Tips

Tips

• Tools you need to become your own network cloud manager

  An ever-increasing percentage of enterprise workloads is moving to the cloud. Now is the time for IT pros to acquire the cloud-monitoring tools a next-gen network requires.  Continue Reading

• SDN and Openflow: Is the protocol dead?

  SDN and OpenFlow were once practically synonymous, but today the protocol is conspicuously absent. Its evolution offers an important lesson for networking pros.  Continue Reading

• Successful NFV platforms hinge on middleware selection

  When selecting NFV platforms, communication service providers should look for highly reliable middleware that allows them to adapt their networks over time.  Continue Reading

• Gaining business intelligence from network data analysis

  Harvesting your networking data to generate business intelligence can be done -- if you know how to begin.  Continue Reading

• Cisco, Brocade virtual router review

  Virtual routers can be measured by platforms, features and price. Kevin Tolly reviews VRs from Brocade and Cisco.  Continue Reading

• OpenStack Heat jumpstarts SDN learning, but still needs work

  OpenStack Heat -- an orchestration project -- uses SDN to launch applications in the cloud. It's one step closer to mainstream SDN, but we're not there yet.  Continue Reading

• Next-generation Wi-Fi: How SDN changes the wireless landscape

  The future is now. SDN technologies are quickly becoming central to vendors' next-generation Wi-Fi products and services -- and their role will only increase.  Continue Reading

• How software-defined WAN architecture is changing the market

  SDN principles are transforming the wide area network, with a number of networking companies -- both startups and established players -- offering software-defined WAN technologies to enterprises.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the basics of a hybrid VPN

  In part two of a three-part series, an expert looks at how hybrid VPNs are impacted by the shift from private services to the public Internet.  Continue Reading

• When the benefits of network virtualization aren't enough

  Consultant Glen Kemp shares the story of a client who re-evaluated the benefits of network virtualization after encountering a platform bug.  Continue Reading

• The science behind virtual routers and their emerging roles

  The evolution of virtualization has now hit the router market. Here's what you need to know to make virtual routers work for you.  Continue Reading

• NFV basics: Hold the specialized hardware

  John Burke writes that network functions virtualization goes way beyond merely deploying a physical appliance.  Continue Reading

• Manage apps with APM tools, fix critical performance issues

  IT pros need to consider new developments in technology like software-defined networking and the Internet of Things when choosing the best Ethernet switch for their current and future network.  Continue Reading

• IT managers should focus on capacity, not wireless throughput

  Wireless throughput is getting faster, but capacity is the measure you should really be studying.  Continue Reading

• MPLS fabric is natural fit for ISP backbone overlays

  While data centers typically use an IP fabric under their network overlays, ISPs may find that MPLS fabric makes more sense as backbone underlays.  Continue Reading

• How network overlays could benefit provider backbones

  ISPs are weighing potential benefits of network overlays in the backbone, including increased agility, faster service provisioning and lower Opex.  Continue Reading

• Overlay networks could revolutionize ISP backbone

  Overlay networks have already taken the data center by storm, but they also offer advantages to the ISP backbone network, including more agility and reduced Opex.  Continue Reading

• NFVi: Virtual networks drive changes in telecom infrastructure needs

  Expert Lee Doyle explains why service provider networks need NFV infrastructure -- high-performance, reliable and scalable platforms to support virtual network functions.  Continue Reading

• What is SDN? The answer now includes automation and virtualization

  What is SDN? What software-defined networking really means has evolved dramatically and now includes automation and virtualization.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about the hybrid WAN

  The ballooning amount of data generated by users and applications is fueling the development of hybrid WANs. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Virtual network functions, not network functions virtualization, belong in enterprise

  While network functions virtualization is exclusively a service provider technology, virtual network functions are at home in the enterprise space.  Continue Reading

• Facebook, Google use SDN to boost data center connectivity

  Internet content providers like Facebook and Google are already using SDN to improve hyperscale data center connectivity. But more could be done.  Continue Reading

• How indoor mesh wireless solved an outdoors problem

  Using an approach engineered for indoor deployments helped this system administrator solve a network connection problem in the great outdoors.  Continue Reading

• Are OpenStack and NFV MANO interchangeable?

  Network functions virtualization and cloud management systems appear to overlap, but whether or not the latter can manage and orchestrate a virtual network is open to debate.  Continue Reading

• Advent of 2.5, 5 Gigabit Ethernet switches roiling market

  Faster wireless has opened the market for a new breed of switches. Expert Craig Mathias will tell you what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• SDN load balancer debate: Controller or ADC?

  Expert David Jacobs discusses whether software-defined networking will render application delivery controllers obsolete or complement evolving SDN.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi heat map: Secret weapon for wireless network admins

  Using heat map technology to pinpoint network activity saves time instead of sending a senior admin to do a site test survey across the entire campus.  Continue Reading

• Virtual network function development: Ecosystem or silo?

  The future of virtual network functions depends on how easily they can be deployed. Consensus is still a ways off.  Continue Reading

• Ten recommendations to improve your NFV network evolution

  As providers move into network functions virtualization, these 10 recommendations can help guarantee a successful NFV network transition.  Continue Reading

• With wave 2 Wi-Fi on the horizon, is your network ready?

  Wave 2 Gigabit Wi-Fi will usher in speeds of up to 7 Gbps. Expert Lisa Phifer explains what you need to do to get ready.  Continue Reading

• How to buy: What IT needs to look for in data center switches

  IT needs to know what to look for when buying data center switches that support high speeds and lower latencies to pave the way for agile data center network consolidation.  Continue Reading

• Seven wireless networking trends to remember

  Wireless networking is empowering, but it comes with a fair amount of complexity. Stay clear-headed and understand your own needs and constraints, even as the fog gathers around you.  Continue Reading

• Opportunistic encryption: The IETF's 50 shades of protection

  The IETF is asking for help as it defines the opportunistic security standard. What does this mean to the enterprise?  Continue Reading

• Open NFV toolkit Snabb Switch offers virtual Ethernet programming

  Snabb Switch, an emerging open NFV toolkit, enables Ethernet function programming in a software switch. Could it leave vendor-developed hardware in its wake?  Continue Reading

• IPv6 attack attempts and how to mitigate them

  Compartmentalizing traffic and employing static entries can help enterprises block neighbor discovery-based attacks in their IPv6 networks.  Continue Reading

• Mitigating IPv6 neighbor discovery attacks

  You might be vulnerable to IPv6 neighbor discovery attacks. But there are tools you can use to counter those threats.  Continue Reading

• REST APIs in SDN: An introduction for network engineers

  REST APIs play a vital role in SDN controllers and applications. This will be new territory for many network engineers, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.  Continue Reading

• Five SDN starter kit options you should know

  SDN starter kits are designed to help enterprises evaluate the technology before they begin transitioning their networks to the new architecture. What should you look for?  Continue Reading

• How to make legacy and emerging network technologies work together

  Emerging network technologies like SDN and NFV have to interwork with legacy equipment and be managed as one. Find out what it will take to get there.  Continue Reading

• How to protect your IPv6 address management

  Expert Fernando Gont explains how to probe whether your IPv6 address components are vulnerable to attack.  Continue Reading

• IT network management and SMBs: What to look for

  Resource-challenged small, medium-sized businesses need special tools to help them oversee their networks. What to look for.  Continue Reading

• Avoiding the pitfalls of virtual network functions takes planning

  Building a network functions virtualization framework means understanding which features, or functions, are most important. Tread carefully.  Continue Reading

• The journey to next-generation networks begins now

  Network operators will see real change in their next-generation networks in 2015, moving SDN and NFV from science project status to serious trials, while mobile networks get the lion's share of investment, and new regulations affect all of it.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid IPv6 neighbor discovery threats

  If you're ready to deploy IPv6, get ready to understand neighbor discovery and its vulnerabilities.  Continue Reading

• VWAN threatens traditional three-tiered WAN design

  With vWAN providers changing the traditional three-legged WAN structure, carriers need to develop new WAN plans and services using SDN and NFV to keep enterprises on their networks.  Continue Reading

• Network management, next-gen firewall tools take center stage

  A recap of SearchNetworking's How to Buy series, which teaches IT professionals what to keep an eye on when buying new products for their networks.  Continue Reading

• Three VoIP quality killers

  Managing VoIP quality is a constant headache for engineers. Here are some ways to avoid some common problems.  Continue Reading

• Virtual network functions bring potential with some risk

  Virtual network functions are the magic behind NFV. They bring software capability to routing, mobile core, security and more. But they're not without implementation challenges.  Continue Reading

• How to build a network for Open vSwitch testing

  Setting up an Open vSwitch test network can be as simple as downloading code, deploying it on x86 servers and attaching storage disks. Here's how to get started.  Continue Reading

• Common DNS record types: What they mean

  The domain name resolution process has many steps. Our expert walks you through some of the most common.  Continue Reading

• NFV Infrastructure: What really lies beneath?

  Vendors have differing ideas on what constitutes an NFV Infrastructure, which makes it difficult to know how to invest. However, there are a few key elements every portfolio should include.  Continue Reading

• 5 network performance features in VMware NSX 6.1

  VMware NSX 6.1 brings new optimization, management and security features to virtual network environments.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to measure wireless network performance

  Trying to find ways to assess your wireless network performance? Here are some tools that can help.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about the DNS system

  The domain name system is a fundamental building block of the Internet. Our expert explains the details of what makes it work.  Continue Reading

• Mininet creates OpenFlow test networks on the cheap

  With Mininet emulation software, you can create OpenFlow test networks that let you experiment with programmable networking and flexible control planes without investing in costly switches.  Continue Reading

• With MPLS-TP and SDN, a simpler dynamic control plane

  MPLS-TP transforms carrier networks for packet switching, but SDN could take it a step further. Combining the technologies, engineers could reduce complexity in the dynamic control plane and gain flexible service creation.  Continue Reading

• Network as a service: The core of cloud connectivity

  Public, private and hybrid clouds have one common requirement: networking. Discover how network as a service enables cloud connectivity.  Continue Reading

• Why you need software-defined security for your SDN

  The network architecture shift to software-defined networking requires software-defined security, not a hard-wired security approach.  Continue Reading

• Network micro-segmentation brings security to NSX and ACI

  VMware and Cisco are depending on network micro-segmentation to bring a new level of virtualization security with east-west firewall capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Six considerations for big data networks

  Big data networks must be built to handle distributed resources that are simultaneously working on a single task. That'll require network resiliency, consistency and application awareness.  Continue Reading

• Network timing: Everything you need to know about NTP

  As more applications use IP networks, reliable distribution of authoritative timing information is becoming critical.  Continue Reading

• How to describe technology in business terms to win board approval

  Networking professionals have to be able to explain the value of technology in business terms to win board approval. Find out how to talk business-speak.  Continue Reading

• Seven steps to a Microsoft Hyper-V test network

  Networking pros can use Microsoft Hyper-V networks for multi-tenant cloud environments, but first they'll have to learn the ropes in testing environments. Here are simple steps to building a Hyper-V test network.  Continue Reading

• What do we need from NFV orchestration?

  NFV orchestration is about much more than just provisioning and managing virtual features, such as firewalls or load balancers. Instead, NFV orchestration must address the entire service-chaining process.  Continue Reading

• 8 steps to a successful MPLS migration

  Successful MPLS migration takes careful consideration. Robert Sturt offers some advice about the steps you should consider before making the move.  Continue Reading

• Using the Link Layer Discovery Protocol to reveal disparate devices

  The Link Layer Discovery Protocol is a helpful tool when you need to know what's connected in your network -- regardless of vendor.  Continue Reading

• Juniper OpenContrail vs. Cisco ACI: Making an SDN decision

  Juniper and Cisco have radically different SDN strategies. Here's some crucial information about the Cisco ACI vs. Juniper OpenContrail decision.  Continue Reading

• What to look for when gauging MPLS performance

  Quality of service and service-level agreements are just a few of the considerations enterprises must keep in mind when assessing global MPLS providers.  Continue Reading

• GENEVE primer: The answer to network virtualization interoperability?

  The GENEVE network encapsulation protocol is more flexible than VXLAN and NVGRE. Will it bring interoperability to network virtualization overlays?  Continue Reading

• GENEVE primer: A universal network encapsulation protocol?

  The GENEVE network encapsulation protocol is more flexible than VXLAN, NVGRE and STT and does everything they can do. Will it replace them entirely?  Continue Reading

• Cisco iWAN marries MPLS and Internet for WAN aggregation

  With Cisco iWAN, engineers optimize WAN performance by dynamically aggregating MPLS and Internet resources.  Continue Reading

• The simple facts behind antenna basics

  No matter how expensive your wireless system may be, its performance depends on the strength of its antennas.  Continue Reading

• How wireless works: The tech behind the magic

  Beginning with the electromagnetic spectrum, analyst Craig Mathias details the foundation supporting wireless communications.  Continue Reading

• WLAN AP reviews: Aruba instant access points

  Aruba's series of IAP-225 access points promises quick provisioning and quick configuration, analyst Craig Mathias writes.  Continue Reading

• WLAN AP reviews: Meru access points

  This 802.11ac product review of Meru Networks AP822 WLAN access points focuses on the advantages of high-capacity and plug-and-play capabilities.  Continue Reading

• How to buy: What to look for in 802.11ac access points

  If you're in the market for 802.11ac access points for your wireless LAN, find out what features are essential when it's time to buy.  Continue Reading

• Building a hybrid network with SDN, network virtualization

  SDN and network virtualization are new and still largely misunderstood technologies. Here's how they can combine to build a modern hybrid network.  Continue Reading

• Good BYOD expense management hinges on clear telecom expense policies

  A cohesive telecom expense management program must be based on clear policies governing how employees are reimbursed for using their own devices.  Continue Reading

• How to manage bandwidth hogs of the mobile device age

  Personal mobile devices will hog your network resources unless you are prepared. Here is what network admins must do now.  Continue Reading

• PSTN-to-VoIP evolution poses identity, authentication challenges

  Going from PSTN to VoIP services, this two-part series looks at the evolution of voice and its challenges, from enabling 911 to user identification.  Continue Reading

• Five software-defined data center tips to consider before investing

  The software-defined data center combines programmable networks, servers and storage. But these SDDC tips show you what to look for beyond basic flexibility.  Continue Reading

• Software-based routers on x86 servers are becoming reality

  With stronger processing power and advanced software features, software-based routers are becoming a reality -- but only in some cases.  Continue Reading

• Using dynamic ARP inspection to stop sniffing attacks

  Expert Michael Gregg discusses how dynamic Address Resolution Protocol inspection helps prevent hackers from penetrating enterprise switches.  Continue Reading

• Expert discusses must-haves for secure VPN implementations

  Expert lists strong encryption settings and security policies, among others, as ways to use security and design to strengthen VPNs.  Continue Reading

• In SDN optical networks, centralized control and scalability

  Technology for SDN optical networks is emerging and with it comes centralized control and dynamic bandwidth provisioning in the WAN.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V logical networks: The answer to scalability

  When it comes time to scale Microsoft virtual environments, engineers must use Hyper-V logical networks, which enable wider connectivity.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V networking: The three virtual switches that fuel connectivity

  In this Hyper-V networking primer, learn about the three virtual switches behind Microsoft virtualization connectivity.  Continue Reading

• Brocade SDN certification: What to know about its product credentials

  Brocade now offers two SDN certification credentials focused on its virtual router product platform. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Next-stage high-density switch options: What's right for you?

  All major switch vendors have rolled out new high-density, low-latency data center switches. Expert Glen Kemp looks at what makes them special.  Continue Reading

• White box switches: Understanding the basics

  White box switches are finally emerging, offering a choice in network OS as well as flexibility. Are they poised to take over your network?  Continue Reading

• SDN essentials: Why network orchestration and virtualization?

  The goal of SDN is dynamic networks, so it's crucial to understand the concepts of network orchestration and virtualization -- the keys to flexibility.  Continue Reading

• SDN basics: Understanding centralized control and programmability

  Network engineers who want to learn about SDN basics must begin with the concepts of centralized control and network programmability.  Continue Reading

• How SDN and NFV simplify network service chain provisioning

  SDN and NFV simplify service chain provisioning, making it easier and cheaper to spin up applications in enterprise and service provider networks.  Continue Reading

• Securing from anywhere: Your mobile device VPN strategy

  Virtual private networks have long secured remote users. Learn how a mobile device VPN factors into your security strategy.  Continue Reading

• Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic simplify OpenFlow

  OpenFlow can simplify networks, yet the protocol itself is complex. Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic streamline OpenFlow SDN.  Continue Reading

• Wireless security options don't have to break the bank

  Security expert Michele Chubirka shares low-cost and free options available to help your company guard its wireless LANs against threats.  Continue Reading

• WAN aggregation: Why you should consider this application delivery optimization technique

  What is WAN aggregation, and how does it work? Our expert explains why all companies should consider this type of application delivery optimization.  Continue Reading

• Take steps to defend your network using DHCP snooping

  Learn how to enable DHCP snooping to secure your network against common breaches including man in the middle attacks and ARP poisoning.  Continue Reading

• Getting cloud capacity planning right in the face of oncoming growth

  Cloud capacity planning requires accurate knowledge of a cloud provider's existing infrastructure, future plans and the growth plans of its customers.  Continue Reading

• Identifying and mitigating cloud computing vulnerabilities

  How successful a cloud provider is in growing its business depends on its ability to dispel customer concerns about data security and privacy.  Continue Reading