Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Why some Wi-Fi jobs are best for WLAN professionals to avoid

  Some Wi-Fi jobs can become nearly impossible to complete. When engineers contend with inflated expectations or bad designs, it may be best to walk away.  Continue Reading

• When will networking embrace the 802.11ax standard?

  The pending 802.11ax standard offers 10 Gbps speeds up to 40% faster than Wave 2 802.11ac.  Continue Reading

• Who's doing what with NFV orchestration platforms?

  It might come as little surprise, but the two primary options for NFV orchestration platforms are open source or vendor-supplied options. See who's doing what in these areas.  Continue Reading

• What are the top SD-WAN management concerns?

  Although SD-WAN touts improved application performance and security, some IT shops still have SD-WAN management concerns. Industry analyst Lee Doyle discusses why.  Continue Reading

• What can I do to address hardware vulnerabilities in my network?

  Hackers target hardware vulnerabilities in networks, but you can take proactive steps to prevent attacks.  Continue Reading

• How well is ARM NFV positioned for NFV deployments?

  It's ARM vs. Intel again, as the two competitors each look to become the leading silicon microprocessor chip provider for NFV applications. ARM NFV could prove to be a challenger to Intel.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to handle multivendor security system management?

  Multivendor security system management can be challenging, but getting it right can help your enterprise reap the benefits these systems offer.  Continue Reading

• What are the top NFV platforms?

  Networking expert Lee Doyle details the requirements for NFV infrastructure and the leading NFV platform options -- OpenStack and VMware's vCloud NFV.  Continue Reading

• Will vCPE and SD-WAN functionalities converge?

  Service providers face a tradeoff when it comes to distinct vCPE and SD-WAN services. But networking expert Lee Doyle says those services could merge into one functionality.  Continue Reading

• How to cut false security, malware alerts in hybrid cloud

  The bad news: IT teams are deluged by false security and malware alerts with their hybrid clouds. The good news: New tools are here to help.  Continue Reading

• What is the IP address 0.0.0.0 used for?

  One of a handful of special-purpose addresses, 0.0.0.0 has several applications in networking. It stands in as a placeholder address, identifies a default route and more.  Continue Reading

• How has VPN evolution changed remote access?

  VPN evolution has seen a shift in connectivity -- from point-to-point to sophisticated, multipoint connectivity systems.  Continue Reading

• What NBASE-T switch products do I need?

  With NBASE-T Ethernet ratified, it's time to start thinking about NBASE-T switch products for your organization.  Continue Reading

• How to boost your ransomware security awareness

  With attacks soaring, how should IT organizations mount an effective defense and boost ransomware security awareness?  Continue Reading

• How will virtual router software benefit the networking industry?

  Although virtual router software has been around for more than a decade, 2017 could be the year vRouting experiences greater adoption due to its available use cases.  Continue Reading

• Are SD-WAN and WAN optimization techniques merging?

  WAN optimization techniques have helped maximize network throughput for years, while SD-WAN is relatively new. While the two concepts are separate, they can complement each other.  Continue Reading

• How to make a network SLA work for your organization

  What's the best way to focus on outcomes and construct a network SLA that reflects end-to-end service performance?  Continue Reading

• Will edge routers be replaced as SD-WAN growth continues?

  SD-WAN growth is affecting the edge router market, according to Gartner forecasts. Network expert Andrew Froehlich discusses whether or not SD-WAN will replace edge routers.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between NFV automation and NFV orchestration?

  NFV automation is the ability to transfer manual network configuration to technology; NFV orchestration creates the deployment and automation blueprint.  Continue Reading

• Why an application performance monitoring tool is essential

  An application performance monitoring tool harvests data and differs from application management, offering valuable services in an age of virtualization.  Continue Reading

• What vertical industries can benefit from SD-WAN deployments?

  SD-WAN deployments can benefit a number of industries, providing improved performance and lower costs. Expert Lee Doyle looks at three of the top SD-WAN verticals.  Continue Reading

• Will NFV standards address orchestration in the near future?

  NFV standards for orchestration are affected by the number of standards groups and service providers' individual approaches, says SDN expert Lee Doyle.  Continue Reading

• Is it hybrid WAN vs. SD-WAN, or does SD-WAN help implement hybrid WAN?

  Expert Lee Doyle tackles the issue of hybrid WAN vs. SD-WAN. Although the technologies are separate, SD-WAN can make hybrid WAN deployment and operation easier.  Continue Reading

• What is iPerf and how is it used?

  Expert Chris Partsenidis explains what iPerf is and how iPerf commands can help you measure your network's bandwidth, delay, jitter and potential for data loss.  Continue Reading

• How to achieve secure mobile device management

  Laptops and phones are critically important in the era of BYOD, but safety can only be achieved with secure mobile device management.  Continue Reading

• Defining SD-WAN benefits: Does better QoE make the list?

  The list of SD-WAN benefits often includes cost savings and better routing; does it also include better quality of experience compared to a traditional WAN?  Continue Reading

• How do PKI problems complicate VPN management?

  Securing and managing VPNs can be a challenge, and public key infrastructure can help, but PKI problems are often lurking.  Continue Reading

• What SD-WAN architecture is best for your network?

  When looking for the right SD-WAN architecture to implement, it's important to consider your specific network and the traffic it experiences.  Continue Reading

• NFV vs. VNF: What's the difference?

  NFV versus VNF: SDN engineer Darien Hirotsu explains the differences between network functions virtualization and virtual network functions.  Continue Reading

• Is satellite connectivity a realistic option for WANs?

  What you should know about satellite connectivity, satellite internet, and the costs and benefits of universally available links.  Continue Reading

• What advantages will 400 Gigabit Ethernet bring to the data center?

  What are the use cases and advantages of 400 Gigabit Ethernet in the modern data center?  Continue Reading

• What do I need to do to create successful hybrid WANs?

  The market for hybrid network services is growing, and with it comes the challenge of successfully creating hybrid WANs.  Continue Reading

• What are some ways to reduce IT maintenance costs?

  Enterprises spend millions of dollars each year on IT maintenance, service and support. But there are steps you can take to whittle those costs down.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between bit rate and baud rate?

  Learn how to understand the difference between bit rate and baud rate in this expert answer.  Continue Reading

• What duties are in the network manager job description?

  Get the inside scoop on a network manager's job description, workload and responsibilities which keep an organization's network infrastructure running smoothly.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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

• Building a scalable infrastructure: How can cloud providers do it?

  There are a few different steps a provider can take in order to create an efficient, scalable infrastructure, says cloud expert Paul Parker-Johnson.  Continue Reading