Features
Features
Network infrastructure
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Industry grapples with new Wi-Fi naming conventions
What's in a name? As the industry gets accustomed to the WFA's new Wi-Fi naming conventions, networking pros discuss pros and cons -- and when to use Wi-Fi 6 vs. 802.11ax. Continue Reading
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Pros and cons of buying used networking equipment on eBay
To buy or not to buy used networking equipment on eBay, that is the question. Here are the pros and cons, as well as best practices for making a gray market purchase. Continue Reading
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BGP tutorial: How the routing protocol works
Border Gateway Protocol is the complex routing protocol that literally makes the internet work. This tutorial walks you through how BGP functions and offers troubleshooting options. Continue Reading
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Open networking switch market extends focus to campus edge
Factors such as cost and flexibility, which make open switches attractive to data centers, will eventually extend to edge deployments in campus environments. Continue Reading
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What networking analysts are saying about Cisco's future
Has Cisco outgrown networking? One industry insider seems to think so. Plus, other analysts size up Cisco's future around security and intent-based networking. Continue Reading
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How products from leading campus LAN switch vendors compare
Before evaluating campus LAN switches, assess the organization's core needs as well as future requirements, such as capabilities for Wi-Fi 6 or high-end PoE to power IoT devices. Continue Reading
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802.11ac drives enterprise WLAN market growth for now
802.11ac played a crucial role in enterprise WLAN market growth, as companies felt the pressure to upgrade their wireless infrastructure. But 802.11ax is the future. Continue Reading
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Operators make multigigabit switch push in campus networks
As applications become more bandwidth-intensive, operators are racing to install multigigabit switch foundations in their campus network architectures. Continue Reading
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The 5G future will spark an evolution of telecom networks, ISPs
Telecom networks are evolving thanks to new technologies such as 5G. This evolution will affect various types of organizations, ISPs and available services. Continue Reading
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School adopts Wi-Fi 6 in early Wi-Fi upgrade case study
High-capacity wireless can help close the gap between urban and rural schools. Here's how an aggressive Wi-Fi upgrade strategy helped one district meet its community's needs. Continue Reading
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Could open switches be a game-changer for your network?
Before selecting campus edge switches, consider evaluating open switches -- versus switches from a traditional vendor -- and learn the benefits of this open networking approach. Continue Reading
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Key factors to consider before evaluating campus edge switches
Before buying a campus edge switch, it's important to understand how technologies such as IoT could affect campus traffic and how you architect your network. Continue Reading
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Expectations about SDN cost savings don't match reality
While most enterprises prepare for Opex and Capex increases during the initial stages of SDN deployment, many don't expect a continued delay in SDN savings, according to IHS Markit. Continue Reading
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Understand why edge computing technology matters
To deliver on IoT's promise of a digital revolution, connected devices need access to localized compute, storage and networking resources. Welcome to life on the edge. Continue Reading
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3 considerations that can spark modern networking innovations
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore the possibility of network transformations, including where the industry needs the most change and new ways of thinking. Continue Reading
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How cloud network architecture can redesign the enterprise edge
Networks are changing at the edge, and maintaining edge connectivity is crucial. Cloud network advancements are transforming connectivity options, as well as WANs and SD-WANs. Continue Reading
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The campus edge switch market evolves, offers new innovations
The campus edge LAN switching market has evolved to offer a multitude of products boasting multi-gigabit port speeds -- there are more available port speed options than ever. Continue Reading
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A brief glossary of network service provider types
For network novices and experts alike, this glossary of basic terms covers essential keywords related to network services and the various providers that sell them. Continue Reading
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Automation connects 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and other networking trends
At IDC Directions, analyst Rohit Mehra discussed the role of automation in some of 2019's most talked about trends, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, SD-WAN and the network edge. Continue Reading
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A brief index of network configuration basics
This glossary of terms provides a brief overview of network configuration and some of the crucial components involved -- many of which remain as necessary as ever. Continue Reading
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Waiting too long for Wi-Fi upgrade puts security at risk
To the average end user, wireless gear tends to be out of sight and out of mind. But experts warn: Put off an overdue Wi-Fi upgrade and you put your network's security at risk. Continue Reading
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8 common questions about the new Wi-Fi 6 standard
Industry excitement around the next-generation Wi-Fi standard continues to grow, with good reason -- many experts say Wi-Fi 6 is a game-changer. Here's what you need to know. Continue Reading
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Fiber expansion paves way for V2X technology in Colorado
Colorado wants to enable highway automation by building smart, connected infrastructure it says can save lives. But to get roadside devices online throughout the state, it's going to need a bigger fiber optic network. Continue Reading
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Mist's smart WLAN gets rave reviews from Ohio schools
A school district's dissatisfaction with its legacy Wi-Fi system led to a rip and replace of its entire network. This case study explores the deployment of Mist's smart WLAN. Continue Reading
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Providers widen telecom cloud services for the enterprise
Some traditional service providers are reinventing telecom cloud services enabled by new networking partnerships and technologies to offer enterprise customers a number of benefits. Continue Reading
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Colorado believes autonomous vehicles technology can save lives
Edge computing, take the wheel. The Colorado Department of Transportation is deploying roadside network devices to support connected and autonomous vehicles technology. Continue Reading
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Reality check: How has data center SDN evolved?
Considering the twists and turns in SDN technology and adoption, it's easy to wonder about future development. Learn what three industry analysts think about the evolution of SDN and its drawbacks. Continue Reading
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802.11ax standard promises tectonic shift in wireless
It's shiny, bright and new -- and, like 'Anchorman' Ron Burgundy, kind of a big deal. Here's why networking experts say high-efficiency 802.11ax Wi-Fi actually lives up to the hype. Continue Reading
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How to get your branch network up and running
Setting up the branch office network can feel overwhelming, but you need only to ask the right questions to be able to evaluate the available technology and provider services. Continue Reading
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Aerohive's Atom, 802.11ax access points win innovation award
The winner of this month's Network Innovation Award, Aerohive Networks, has already begun shipping its new 802.11ax wireless APs and its plug-and-play 802.11ac Atom AP. Continue Reading
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Network functions morph with SD-WAN deployment strategy
Companies are approaching network infrastructure upgrades with SD-WAN deployment, but a new survey shows they're weighing issues like service chaining and integrated functionality. Continue Reading
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Compare leading on-premises and cloud-managed WLAN products
In order for your organization to select the WLAN architecture that will best meet its needs, you must compare product types, deployment options and capabilities. Continue Reading
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Cradlepoint router boosts network flexibility for dance group
Connecting an audience to the motion and music of a dance production takes more than dance and musical skills. For one professor, it required network flexibility and the Cradlepoint AER2100 router. Continue Reading
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Choosing the right software-driven network technology
The software-driven network can drive efficiency and flexibility, but network pros first need to identify the problems they're trying to fix to choose the right technology options. Continue Reading
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DevOps for networking evolves with software
Enterprises have yet to fully integrate a collaborative approach to DevOps for networking, but that's changing as networks become more automated and software-driven. Continue Reading
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CDN providers comparison: Highlighting vendors' focus
Get to know the top content delivery networks with the help of this CDN providers comparison infographic, breaking down vendors' network capacity, services offered and more. Continue Reading
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Growing CDN services market changes to meet cloud needs
Enterprises looking for greater network performance and scalability turn to traditional CDN services providers for nontraditional help to improve security and offer access to APIs. Continue Reading
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Top application delivery controllers offer range of options
The leading vendors in the application delivery controller market offer a broad range of physical and virtual appliances, with varying throughput levels and diverse function sets. Which product is right for you? Continue Reading
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New CDN services give providers an edge in WAN marketplace
With enterprises moving workloads to public cloud, the CDN services market could see growth in security and performance services, as providers exploit their network-edge locations. Continue Reading
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Networking elements of a digital transformation framework
Establishing a digital transformation framework includes adopting advanced technologies. Networking pros play a crucial role in managing this new wave of innovation. Continue Reading
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Wireless networking technology helps craft IT modernization
A long-term care business looks to wireless network technology and Active Directory to kick off its IT modernization plan and business growth. Continue Reading
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The on-premises vs. cloud-managed WLAN architecture debate
Although on-premises WLANs and cloud WLANs both offer significant advantages, determining which approach will provide the best return depends on several factors. Continue Reading
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Casemore: Cloud, as-a-service honing networking industry trends
Cloud and as-a-service delivery are bringing new urgency to networking. IDC analyst Brad Casemore cites the key networking industry trends worth watching in 2018. Continue Reading
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Digital transformation process includes the network
The digital transformation process puts pressure on the network to support new technology. Network pros need to be transformative, too, adapting new skills to interact with business. Continue Reading
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A comparison of leading application delivery controllers
You can simplify the process of buying an ADC device by examining how leading vendors address key considerations, including platform options, security and server load balancing. Continue Reading
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Considerations for buying an application delivery controller
Before you buy an ADC device, learn which features you should look for and what questions you should ask prospective application delivery controller vendors. Continue Reading
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Small SDN providers' cost, flexibility appeal to enterprises
VMware's NSX and Cisco's ACI are the main SDN providers on the stage, but smaller vendors can offer enterprises flexibility and cost savings. Continue Reading
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New 5G wireless technology trials spark enterprise interest
New 5G wireless technology promises super-fast network speeds and massive capacity. Businesses that require low latency and high throughput could see the advantages first. Continue Reading
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Application delivery controllers evolve to meet new demands
ADC devices have evolved to deliver a wide range of functionality, including web application firewall, denial-of-service protection, SSL offload and scalable performance. Continue Reading
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SDN service for sale ... from a healthcare provider?
Early NSX adopter BayState Health is weighing the possibility of a future as an SDN service provider -- using multi-tenancy to run other organizations' networks parallel to its own. Continue Reading
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Managed enterprise network services gain traction
As network demands become increasingly complex, many enterprises are turning to managed network services, outsourcing maintenance to third-party providers. Continue Reading
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Open source network software promises major industry shifts
Let the disruption commence! Observers say it's high time the networking sector accepts and sorts out open source, arguing it's not a question of if enterprises use it, but how. Continue Reading
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CN Tower climbs heights with mobile engagement platform
The CN Tower, Canada's tallest building, implements an Aruba mobile engagement platform to connect with customers. Continue Reading
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Network refresh: Look at your needs, not the name on the box
In this Q&A, one networking pro shares why he and his team broke from their existing vendors during a network refresh and went with a new roster for their routers and switches. Continue Reading
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NIA awards: A look back at innovative technology products
As 2015 draws to a close, we look at the innovative technology products that garnered a SearchNetworking Network Innovation Award. Continue Reading
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NIA: Saisei's FlowCommand SDN appliance secures network flows
Saisei, our latest Network Innovation Award winner, uses its FlowCommand virtual SDN appliance to control network flows and prevent individual users from hogging bandwidth. Continue Reading
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What is Ethernet-dedicated Internet?
Ethernet-dedicated Internet is a continuous, high-bandwidth way for enterprises to connect their LANs to the public Internet and to streamline the performance of their WAN. Continue Reading
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Primer: A new generation of programmable ASICs
Programmable application-specific integrated circuits allow the data plane of switches to support new technologies, like software-defined networking. Continue Reading
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How to plan for a campus core switch refresh: Basic requirements
Network architects and engineers discuss the features and functions they look for when planning a campus core upgrade. Continue Reading
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Will we ever need 400 Gigabit Ethernet enterprise networks?
With 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet so new, what could possibly drive the need for 400 Gigabit Ethernet in the enterprise? Hint: It’s not just the WAN. Continue Reading
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Avaya-Nortel acquisition: Infamous end; questionable beginning
The Avaya-Nortel acquisition was one of the more notable top networking stories of 2009, marking the end of a legacy player and a questionable beginning for Avaya as it struggles with whether to integrate the Nortel data networking portfolio. Continue Reading
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Network-to-network VPN gateway configuration for Cisco EzVPN
Learn how to support network-to-network IPsec VPN topologies using a router as the VPN gateway with Cisco EzVPN. Continue Reading
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How a Switch Works -- Chapter 6 of 'LAN Switching First-Step'
How a Switch Works explains how to differentiate among unicast, multicast, and broadcast transmission methods; store-and-forward, cut-through, and fragment-free switching mechanisms and then describes Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching operation. Continue Reading
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Introduction -- Chapter 1 of 'Network Analysis, Architecture and Design'
This chapter introduces the analysis, architecture, and design processes. Described are the fundamental concepts of the processes of network analysis, architecture, and design; systems and services; as well as their characteristics and prepares the ... Continue Reading
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Mobility -- Chapter 5 of 802.11 Wireless LAN Fundamentals
Mobility, Chapter 5 of 802.11 Wireless LAN Fundamentals, covers the characteristics of roaming, Layer 2 roaming, Layer 3 roaming and an introduction to mobile IP. Continue Reading
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Wi-Fi firewalls boost wireless security by blocking airborne attacks
Wi-Fi firewalls, or wireless intrusion prevention systems, are servers that monitor and filter Wi-Fi traffic, blocking unauthorized 802.11 usage and attacks while still in the air. Learn about the benefits of the product and what to consider when ... Continue Reading
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Lesson 4: How to use wireless IDS/IPS
In Lesson 4 of Wireless Security Lunchtime Learning, you'll walk away with an understanding of the value of wireless IDS/IPS -- even if your organization doesn't support a wireless LAN. Also learn how to choose a WIDS for your environment and how to... Continue Reading
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Lesson 2: How to build a secure wireless infrastructure
In Lesson 2 of Wireless Security Lunchtime Learning, you'll learn how to build a secure wireless infrastructure by understanding the myriad security standards and features that Wi-Fi products boast, as well as how traditional wired network devices ... Continue Reading
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Using your WIDS to monitor WLAN performance
"Wireless intrusion detection" -- the very name brings to mind security. But many WIDS products can also be used to monitor WLAN performance, providing valuable insight for trouble-shooting, fine-tuning, and usage planning. This tip explains how to ... Continue Reading
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Wi-Fi vulnerability assessment checklist
Vulnerability assessments can help you find and fix WLAN weaknesses before attackers take advantage of them. But where do you start? What should you look for? Have you covered all the bases? This checklist will help to answer these questions. Continue Reading
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Using VLANs to compartmentalize WLAN traffic
Virtual LANs have long been used within enterprise networks to create logical workgroups, independent of physical location or LAN topology. This tip describes how to use these same VLAN capabilities, found in both wired and wireless devices, to tag ... Continue Reading
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Combining 802.1X and VLANs for WLAN authorization
Many WLAN owners know that 802.1X/EAP makes it possible to authenticate individual wireless users. But did you know that 802.1X can also be used to funnel wireless traffic onto VLANs, enforcing user or group-based permissions? This tip explains how ... Continue Reading
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Building a wireless LAN proxy server
Our router expert, Michael Martin, walks you through building an http proxy server for a wireless LAN with a Linux base. Continue Reading
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Router and firewall configuration
ITKnowledge Exchange member "stephang" had a question about the balance between blocking packets and enabling NAT on his router and on his firewall. Fellow forum members chipped in with their advice; check out what they had to say. Continue Reading