Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What does the Intent Framework do in the ONOS SDN platform?

  Our SDN expert looks at how the ONOS SDN platform uses an Intent Framework to let apps make their networking needs known to the controller using policy-based management.  Continue Reading

• How many software-defined networking controllers are needed?

  SDN expert Will Murrell addresses how many software-defined networking controllers organizations need for policy control and network management and the value of investing in backup controllers.  Continue Reading

• How can my company reap the advantages of SDN if its culture is risk-averse?

  SDN expert Will Murrell discusses how the advantages of SDN will speak to cautious companies only when network engineers can make a case for SDN's lower cost and high functionality.  Continue Reading

• How do I choose an SDN certification or training program?

  Network engineer and SDN pro Will Murrell discusses how to choose the right SDN certification or training program, and what types of SDN courses are available.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How will software-defined WANs impact the enterprise?

  SD-WAN has a lot of potential for enterprises, especially as developers cobble together custom services and capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Container networking: How does Docker relate to SDN?

  Networking expert John Burke tackles container networking in this edition of Ask the Expert, explaining how a Docker container relates to SDN.  Continue Reading

• What's the status of SDN deployments in the enterprise?

  When it comes to widespread SDN deployments in the enterprise, are we there yet? Networking expert Lee Doyle says not quite… but we're on the way.  Continue Reading

• What makes an SMB network a target for cyberattacks?

  Small and medium-sized businesses are ripe targets for hackers. What can they do to improve their protection?  Continue Reading

• How can SDN and NFV change the telecom central office?

  SDN engineer Darien Hirotsu discusses the benefits of the Central Office Re-architected as Datacenter concept for the telecom central office.  Continue Reading

• When will software-driven networks become the new normal?

  SDN engineer Darien Hirotsu explains what it will take for SDN to become the industry standard, with software-driven networks outnumbering their traditional counterparts.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to protect my network from APT attacks?

  If you take some simple steps, you can help prevent advanced persistent threats from plaguing your network.  Continue Reading

• How do you anchor mobile network optimization?

  A successful mobility strategy hinges on how well users can get their jobs done across a variety of devices, operating systems and locations, according to an expert.  Continue Reading

• What is the relationship between east-west traffic and SDN?

  SDN engineer Darien Hirotsu explains how SDN can help solve the challenges presented by east-west traffic flow in the data center.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between hybrid, virtual and SD-WAN?

  An expert explains the differences between hybrid, virtual and software-defined WANs and tells how they are each related.  Continue Reading

• How do you establish connections across multiple MPLS providers?

  Your company is merging: How do you link disparate WAN service providers to ensure continued connectivity?  Continue Reading

• How do you create a secure VPN tunnel?

  Expert Julian Weinberger says that locking your VPN parameters can help secure your VPN tunnel by blocking users from changing configurations.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to safely preconfigure VPN access?

  Expert Julian Weinberger says limiting user VPN access can help enterprises enforce security and BYOD policies and reduce risk at the same time.  Continue Reading

• Is big data implementation always a custom project?

  An expert says it's important to figure out your big data objectives before purchasing hardware or software from a vendor.  Continue Reading

• What's involved with global ISP Internet breakout?

  An expert explains how to achieve global Internet breakout connections and gives examples of different connection options.  Continue Reading

• How do you approach global MPLS procurement?

  An expert discussed some of the particular challenges associated with the international procurement of MPLS VPN services.  Continue Reading

• How does the enterprise benefit from IP network transformation?

  An expert explains the benefits and challenges of migrating services from a traditional public-switched telephone network to IP.  Continue Reading

• Price vs. design, how do you choose MPLS service providers?

  When you meet with several MPLS service providers, you need to weigh the cost vs. the design of the product. Cheaper products might not give you all the capabilities you need.  Continue Reading

• What is the security impact of enterprise IoT?

  Software management at the device level is key to mitigating security risks in the enterprise when IoT arrives.  Continue Reading

• What is a hybrid WAN service?

  When considering hybrid WAN architecture, organizations must focus on the end-user experience and security.  Continue Reading

• What is generic Ethernet access?

  Generic Ethernet access is a new carrier service rolling out in the United Kingdom. Is this a technology that can work for you?  Continue Reading

• How do you benefit from MPLS provider comparison?

  An expert explains the process of choosing an MPLS provider.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How important is IPv6 readiness to the cloud?

  When it comes to cloud infrastructure, should providers include IPv6 readiness when designing their infrastructure strategies? Is OpenStack needed for an IPv6 deployment? Expert Ciprian Popoviciu explains.  Continue Reading

• What is OpenDaylight's SDN Interface application?

  OpenDaylight developer Rafat Jahan explains OpenDaylight's SDNi application as it relates to the release of Helium, the organization's second open source project.  Continue Reading

• How to get training on OpenDaylight controllers and APIs

  David Goldberg explains the origins of OpenDaylight controller code and offers resources for developers looking to learn more about the existing code base.  Continue Reading

• Which SDN offerings include an OpenDaylight controller?

  Neela Jacques, executive director of OpenDaylight, reviews which SDN vendors include OpenDaylight controllers in their product offerings.  Continue Reading

• If providers lag in implementing IPv6, will enterprises be hurt?

  If a service provider delays implementing IPv6, it may face serious challenges as enterprise customers need to make the transition. Expert Ciprian Popoviciu explains why providers must make the necessary preparations for IPv6 readiness.  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

• How to prepare for an automatic enterprise infrastructure?

  Before adding automation, take control over your processes or else you could end up enhancing the problems you already have.  Continue Reading

• How software-defined storage and SDN connect through orchestration

  Software-defined storage and SDN are separate infrastructures, but they can be co-managed and provisioned through orchestration tools.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined WAN: The old way of building branch networks is dead

  In the software-defined WAN, we'll provision virtual overlays and move network management to the cloud, limiting costly on-premises equipment.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between network orchestration and SDN control?

  Glen Kemp discusses the differences between network orchestration, similar to OpenStack, and SDN control, which is happening through OpenDaylight.  Continue Reading

• How to fix shortage of cyber security professionals?

  The cyber security skills shortage comes from an aging workforce and lack of interest in security among students. Emphasis must be put on education to close the gap.  Continue Reading

• Is it too early to start planning for 5G?

  The development of 5G is gaining buzz, but is it too early to seriously discuss 5G for mobile networks? Mike Jude explains the issues.  Continue Reading

• What role can analytics play in mobile security intelligence?

  Organizations need to deploy security analytics tools in order to detect and respond to advanced attacks.  Continue Reading

• Broadcom, Intel SDN offerings: What's the difference?

  Glen Kemp breaks down the differences between Broadcom and Intel SDN chips and reference designs.  Continue Reading

• As data center technology evolves, where should I focus my efforts?

  When data center admins are flooded with new technology, they must first prioritize their business objectives before deciding which tools to deploy.  Continue Reading

• Why are open APIs needed in a software-defined network?

  Open APIs are architectural components of a software-defined network that push configurations or information to routers and switches or other apps.  Continue Reading

• How will creating intellectual property affect the role and purpose of IT?

  As intellectual property becomes the objective of business, IT must focus more on security and flexibility.  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

• Using social tools to help enterprise architecture projects succeed

  An expert discusses why many enterprise projects are failing and how companies can implement social software to increase efficiency and communication.  Continue Reading

• What features do providers need in cloud orchestration software?

  What capabilities should providers look for in cloud orchestration software? Expert Paul Parker-Johnson discusses different features.  Continue Reading

• How do you select a cloud orchestration platform?

  How should service providers select a cloud orchestration platform? Expert Paul Parker-Johnson explains different orchestration models.  Continue Reading

• Remote access control: Can you stop UIC-, DIC-armed hacker from attack?

  Organizations can take steps to prevent hackers with UIC, DIC data from damaging their networks.  Continue Reading

• Remote access security: What is ABAC and can it protect my network?

  Expert Joerg Hirschmann illustrates the need to supplement role-based access control with attribute-based access control to boost enterprise security.  Continue Reading

• When you enable IPv6, how can you ensure it performs as well as IPv4?

  Organizations planning to enable IPv6 wrongly assume the performance will be equal to IPv4, if not better than it, but the protocol isn't the problem.  Continue Reading

• Do IaaS, PaaS and SaaS have different requirements for using IPv6?

  How you use IPv6 matters most in Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), but the industry still has some catching up to do, says expert Ciprian Popoviciu.  Continue Reading

• How does an IPv6 network affect NFV?

  Network functions virtualization, or NFV, is compatible with IPv4 and IPv6 networks, but IPv6 may offer extra benefits, says expert Ciprian Popoviciu.  Continue Reading

• Do SDN and NFV mean we don't need to buy network hardware anymore?

  Learn how the roles and requirements of traditional network hardware will change as SDN and NFV mature.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about duplicate IP address detection

  Read valuable expert advice about what causes IP address conflicts, and learn how to detect duplicate IP addresses in this tip.  Continue Reading

• How many devices can one 802.11n standard access point control?

  Expert Mike Jude reveals the technical and theoretical limitations of 802.11n access points as more enterprises upgrade to the new standard.  Continue Reading

• In app-centric era, what are the effects on a network performance manager?

  As application-centric networking grows, the responsibilities of network performance managers are changing as well, writes expert Daniel Seligman.  Continue Reading

• Subnet basics: Must you set up Wi-Fi subnets in a single building?

  Expert Mike Jude discusses the rationale of creating distinct Wi-Fi subnets in a single building.  Continue Reading

• What role will SDN play in public cloud infrastructure?

  The transition from hardware- to software-defined networks will affect the design of public clouds as firms extend their physical data centers.  Continue Reading

• What is protocol spoofing as it relates to WAN optimization?

  Learn in this expert response what protocol spoofing is and how it can be used as a WAN optimization technique.  Continue Reading

• Ensuring QoS when transmitting data to a public cloud infrastructure

  Ensuring QoS when transmitting data from on-premises infrastructure to public cloud infrastructure depends on solid connections.  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

• What is the definition of big data and why should I care?

  The definition of big data is simpler than it seems and can help turn formerly impossible tasks into a reality, according to Mike Jude of Stratecast.  Continue Reading

• SDN and the enterprise campus network

  SDN campus solutions have the potential to impact current LAN architecture, changing the enterprise campus 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

• How to choose the right SDN controller platform

  When choosing the best SDN controller platform for your company, look at the problem you need to solve, the end goal and various end-to-end solutions.  Continue Reading