Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Network Infrastructure

• What is 'open' SDN?

  Author Chuck Black explains what 'open' means for SDN, and considers open SDN controllers, protocols and APIs.  Continue Reading

• Will MPLS traffic engineering technology help you?

  MPLS traffic engineering can improve VPN performance to ensure data travels the most efficient path.  Continue Reading

• Is Magic Quadrant data reliable?

  With a growing number of online resources, is the Magic Quadrant still the No. 1 source of vendor information?  Continue Reading

• Is passive optical networking good for enterprises?

  An information systems engineer explains passive optical networking and how it can help an enterprise reduce costs.  Continue Reading

• What separates white-box software from bare-metal switches?

  Network administrators can choose between white-box software and bare-metal hardware and receive the same performance.  Continue Reading

• Key impacts of hosting virtual desktop infrastructure

  Expert Keith Townsend says enterprises have to plan carefully in order to roll out VDI effectively.  Continue Reading

• Will white box switches be needed in an enterprise network?

  Glen Kemp explains why white box switches are a result of increased commoditization in the marketplace and why they're needed in enterprise networks.  Continue Reading

• How close is the new 802.11ac standard to a cellular wireless experience?

  Mike Jude explains the pros and cons of the new 802.11ac standard and how it will ultimately affect your business.  Continue Reading

• Is policy-based management crucial for mobile remote access?

  The BYOD era is upon us, and policy-based management is crucial in order to manage IT assets that attempt to remotely access your corporate network.  Continue Reading

• Are there alternatives to the OpenFlow protocol?

  Jason Edelman explains OpenFlow protocol alternatives and what's important in determining which southbound protocol will work for you.  Continue Reading

• What's the network market look like for optical equipment?

  Analyst Jeff Ogle writes that the packet optical transport market is poised for growth.  Continue Reading

• How to get involved in the OpenDaylight project

  The OpenDaylight project offers developers chance to contribute to open source SDN and learn about guidelines that will emerge.  Continue Reading

• What is the role of hardware in network overlays and virtualization?

  Jason Edelman explains the role of hardware in network virtualization and network overlays.  Continue Reading

• The first step to ensuring effective IT service delivery management

  Expert Henry Svendblad reveals the first steps you need to take to ensure proper IT service delivery management.  Continue Reading

• Running IPv6 over low-power devices with limited resources

  Expert Silvia Hagen explains what v6LoWPAN does and how it’s used.  Continue Reading

• Integrated mobile application, device management best approach

  Administrators don't have to worry about interoperability; integrated mobile application and device management is the best approach.  Continue Reading

• Preventing mobile hacking: Must you take precautions?

  Service providers do a good job of blocking mobile hacking -- to a point. VPN expert Rainer Enders offers tips on how to extend device security.  Continue Reading

• Should I use the OpenFlow protocol in software-defined networks?

  The OpenFlow protocol isn't required for SDN, although the Open Network Foundation recommends it, which means networking vendors have options.  Continue Reading

• Why do I need SDN technology?

  SDN is valuable, but uses extend to other parts of the network for increased network flexibility, dynamic traffic flow, decreased latency and QoS.  Continue Reading

• SDN, network virtualization: Are they the same?

  Despite differences, SDN and network virtualization share common elements to direct network resources to VMs and segment or consolidate networks.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of IPv6 in SDN and network virtualization?

  One of the benefits of IPv6 is that it makes software defined networking and network virtualization scale easily, IPv6 expert Ciprian Popoviciu says.  Continue Reading

• What's the best type of VPN for connecting an acquired company?

  What happens when your organization acquires a company? How should you connect sites and what type of VPN setup works best? Our expert responds.  Continue Reading

• Can I compare performance metrics of an MPLS VPN to another network?

  Is it possible to calculate the network performance metrics of an MPLS VPN and compare it to other networks? Find out in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• How do remote access VPNs compare with other types of VPNs?

  In this Ask the Expert response, Rainer Enders explains what a remote access VPN is and how it differs from other virtual private networks.  Continue Reading

• Blade server switches may ease density problems in the network

  When trying to remove density in the network, using blade server switches may help solve the problem, as well as offer latency advantages. Expert Carrie Higbie weighs in.  Continue Reading

• Will 10GBASE-T switches eliminate copper cabling?

  Is the rise of 10GBASE-T switches the end of using a copper cabling system in the network? Data Infrastructure expert, Carrie Higbie provides an answer.  Continue Reading

• Using wireless network bandwidth monitoring to stay within data caps

  Wireless network bandwidth monitoring is important for users who must remain within data caps that are often broken by smartphone/tablets and cloud services.  Continue Reading

• Does the MTU need to be changed for the VPN header?

  In this Ask the Expert response, VPN expert Rainer Enders discusses the process in which the VPN header can be created.  Continue Reading

• Performance routing solution may relieve network traffic issues

  When facing issues with MPLS VPN services, such as slowness, outages and application timeouts, a performance routing solution may help improve Layer 3 VPN problems.  Continue Reading

• When military radar causes fixed broadband wireless interference

  Military radar may cause fixed broadband wireless interference. This expert tip explains tests and ideas to check if this is the case and how to address this interference.  Continue Reading

• Providing fastest Internet sharing speed for clients

  Lindi Horton explains how to provide the fastest Internet sharing speed to a client when many users are trying to access the internet as well as potential issues and solutions.  Continue Reading

• Advantages of DNS Made Easy

  Network Administration expert, Lindi Horton provides her expertise on advantages of DNS, and provides an example of a reliable and flexible DNS service.  Continue Reading

• Expert advice for file server troubleshooting

  Network administration expert, Lindi Horton answers a query regarding file server troubleshooting. She explains potential reasons for file server issues, and things to check to solve the problem.  Continue Reading

• Packet vs. circuit switching data networks: An expert explains the differences

  Network administration expert, Lindi Horton answers a query regarding packet vs. circuit switching in regards to data networks by using an analogy to help explain the concept of both.  Continue Reading

• Installing multiple network services to one server

  Network Administration expert, Lindi Horton explains installing multiple network services to one server, and shortcuts to take to ensure all work together successfully.  Continue Reading

• Advantages of managed DNS services

  Network Administration expert, Lindi Horton explains the advantages of managed DNS services, and provides an example of a reliable and flexible DNS service.  Continue Reading

• Expert tips to solve port 3389 issues when end users gets blocked

  Enterprise security expert, Michael Gregg answers a question regarding port 3389 issues when a user tries to open port 3389 RDP on their router to work from home, but hits a roadblock when the ISP blocks the port.  Continue Reading

• Wireless access for mall kiosk

  Wireless expert Lisa Phifer answers a question on how to connect wired networked devices to a mall's wireless access.  Continue Reading

• Linking an unmanaged switch and DHCP server

  Unmanaged Linksys switches don't know where to send BootP and DHCP requests. Find out what to do to fix the problem of unmanaged switches and DHCP servers.  Continue Reading

• Configuring VLANs on a Cisco Catalyst 3750 and Catalyst 2950 together

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• How does User-based Rate Limiting (UBRL) do if I have oversubscribed a port or switch?

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• Frame relay vs. ATM networks: What's the difference?

  Want to know the difference between frame relay and ATM networks? Find out in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Why is the 802.11g Wi-Fi throughput speed on my smartphone slow?

  I recently purchased a smartphone with Wi-Fi (802.11g) but found video over Wi-Fi to be pretty choppy. I checked SpeedTest and I don't get anywhere near 54 Mbps when connected to Wi-Fi. Why not?  Continue Reading

• How do I set the Web page default on a network of computers without setting them all individually?

  Learn how to set a default for a network of computers if a group policy isn't working. Instead of setting each machine manually, learn what else you can do.  Continue Reading

• What IP enables file sharing among multiple computers on different Internet connections?

  Learn how to enable file sharing among a group of computers, as well as computers within separate workgroups, that are using four different Internet connections, in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What are two common devices that control outbound network access?

  Read here to discover devices that will control outbound network access and enable and allow network access.  Continue Reading

• How many wireless base stations can connect to 802.11g access points?

  Our wireless networking expert, Lisa Phifer, talks about the information you need in order to support additional clients on 802.11g access points (APs), in this advice.  Continue Reading

• What is network infrastructure and what is a hybrid network?

  Learn specific networking terms to help setup and choose a specific type of network infrastructure from a single proprietary company or a hybrid of vendors, from our expert Tessa Parmenter.  Continue Reading

• What preventative maintenance procedures for network equipment exist?

  Learn the best practices for monitoring and maintaining your Cisco IP equipment based on potential fault and performance management best practices, from our expert Lindi Horton.  Continue Reading

• Do I have to disable DHCP on my router to create a DHCP server?

  Learn how to turn off DHCP properly in order to use a DHCP server that is configured on a Windows server, and ensure that your routers are not acting as DHCP servers, from our expert Lindi Horton.  Continue Reading

• Is there VLAN software recommend for Realtek NICs?

  Find out which VLAN (virtual local area network) software recommendations and device drivers are the best solutions for your Realtek NIC, from our expert, Lindi Horton.  Continue Reading

• How can I replicate the services of Active Directory (AD) in ADC?

  Learn how to replicate AD services in ADC (Active Directory Controller) by creating policy replication agreements between two or more servers, from our expert.  Continue Reading

• How important are network infrastructure maps for engineers or admins?

  Our network administration expert explains how important it is for an IT admin or engineer to have a network infrastructure map, in this response.  Continue Reading

• How server virtualization improves efficiency in a client-server model

  How can server virtualization benefit a business in a client-server model? Our network administration expert explains how virtualization can optimize productivity in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• What is IP?

  Learn fundamental networking basics in this expert response defining the acronym 'IP.'  Continue Reading

• Why would a computer show drive letters for discs that don't exist?

  If a computer shows drive letters for removable discs that aren't physically connected to it when no hard disk partitioning has been done, could a virus be responsible? Our network administration expert explains.  Continue Reading

• Open source software for enterprise network management and monitoring

  Open source software is a valuable, economic resource for enterprise network managers. Find the best software for your network with our site network administration expert's advice.  Continue Reading

• Where is expert Silvia Hagen's most recent IPv6 and IPv4 advice?

  For IPv6 and IPv4 expert Silvia Hagen's latest advice, view her Public Profile on the IT Knowledge Exchange.  Continue Reading

• How to find an SSID and identify neighboring WLANs

  Wireless network expert Lisa Phifer explains what an SSID is and how to identify and differentiate between neighboring WLAN identifiers in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• How does IPv6 benefit current and future applications?

  IPv6 benefits current and future applications on the network. Learn what impact and effects the Internet Protocol version 6 brings, from our IPv4/IPv6 expert.  Continue Reading

• What does node-local mean in IPv6 in terms of multicast scope?

  In terms of multicast scopes, learn what node-local means in this definition by our Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) expert, Silvia Hagen.  Continue Reading

• Does IPv6 abandon TCP/IP fragmentation?

  Is TCP/IP fragmentation abandoned in IPv6? Our expert, Silvia Hagen, explains the packet routing process in this answer.  Continue Reading

• How do you calculate ROI costs for an IPv6 implementation/migration?

  Calculating the return on investment (ROI) and the cost of your IPv6 network migration depends on the factors our expert describes in this response.  Continue Reading

• Difference between circuit-switching and packet-switching in examples

  What is the difference between a circuit switching and packet switching? Our networking fundamentals expert gives examples of packet switching and circuit switching in this response.  Continue Reading

• Can Network Address Translation work without static IP addresses?

  Find out how Network Address Translation (NAT) works with static and dynamic IP addresses and what the most common type of NAT is from our networking fundamentals expert.  Continue Reading

• How do VPN concentrators and network access servers (NAS) differ?

  Find out if there's a difference between a virtual private network (VPN) concentrator and a network access server (NAS) in this explanation from our network security expert, Puneet Mehta.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting VLANs: How to monitor 802.1q tagged traffic

  When troubleshooting a virtual LAN (VLAN), learn how to monitor 802.1q tagged traffic within a network in this advice from our routing and switching expert.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between packet fragmentation in IPv4 and IPv6?

  In this Q&A, our IPv6 expert explains how packet fragmentation differs in IPv6 compared to IPv4.  Continue Reading

• Calculating subnets for IP addresses in IPv6

  Understand how subnetting in IPv6 differs from that of IPv4 and what you need to do in order to calculate the subnet of an IP address in IP version 6.  Continue Reading

• IP addressing in IPv6

  Understand the differences between network IP addressing in IPv6 and IPv4. Our expert, Silvia Hagen, explains the advantages and disadvantages of calculating IP addresses for each version.  Continue Reading

• What environmental factors cause switch connectivity to fail?

  If the power on your network's switch is fine, but the connectivity is not, ask yourself these questions posed by our switching expert to troubleshoot for environmental issues that may be causing this connection failure.  Continue Reading

• Why do Linksys WMP300N wireless cards have three antenna connectors?

  Before you make a larger antenna for your wireless network card, know how the Linksys WMP300N connects to its antenna, and understand why it has three connectors.  Continue Reading

• Can building T3 lines using satellite be cheaper than a carriers'?

  Would building your own T3 leased line be cheaper than a standard carrier's service? Our networking fundamentals expert explains this and how a large capacity link reacts over satellite communication, in this Ask the Expert response.  Continue Reading

• Why are patch panels required for cabling networks?

  When cabling networks, you may wonder why it's a requirement to have patch panels and why they aren't connected to switches. This expert response explains why and how they're used in a rack with multiple switches and ports.  Continue Reading

• How to configure Cisco's 3750 Layer 3 switch for fallback IOS booting

  Our switching expert explains how to configure your Cisco 3750 Layer 3 (L3) switch to automatically boot your system from the IOS kept on the TFTP server, in this response on fallback booting.  Continue Reading

• On a full-duplex T1 circuit, what's the bandwidth speed in both directions?

  Find out if a full-duplex T1 circuit splits its bandwidth between the TX and RX directions.  Continue Reading

• What power supply problems do 802.11n wireless networks pose?

  The power supply requirements demanded of 802.11n wireless networks won't be affordable for enterprises until the IEEE standard and supporting network hardware are approved and have caught up. Here are some options for fixing this problem while you ...  Continue Reading

• How can I resolve this remote worker's VPN connection problem?

  Our network administration expert explains why this remote worker cannot connect to their company's virtual private network (VPN) through their Linksys router, in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• How do I set up multiple VLANs on a single switch?

  Learn how set up VLANs on one switch and replicate them throughout the network in this response.  Continue Reading

• How can I use VLANs and NAT to get around the need for a static IP address?

  Learn how to use a VLAN and NAT to get around static IP address designation problems.  Continue Reading

• What is the main advantage of having a Layer 3 switch over a router?

  In this Q&A, our router expert, Sudhanshu Gupta, talks about the advantages of having an L3 switch over a router.  Continue Reading

• What does a subnet do?

  Learn about the role of the subnet in a network, including switching and packet recognition.  Continue Reading

• Minimum and maximum Ethernet frame sizes

  In this Q&A, our network administration expert addresses Ethernet frame sizes, as well as minimum and maximum sizes of Ethernet frames that carry IP and ICMP.  Continue Reading

• How to set up a VLAN on multiple switches

  Learn how to establish a VLAN over multiple routers in this response from a networking expert.  Continue Reading

• How can I implement MAC address binding between switches?

  Learn what configuration you need to implement MAC binding across switches in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• In IPv4, do private address ranges have a default subnet mask?

  In this expert response, Silvia Hagen explains the relationship between private IP address range and default subnet masks. She also informs us about new address types coming up in IPv6 that will make subnetting and addressing easier.  Continue Reading

• Are there 802.11n wireless antenna extenders to boost outdoor signal?

  Learn how to increase Wi-Fi range when multipath reflections aren't enough in this advice from our wireless networking expert.  Continue Reading

• How can I prevent collisions on my network?

  Learn about network collisions and how to prevent them with networking expert Chris Partsenidis.  Continue Reading

• What do routers use MAC addresses for?

  Find out what routers do with MAC addresses and why they're needed in this response from routing and switching expert Sudhanshu Gupta.  Continue Reading

• How to use IPv6 on an IPv4 backbone

  Learn how to use IPv6 on an IPv4 backbone without dual stacking in this expert response from Silvia Hagen.  Continue Reading

• What is a logical network? How do you improve one?

  Learn what logical and physical networks are and how to improve them, in this expert response with networking fundamentals expert, Chris Partsenidis.  Continue Reading

• How to configure ISDN and backup leases on routers

  Routing expert Sudhanshu Gupta explains how to configure ISDN and backup leases on routers in this expert answer.  Continue Reading

• How can I configure 10 VLANs with 5 unmanaged switches?

  Given a Cisco Layer 3 (L3) switch and 5 unmanaged switches, learn how to create 10 VLANs from our routing and switching expert, Sudhanshu Gupta.  Continue Reading

• What is broadcasting and which switch will fix timed-out requests?

  Broadcasting is defined by our routing and switching expert as he explains which network switch resolves time-out requests, in this response.  Continue Reading

• How do I configure two leased lines in one router?

  Our routing and switching expert explains how to configure two leased lines in one router, in this Ask the Expert answer.  Continue Reading

• Why are IPv6's IP addresses in hexadecimal formatting?

  Why would IPv6 use hexadecimal formatting if it's so user unfriendly, and what sort of workarounds are there to make IP addressing easier? Find out in this expert answer.  Continue Reading

• What can we expect in an 802.11n Wireless LAN standard implementation?

  At what stage is 802.11n implementation in, and what changes can we expect to see with it? Learn about the standard from wireless networking expert Lisa Phifer.  Continue Reading

• Understanding VLAN implementation and IP address assignment

  Learn how to create and configure a VLAN in this response from a network administration expert  Continue Reading

• What is NAT, and how do I know if it's taking place on my network?

  In this Q&A, our expert explains the basics of NAT (Network Address Translation), where it occurs, and what it does.  Continue Reading

• What are a TV tower's effects on your network?

  How will being next to a TV station tower affect your network? Find out in this expert response.  Continue Reading