Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• SDN and network virtualization: How do they work together?

  There are different ways to implement network virtualization in a software-defined network. Jim Meztler explains network virtualization and SDN, and how the two can work together.  Continue Reading

• Types of link-state advertisements (LSAs) used in Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)

  John Burke explains different types of link-state advertisements (LSAs) that would be used for Open Shortest Path First (OSPF).  Continue Reading

• Can IT pros adapt to a new networking environment?

  Experts reflect on the changing networking industry and explain the difference between legacy networking and working within the emerging IT infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• What is 'real SDN'?

  Networking pros continue to argue about what 'real SDN' is. Here is a breakdown of the major SDN categories that exist in research and real-world environments.  Continue Reading

• Slow rate of IPv6 adoption: True or false?

  An expert explains why the adoption rate of IPv6 isn't as slow as people think and why it is important to create a dual-stack environment during the protocol shift.  Continue Reading

• What is 'open' SDN?

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

• Do I need network quality of service?

  An expert discusses the importance of including quality of service across the network.  Continue Reading

• MPLS vs. virtual private LAN services: Same thing?

  Most IT managers tend to think of MPLS and VPLS as separate entities. Robert Sturt points out that the two products have a lot in common.  Continue Reading

• Which quality assessment strategy is right for your cloud application?

  Find the right monitoring and management tools for your cloud applications by choosing a strategy that works for your specific needs. Use the data to assess the overall quality of experience of your applications with application driven analysis  Continue Reading

• Do providers gain any IPv6 benefits for their cloud infrastructure?

  If services providers want to improve their cloud services and build large-scale cloud infrastructures, they must look to IPv6. IPv6 expert Ciprian Popoviciu explains the IPv6 benefits that providers don't get with IPv4.  Continue Reading

• When will OpenStack be IPv6-ready?

  As the transition to IPv6 looms, the need for OpenStack to be IPv6-ready is greater than ever. Expert Ciprian Popoviciu explains the steps being taken toward OpenStack's IPv6-readiness and the advantages that come with it.  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

• Will network functions virtualization be used in the enterprise?

  Jason Edelman explains whether or not network functions virtualization will ever transition into the enterprise, or if it is a service/provider play.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between declarative and imperative networking architecture?

  When talking about network, automation and policy solutions, it's becoming commonplace to hear about declarative and imperative networking architectures. Jason Edelman explains the differences.  Continue Reading

• What kind of IPv6 support can providers offer?

  With the transition to IPv6 looming, service providers must be aware of the types of IPv6 support they can make available to their enterprise customers. IPv6 expert Ciprian Popoviciu explains what providers can do to guide their customers.  Continue Reading