Features

Features

• How does advanced malware use the network against you?

  Find out how advanced malware can be detected by tracking its abnormal network behavior.  Continue Reading

• Advanced threat protection: Behavior-profiling network communications

  Advanced threat protection specializes in detecting advanced and persistent malware inside networks.  Continue Reading

• How virtual switching integrates the network edge

  Learn how a cloud provider and a collocation center use virtual switching to integrate physical and virtual networks.  Continue Reading

• Overlays may be the best path forward for networking

  Vendors VMware, Big Switch, Cisco, and others are working to come up with the ‘winning’ overlay approach to creating virtual network abstractions.  Continue Reading

• Integrating physical and virtual networks: Virtual switching tactics

  In order to make networks flexible enough to support cloud orchestration, engineers will have to bridge physical and virtual networks.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud networking falls short, but not for long

  Hybrid cloud networking falls short of enabling total orchestration across public and private clouds. Software-defined networking, network virtualization and orchestration tools will change that.  Continue Reading

• Cloud providers can enable 'self-service' IT with a cloud portal

  With a good cloud portal, service providers can allow customers to provision IT services on their own.  Continue Reading

• Campus core switch comparison: How Cisco, HP, Juniper differentiate their switches

  How do three top campus core Ethernet switch vendors Cisco, HP and Juniper differentiate their offerings?  Continue Reading

• 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

• Myth vs. reality: Some clarity about overlay networks

  As new overlay networks gain momentum, some experts try to clear up several misconceptions about their performance and operational complexity.  Continue Reading

• Freemium model helps turn cloud consumers into paying customers

  Consumers don't want to pay for a cloud service they've never used, leading many cloud storage providers to attract customers via the freemium model.  Continue Reading

• Consumer cloud market grows rapidly, providers face many challenges

  It's no secret that the consumer cloud, especially for storage, is growing rapidly. But it's unclear whether providers are making much money from it.  Continue Reading

• Implementing Cisco ASA tools for effective network traffic monitoring

  This chapter on controlling network access explains how to implement Cisco ASA tools to ensure effective network traffic monitoring.  Continue Reading

• The importance of WLAN testing: From planning to documentation

  This chapter on WLAN testing covers WLAN test planning and documentation and crucial testing methods for performance, security and signal coverage.  Continue Reading

• OpenStack Quantum gives cloud providers new level of network agility

  In this primer, cloud providers can find out how OpenStack Quantum enables an open approach to cloud networking.  Continue Reading

• Balancing wireless LAN troubleshooting strategies for BYOD

  Security is only half the challenge when it comes to supporting a BYOD WLAN. The rest depends on WLAN troubleshooting to handle personal device drain.  Continue Reading

• Four IT shops, four approaches to BYOD network security

  With no single solution for BYOD network security, engineers are getting crafty at integrating varied technologies to handle the challenge.  Continue Reading

• BYOD challenges that lurk beyond network security

  Everyone knows security tops the list of BYOD challenges, but network pros will face a slew of other headaches along the way.  Continue Reading

• Analysts make predictions on 2013 networking trends

  Networking analysts predict what 2013 has in store for data centers, campus LANs, network management, security and software-defined networks.  Continue Reading

• Do SDN northbound APIs need standards?

  The Open Networking Foundation talks about its northbound application programming interface (API) involvement and the lack-of-standards issue.  Continue Reading

• A primer on northbound APIs: Their role in a software-defined network

  This primer explores the concept of SDN northbound APIs, their key benefits, who's using them and why.  Continue Reading

• Trends in networking 2012: Top ten Fast Packets

  These top ten Fast Packets from SearchNetworking.com contributors and editors reflect on the most conversation-worthy networking trends in 2012.  Continue Reading

• SDN jobs: Skills network engineers should focus on

  As SDN evolves, it'll be critical for networking pros to understand it. Find out which skills SDN jobs will require.  Continue Reading

• Got IP address management problems? Think DNS, DHCP, IPAM trifecta

  If your network has gotten too complicated for basic IP address management, it may be time to consider a DNS, DHCP, IPAM tool combination.  Continue Reading

• 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

• The 100 Gigabit Ethernet management challenge: Do tools exist?

  When it comes to 100 Gigabit Ethernet, network monitoring tools fall short. Analyst Jim Frey explains which tools are ready and which must change.  Continue Reading

• 40 Gigabit Ethernet: The migration begins

  Experts and early adopters of 40 Gigabit Ethernet share successes and pitfalls.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking washing is the new cloud washing

  Marketing pros sell every new technology as if it's software-defined networking. But this 'SDN washing' masks true innovation and insults our intelligence.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking applications move beyond the data center

  Software-defined networking is often considered a data center technology, but new SDN applications will improve performance in the LAN and WAN as well.  Continue Reading

• Service provider data center architects share innovations in design

  Not all data center architects are artists, but data center design is an art form. In this chapter excerpt, explore some of the latest innovations.  Continue Reading

• Big data initiative essentials: Adopting analytics strategies

  This guide contains what you need to know for devising big data initiatives and analytics strategies.  Continue Reading

• A look at the world's most innovative cloud data center designs

  Cisco Press author Douglas Alger searched the world for groundbreaking data center designs and shares his views on cloud data centers in this Q&A.  Continue Reading

• Software defined networking for the private cloud network bottleneck?

  Manual networks stifle the otherwise automated private cloud. Can software defined networking and network virtualization solve the problem?  Continue Reading

• As cloud providers consider build vs. buy, many lean toward 'build'

  Some cloud providers say vendors aren't keeping up with their needs, sparking a debate about build vs. buy for cloud infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Cloud cost savings debatable in build-vs.-buy issue for providers

  In the build vs. buy debate, cloud providers want vendors to show them the cost savings when it comes to buying true carrier-class hardware or software.  Continue Reading

• Network Hardware Resale moves beyond used network hardware

  Network Hardware Resale has launched its own brand of optics and could move into developing its own switches to support software-defined networking.  Continue Reading

• Cisco network virtualization acquisition: What about VXLAN?

  The acquisition of vCider could mean a new Cisco network virtualization strategy. But could it also make VXLAN and NVGRE irrelevant network overlay protocols?  Continue Reading

• Cisco Nexus switches: Layer 2 configuration strategies

  In this chapter, you'll learn the basics of Cisco Nexus switches and configuration of Layer 2 networking.  Continue Reading

• Application networking: Cisco may be killing ACE, but not WAAS!

  Cisco is killing ACE, but not WAAS. In a world where application networking involves load balancing and WAN optimization, can Cisco win?  Continue Reading

• Is Cisco doing enough to reduce network power consumption?

  Better power supplies and fans are not enough to reduce network power consumption. It's time for network vendors to rethink chip design and packaging.  Continue Reading

• IBM DOVE: Big Blue enters the network virtualization battleground

  Look out Nicira and Big Switch, IBM is developing a network virtualization strategy that relies on its own virtual network overlay technology.  Continue Reading

• Cloud monitoring tools: Troubleshooting with Wireshark in the cloud

  As traditional network monitoring tools slowly evolve into cloud monitoring tools, Wireshark moves gingerly into network troubleshooting in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• When disaster strikes, GIS technology helps prevent cloud disruption

  When integrated with network management systems, geographic information system (GIS) technology can help cloud providers minimize service disruptions.  Continue Reading

• Cloud application architectures: When to redesign an app for the cloud

  Not all legacy apps are cloud-ready, and some never will be. Providers must decide which apps to redesign to suit cloud application architectures.  Continue Reading

• With network fabrics, choosing a vendor means commitment

  Can incompatible fabrics be good for data center networking?  Continue Reading

• Data center network fabrics vs. software – defined fabrics

  Are data center fabrics and software defined networks competitive or complementary technologies?  Continue Reading

• Juniper-Riverbed alliance recasts the WAN optimization market

  The Juniper-Riverbed alliance may breathe new life into a struggling WAN optimization market.  Continue Reading

• Big data analysis in the cloud: Storage, network and server challenges

  In part two of our two-part series on big data services, cloud providers discuss storage, networking and server challenges of big data analysis.  Continue Reading

• Can Huawei enterprise shed its reputation as security time bomb?

  Now that China's Huawei has secured U.S. distribution, it needs to earn the trust of enterprises. Can it shake the image of being a Chinese puppet?  Continue Reading

• ‘Computer Networks' PDF: Free chapter download

  Download this computer networking PDF excerpt from "Computer Networks," a book that addresses the key principles of computer networks. In Chapter 1, Foundation, learn how local and wide area networks (WANs) are now built to connect more than ...  Continue Reading

• Wireless sniffing best practices using Wireshark

  Wireless sniffing using Wireshark lets engineers troubleshoot poor performance and connectivity problems, as well as analyze traffic activity on the network.  Continue Reading

• Opinion: Networking vendors need software to achieve cloud innovation

  As service providers develop cloud innovation strategies, they're focusing less on the network -- looking instead to servers and software. Are vendors keeping up?  Continue Reading

• MPLS vs. Ethernet: Which WAN connectivity option is best?

  This MPLS vs. Ethernet list gives enterprise IT a breakdown of the pros and cons for using these technologies in the wide area network (WAN).  Continue Reading

• Wide area networking sessions at Interop 2012 in Las Vegas

  This column highlights the conference sessions to do with wide area networking at Interop 2012 in Las Vegas.  Continue Reading

• Clarifying WAN virtualization, WAN aggregation and WAN optimization

  What is WAN virtualization, and how does it compare with WAN aggregation and WAN optimization? Talari Networks founder Andy Gottlieb explains.  Continue Reading

• Networking for BYOD: No single solution

  An architecture firm IT manager finds himself mitigating the risks of BYOD after he realizes there is no easy answer to managing and securing personal devices on the network.  Continue Reading

• NAC technology evolves in a BYOD policy world

  Just when we thought NAC had fizzled, the technology may make a comeback as IT managers seek news ways of controlling personal mobile device access to corporate networks.  Continue Reading

• Is virtual desktop infrastructure the answer?

  IT organizations are finding that virtual desktop infrastructure is ready-made to take on the biggest BYOD challenge—providing secure, remote access to corporate assets.  Continue Reading

• Opinion: Oracle hardware sales slump, but service layer's what matters

  Oracle hardware sales fell below expectations, but that's not the big issue for cloud providers. It needs a better service layer story, says commentator Tom Nolle.  Continue Reading

• Opinion: Big Switch's OpenFlow play is big news for cloud networking

  Cloud services require a more dynamic approach to networking like OpenFlow offers. Big Switch Networks' cloud networking play, Open SDN, appears to be a promising answer.  Continue Reading

• Commentary: Cisco may lead in cloud networks if it does OpenFlow right

  Networking vendors haven't met providers' needs for cloud networks. But Cisco's reported commitment to OpenFlow and SDN may change the game, says commentator Tom Nolle.  Continue Reading

• F5 Big-IP application delivery controller powers Allrecipes.com

  Allrecipes uses F5 Big-IP, the application delivery controller, to deliver video, social media and other applications across 17 sites.  Continue Reading

• Network diagnostics that see through virtualization

  Running network diagnostics for virtualization requires a new set of strategies that involve virtual switches, virtual network probes and rerouting traffic for analysis.  Continue Reading

• OpenFlow protocol primer: Looking under the hood

  We know the OpenFlow protocol can be used to abstract the network control plane from underlying physical infrastructure, but how exactly does the protocol work?  Continue Reading

• Mobile device security best practices for BYOD

  BYOD policies require a new set of mobile device security best practices. Instead of thinking, “Block access,” network managers must now think, “Enable access safely."  Continue Reading

• A DevOps primer for network engineers

  DevOps is a movement promoting better collaboration between developers and system administrators. In this primer, we explore how it might affect networking pros.  Continue Reading

• Juniper misses cloud prospects as carriers rethink network investments

  Juniper has lost influence in Layer 3 network investments due to its failure to mature content monetization, mobility and cloud portfolios, opines commentator Tom Nolle.  Continue Reading

• The application tier of a software-defined networking architecture

  In a software-defined networking architecture, controller-based OpenFlow applications could deliver highly scalable, efficient and manageable network services.  Continue Reading

• Internet for WAN connectivity: Living with less manageability for now

  As enterprises consider broadband Internet links for branch WAN connectivity, they will have to learn to live with less management and control, at least for now.  Continue Reading

• Commentary: SAP's cloud move illustrates SaaS business model viability

  SAP's $3.4 billion bid for SuccessFactors underscores cloud providers' best path for continued growth -- the SaaS business model and other higher-level services.  Continue Reading

• Commentary: Cisco CloudVerse shows cloud vendors need holistic strategy

  Every vendor is trying to get a place in the cloud. Cisco, though, has more cloud vendor credentials in the space than most, so its approach should be taken seriously.  Continue Reading

• With HP partnership, Alcatel-Lucent strengthens cloud networking play

  Alcatel-Lucent continues to develop its cloud vision, announcing a partnership with HP that shows its cloud networking play -- Data Center Network Connect and CloudBand.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for the wireless branch office network

  Here are some tips for how to deploy Wi-Fi services to users in your wireless branch office network.  Continue Reading

• Branch consolidation and WAN optimization in the private cloud

  Chapter 3 of “Private Cloud Computing” provides essential information on WAN optimization and consolidation in the private cloud, including next-generation WAN techniques.  Continue Reading

• Distributed and Cloud Computing: Keep virtual clusters manageable

  Virtualization and virtual clusters enable cloud providers to maximize efficiency, but they also beget challenges. Learn how to tackle them in this free chapter download.  Continue Reading

• Cloud portability primer: How and why a provider should offer it

  Cloud portability may make it easier for a customer to leave, but it can also boost business. Find out how and why a cloud provider should offer cloud portability.  Continue Reading

• Virtual network security: A vendor comparison

  In this vendor comparison, we compare the emerging options for virtual network security in your data center.  Continue Reading

• WAN monitoring: Should you outsource?

  In-house WAN monitoring offers direct control and visibility, but outsourced network monitoring can offer certain economies of scale. It’s your call.  Continue Reading

• ACG Research on Juniper QFabric: The future of cloud data centers?

  In this video, ACG Research's Ray Mota discusses the Juniper QFabric architecture, which has major implications for cloud providers and cloud data centers.  Continue Reading

• Cloud federation primer: The coming Intercloud

  This primer on cloud federation offers cloud providers insight on the operational and managerial challenges around peering and partnering with other providers.  Continue Reading

• Common AS/400 FTP questions answered

  WAN engineers may have questions regarding AS/400 FTP. In this FAQ, get answers on some of the most common questions, such as how to make your AS/400 visible to an FTP server.  Continue Reading

• 40 Gigabit Ethernet in data center networks: Migration best practices

  Next year 40 Gigabit Ethernet migration will begin in earnest. Learn how to introduce the technology to your data center network.  Continue Reading

• Managed intrusion prevention services handle sophisticated attacks

  Adopting managed intrusion prevention services can help avert increasingly sophisticated network attacks.  Continue Reading

• Maintaining network virtualization over different WAN services

  Chapter 7 of the book "Network Virtualization" offers a wealth of information on the best practices of maintaining virtual networks (VNs) over different WAN services.  Continue Reading

• Developing a private cloud computing strategy for your network

  Engineers need better automation and monitoring tools for private cloud.  Continue Reading

• Video: ACG Research dissects telecom routing and switching market

  In this ACG Research HotSeat video, Managing Partner Ray Mota gives viewers a quarterly update on the telecom service provider routing and switching market.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise network testing: Best practices for developing a test lab

  Enterprise network testing can minimize IT service outages, yet developing a test lab can bring up various issues. Knowing best practices for running a test facility is imperative.  Continue Reading

• Network and storage convergence: Network Evolution eZine

  This edition of our Network Evolution eZine investigates how network managers are addressing convergence in the real world.  Continue Reading

• HP switches, architecture launch: Revolution or market ploy?

  HP FlexNetwork includes new campus HP switches, data center reference architecture and expanded management. Fast Packet blogger Ivan Pepelnjak hits the high points for users.  Continue Reading

• The road to LTE and 4G: How wireless technologies evolved

  This chapter from 'Fundamentals of LTE' details how wireless technologies progressed from basic systems into advanced 4G wireless technologies like Long-Term Evolution (LTE).  Continue Reading

• 2011 IPv6 Summit from the Rocky Mountain IPv6 Task Force (RMv6TF)

  Get conference coverage from the Rocky Mountain IPv6 Task Force's (RMv6TFs) 2011 IPv6 Summit to learn what's going on with the Internet Protocol version 6.  Continue Reading

• Data center networks: Virtualization and convergence drive change

  Managers of data center networks have many options to consider when designing a high performance network. Read about virtual cluster switching, flat networks and virtualization security.  Continue Reading

• A stackable switch brings value to the wiring closet

  A fixed configuration, stackable switch can offer a lower price per port over its modular counterparts.  Continue Reading

• Navigating the road to flatter, converged data center networks

  IT professionals explore the process of building converged data center networks based on expectations of vendors’ promises, as well as their reservations, the benefits and technicalities of this technology.  Continue Reading

• Free WAN optimization software, NetEx HyperIP, gives incentive to virtualize

  Until the end of 2011, NetEx is offering a free one-year subscription of its WAN optimization software, NetEx HyperIP -- giving enterprises even more incentive to virtualize.  Continue Reading

• TIA deems 2011 a good year for telecom market growth

  Telecom market growth is in for some good years, according to a new Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) report on global telecom services and equipment renewal due to wireless, 4G deployment, and broadband services and network ...  Continue Reading

• Virtual cluster switching: Finding management in a flat network

  Using virtual cluster switching, the UCLA Laboratory of Neuro Imaging manages dozens of switches as one switch in a flat Layer 2 network for high-performance computing.  Continue Reading

• Top five virtualization problems: VM Sprawl

  Virtualization can be effective and easy to deploy, but that's sort of the problem. Fast Packet blogger Josh Stephens explains how this simplicity can lead to virtual machine sprawl.  Continue Reading

• 10 Gigabit Ethernet: Upgrading for consolidation and virtualization

  In this workshop, you'll learn how 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) enables consolidation and virtualization. You'll discover the benefits and challenges of implementing converged data center and storage networking on 10 Gigabit Ethernet to support a ...  Continue Reading

• Bringing application control and awareness to micro-branches

  Next-generation firewalls bring more granular application control to enterprises, but extending this control to micro-branches is more of a challenges. There are several approaches engineers can take to keep these tiny remote sites connected and ...  Continue Reading