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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
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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
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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
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
Jennifer Rexford: The road to SDN programming language started at AT&T
SDN researcher Jennifer Rexford talks about her work with SDN programming languages and Pyretic, a Python-based language for OpenFlow networks.Continue Reading
What is protocol spoofing as it relates to WAN optimization?
Learn in this expert response what protocol spoofing is and how it can be used as a WAN optimization technique.Continue Reading
session border controller (SBC)
A session border controller (SBC) is a dedicated hardware device or software application that governs the manner in which phone calls are initiated, conducted and terminated on a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network. Phone calls are referred ...Continue Reading
ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM)
Ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) is a specialized type of high-speed memory that searches its entire contents in a single clock cycle, with the term “ternary” referring to its ability to store and query data using three different inputs: 0,...Continue Reading
Mapping your wireless local area network: How to make your WLAN shine
In this essential guide, get acquainted with wireless local area network basics and uncover steps you can take to improve your WLAN infrastructure.Continue Reading
Will the cloud exchange be the next big ecosystem player?
An emerging branch of the cloud ecosystem, the cloud exchange, has the potential to address many concerns about the cloud broker model.Continue Reading
The evolution of network control
The degree of network control IT pros possess is expanding with new tools and solutions. Learn the latest about network management and monitoring.Continue Reading
Overcoming network functions virtualization implementation challenges
Carriers need network functions virtualization implementation prespecification, so they'll look to TM Forum and cloud management models for help.Continue Reading
OVSDB (Open vSwitch Database Management Protocol)
The Open vSwitch Database Management Protocol (OVSDB) is an OpenFlow configuration protocol that is designed to manage Open vSwitch implementations.Continue Reading
jumbo frames
A jumbo frame is an Ethernet frame with a payload greater than the standard maximum transmission unit (MTU) of 1,500 bytes. Continue Reading
VMware network virtualization will spell trouble for Cisco, eventually
The VMware network virtualization platform won't end the Cisco-VMware relationship, but it could hurt Cisco in the data center over the long term.Continue Reading
Where SDN and DPI technology meet: Centralized control and automation
When SDN and DPI technology meet, network engineers can apply monitoring and management policy to the whole network instead of individual components.Continue Reading
SDN and the enterprise campus network
SDN campus solutions have the potential to impact current LAN architecture, changing the enterprise campus network.Continue Reading
Are there alternatives to the OpenFlow protocol?
Jason Edelman explains OpenFlow protocol alternatives and what's important in determining which southbound protocol will work for you.Continue Reading
IETF SDN: I2RS uses traditional routing protocols in software networks
The IETF SDN strategy relies on centralized management and distributed decision making with traditional network protocols -- departing from OpenFlow.Continue Reading
Cisco LISP (Location Identifier Separation Protocol)
LISP (Location Identifier Separation Protocol) is a routing and addressing architecture developed by Cisco Systems. LISP creates two addresses for each network node: one for its identity and another for its location in the network.Continue Reading
Unified network management primer
Unified network management tools provide a single user interface from which admins can manage both their wired and wireless network devices.Continue Reading
How to choose the right SDN controller platform
When choosing the best SDN controller platform for your company, look at the problem you need to solve, the end goal and various end-to-end solutions.Continue Reading
OF-Config (OpenFlow Configuration and Management Protocol)
The OpenFlow Management and Configuration Protocol (OF-Config) is a protocol developed under the Open Networking Foundation used to manage physical and virtual switches in an OpenFlow environment.Continue Reading
femtocell
A femtocell is a wireless access point that improves cellular reception inside a home or office building. The device, which resembles a wireless router, essentially acts as a VOIP repeater.Continue Reading
Virtual overlay networks: Tunneling protocols enable multi-tenancy
Virtual overlay networks use tunneling protocols to extend isolated network segments between servers for multi-tenant data center networks.Continue Reading
OpenStack tutorial: A guide for cloud providers
This OpenStack guide explores the hype around this open source project, alternative options, what OpenStack Quantum can offer cloud providers and more.Continue Reading
In the SDN WAN: Network programmability, provisioning and high availability
The SDN WAN's network programmability and automated provisioning addresses the demands placed on the wide area network by the cloud, SaaS and BYOD.Continue Reading
network hypervisor
A network hypervisor is a program that provides an abstraction layer for network hardware. Network hypervisors allow network engineers to create virtual networks that are completely decoupled and independent from the underlying physical network.Continue Reading
10 gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE)
10 gigabit Ethernet is a telecommunication technology that offers data speeds up to 10 billion bits per second. It differs from traditional Ethernet in that it is a full-duplex protocol and does not require Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision ...Continue Reading
programmable network (PN)
A programmable network is one in which the behavior of network devices and flow control is handled by software that operates independently from network hardware.Continue Reading
Enterprise wireless standards: The basics
Glen Kemp discusses the standards and protocols that support enterprise-class wireless deployments and how they differ from consumer configurations.Continue Reading
network tap
A network tap is an external monitoring device that mirrors the traffic that passes between two network nodes. A tap (test access point) is a hardware device inserted at a specific point in the network to monitor data.Continue Reading
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
OpenFlow configuration protocols: Understanding OF-Config and OVSDB
OpenFlow directs network packet flows, but OpenFlow configuration protocols, OF-Config and OVSDB, form relationships between controllers and switches.Continue Reading
Quiz: Managing the enterprise network
This five question quiz accompanies Henry Svendblad's presentation series on managing the Enterprise Network. Test your retention of the materials Svendblad covered in his video series on enterprise network management.Continue Reading
ISSU (in-service software upgrade)
An ISSU (in-service software upgrade) is a technique for updating software on a network device without taking that device offline and thereby disrupting network services.Continue Reading
How data center network fabric and SDN intersect
SDN and data center network fabrics both enable converged networking and the ability to manage many switches as one. Where do the two intersect?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
NetScaler (SDX)
Citrix NetScaler SDX is a service delivery networking platform for enterprise and cloud datacenters. NetScaler SDX supports multiple NetScaler instances on a single hardware appliance.Continue Reading
Should I use the OpenFlow protocol in software-defined networks?
The OpenFlow protocol isn't required for SDN, although the Open Network Foundation recommends it, which means networking vendors have options.Continue Reading
Why do I need SDN technology?
SDN is valuable, but uses extend to other parts of the network for increased network flexibility, dynamic traffic flow, decreased latency and QoS.Continue Reading
Embrane
Embrane is a company that makes software products for the delivery of SDN (sofware-defined networking) services, including load balancers, firewalls and VPNs.Continue Reading
Nicira Network Virtualization Platform (Nicira NVP)
Nicira NVP is network virtualization software that manages an abstraction layer between end systems and the physical network infrastructure and enables the creation of independently operable virtual networks.Continue Reading
NETCONF
NETCONF is an IETF network management protocol that provides an administrator or network engineer with a secure way to configure a firewall, router, switch or other network device.Continue Reading
software-defined networking monitoring application (SDN monitoring application)
An SDN monitoring application is a software program that oversees the traffic in a software-defined network (SDN) as a component of network management.Continue Reading
distributed virtual switch
A distributed virtual switch is an abstract representation of multiple hosts defining the same name, network policy and port group.Continue Reading
network fabric
Network fabric is an industry term that describes a network topology in which devices pass data to each other through interconnecting switches.Continue Reading
DOVE (IBM DOVE)
IBM Dove (Distributed Overlay Virtual Ethernet) is an architecture that allows a network engineer to abstract the physical network infrastructure from hypervisor hosts and make network changes in software rather than hardware.Continue Reading
Is SDN a centralized or distributed network architecture?
A software-defined network can have a centralized or distributed network architecture in the data center, LAN and WAN, depending on business needs.Continue Reading
What is the difference between an overlay network and SDN?
A software-defined network can be deployed as an overlay network to a physical network or natively as the primary network to improve flexibility.Continue Reading
Does software-defined networking require special SDN switches?
Software-defined networks do not require special SDN switches; instead, vendors offer a variety of SDN controllers, network fabrics and hardware.Continue Reading
Where do network fabric and SDN technologies intersect?
Networks can use a network fabric and SDN technologies together, and vendors' SDN architectures integrate them in a variety different ways.Continue Reading
The role of northbound APIs in an SDN environment
Northbound APIs on SDN controllers enable applications and orchestration systems to program the network and request services from it.Continue Reading
SDN, network virtualization: Are they the same?
Despite differences, SDN and network virtualization share common elements to direct network resources to VMs and segment or consolidate networks.Continue Reading
Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF)
Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) is the part of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) that supports service data flow detection, policy enforcement and flow-based charging.Continue Reading
Mininet
Mininet is a software emulator for prototyping a large network on a single machine. Continue Reading
Distributed Control Plane Architecture (DCPA)
A Distributed Control Plane Architecture (DCPA) is a network architecture that makes it possible to allocate control protocol functions across multiple processor levels in the network system.Continue Reading
Floodlight
Floodlight is a Java-based OpenFlow controller.Continue Reading
ODIN (Open Data Center with an Interoperable Network)
ODIN (Open Data Center with an Interoperable Network) is a reference architecture that describes best practices for creating a flat, converged, virtualized data center fabric based on open industry standards. Continue Reading
Path Computation Element (PCE)
Path Computation Element (PCE) is a network component, application or node that can apply computational constraints and compute a network path or route based on a network graph. The PCE has access to topology information for the entire network and ...Continue Reading
SDN application (software-defined networking application)
An SDN application is a software program designed to perform a task in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment. SDN applications can replace and expand upon functions that are implemented through firmware in hardware devices in a ...Continue Reading
Network functions virtualization primer: Software devices take over
With network functions virtualization (NFV), engineers replace network devices with software on basic servers for flexibility and cost reduction.Continue Reading
Do I need to use an SDN controller for software-defined networking?
An SDN controller, with or without OpenFlow, is not required for a software-defined network, and SDN architecture vendors take different approaches.Continue Reading
hybrid SDN
A hybrid SDN (software-defined network) is a network where both traditional networking and SDN protocols operate in the same environment.Continue Reading
OpenStack Neutron (formerly called Quantum)
OpenStack Neutron is a cloud networking controller and a networking-as-a-service project within the OpenStack cloud computing initiative.Continue Reading