Ask the Experts

What are the top 3 benefits of NFV technology?

The use of standard hardware, consolidation of network functions and machines, and flexible system upgrades are some of the key benefits of NFV technology. Continue Reading
How can organizations improve their network change management?

Organizations can optimize their network change management processes with dedicated change management services for improved planning, monitoring and communication capabilities. Continue Reading
Site-to-site VPN vs. remote-access VPNs: What's the difference?

Learn the differences between site-to-site VPNs vs. remote-access VPNs and find out about the protocols, benefits and the data security methods used to support each approach. Continue Reading
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