developments in SDN and machine learning.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Time-sensitive networking standards could boost industrial control

  With the help of VLAN priority levels, time-sensitive networking can make packet flow more predictable. The technology could especially benefit the factory floor.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking security involves 3 factors

  Software-defined networking security requires IT teams to ensure data confidentiality, the integrity of the network and the availability of network services, along with compliance.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined access networks pose promise and pitfalls

  By implementing software-defined controls on the access layer, IT can centralize and unify network policies. However, any new technology is still rife with risk.  Continue Reading

• How three new telecom services can compete with OTT services

  Network operators should embrace three new types of telecom services -- hosting, information processing and experiences -- to increase revenue and compete with OTT services providers.  Continue Reading

• What is carrier cloud's role in 5G and IoT transformation?

  Carrier cloud deployment is helping network operators respond to opportunities that will drive transformation, like 5G and IoT. The question is, where can carrier cloud help?  Continue Reading

• Ensuring P2P apps don't cause network performance issues with IPv6

  Peer-to-peer applications can cause performance issues with IPv6 branch-office networks. Universal Plug and Play might be an effective way to overcome access issues.  Continue Reading

• How has software-defined networking security evolved?

  Software-defined networking security means more than just microsegmentation. Enterprises can also use SDN to assign security zones, improve monitoring and help with automation.  Continue Reading

• Find network security vulnerabilities by assessing risk

  IT staff needs to regularly review network security vulnerabilities and security gaps to battle rising cybersecurity breaches and keep costs under control through risk assessments.  Continue Reading

• Wireless-first networks verge on wireless-only, but concerns remain

  A wireless-first strategy could spread among enterprises and proceed toward wireless-only. IT staff, however, should heed concerns around capacity, management and cost.  Continue Reading

• How network operators can differentiate SD-WAN services

  Providers' SD-WAN services currently compete largely on cost, but network operators hope to gain market share with network-based SD-WAN feature differentiation.  Continue Reading

• What IPv6 features can be found in the latest specification?

  The IPv6 specification is now becoming a full-fledged internet standard. New IPv6 features focus on enterprise reliability and operational and security considerations.  Continue Reading

• Active-active data centers key to high-availability application resilience

  Enterprises dependent upon a high-availability application should investigate active-active data center designs to ensure reliability and resiliency.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Software networking supports campus network convergence

  Software networking, along with intent-based capabilities, can help improve campus network visibility and authentication, while also supporting Ethernet and Wi-Fi convergence.  Continue Reading

• Benefits of wireless networks extend to disaster recovery plans

  In a business continuity and disaster recovery plan, IT resilience is key. Find out how the benefits of wireless networks can help keep businesses running.  Continue Reading

• How micro modular data centers simplify complex network routes

  The deployment of prefabricated micro modular data centers could ease network traffic to customer premises and multiple clouds by processing data locally at the network edge.  Continue Reading

• Network performance metrics pose data center challenges

  Currently, network performance metrics are not fully formed and offer just a generic view of the network. Plus, metrics produce reams of data that are difficult to digest.  Continue Reading

• How hackers use idle scans in port scan attacks

  Hackers exploit port scan attacks to mask their identities before launching an attack. One of their favorites: the idle scan.  Continue Reading

• Origin authentication a small step toward resolving BGP security issues

  Although content verification, origin authentication and shared information can address aspects of BGP security, it's unlikely we'll be able to resolve the issues completely.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• SR-IOV specification poses promise and pitfalls in virtualized networks

  The SR-IOV specification gives network administrators another tool for workload optimization. While SR-IOV could offer many benefits, it does have its drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Assessing performance bottlenecks in virtualized networking

  Virtual or soft switches can add measurable overhead to network-intensive workloads, but implementing PCI devices offers one option to reduce excess overhead.  Continue Reading

• Midyear 2018 telecom trends: Operators broaden their focus

  Midyear 2018 telecom trends show operators looking to increase profits on a number of fronts ranging from new investments, network automation and rethinking the 5G transition.  Continue Reading

• Don't forget SD-WAN during your next network infrastructure upgrade

  SD-WAN can be a natural progression for enterprises facing a network infrastructure upgrade. But a refresh with SD-WAN deployment requires more than a 'hope for the best' attitude.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the exploit market: How data breaches happen

  When you understand how data breaches happen, applying software patches quickly is crucial to minimize your chances of being on the wrong end of the ever-faster exploit market.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Four ways to improve network security for modern networks

  The green padlock on websites doesn't improve network security, so our expert addresses four ways to secure the modern network that move beyond the castle-wall analogy.  Continue Reading

• Four misconceptions regarding the benefits of SD-WAN

  It's all too easy to get sucked into the buzz and misconceptions around software-defined WAN technology. Here are four points to be aware of about the touted benefits of SD-WAN.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Is NaaS the answer to bolster network infrastructure security strategy?

  Network security as a service can be a beneficial part of a network infrastructure security strategy, but you have to ask the right questions.  Continue Reading

• Address network scalability requirements when selecting SD-WAN

  Selecting an SD-WAN option that suits business needs can be daunting, but diving into network scalability requirements, like bandwidth needs and the number of sites, is a good start.  Continue Reading

• Options for dedicated cloud interconnects and their benefits

  There are clear benefits to replacing existing VPN tunnels now. Discover the advantages to dedicating cloud interconnects to improve your enterprise traffic flows.  Continue Reading

• Three goals of multiple cloud management and how to reach them

  Attaining the benefits of the cloud is getting ever more complex. Learn ways to enable efficient and effective management of hybrid and multi-cloud environments.  Continue Reading

• Carrier cloud needs 5G wireless networks, other drivers for success

  While 5G wireless networks appear to be the biggest driver in building the necessary carrier cloud, two other short-term drivers can help complete the carrier network transformation.  Continue Reading

• Clarifying network disaggregation and related technologies

  Trying to explain network disaggregation and related trends -- like SDN, NFV and white boxes -- can be complicated. Our expert pins the terms down and explains the tradeoffs.  Continue Reading

• Network edge switch upgrades hinge on WLAN deployments

  Network edge switch upgrades depend on a variety of factors, but one of the most critical is taking a look at your future WLAN deployment strategies.  Continue Reading

• A refresher course on white box networking equipment

  This white box networking review sheds some light on the variations, as it's all too easy to confuse the intricacies of white boxes, universal CPEs and brite boxes.  Continue Reading

• Optical interconnect DCI frameworks need more flexibility to keep pace

  An optical interconnect framework can support high-speed DCI deployments. But it's important that optical networks become programmable to ensure reliability.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Private CDN services fill specific needs for some businesses

  In addition to shared CDN service options, private CDNs with dedicated edge servers are the obvious answer for businesses with specific content delivery needs.  Continue Reading

• Helping enterprises adapt to open source switching

  Enterprise adoption of open source switching hasn't kept pace with cloud providers and telcos. What are some of the barriers blocking the use of disaggregation?  Continue Reading

• 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

• Network infrastructure design for network-as-a-service

  When it comes to network as a service, network infrastructure design depends on if you want services delivered across the LAN, WAN or data center. Find out what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• The importance of staying up to date with Wi-Fi training

  Wireless networking is changing at breakneck speeds, but Wi-Fi training isn't keeping up. Find out why firms must pay more attention to ensuring engineers are properly trained.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• The role of SDN in 5G technology and the WAN: Can it scale?

  Network operators have a narrow window to figure out if SDN in 5G technology can scale well enough to move it beyond the data center and into the WAN.  Continue Reading

• How data center interconnect technologies shape WAN performance

  Latency, congestion and sluggish TCP stacks can plague application performance, but understanding data center interconnect technologies is key.  Continue Reading