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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
Your best Ethernet switch: A buyer's guide
The state of campus switching is rapidly changing. Those managing networks today, and planning their operations in the future, must contend with the rise of software-defined networking, the pervasiveness of mobile devices, and the coming future that... Continue Reading
What to consider when choosing the best Ethernet switch
IT pros need to consider new developments in technology like software-defined networking and the Internet of Things when choosing the best Ethernet switch for their current and future network. Continue Reading
'Troubleshooting Cisco IP Networks' offers Cisco TSHOOT exam advice
In this book chapter excerpt, author Amir Ranjbar gives advice on the new CCNP TSHOOT 300-135. Continue Reading
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When, not what, defines today's networking career
Learning new technologies is a constant challenge, but it is one that IT pros need to overcome to ensure a networking career remains relevant. Continue Reading
throughput
Throughput is a term used in information technology that indicates how many units of information can be processed in a set amount of time. Continue Reading
802.11ac speed gains may drive WLAN architecture changes in Wave 2
How much your network needs to adapt to the jump in 802.11ac speed from Wave 1 -- or even from 802.11n -- to the standard's next phase, Wave 2, depends on where you are in the upgrade cycle.Continue Reading
Is your network ready for the SDN WAN?
The data center is no longer the only place to think about software-defined networking (SDN). The wide area network (WAN) is the latest focus for system administrations. SDN promises to bring many advantages to the WAN, in no small part because WANs...Continue Reading
Minecraft paves the way to grow enterprise SDN, seriously
Insight from the Minecraft video game points to how enterprise SDN adoption could grow faster with a single interface for monitoring, confirmation and troubleshooting.Continue Reading
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is an error-reporting and message-control protocol that network devices use to report problems in IP packet delivery.Continue Reading
millimeter wave (MM wave)
Millimeter wave (also millimeter band) is the band of spectrum between 30 gigahertz (Ghz) and 300 Ghz. Researchers are testing 5G wireless broadband technology on millimeter wave spectrum.Continue Reading
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optoisolator (optical coupler or optocoupler)
An optoisolator (also optical coupler or optocoupler) is a component that uses light to transfer electrical signals between circuits to keep them electrically isolated from each other, preventing surges.Continue Reading
Identify the right WAN optimization products for your company
Leading WAN optimization product vendors use a variety of techniques to get the job done. Find out who does what and if it's right for you.Continue Reading
Choosing WAN optimization techniques, more is better
When it comes to choosing WAN optimization techniques, more is definitely better. Part two of this three-part series offers up a catalog of optimization options.Continue Reading
Before you buy: Finding the right WAN optimization appliance
Picking the right WAN optimization appliance for your environment involves comparing different data reduction methods. Learn how to pinpoint the best option.Continue Reading
What you need to know about the hybrid WAN
The ballooning amount of data generated by users and applications is fueling the development of hybrid WANs. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading
SDN technologies break into the networking space
Networking expert Jim Metzler talks to TechTarget's Kara Gattine about the past, present and future of software-defined networks.Continue Reading
Facebook, Google use SDN to boost data center connectivity
Internet content providers like Facebook and Google are already using SDN to improve hyperscale data center connectivity. But more could be done.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 indoor mesh wireless solved an outdoors problem
Using an approach engineered for indoor deployments helped this system administrator solve a network connection problem in the great outdoors.Continue Reading
What is the network’s role in a cloud computing service?
Download this free chapter excerpt from “Designing Networks and Services for the Cloud” to learn how networks can make a cloud computing service more reliable and secure.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
Wi-Fi heat map: Secret weapon for wireless network admins
Using heat map technology to pinpoint network activity saves time instead of sending a senior admin to do a site test survey across the entire campus.Continue Reading
SDN starter kits remove some do-it-yourself aspects of an SDN deployment
Not many network engineers can confidently design and launch an SDN deployment from scratch. But with SDN starter kits, there's less need to do that on their own.Continue Reading
Find the right cloud network strategy for your enterprise
Cloud computing adoption is no longer a question of "if," nor even a question of "when." Most enterprises today are using some form of the cloud -- in either a public, private or hybrid model -- to host their applications, servers, storage or ...Continue Reading
Cloud networks need careful planning, not just more bandwidth
Cloud computing has fundamentally changed the way enterprises deploy and use IT resources. So what does it mean to build a cloud network?Continue Reading
Ten recommendations to improve your NFV network evolution
As providers move into network functions virtualization, these 10 recommendations can help guarantee a successful NFV network transition.Continue Reading
With wave 2 Wi-Fi on the horizon, is your network ready?
Wave 2 Gigabit Wi-Fi will usher in speeds of up to 7 Gbps. Expert Lisa Phifer explains what you need to do to get ready.Continue Reading
Identifying the top 10 network-cloud integration challenges
IT managers face a variety of network-cloud integration challenges. But there are steps they can take to keep those challenges at a minimum.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
How to buy: What IT needs to look for in data center switches
IT needs to know what to look for when buying data center switches that support high speeds and lower latencies to pave the way for agile data center network consolidation.Continue Reading
Your manual to the modern cloud computing network
This primer reviews the past and presents options for how to fashion a secure cloud network architecture.Continue Reading
Why you might not need an expensive wireless site survey kit
In this Q&A, one wireless engineer shares how she built a wireless site survey rig for less than $40 using supplies from a hardware store.Continue Reading
Named Data Networking project wants to retire TCP/IP
TCP/IP is buckling under the demands of today's Internet, according to researchers who want to replace it with a new Internet protocol stack. Their solution: Named Data Networking.Continue Reading
REST APIs in SDN: An introduction for network engineers
REST APIs play a vital role in SDN controllers and applications. This will be new territory for many network engineers, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.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
forklift upgrade
Forklift upgrade is industry slang for replacing or significantly upgrading an IT infrastructure. IT transformation is a more formal way to describe the same concept.Continue Reading
What's the holdup on enterprise network software adoption?
Enterprise network software uptake is lagging due to a wide range of adoption barriers. The good news is that these challenges shouldn't be difficult to overcome.Continue Reading
White-box switching: Three paths to network programmability
White-box switching is often pitched as a way to cut costs, but the greater value lies in its ability to make networks more programmable and automated.Continue Reading
How to build a network for Open vSwitch testing
Setting up an Open vSwitch test network can be as simple as downloading code, deploying it on x86 servers and attaching storage disks. Here's how to get started.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
Five reasons IT pros are not ready for SDN investment
Vendors will tell you all the reasons you should buy SDN, but we talked to a group of IT leaders who explain why they can't yet recommend SDN investment. (Think: security!)Continue Reading
NFV Infrastructure: What really lies beneath?
Vendors have differing ideas on what constitutes an NFV Infrastructure, which makes it difficult to know how to invest. However, there are a few key elements every portfolio should include.Continue Reading
What you need to know about the DNS system
The domain name system is a fundamental building block of the Internet. Our expert explains the details of what makes it work.Continue Reading
NFV basics: A guide to NFV implementation, challenges and benefits
A network functions virtualization implementation brings challenges and benefits for users. Learn how NFV works, its relation to SDN, and real-life use cases in this Essential Guide.Continue Reading
Network as a service: The core of cloud connectivity
Public, private and hybrid clouds have one common requirement: networking. Discover how network as a service enables cloud connectivity.Continue Reading
CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points)
CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points) is a standardized protocol that enables wireless LAN (WLAN) controllers to centrally manage a group of wireless access points (APs).Continue Reading
25 Gigabit Ethernet: Why that, why now and what's next
If you blinked, you may have missed it: A consortium formed this summer to develop a 25 Gigabit Ethernet specification, with plans to have 25 Gbps switches shipping in two years. Here's why the industry is in such a hurry.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
Why you need software-defined security for your SDN
The network architecture shift to software-defined networking requires software-defined security, not a hard-wired security approach.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
Six considerations for big data networks
Big data networks must be built to handle distributed resources that are simultaneously working on a single task. That'll require network resiliency, consistency and application awareness.Continue Reading
MPLS-TP (MPLS Transport Profile)
The Multiprotocol Label Switching Transport Profile (MPLS-TP) is a protocol extension of MPLS designed to speed up and shape network traffic in operator transport networks.Continue Reading
Network timing: Everything you need to know about NTP
As more applications use IP networks, reliable distribution of authoritative timing information is becoming critical.Continue Reading
Seven steps to a Microsoft Hyper-V test network
Networking pros can use Microsoft Hyper-V networks for multi-tenant cloud environments, but first they'll have to learn the ropes in testing environments. Here are simple steps to building a Hyper-V test network.Continue Reading
variable-length subnet mask (VLSM)
Definition: Learn what a variable-length subnet mask (VLSM) is and how it allows network engineers to reduce the number of wasted IP addresses in each subnet.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
Network programming skills from scripting to DevOps: What to learn
Networking pros don't need to become code monkeys, but a little network programming can go a long way toward advancing their careers.Continue Reading
Context-aware security: Big benefits for networks, but no shortcuts
Context-aware security has the potential to make network security a lot smarter. But it also requires legwork many IT shops aren't equipped to handle.Continue Reading
Docker networking: How Linux containers will change your network
Docker is making Linux containers a lightweight alternative to hypervisors; network engineers must be prepared. Find out what you need to know about Docker networking.Continue Reading
white box switch
A white box switch is built on a low-cost, bare metal device that runs on merchant silicon.Continue Reading
What is a CPU-based SDN switch? Infoblox's Stu Bailey explains
InfoBlox's Stu Bailey talks about the differences between the CPU-based LINCX SDN switch and ASIC-based switches, and how users can get involved with the development of LINCX.Continue Reading
The simple facts behind antenna basics
No matter how expensive your wireless system may be, its performance depends on the strength of its antennas.Continue Reading
VMware NSX price finally published as channel starts selling
The VMware NSX price is finally publicly available, both monthly per-VM and perpetual per-CPU terms.Continue Reading
Content distribution network outdoes traditional cloud services
Content distribution network services facilitate content distribution at a lower cost and with higher performance than traditional cloud services.Continue Reading
How wireless works: The tech behind the magic
Beginning with the electromagnetic spectrum, analyst Craig Mathias details the foundation supporting wireless communications.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
Building a hybrid network with SDN, network virtualization
SDN and network virtualization are new and still largely misunderstood technologies. Here's how they can combine to build a modern hybrid network.Continue Reading
Understanding the basics of bare-metal switches
Increased commoditization in networking is allowing organizations to drive down costs. Learn about the role of bare-metal switches in this transition.Continue Reading
Overlay networks: Understanding the basics, making it a reality
Network overlays place a virtual network over the physical infrastructure for dynamic provisioning and orchestration of network resources.Continue Reading
optical line terminal (OLT)
An optical line terminal (OLT) is a device that is located at the service provider's central office and is the endpoint of a passive optical network (PON).Continue Reading
bring your own device workplace (BYOD workplace)
A bring your own work environment (BYOWE) is one that allows -- or even encourages -- employees to use consumer technology for job-related tasks.Continue Reading
802.11ac standard: How did we get here?
The timeline describes the evolution of the 802.11ac standard, commonly known as Wi-Fi, starting with the creation of the Ethernet in 1973.Continue Reading
PSTN-to-VoIP evolution poses identity, authentication challenges
Going from PSTN to VoIP services, this two-part series looks at the evolution of voice and its challenges, from enabling 911 to user identification.Continue Reading
Complex apps need network-based application performance management tools
As more networking pros get pulled into application performance management, they need tools that speak their language. Meet network-based APM.Continue Reading
Software-based routers on x86 servers are becoming reality
With stronger processing power and advanced software features, software-based routers are becoming a reality -- but only in some cases.Continue Reading
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) is a security feature that verifies address resolution protocol (ARP) requests and responses in a network.Continue Reading
IPsec vs. SSL VPNs: Understanding the basics
This infographic outlines some of the key differences between IPsec and SSL VPNs.Continue Reading
IEEE's 802.11ac ratification: What gigabit speed means for you
With the ratification of the IEEE 802.11ac standard, Ethernet is all but dead. But is your organization's network ready for gigabit speeds?Continue Reading
port mirroring (roving analysis port)
Port mirroring is an approach to monitoring network traffic that involves forwarding a copy of each packet from one network switch port to another.Continue Reading
Using dynamic ARP inspection to stop sniffing attacks
Expert Michael Gregg discusses how dynamic Address Resolution Protocol inspection helps prevent hackers from penetrating enterprise switches.Continue Reading
In SDN optical networks, centralized control and scalability
Technology for SDN optical networks is emerging and with it comes centralized control and dynamic bandwidth provisioning in the WAN.Continue Reading
Enhance service delivery model with WAN, application optimization
This Essential Guide looks at today's WAN and the steps needed to ensure your WAN remains reliable, secure and scalable enough for tomorrow's needs.Continue Reading
Hyper-V logical networks: The answer to scalability
When it comes time to scale Microsoft virtual environments, engineers must use Hyper-V logical networks, which enable wider connectivity.Continue Reading
Hyper-V networking: The three virtual switches that fuel connectivity
In this Hyper-V networking primer, learn about the three virtual switches behind Microsoft virtualization connectivity.Continue Reading
The SDN transition: Understanding SDN vendors, concepts and challenges
SDN expert Ethan Banks breaks down what network engineers need to know about SDN vendors, architectures, products and operational requirements.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
Brocade SDN certification: What to know about its product credentials
Brocade now offers two SDN certification credentials focused on its virtual router product platform. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading
White box switches: Understanding the basics
White box switches are finally emerging, offering a choice in network OS as well as flexibility. Are they poised to take over your network?Continue Reading
SDN essentials: Why network orchestration and virtualization?
The goal of SDN is dynamic networks, so it's crucial to understand the concepts of network orchestration and virtualization -- the keys to flexibility.Continue Reading
Clos network
A Clos network is a type of non-blocking, multistage switching architecture that reduces the number of ports required in an interconnected fabric.Continue Reading
SDN basics: Understanding centralized control and programmability
Network engineers who want to learn about SDN basics must begin with the concepts of centralized control and network programmability.Continue Reading
Cisco IOS (Cisco Internetwork Operating System)
Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is a proprietary operating system that runs on most Cisco Systems routers and switches.Continue Reading
How SDN and NFV simplify network service chain provisioning
SDN and NFV simplify service chain provisioning, making it easier and cheaper to spin up applications in enterprise and service provider networks.Continue Reading
IPv6, SDN: When worlds collide ... in a good way
IPv6, SDN and the cloud seem like separate initiatives, but they are interdependent. SDN and IPv6 will enable cloud agility. The good news is they are also complementary.Continue Reading
Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic simplify OpenFlow
OpenFlow can simplify networks, yet the protocol itself is complex. Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic streamline OpenFlow SDN.Continue Reading
Ethernet fabric primer
Virtualization and cloud exposed legacy data center networks as fragile and inefficient. This primer explains how Ethernet fabrics meet new demands.Continue Reading
VMware NSX will change the network admin role: Are you ready?
VMware NSX could bring network virtualization under the management of system admins, or it could alter the network admin role. Which will it be?Continue Reading
Your next job may be 'network programmer': What you'll need to know
SDN brings flexibility to networking, but this will require engineers to gain new skills in order to fill the emerging role of network programmer.Continue Reading
WAN aggregation: Why you should consider this application delivery optimization technique
What is WAN aggregation, and how does it work? Our expert explains why all companies should consider this type of application delivery optimization.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