Features

Features

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Data center network fabrics vs. software – defined fabrics

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

• ‘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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Choosing a next-generation firewall: Vendor comparison

  Next-generation firewalls are becoming a must. Read our comparison of application-aware firewall options available from the leading firewall vendors.  Continue Reading

• Tablet devices could change user behavior and network capacity planning

  Growing use of tablet devices could result in a new kind of network capacity planning that relies heavily on Wi-Fi hotspot and femtocell offload, as bandwidth-intensive applications like video are most accessed while users are in one place rather ...  Continue Reading

• IPv6 basics from the A+ Exam: What to know to pass the test

  IPv6 basics such as understanding IPv6 addressing are covered in the A+ Exam. This Q&A with “CompTIA A+ 220-701 and 220-702 Exam Cram” book author David Prowse will answer what you should know about IPv6 and its security benefits.  Continue Reading

• When the wire lets you down: Using 3G and 4G for wireless WAN backup

  Wireless WAN backup solutions using 3G networks and 4G networks are quickly becoming a viable alternative to slower ISDN or DSL connections. Whether in the middle of downtown or on the other side of the world, going with a WWAN connection might be a...  Continue Reading

• Top five virtualization problems: Virtualization backup and recovery

  It’s hard enough to grapple with disaster recovery in a physical environment, but when it comes to virtual servers, virtualization backup and recovery become even more difficult. Fast Packet blogger Josh Stephens tells you how to handle ...  Continue Reading

• Time to upgrade from 100 Mbps to Gigabit Ethernet on the network edge?

  While 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet might provide enough bandwidth for your campus network today, a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) upgrade on the network edge may prepare the local area network for the coming convergence. Weigh the factors in moving forward or ...  Continue Reading

• Long distance vMotion = traffic trombone, so why go there?

  Server admins swear by long-distance vMotion and the ability to move applications dynamically across data centers, but this only results in traffic trombones and lots of other network nightmares. Fast Packet blogger Ivan Pepelnjak explains why.  Continue Reading

• 4G networks offer new wireless WAN opportunities to enterprises

  While mobile operators are touting their 4G networks as the next big thing for enterprise wireless WAN, these claims need to be tempered with the reality of the current state of cellular connections. Although a number of opportunities to mobilize ...  Continue Reading

• 10 GbE optimization: Hardware alone won’t help

  Before you throw more hardware at preventing latency, try improving 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance by fine tuning what you already have. Fast Packet blogger Michael J. Martin explains how.  Continue Reading

• LAN disaster recovery planning

  Local area network disaster recovery planning may seem simpler than data center recovery planning, but it is still full of surprises. Network admins must know the location and configuration of all components on the LAN and minimize single points of ...  Continue Reading

• 4G LTE primer: Long Term Evolution evolves

  This 4G LTE primer looks at the development of Long Term Evolution as a fourth-generation high-speed wireless broadband technology, its advantages over 3G wireless, and the challenges facing it, including architecting standardized Voice over LTE.  Continue Reading

• An engineer’s guide to a wide area network disaster recovery plan

  The modern wide area network can play a significant role in the enterprise disaster recovery plan. WAN managers with an understanding of their network’s capabilities can join in the network disaster recovery conversation and offer alternatives to ...  Continue Reading

• Cisco ASA and BGP peering problems: Command line tips

  If you run into BGP peering problems because of a Cisco ASA or PIX firewallin the middle, there are a few simple command line fixes that will quickly solve the problem. Fast Packet blogger Brandon Carroll explains.  Continue Reading

• Optical transport network (OTN) primer

  This optical transport network (OTN) primer tells you about the ITU standards designed to build more network functionality into optical networks and how traditional carriers and content providers are using this architecture.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 in 2010: Most popular WAN questions answered

  At the IT Knowledge Exchange forum, IT professionals and experts come together to ask and answer questions. Of the best wide area networking advice, what were the most popular WAN questions answered? Find out the top 10 in 2010.  Continue Reading

• ACG Research on Huawei vs. network equipment vendors

  Part two of our Q&A with ACG Research focuses in on how Huawei competes with network equipment vendors and its aspirations to enter the enterprise networking market one piece of equipment at a time.  Continue Reading

• ACG Research on Huawei, Chinese business culture and the Art of War

  ACG Research researched Huawei and Chinese business culture for months to shed light on the vendor’s go-to-market strategy and why global telecom carriers and network equipment vendors need to understand the Art of War.  Continue Reading

• Ipanema Mobile Agent software WAN optimization deduplicates traffic

  Adding to the growing list of software WAN optimization products is a new solution from Ipanema Technologies: Ipanema Mobile Agent (IMA). This product spotlight article highlights why Ipanema Technologies' IMA matters to WAN managers and how it ...  Continue Reading

• Stop everywhere Wi-Fi hotspots and guest wireless networks!

  The rapid rise of enterprise guest wireless networks and public Wi-Fi hotspots are only leading to anti-social behavior and a host of WLAN security problems that include identity snooping using Firesheep. Opening up guest networks and public Wi-Fi ...  Continue Reading

• Doing more with spectrum analysis: Cisco CleanAir

  Wireless engineers have had spectrum analysis in their toolboxes for a long time, but the CleanAir solution from Cisco integrates the tool directly into the WLAN infrastructure. Network administrators who deploy this enhanced level of spectrum ...  Continue Reading

• File transfer methods: How can WAN managers improve the process?

  In the first part of this interview with Dan Sullivan, author of 'The Shortcut Guide to Eliminating Insecure and Unreliable File Transfer Methods,' WAN managers can find answers on how file transfer methods need to change and which parts of the ...  Continue Reading

• Packet loss could be the source of WAN performance problems

  Packet loss statistics from WAN service providers may appear insignificant, but could have a serious impact on an organization’s utilization of their wide area network. When troubleshooting remote links, network engineers can determine the impact ...  Continue Reading

• LTE network infrastructure: Greenfield and brownfield network design

  While paying close attention to user trends, operators migrating to LTE network infrastructure need to plan their greenfield and brownfield networks in harmony with each other, with existing 3G usage patterns as an aid for planning 4G wireless ...  Continue Reading

• Deploying LTE network layers for peak performance and operations

  LTE network layers, especially the radio access network and the Evolved Packet Core, must function independently but cooperate with each other, a complex task for network designers balancing LTE services, 3G migration and tower location issues, as ...  Continue Reading

• The best branch office technology choices for remote management

  One way to simplify remote management is to consolidate the number of individual point products at the branch into “all-in-one” or “branch-in-a-box” products. Their prime advantage is consolidation of remote management functions. Find out which ...  Continue Reading

• How to define remote office structure to simplify branch IT management

  Individual branch offices often become islands from the perspective of a corporate wide area network (WAN) manager. This can be overcome by implementing a model that organizes branches into a manageable structure. Branch IT management can be tricky....  Continue Reading

• Building the 4G wireless network: Exploring LTE architecture and services drivers

  Part 1 of our Telecom Insights carriers' guide to building 4G LTE networks takes a close look at the diverse forces driving LTE architecture planning and deployment, which require operators to analyze the broadband service and usage habits of their ...  Continue Reading

• WAN security and application threats

  Security expert Kevin Beaver answers our questions on WAN security, covering the biggest threats to the enterprise wide area network, which might not actually be the hackers themselves but the mindset of those tasked with keeping the enterprise ...  Continue Reading

• IPv6 explained: Understanding the Internet Protocol Version 6

  Get IPv6 explained simply, with the aid of frequently asked questions answered by expert Silvia Hagen and a description of the Internet Protocol Version 6. Learn why IPv6 matters and what it means, especially for enterprise wide area network (WAN) ...  Continue Reading

• Talari Networks' APN appliances offer low-cost, reliable WANs

  Talari Networks' adaptive private networking (APN) appliances can lower the cost of your networking services while giving your enterprise higher reliability and more bandwidth. Sound too good to be true? Read about the pros and cons of using this ...  Continue Reading

• Determining the impact of wide area network outages

  Wide area network (WAN) outages are a fact of life, and the resulting impact on remote users can be significant. An understanding of that impact can not only help network engineers plan an appropriate response but can justify the expense of that ...  Continue Reading

• How to configure wireless LAN security

  Learn how to configure wireless LAN security, including choosing the right security standard and setting up a Robust Security Network. In this PrepLogic training video, you'll learn Cisco Aironet 1200 configuration for security, as well as ...  Continue Reading

• Wireless network standards update

  WLAN standards continue to evolve, offering higher performance and enabling new applications. 802.11n delivers more deployment options as well as more bandwidth, but enterprises must still pay great attention to wireless security standards.  Continue Reading

• Guide to MPLS VPN/Ethernet VPLS edge networking services

  Ethernet VPLS and MPLS VPN services can play a key role in edge networking design. Our guide looks at deploying these services, their strengths and weaknesses, handling customer expectations and more.  Continue Reading

• Wireshark network analyzer: The open source network monitoring tool

  Wireshark, an open source network monitoring tool, can help networking pros in a variety of ways. This chapter excerpt from Wireshark expert Laura Chappell includes a checklist of what Wireshark can do for your network, as well as a free chapter ...  Continue Reading

• Top 10 reasons to learn Wireshark, the open source network analyzer

  All network analysts should learn Wireshark, the open source network analyzer. This top 10 list of reasons includes what it could mean for your career -- and your network.  Continue Reading

• A short history of 100G DWDM optical network transport development

  As long-haul dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM) growth is accelerating, interest in 100G DWDM optical network transport continues to surge, even as operators deploy 40G DWDM systems to increase optical channel rates. To discover the reason for ...  Continue Reading

• 100G DWDM optical networking transport: The telecom industry prepares

  The telecom industry wants to move quickly to develop 100G DWDM optical network transport. In part 1 of this expert lesson, optical networking expert Eve Griliches looks at the forces driving first-generation adoption. After learning from 40G ...  Continue Reading

• Enabling technologies for 100G DWDM network transmission

  As 100G DWDM optical network transport takes hold to speed optical channel rates to accommodate traffic growth, DWDM technology vendors, telecom service providers and standards groups have to make hard choices in terms of modulation formats. Find ...  Continue Reading

• Microwave network design: Attention to detail breeds positive results

  Looking for help moving from an approved network plan to a fully implemented microwave network design? This chapter from the book "Microwave Transmission Networks" offers details on how to simplify and streamline the design process.  Continue Reading

• IPsec VPN with Cisco router: Configuration and implementation

  The Cisco IOS implementation of the IPsec suite is an open-standards based framework that provides network engineers with a variety of options to deliver secure VPN communications. This series of articles explains Cisco IPsec VPN configuration ...  Continue Reading

• 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

• Telecom ARPU and ROI -- Follow the money

  The path to next-gen architecture collided with plummeting bandwidth prices that drove down telecom ARPU and lengthened carriers' ROI. How to grow telecom ARPU is an industry-wide concern that has wireless operators weighing their options.  Continue Reading

• Outsourcing strategies for next-generation network operations

  Telecom service providers are implementing outsourcing strategies for network operations to deal with increasingly complex next-generation network infrastructure, fast-paced service deployment and a shortage of engineers with cutting-edge skills.  Continue Reading

• The Move Toward IPv6: Issues and Actions

  Experts believe that because of the address limitations of the current IPv4 protocol, the Internet is running out of space and we are headed for catastrophe. The solution is to deploy IPv6, a next-generation protocol more than three decades in the ...  Continue Reading

• Extending NAC enforcement to network security devices

  NAC enforcement tools can be extended to network security and management devices -- and in return user and machine identity can be integrated into firewalling, VPN, application access, intrusion prevention and detection and anti-virus control.  Continue Reading

• Integrating NAC with network security tools

  Integrating network access control solutions with other network security tools and network inventory applications can produce a more complete user and machine identity to strengthen every policy across the network.  Continue Reading

• 10 Gigabit Ethernet tutorial: Connecting data centers, storage, LAN and beyond

  As IT teams build 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks, they'll have to choose the right 10 Gigabit Ethernet cabling and components in order to ensure data center optimization and prevent latency in the network. They''ll also need to be sure their networks ...  Continue Reading

• LTE: The preferred 4G solution for wireless operators

  Wireless operators deploying 4G wireless broadband can choose between LTE and WiMAX, yet LTE is gaining in carrier adoption. This Expert Lesson looks at the technologies, the advanced services and revenue potential and backhaul needs.  Continue Reading

• Service delivery platforms: Changing the networking paradigm

  Service-independent networks demand that services be created above the transport and connection layers of the network. This guide addresses how service delivery platforms fit into next-generation network architecture and the business advantages they...  Continue Reading

• Career advancement in four steps: Computer networking certification and career advice

  Earning a networking certification might be the foot in the door you need to advance your networking career, but it's not the only thing you need. View this tried-and-true career advancement advice from our Career Success Story Contest winner, ...  Continue Reading

• Metro network trends: Deploying next-gen Ethernet services

  This guide looks at growing enterprise demand for Carrier Ethernet services in the metro area and how carriers can successfully deploy Ethernet architecture and services to meet business-customers' needs and increase revenue while migrating away ...  Continue Reading

• The physics of fiber in optical networks

  'Optical Fibers,' Chapter 5, from "The Cable and Telecommunications Handbook, Volume 2, Third Edition" focuses attention on the history and evolution of optical fiber, as well as special fibers that are currently in use in optical networks. ...  Continue Reading

• Emerging IP technologies enable new services revenue

  Emerging IP technologies can provide service providers with new revenue sources. This SearchTelecom.com Expert Lesson looks at how combining Web 2.0 with service provider APIs, hosted features, applications and service tools with ...  Continue Reading

• Telecom industry blogs

  SearchTelecom.com's blog roll includes Telecom Timeout with news and views on telecommunications by SearchTelecom.com editorial staff and Uncommon Wisdom by Tom Nolle, president, CIMI Corp.  Continue Reading

• Building targeted triple play services

  Delivering effective triple play services can mean venturing into uncharted territory because different generations of customers want different types of services. This guide looks at how telecom providers can navigate network and operations systems ...  Continue Reading

• MPLS QoS: Technical advances and service guarantees

  Understanding technical advances in MPLS Quality of Service (QoS) are essential for telecom carriers to offer guaranteed delivery for mission-critical data and time-sensitive content. This guide walks through MPLS QoS deployment challenges on the ...  Continue Reading

• Enterprise wireless planning: Strategies for success

  Telecom carriers working with enterprise customers on wireless strategies must address mobility needs, spending limits, evolving standards and wireless broadband needs.  Continue Reading

• Telecom network optimization: Weighing the options

  Telecom network optimization methods range from basic to bizarre as telecom service providers try to keep up with the skyrocketing rate of mobile and fixed-line data usage. From large to small carriers, the need to reduce expenditures and streamline...  Continue Reading

• Selecting an MPLS provider: Key questions to ask

  For most businesses, implementing an MPLS VPN means contracting with a service provider. Learn about the important aspects to consider and what you should demand from a service provider before you embark on an MPLS migration.  Continue Reading