Manage

Manage

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• HP ProCurve unveils data center network strategy

  With its new 6600 series switches and Data Center Connection Manager software, HP ProCurve aims to compete against Cisco for a share of the data center networking market. The company also launched ProCurve ONE, a platform for running third-party ... Continue Reading

• How to upgrade Windows Server 2003 to Server 2008

  Use these resources recommended by our network administration expert to upgrade from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, in this expert response. Continue Reading

• What VLAN management software supports multiple vendor platforms?

  Our network administration expert shows you which VLAN network management configuration and automation software supports multiple vendors and platforms, in this expert response. Continue Reading

• Which OSI layers are network managers responsible for?

  Learn which layers of the OSI model network managers should be responsible for. Our expert, Lindi Horton, explains where to focus your manual operations, especially regarding automated operation tasks. Continue Reading

• Top Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) scripting books, websites

  Once you've learned how to write Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) scripts to manage various aspects of Windows-based networks, check out the top resources recommended for your study. In this tip, Mitch Tulloch lists the best books and ... Continue Reading

• CCNA exam preparation: How to take tests faster

  To prepare for your Cisco Certified Networking Administrator (CCNA) certification exam, use these time-saving techniques to speed up your test-taking so that you don't run out of time.Continue Reading

• Return-all-values script: Managing Windows networks using scripts, Part 13

  One way to manage your Windows network is through scripts. The particular workhorse script described in this tip can return all values of all properties of a specific instance of a Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) class to give you useful ...Continue Reading

• Best practices for service delivery: Translating customer needs into network services

  Telecom service providers can provide successful network services to enterprise customers by adopting best practices that help identify customer needs, create realistic project plans, and develop on-time, on-budget implementation strategies.Continue Reading

• Best practices for securing your wireless LAN

  Perhaps the biggest network security concern for many enterprises is securing a wireless local area network (WLAN). This three-part expert lesson provides best practices for securing a WLAN in the enterprise. Lesson 1 focuses on methods of ...Continue Reading

• Network design and management for video and multimedia applications

  Voice and video application deployments are booming. Organizations reporting the most success with their voice and multimedia deployments possess two key characteristics: They put sufficient resources into up-front network design, and they pay ...Continue Reading

• Network management software vendors offer virtualization management

  Network management software vendors SolarWinds and PacketTrap have added server virtualization management and monitoring into their products. Experts say this is a good first step as virtualization forces IT to break up the silos that exist between ...Continue Reading

• The changing requirements of telecom operations and business support systems

  Operations support systems (OSSs) have always been essential software tools for the telecom industry, but as networks converge on IP, and business relationships and standards change, there is more emphasis on OSSs than ever before. This Telecom ...Continue Reading

• IEEE 802.11w protects wireless LAN management frames

  The IEEE 802.11w wireless encryption standard builds on the 802.11i framework to protect against subtle attacks on wireless LAN (WLAN) management frames. It will increase the confidence of network managers that applications such as wireless VoIP can...Continue Reading

• Properties of Windows Management Instrumentation: Managing Windows networks using scripts, Part 12

  Learn how to display all properties of any Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) class in this tip on how to manage Windows networks using scripts.Continue Reading

• Securing Wireless Systems -- 'Build Your Own Security Lab: A Field Guide for Network Testing,' Chapt

  In order to secure your wireless network you must learn some wireless basics and know how to attack your system. In Securing Wireless Systems, Chapter 9 of 'Build Your Own Security Lab: A Field Guide for Network Testing,' author Michael Gregg ...Continue Reading

• Measure wireless network performance using testing tool iPerf

  In this tip, learn how to measure wireless networking performance with iPerf -- a tool that calculates TCP/UDP, throughput, loss and delay. Eliminate jitter, isolate bottlenecks of traffic, or monitor Wi-Fi or AP performance using this open source ...Continue Reading

• Why haven't I received my CCNA certification? I passed the test.

  Find out who to contact when your CCNA certification hasn't arrived from Cisco.Continue Reading

• 802.11 protocols

  Learn about the newest wireless protocol, 802.11n, as well as how to evaluate which protocol is best for your environment. You also get a run-down of the 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g specifications in this guide.Continue Reading

• More remote scripting tricks: Managing Windows networks using scripts, Part 11

  Learn a remote scripting trick and how to use Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) to remotely query for local administrators in this tip from the series Managing Windows networks using scripts.Continue Reading

• The essential guide for upgrading your network

  This e-book explores the challenges, best practices and technologies for responding to the shortcomings of today's network, as well as future-proofing for tomorrow's challenges.Continue Reading

• Remote scripting tips and tricks -- Managing Windows networks using scripts, Part 10

  Learn how to manage your Windows networks using scripts with these two tricks involving remote scripting using WMI scripts written in VBScript.Continue Reading

• Network management frameworks: FCAPS and ITIL

  Network management is a complex topic, especially as the network has to handle more instances of unified communications, video, and virtualization. Thus far, two frameworks exist that can be of some use for understanding and taming network ...Continue Reading

• Network configuration management software boosts university networking

  Texas A&M University used Netcordia's network configuration and change management software to get an unruly multi-vendor network environment under control. The tool freed up the networking team to tackle multiple new projects.Continue Reading

• Distributed antenna system streamlines wireless management

  Distributed antenna systems can help simplify wireless deployments, particularly for those charged with managing multiple systems.Continue Reading

• 'CCNA Official Exam Certification Library' author gives tips for passing your test

  Certification still carries weight when you are looking for a networking career move, according to 'CCNA Official Exam Certification Library (CCNA Exam 640-802), 3rd Edition' author, Wendell Odom.Continue Reading

• Understanding remote scripting -- Managing Windows networks using scripts, part 9

  It's all well and good to jump in and try things -- such as managing Windows networks using scripts -- but sometimes we hit a wall when we do this. Learning the fundamentals can often help us avoid the wall. In this tip from his series on managing ...Continue Reading

• Network planning, monitoring and management using modeling

  Networked services have become the most popular architecture for delivering enterprise services today. New demands placed on the network are forcing a change to traditional network planning, monitoring and management techniques. Network modeling or ...Continue Reading

• OA&M (operations, administration, and management)

  OA&M (operations, administration, and management) is a general term used to describe the costs, tasks involved, or other aspects of operating, administering, and managing something such as a computer network.Continue Reading

• Aruba Networks unveils wireless intrusion prevention enhancements, other security upgrades, at Inter

  Aruba Networks's strengthened their security portfolio, unveiling intrusion prevention enhancements that give networking professionals a chance to write their own wireless defense.Continue Reading

• Strategies for enterprise wireless deployment discussed at Interop

  802.11n wireless adoption presents new challenges for enterprise network managers, including Power over Ethernet and network management issues. Paul DeBeasi, senior analyst at Burton Group, has plenty of experience advising enterprises on their ...Continue Reading

• Challenges of managing wireless security covered at Interop

  When wireless LANs (WLANs) are deployed as mainstream enterprise network infrastructure, security and management become paramount concerns to corporations. Wireless networking expert Lisa Phifer will speak to these issues of wireless security and ...Continue Reading

• Upgrading to 802.11n: Key considerations

  802.11n physical and link layer enhancements could significantly increase your WLAN's speed, capacity, reach and reliability. But realizing this potential requires proper deployment: Your 802.11n upgrade must be explicitly designed to satisfy your ...Continue Reading

• How to interpret test scan results to assess network vulnerability

  Once you've run some test scans with a network tool, how do you interpret the results to assess network vulnerability? Find out in this Ask the Expert response with our enterprise network security expert.Continue Reading

• Upgrading your network: Top tips and timesavers

  This SearchNetworking.com handbook will explore the challenges, best practices and essential technologies for responding to the shortcomings of today's network, as well as future-proofing your network for tomorrow's business challenges. We offer ...Continue Reading

• Green networking: Energy efficient upgrades can cut costs

  Upgrading older networking products to greener, more efficient equipment can cut costs, but administrators should take a close look at total savings from switching out energy hogs like gigabit Ethernet switches for new, greener models. A report by ...Continue Reading

• Selling the CIO on telecom business services

  The networking of enterprise IT is creating new revenue-enhancing opportunities for telecom service providers that better use RFPs to position their services and focus on speaking the CIO's language.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting remote scripting using Network Monitor 3.0 -- Managing Windows networks using script

  Learn how to use Network Monitor 3.0 for troubleshooting a remote scripting error in this tip originally published on WindowsNetworking.com.Continue Reading

• Remote access security management software is a time saver for network administrators

  Many IT administrators have been able to save time and boost productivity by using VanDyke Software's security management products.Continue Reading

• How asset management can benefit your network

  Asset management combines and impacts network operations that touch every part of the organization. Auto-discovery of infrastructure inventory provides an accurate accounting of what's there, frequently uncovering "lost," underutilized and phantom ...Continue Reading

• Voice over WLANs: Markets that benefit from VoWLAN solutions

  Jim Geier's book Deploying Voice over Wireless LANs gives examples of how several different vertical markets benefit from wireless LAN voice networks.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting the mystery error -- Managing Windows networks using scripts, part 7

  Learn how to troubleshoot a mysterious "remote procedure call failed" error received when the ChangeIPAddress.vbs script developed earlier was used to change the IP address on a remote computer. This tip is part of a series on managing Windows ...Continue Reading

• Prevent unauthorized USB devices with software restriction policies, third-party apps

  In the conclusion of his series on preventing unauthorized USB device use on your network, Brien Posey discusses the pros and cons of using software restriction policies such as certificate rules, hash rules, Internet zone rules, and path rules to ...Continue Reading

• Network management planning guide

  Network management isn't a boring must-have now that telecom industry evolution is driving massive management and monitoring changes that service providers must plan for now.Continue Reading

• Automated network management alleviates staff shortages

  Automated network management offers an alternative to outsourcing and can alleviate shortages in qualified network staff. Networks keep getting more complicated, while the network management staff shortage is becoming more acute. Experienced baby ...Continue Reading

• How to choose the best firewall for your enterprise

  Learn how to choose the best firewall for your enterprise. This guide gives you purchasing advice, tells you which IT team is responsible for the perimeter security solution and offers a checklist of risks you must assess before making deciding ...Continue Reading

• Firewall implementation: Perimeter security placement and management

  For your enterprise firewall implementation, understand where your perimeter security goes, how many you need, what precautions to be aware of and know how to manage and maintain your firewall.Continue Reading

• Remote scripting first steps -- Managing Windows networks using scripts, Part 6

  Learn how to run your Windows script remotely against a remote Windows XP computer, in the interest of managing your Windows network using scripts.Continue Reading

• Cisco Trusted Security to boost network security, management

  Cisco's newly announced Trusted Security (TrustSec) platform is intended to simplify and improve aspects of network security management by adding role-based access control (RBAC) to Cisco's switches.Continue Reading

• Network management best practices: Collecting essential data to optimize network performance

  Network performance management best practices don't have to be unrealistic for network managers -- or unaffordable for enterprises. When network performance and accounting technologies overwhelm both Network Management Systems (NMS) applications and...Continue Reading

• Getting over the hump -- Managing Windows networks using scripts, Part 5

  When learning to script for managing Windows networks, you need to be aware of a bump in the road Mitch Tulloch calls "the hump." Learn how to get over the hump in this tip.Continue Reading

• Using Windows Vista group policy to prevent unauthorized USB device use

  One of the largest internal threats to network security, and a major source of worry for network administrators, is the use of USB storage devices. USB storage devices can be used to steal large quantities of data from your network. Anything a user ...Continue Reading

• Managed remote access options

  A new breed of options exist for companies that want to outsource remote access to their networks.Continue Reading

• ITIL -- What network managers need to know

  IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is an IT service management framework surrounded by industry best practices. This tip answers questions that network managers may have about implementing ITIL and explains how it can be beneficial to networking.Continue Reading

• Cisco upgrades Catalyst 4500 and 6500 switches

  Cisco today released updates to its modular Catalyst 4500 and 6500 switch series to add more capacity, scalability and redundancy.Continue Reading

• Using Win32_NetworkAdapterConfiguration -- Managing Windows networks using scripts, part 4

  Learn about uses of the Win32_NetworkAdapterConfiguration class in this tip from the WindowsNetworking.com series on managing Windows networks using scripts.Continue Reading

• Using VMware to test open source network analysis tools

  Find out how open source network analysis tools can be beneficial to your network monitoring strategy, and learn how you can try out the open source network protocol analyzer Wireshark inside a VMware Player Guest OS.Continue Reading

• Network management shortcuts -- Tools and frameworks

  In the new e-book "The Shortcut Guide to Network Management for the Mid-Market," author Greg Shields outlines real-world technologies, processes and guiding steps to help network engineers and IT managers implement effective network management with ...Continue Reading

• Network security: Using unified threat management (UTM)

  Network security products vary in use and protection. If you're looking at options to secure your network, use this introduction on Unified Threat Management (UTM) to learn about what UTM's advantages are compared to traditional security models.Continue Reading

• Understanding WMI -- Managing Windows networks using scripts, part 3

  Learn how Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) works and how it can be scripted using VBScript in this tip, originally published on WindowsNetworking.comContinue Reading

• Intelligent network management = Better service delivery

  The goal of network management is to deliver better services to business end users, but manual change and configuration, coupled with reactive problem-solving, have often confounded that goal. In this column, Richard Ptak describes the problem and ...Continue Reading

• Wireless network deployment and management

  Wireless network deployment and management are discussed in this guide.Continue Reading

• Wireless protocols learning guide

  Wireless protocols; technologies including 802.11, WLAN, WPA, WEP, Wi-Fi and wireless broadband; and deployment issues such as access points, security and troubleshooting are discussed in this guide designed to provide a basic introduction to ...Continue Reading

• Wireless troubleshooting

  Wireless network troubleshooting basics are discussed in this guide.Continue Reading

• Wireless access points

  The basics of wireless access point (AP) as well as configuration and placement are covered in this guide.Continue Reading

• Wireless networking security guide

  Wireless security and polices are covered in this guide.Continue Reading

• IP address management -- from 'Network troubleshooting and diagnostics'

  Learn how IP address management and maintenance tools can help manage the scope of IP addresses on your network. With typical Class C subnets consuming upwards of 254 addresses per subnet and most companies needing multiple subnets, the sheer ...Continue Reading

• Upcoming wireless standards promise managed WLANs

  Widespread deployment of wireless networks has created problems in office buildings, apartments and shopping areas, where multiple wireless networks share the air. It is anticipated that the problem of network overlap will get worse as more and more...Continue Reading

• To evaluate network management, what criteria is there?

  What are the criteria for evaluating how efficient your network management is? Find out in this expert response with Lindi Horton.Continue Reading

• IP Accounting -- from Network Management: Accounting and Performance Strategies

  IP Accounting, Chapter 6 of "Network Management: Accounting and Performance Strategies," describes the IP Accounting features in Cisco IOS and teaches you the different IP Accounting functions and SNMP MIB. Learn about IP Accounting Access Control ...Continue Reading

• Understanding TCP/IP

  This tutorial explains TCP/IP, including history, development, its use as a standard, Requests for Comment and the protocol suite.Continue Reading

• Network auditing and incident management: Pre-plan your next network meltdown

  Network auditing and incident management can prevent unplanned nework meltdowns and outages, and help make your life easier. Five useful building blocks can help you to construct a successful incident management plan: Configuration database and ...Continue Reading

• virtual systems management (VSM)

  Virtual systems management (VSM), also known as virtual system management, is the process of remotely managing the allocation and use of resources in conventional networks as well as in virtual area networks (VANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), ...Continue Reading

• Network monitoring -- Best practices

  Network monitoring best practices are outlined by expert Loki Jorgenson.Continue Reading

• Network administration guide

  Good network administration is the backbone of today's technology-dependent enterprises. Network administrators are charged with keeping expansive networks and numerous applications running smoothly, and the job can seem overwhelming at times. We're...Continue Reading

• Networked application performance management -- Where to start

  Application performance management that results in clear and high-quality networked business services is vital to enterprise acceptance of those services. Such management must provide information visibility and effective control exercised across all...Continue Reading

• Managing Windows networks using scripts -- The basics

  Learning to use scripts can make the life of a network administrator a lot easier by allowing you to automate daily administration tasks. This tip begins a series on using scripts to manage Windows networks.Continue Reading

• baseboard management controller (BMC)

  A baseboard management controller (BMC) is a specialized service processor that monitors the physical state of a computer, network server or other hardware device using sensors and communicating with the system administrator through an independent ...Continue Reading

• OSI: Securing the Stack, Layer 8 -- Social engineering and security policy

  Network security is essential at every layer of the OSI model, including the mythical eighth layer, where users interact with technology. Since hackers can use social engineering to exploit people, it is important to train your users and implement ...Continue Reading

• PAIR (Policy Analysis of Internet Routing)

  The Policy Analysis of Internet Routing (PAIR) project is a Merit Network initiative dedicated to developing tools that Internet service providers (ISPs), network operators, and end users can use to troubleshoot Internet routing and policy problems.Continue Reading

• Common Management Information Protocol

  Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP) is a network management protocol built on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communication model.Continue Reading

• Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP)

  Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP) is a network management protocol built on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communication model.Continue Reading

• COPS (Common Open Policy Service Protocol)

  COPS (Common Open Policy Service Protocol) is a proposed standard protocol for exchanging network policy information between a policy decision point (PDP) in a network and policy enforcement points (PEPs) as part of overall Quality of Service (QoS) ...Continue Reading

• policy-based networking

  Policy-based networking is the management of a network so that various kinds of traffic - data, voice, and video - get the priority of availability and bandwidth needed to serve the network's users effectively.Continue Reading

• FCAPS (fault-management, configuration, accounting, performance, and security)

  FCAPS is a network management framework created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). FCAPS categorizes the working objectives of network management into five levels. The five levels are:  fault-management (F), the ...Continue Reading

• What top five subjects does the CCNA test focus on?

  Know what subjects are tested most heavily on in the CCNA exam. Use this top five list from Cisco certifications expert Dave Minutella in this response.Continue Reading

• How much does the CCNA test for ISDN?

  In this Q&A, David Minutella answers how much the CCNA tests for ISDN with DDR and ISDN being popular overseas.Continue Reading

• 802.11n will require upgrades

  802.11n, the new Wi-Fi standard on the cusp of being ratified by the IEEE, offers greater throughput and better range than other standards but may require companies to upgrade their wireless network infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Is there any network management software that can look after wireless routers, switches and access p

  Wireless networking expert Lisa Phifer explains the types of network management software available for looking after wireless routers, switches and access points, in this response.Continue Reading

• Open source network monitoring and management tools

  Open source network monitoring is catching on, and in some ways it rivals the likes of IBM Tivoli and HP OpenView, among other major players.Continue Reading

• WLAN test tools, expertise, turn theoretical network into reality

  Specialized WLAN testing tools are needed to deploy and maintain an IEEE 802.11 wireless network.Continue Reading

• Managing streaming protocols on your network

  To manage user access to streaming media, you first must understand the protocols that deliver streaming media across the network. Learn more about RTP, RTSP, RTCP and other protocols in this tip -- and find out why merely blocking access may not ...Continue Reading

• Wireless network security best practices

  Don't let your wireless LAN (WLAN) jeopardize your corporate networks, servers and data. In this guide, you'll discover how to mitigate the risks WLAN pose and learn how to perform vulnerability assessments to manage potential risks.Continue Reading

• Management integration -- Putting the pieces together, -- Chapter 10 of 'Network Management Fundamen

  This chapter looks at the challenges in providing network infrastructure and management support associated with integrated network management.Continue Reading

• Cisco WLAN design best practices

  Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology has built-in security features, but a one-size-fits-all approach won't ensure adequate security for your organization. This tip provides best practices for designing your security architecture, including user community...Continue Reading

• On the job with a network manager -- Chapter 2 of 'Network Management Fundamentals'

  This chapter presents a number of scenarios to give an impression of the types of activities that are performed by people who run networks for a living.Continue Reading

• email response management service (ERMS)

  An email response management service (ERMS) is a set of programs that automatically handles email messages and attachments according to user-defined rules... (Continued)Continue Reading

• Network administration: Help for designing, managing and troubleshooting your network

  Network administrators are responsible for designing, managing and troubleshooting their corporate networks. This guide provides a list of tasks and helpful hints for those working in network administration.Continue Reading

• Better management = increased value

  As our networks become more complex and network traffic continues to increase, network professionals need comprehensive data analytics, management and reporting skills. This column explores three converging trends that will force network managers to...Continue Reading

• CCNA Video Mentor

  Cisco's CCNA Video Mentor provides you with more than two hours of personal visual instruction from best-selling author and instructor Wendell Odom to help you prepare for the CCNA certification exam. In the 12 videos presented on the CD-ROM, ...Continue Reading

• How IPsec provides secure communications

  IPsec provides secure site-to-site VPNs, remote access and host-to-host communication. In this tip, we peek inside the tunnel and examine how IPsec works.Continue Reading