Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Should I invest in formal SDN training, certification?

  Network engineer and software-defined networking pro Will Murrell considers whether formal SDN certification and training is worth the time, expense and effort.  Continue Reading

• How many SDN programming languages should I know?

  When it comes to programming languages, is it better to become an expert in one or a jack-of-all-trades? Networking pro Will Murrell recommends familiarizing yourself with three.  Continue Reading

• How does SDN automation work?

  Expert Lee Doyle explains how software-defined networking enables network automation -- leading to lower costs, faster provisioning and better scalability.  Continue Reading

• How can I get started with SDN technologies?

  Networking expert Lee Doyle explains how network architects can get started using software-defined networking technologies -- whether in the campus network, WAN or data center.  Continue Reading

• Is fabric necessary for network virtualization overlay?

  A fabric topology may become necessary at some point, but for now, you can get away without one for your SDN overlay.  Continue Reading

• How does Open Network Operating System's 'Emu' update CORD?

  ONOS' latest release, called "Emu," includes updates to the Central Office Re-architected as Datacenter. Analyst Dan Conde explains what they entail.  Continue Reading

• My MPLS service contract expires soon -- should I renew?

  The rise of SD-WAN has many asking: Do we really need MPLS connectivity? Expert John Burke explains what factors to consider before renewing your existing contract.  Continue Reading

• What is the role of the security operations center in SDN?

  As SDN continues to gain traction, it's important that security keeps pace. Expert John Burke explains the role of the security operations center in a software-defined network.  Continue Reading

• What are the WLAN benefits of 802.11ac vs. 802.11n?

  In analyzing wireless 802.11ac versus 802.11n, our expert says the advantages of 802.11ac are many, but the engineering has to be spot on.  Continue Reading

• What is the status of OPNFV?

  Implementing NFV remains a daunting task, but Open Platform for NFV offers a path forward. Our expert explains where the open source platform stands today and where it's headed.  Continue Reading

• How can enterprises manage the cybersecurity skills gap?

  Due to the demand for professionals with backgrounds in both computer science and networking, filling cybersecurity jobs is difficult. Technology will have to play a bigger role.  Continue Reading

• What role does the end-to-end principle play in SDN?

  The end-to-end principle was a core tenet of the early Internet, but where does it fit in the software-defined network? Analyst John Burke explains.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to handle end-of-sale devices on your network?

  A majority of organizations have end-of-sale and end-of-life devices on their networks. What's the best way to ensure your equipment is up to date?  Continue Reading

• Which SDN protocol should I use?

  At the dawn of software-defined networking, there was one SDN protocol: OpenFlow. Today, users can select from a growing number of options.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking security: Should we worry?

  Software-defined networking security concerns are real, and networking expert John Burke says we'll need new mitigation and defense techniques to address them.  Continue Reading