Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What are the differences between network security vs. cybersecurity?

  IT groups need to consider varying layers of security. For instance, the similarities and differences between cybersecurity and network security are closely entwined.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between circuit switching and packet switching?

  In this Ask the Expert, John Burke explains the difference between packet switching and circuit switching and compares the two models.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between TCP/IP model and OSI model?

  Our expert discusses the differences between the OSI model and the TCP/IP model, and he maps out how they relate to each other in network communications.  Continue Reading

• What are the pros and cons of deploying containers?

  Containers can reduce a company's OS licensing costs and required CPU usage, while acting as a bridge to serverless computing. But IT teams need to evaluate the potential drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• Where does SDN fit in edge computing architecture?

  SDN and edge computing can work together to apply data processing decisions that make better use of network links and bandwidth, especially when it comes to edge versus cloud.  Continue Reading

• What are the pros and cons of blockchain in networking?

  While blockchain could be a valuable network management tool, enterprises don't exactly have a driving need for the ledger technology in the networking arena.  Continue Reading

• What are today's top 3 network security challenges?

  A significant shortage of cybersecurity staff, poorly configured firewalls and unmanaged end-user mobile devices are some of the top network security threats.  Continue Reading

• How does software-defined access work?

  Service providers and enterprises use software-defined access to extend SDN beyond the data center and WAN to the edge of the network. Learn about its developments and benefits.  Continue Reading

• How do last-mile connections work for SD-WAN deployments?

  SD-WAN technology plays well with existing last-mile connections, and it allows enterprises to use more than one type of transport link. But beware of provider sprawl.  Continue Reading

• What is the status of VNF deployments among service providers?

  Although service providers are undertaking VNF deployments in the network core, they're hard-pressed to deploy them at the network edge due to complexity and cost.  Continue Reading

• How to perform packet loss tests and how they work

  Network engineers have two standard systems utilities that help them check for packet loss. Learn how this is done and, should a problem prove persistent, the best next steps for troubleshooting packet loss.  Continue Reading

• What is a long-tail DoS threat, and how does it target web apps?

  Fine-grained application monitoring can defend against a long-tail DoS threat. This new kind of vulnerability manipulates service queues within a web application.  Continue Reading

• How do virtual ADCs benefit enterprise data centers?

  Virtual ADCs bring another level of flexibility, authentication and performance monitoring, moving application delivery controllers beyond load balancing and application acceleration.  Continue Reading

• What effect does NetOps have on enterprise networking teams?

  Similar to the DevOps framework, a NetOps approach provides networking teams with a way to use automation and virtualization to create more agile networks and deploy applications faster.  Continue Reading

• Does software-defined networking architecture use segment routing?

  Segment routing steers packets using a list of instructions, and it can be used in MPLS and IPv6 architecture. But does software-defined networking architecture support it?  Continue Reading