Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What is the status of 5G rollouts in 2020?

  AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile plan to continue with their 5G timelines and expand their 5G rollouts in 2020, despite slowdowns from the novel coronavirus pandemic.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between Wi-Fi and the internet?

  The distinction between Wi-Fi and the internet is important, especially as more people work from home and try to troubleshoot their network connectivity problems.  Continue Reading

• What are the 5 different types of network management?

  Security policies, optimal service levels, configuration changes and even cost control measures all encompass the different types of network management.  Continue Reading

• What are the differences between VPN and VDI services?

  With a common denominator of 'virtual,' both VPNs and VDI are common in remote work strategies. However, the technologies differ in terms of cost, use cases and performance.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between a socket and a port?

  Sockets, ports and port numbers have functional overlap, but the terms are distinct. A socket is part of a port, while a port number is part of a socket. We explain.  Continue Reading

• SNMP vs. CMIP: What's the difference?

  While SNMP and CMIP originally competed as network management protocols in the 1980s, SNMP has emerged as the more relevant protocol, largely due to its simplicity.  Continue Reading

• Tips for managing two VPN connections at the same time

  As the remote workforce increases, network managers and users might opt to set up two concurrent VPN connections from the same remote device. But that might not be possible -- or safe.  Continue Reading

• What's the latest on NFV and VNFs for enterprises?

  As virtualized network functions become more and more common, will that change NFV and VNF roles in businesses? Probably not, but other roadblocks may hinder further results.  Continue Reading

• How is SD-WAN as a service different from managed SD-WAN?

  SD-WAN technology is available in a variety of business models, including SD-WAN as a service and managed SD-WAN. But how do the different consumption models compare?  Continue Reading

• What do the 6 GHz band and Wi-Fi 6E mean for wireless networking?

  The FCC is expected to approve the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi, which should improve speed and capacity for wireless networks. But make sure your devices can use the 6 GHz band.  Continue Reading

• What does 'network on demand' mean for enterprises?

  Following the on-demand trend, network on-demand options provide enterprises with more flexible consumption models, such as managed network services and cloud-based networking.  Continue Reading

• What are some of the weaknesses of SD-WAN?

  Cost, complexity and interoperability issues with existing network components are some of the weaknesses of SD-WAN that organizations need to consider.  Continue Reading

• Can WPA2 be upgraded to WPA3?

  A migration from WPA2 to WPA3 is not simple. Organizations may need to update their hardware extensively to accommodate the newer Wi-Fi encryption standard.  Continue Reading

• Should organizations bundle SD-WAN, UCaaS together?

  Organizations may consider pairing SD-WAN and UCaaS services to avoid complexity from multivendor services and gain potential synergy. But the combo can also create challenges.  Continue Reading

• 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

• What is network verification and do enterprises need it?

  Network verification can help organizations gain critical network performance insight and alleviate network complexity. But aspects of the concept are new and not yet mainstream.  Continue Reading

• How does DevOps in networking change network requirements?

  As more organizations embrace DevOps in networking, the approach can transform network requirements, such as visibility and security policies, which network teams should consider.  Continue Reading

• What should I know about IP address management systems?

  As networks continuously gain more devices, outdated IP address management methods face new challenges. Despite this, IPAM is still crucial for any organization's network.  Continue Reading

• How do I build a cloud-ready network?

  IT teams can prepare their networks for cloud migrations by planning around their applications, security strategies, remote users and WAN performance.  Continue Reading

• Cloud networking vs. cloud computing: What's the difference?

  Organizations might sometimes consider cloud computing and cloud networking as interchangeable due to their similarities. But the two strategies have different goals and processes.  Continue Reading

• Does Wi-Fi 6 have better range than previous wireless standards?

  Yes, Wi-Fi 6 provides better wireless range. But it's not because of higher power output. The key is certain Wi-Fi 6 features can improve data rates at a given range.  Continue Reading

• Is Wi-Fi 6 backward-compatible? Yes and no

  With the advent of a new wireless standard, some users may wonder: Is Wi-Fi 6 backward-compatible? The answer is yes. But do you want full backward compatibility?  Continue Reading

• Top SD-WAN benefits and the case for deployment

  Make the case for an SD-WAN implementation, and explore the benefits and main use cases for SD-WAN in enterprises, beyond traditional hybrid WANs.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between SD-branch vs. SD-WAN?

  As networking pros evaluate SD-branch vs. SD-WAN, they'll notice a key distinction between the two technologies, namely how network functions are managed and orchestrated.  Continue Reading

• 12 questions to ask about SD-WAN managed services

  When contemplating SD-WAN managed services, organizations should ask questions about network security, infrastructure compatibility and bandwidth requirements.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Consider these 6 SD-WAN challenges and the flip-side benefits

  Cost, complexity, security, training, troubleshooting and software bugs are some of the top SD-WAN challenges. Discover more about these issues and how to offset them.  Continue Reading

• Why should I consider an AIOps platform for my network?

  AIOps can take various tasks -- such as data collection and analysis -- off the plates of network teams. This can provide organizations with better insight into network visibility.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN vs. load balancing: How are they different?

  SD-WAN can use load balancing for WAN connections, but it doesn't require load balancing to work. Compare some of the similarities and differences between the two.  Continue Reading

• 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

• What is the difference between WLAN and Wi-Fi?

  Although the terms WLAN and Wi-Fi are used interchangeably, the two wireless technologies are quite different. Fundamentally, Wi-Fi is just a type of WLAN.  Continue Reading

• How do I choose the right network automation tools or platform?

  In your organization's search for the best network automation platform for business operations, compare the pros and cons of proprietary and open source tools.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits and challenges of AI network monitoring?

  AI network monitoring has great potential, but companies need to pare down the number of network monitoring tools they use now in order to reap AI's full benefits.  Continue Reading

• How do I build the right cloud network design?

  Networks look different now than they did a decade ago, and that continuous change isn't slowing down. Cloud networking plays a large role in the transformation of legacy networks.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between a bridge and a router?

  While a bridge and router share some similarities, the difference between a bridge and router is significant, including how the devices interpret network connections.  Continue Reading

• How can SD-WAN and edge computing services work together?

  Organizations may want to consider the effect SD-WAN and edge computing could have when combined. Make sure to consider all options before choosing a combination model, however.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between half-duplex and full-duplex?

  A half-duplex transmission could be considered a one-way street between sender and receiver. Full-duplex, on the other hand, enables two-way traffic at the same time.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between a managed and unmanaged switch?

  One difference between managed and unmanaged switches is complexity. A managed switch is more complex and requires more skills, but it offers better network control and configuration.  Continue Reading

• How realistic are compact SD-WAN appliances compared to VPNs?

  The battle between VPN vs. SD-WAN returns. In this clash, see how realistic SD-WAN appliances are for remote and mobile workers compared to VPN connections.  Continue Reading

• Network security vs. application security: What's the difference?

  Different tools protect different assets at the network and application layers. But both network and application security need to support the larger security plan.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between a wireless access point and router?

  Is there a difference between a wireless access point vs. a router? Yes -- while the two wireless devices are related, they meet different needs in a Wi-Fi network.  Continue Reading

• What SD-WAN certifications and courses are available?

  A few SD-WAN certifications do exist, but they're heavily focused on specific vendors and their respective products. Find out why market-wide certs are unlikely.  Continue Reading

• How to compare Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches

  Organizations have much to consider when evaluating Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches, such as device architecture, Opex, Capex and analytics capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN: How do they compare?

  While comparing traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN, network professionals can see the many benefits of SD-WAN, including centralized control and dynamic traffic management.  Continue Reading

• What are SFP ports on a Gigabit switch and what are they used for?

  SFP ports enable Gigabit switches to connect to a wide variety of fiber and Ethernet cables in order to extend switching functionality throughout the network.  Continue Reading

• How do I create proper documentation of network automation?

  Despite network automation's advantages, organizations can face disadvantages if they have improper network documentation. These four components can help enable proper documentation.  Continue Reading

• How will BSS coloring boost Wi-Fi 6 performance?

  BSS coloring is a feature that will help accelerate Wi-Fi 6 performance. Find out how the new mechanism will help access points transmit more efficiently.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between a MAC address and IP address?

  A MAC address and an IP address each identify network devices, but they do the job at different levels. Explore the differences between the two and learn why both are necessary.  Continue Reading

• Bridge vs. switch comparison: What's the difference?

  A network bridge connects two local area networks. A network switch, on the other hand, connects multiple clients to a network. Learn more about these two network components.  Continue Reading

• How does 802.11ax security benefit from WPA3?

  Security methods like WPA3 and Opportunistic Wireless Encryption will give a boost to 802.11ax security, but securing the new wireless standard is still pretty complicated.  Continue Reading

• What network tools are available for public cloud monitoring?

  Multi-tenant public cloud monitoring can pose significant challenges. Luckily, some tools can help track these environments and even flag potential security threats.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between SDN and NFV?

  SDN and NFV are siblings but not twins -- while they have a lot in common, they aren't identical. Here's what you need to know about their differences.  Continue Reading

• What is Citizens Broadband Radio Service?

  Citizens Broadband Radio Service gives enterprises another tool to manage the performance of their Wi-Fi and 5G networks. How does CBRS work?  Continue Reading

• What are the steps I should take for network transformation?

  The path to digital transformation has three points that all organizations should reach to ensure their network is ready for digital transformation.  Continue Reading

• What is 5G massive MIMO and how can it boost bandwidth?

  With a large array of small antennas and time division duplex communication, 5G massive MIMO is expected to support more bandwidth and users with lower latency.  Continue Reading

• What are the top 3 network analytics use cases?

  Network analytics use cases illustrate some of the benefits that companies are receiving from network analysis tools. Gauging network performance is just one key area.  Continue Reading

• How does SD-WAN analytics monitor network performance?

  With SD-WAN analytics, administrators can fine-tune their WAN connections and determine how well their network is performing.  Continue Reading

• What effect will 400 GbE have on enterprise networks?

  400 Gigabit Ethernet is the next hurdle for Ethernet capabilities to surpass. But enterprises may not be prepared for this technology yet, due to its immaturity.  Continue Reading

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

  Use this expert advice to learn the differences between the TCP/IP model vs. the OSI model, and explore how they relate to each other in network communications.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How can network security analytics detect and thwart threats?

  Network security analytics gives organizations an additional level of protection against malicious attacks. It works closely with network analytics tools.  Continue Reading

• Do businesses need to install 5G small cells inside their buildings?

  5G's high frequency can handle more capacity, but the signal can't penetrate buildings easily. That's why you may need to install a 5G small cell in your office.  Continue Reading

• What steps should I take in the event of a network failure?

  Don't panic when the network goes down. Instead, use this checklist to go through five factors that could cause network failure, and follow tips on how to plan for them in advance.  Continue Reading

• What are the similarities and differences of TCP/IP vs. HTTP?

  TCP/IP made the internet, and HTTP made the web. Understanding how protocols enable web browsing is key to understanding the differences and similarities of TCP/IP vs. HTTP.  Continue Reading

• What does stateful vs. stateless mean in a networking context?

  When it comes to understanding state from a networking perspective, knowing the difference between stateful vs. stateless firewalls is a crucial starting point.  Continue Reading

• What does open source SD-WAN look like, and do we need it?

  Open source software has an openly available source code that users can adopt or modify. Open source combined with SD-WAN might be a perfect match or a too idealistic goal.  Continue Reading

• Can you integrate legacy network monitoring and analytics?

  Legacy network monitoring and new analytics tools don't often mix. One workaround is APIs, but a better option is to upgrade older management software.  Continue Reading

• How do I plan a network management strategy for multiple tools?

  Many IT teams deal with a bevy of network management tools, which complicates data integration and leads to errors. A network management strategy that focuses on coordination can help.  Continue Reading

• What roles are included in a network engineer job description?

  What is a network engineer? The role can encompass several disciplines, especially as new technologies emerge. Software knowledge, in particular, is in high demand.  Continue Reading

• How is service mesh architecture different from SDN and NFV?

  Service mesh separates itself from SDN and NFV approaches with its clear focus on managing the communication and forwarding between multiple microservices.  Continue Reading

• What is hybrid cloud networking and how is it evolving?

  With help from telecom providers and connectivity, hybrid cloud networking enables organizations to add network capacity by tapping into public cloud infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between a router, switch and hub?

  Although a router, switch and hub all help direct network traffic, the devices transmit packets in different ways. Discover the differences among these network devices.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between an edge router vs. core router?

  Clearly, an edge router and core router are placed in different parts of the network, but their routing roles are more complex than their physical locations.  Continue Reading

• Will 5G networks require new network engineer skills?

  The 5G network will likely affect network engineer skills in areas such as security, physical appliances and software. But enterprise teams won't see too much change, for now.  Continue Reading

• What are private 5G networks and could they emerge as a major trend?

  In some network environments, businesses may need broader connection options for devices and automation. Private 5G networks, at some point, might be the answer.  Continue Reading

• What are edge computing challenges for the network?

  Edge computing can reduce processing times and improve application performance, but the technology has its issues. Here are six challenges edge computing creates for the network.  Continue Reading

• What is network traffic analytics and how does it enhance security?

  Network traffic analysis has evolved to incorporate machine learning techniques that help identify network security threats in real time and expedite a response.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of CLI and GUI?

  An old-fashioned command-line interface still has some advantages over its counterpart, the graphical user interface, when managing network devices. See how CLI and GUI stack up.  Continue Reading

• Fog computing vs. edge computing: What's the difference?

  Fog computing vs. edge computing -- while many IT professionals use the terms synonymously, others make subtle but important distinctions between them.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN with IoT enables the enhanced network edge

  In a world teeming with IoT devices -- and the resulting data -- SD-WAN and SD-branch can provide the security, visibility and connectivity the IoT edge requires.  Continue Reading

• What are the 5 types of network firewalls and how are they different?

  As they monitor and filter network traffic, some firewalls can provide some pretty advanced security controls. But added packet inspection can slow network performance.  Continue Reading

• What is a programmable data plane and where does P4 fit in?

  A programmable data plane presents a versatile way to forward packets and supports various formats and protocols. The P4 language is used to configure the forwarding actions.  Continue Reading

• What is Cisco Smart Licensing and how might it benefit my business?

  Cisco Smart Licensing, the networking vendor's fairly new approach to software licensing, aims to provide customers with more visibility and control over their licenses.  Continue Reading

• When will enterprises adopt the new Wi-Fi 6 standard?

  Networking vendors have unveiled Wi-Fi 6 devices, yet the wireless standard is not ratified. Don't expect Wi-Fi 6 to flow into the mainstream anytime soon.  Continue Reading

• What is the purpose of an SD-WAN gateway?

  Software-defined WAN architecture has adapted with the growth of cloud services, resulting in a cloud-based model that uses SD-WAN gateways to handle traffic and control.  Continue Reading

• Which 802.11ax features support IoT adoption?

  A handful of key 802.11ax features could help accelerate widespread internet-of-things adoption, according to networking experts familiar with the new standard.  Continue Reading

• How are automated network configuration and management changing?

  Could a new generation of network testing and verification tools combine with automated network configuration to mimic intent-based networking systems?  Continue Reading

• What tools can reinforce network edge security?

  Firewalls, intrusion prevention systems and cloud-based threat intelligence are just a few of the many ways that organizations can bolster network edge security.  Continue Reading

• What is the network edge and how is it different from edge computing?

  The network edge, also known as the WAN edge, is where an enterprise network connects to third-party network services. Edge computing, however, is something different.  Continue Reading

• What does a zero-trust model mean for network security?

  A zero-trust model limits access and permissions according to a defined set of parameters that enterprises specify for each application. Learn what this means for network security.  Continue Reading

• What 5 items should be on your network monitoring checklist?

  Device monitoring, visual performance tools and a deep understanding of network data are just a few of the items that should be on your network monitoring checklist.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of ADCs with per-application functionality?

  DevOps development has driven the need for application delivery controllers to adapt. The result is per-application functionality, which enables customization for each application.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How do cloud data centers affect network bandwidth requirements?

  When deciding which applications to move to a cloud data center, enterprises should consider network bandwidth requirements and latency, among other factors.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6: How does OFDMA work?

  The new Wi-Fi 6 standard works harder but also smarter, thanks to a game-changing feature called orthogonal frequency-division multiple access.  Continue Reading

• How does security for intent-based networking work?

  Monitoring plays an essential role when it comes to security in intent-based networking environments, as it ensures policies are met and detects network anomalies.  Continue Reading

• How do SDN protocols compare to those used in SD-WAN?

  Traditional SDN controllers use northbound and southbound APIs to communicate. But software-defined WAN controllers don't rely on those same SDN protocols.  Continue Reading

• Why would an organization move to intent-based networking?

  Intent-based networking doesn't use any magical commands. But it does use a heavy dose of automation, which might cause some network teams to be wary of the new approach.  Continue Reading

• How do network virtualization and network abstraction compare?

  Network virtualization and network abstraction share similarities, like supporting the creation of virtual resources, but the two approaches vary in complexity and outcome.  Continue Reading

• What are the pros and cons of machine learning in network security?

  The predictive nature of machine learning can benefit network security strategies. But it can also benefit those looking to break through secure network barriers.  Continue Reading