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Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• Checklist to upgrade your network's performance

  Need to upgrade your network's performance? This checklist includes more than just security and improved throughput. Continue Reading

• Enterprise network management undergoes transformation

  Traditional enterprise network management is shifting in the face of new virtualization and software trends. Managers need to be aware of how technologies change their network monitoring techniques. Continue Reading

• Network simplification sounds good, but what does it really mean?

  Network simplification is emerging as the latest industry buzzword, but what exactly does it mean? Continue Reading

• How to cut false security, malware alerts in hybrid cloud

  The bad news: IT teams are deluged by false security and malware alerts with their hybrid clouds. The good news: New tools are here to help. Continue Reading

• How to improve application performance with advanced APM tools

  Learning how to improve application performance has never been more important, or difficult. Developing a monitoring framework and choosing the right APM tools are key first steps. Continue Reading

• A strong SD-WAN business case starts with evaluating your current WAN

  The first step in creating a strong SD-WAN business case is evaluating your organization's current WAN infrastructure. Then, you can compare the potential savings and benefits.Continue Reading

• Managed third-party network and infrastructure offer business appeal

  For business and technology reasons, third-party network and infrastructure management services are set for huge growth due to the need for scale and changing IT staff needs.Continue Reading

• Active path testing a compelling network performance monitoring tool

  You don't have to be Facebook to use its NetNORAD active path testing network performance monitoring tool. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Open source network software matures, but needs incentives for use

  Open source network software is maturing, but the networking industry needs to create compelling economic incentives for large suppliers and buyers to contribute, as well.Continue Reading

• Application performance tools lasso behavior in distributed computing

  Distributed computing has changed the face of networking; application performance tools help IT make sense of performance problems when issues crop up.Continue Reading

• Addressing SDN security challenges means securing the controller

  SDN security challenges become more of a concern, as deployments bring vulnerabilities to the forefront. But vendors and researchers are creating SDN products with security in mind.Continue Reading

• Restaurant group implements VoIP telephone system and Mushroom VNF

  The Keith McNally Restaurant Group found a recipe for success after implementing a VoIP telephone system designed around a VNF product from Mushroom Networks -- VoIP Armor.Continue Reading

• Using NFV and SDN for detailed network microsegmentation

  Detailed network microsegmentation using SDN and NFV gives service providers opportunities to create and provide more flexible and effective security services to their customers.Continue Reading

• Enlightened shadow IT policy collaborates with users

  A cloud-era shadow IT policy still needs to manage risk, but the era of "no way" is giving way to allow users quick access to the productivity apps they need.Continue Reading

• Managing wireless networks: How to address the key challenges

  One challenge in managing wireless networks is that the tools and tech are changing rapidly. Here’s what network pros need to know now.Continue Reading

• Manage wireless networks with the latest tools and tech

  To manage wireless networks, IT pros must keep pace with an array of rapidly changing products. Are you up to date on what tools and tech are now on the market?Continue Reading

• Medical group upgrades hospital Wi-Fi from Cisco to Aruba

  The 28-building Medical Center Health System in Odessa, Texas, replaced its Cisco hospital Wi-Fi network and moved to Aruba to handle user growth, boost performance, plan for IoT and move toward mobile-first.Continue Reading

• Time to get your digital transformation defined and developed

  There's no avoiding the need for a digital transformation framework anymore. Learn how to take charge of this major IT development and turn it to your company's advantage.Continue Reading

• Using DevOps for networking testing gains traction

  Using DevOps for networking means using the tools IT teams employ for testing and applying those principles to networking.Continue Reading

• When network failure hits today's enterprise, costs pile up fast

  When a network failure hits, everybody loses -- money, time and face. In the latest edition of 'Network Evolution,' we explore how to keep that from happening.Continue Reading

• Plan for a SDN implementation in four steps

  If your organization is thinking about a future SDN implementation, the time to begin planning is now. Follow these four steps to launch the process.Continue Reading

• Change management automation alters the face of network configuration

  The market for change management automation software is increasing, as networks become more complex and virtual.Continue Reading

• How types of noise in data communication systems affect the network

  Learn about the different types of noise in data communication -- including thermal, intermodulation, cross-talk, impulse and shot noise -- and how they can affect your network.Continue Reading

• Managed enterprise network services gain traction

  As network demands become increasingly complex, many enterprises are turning to managed network services, outsourcing maintenance to third-party providers.Continue Reading

• Embrace experimental next-gen network services to increase revenue

  As network connections revenue declines, next-gen network services that deliver a user experience can transform the business. Note to operators: Missing this opportunity is not optional.Continue Reading

• The good, bad and the ugly of software-defined networking security

  Software-defined networking security has both good and bad potential. It can benefit route connectivity, but it also presents risk linked to improper SDN controller implementation.Continue Reading

• The unified network management system is revived in move to cloud

  The single pane of glass, unified network management system is often thought to be a myth. But in the age of cloud computing, a viable framework is beginning to emerge.Continue Reading

• Four steps to prepare for an SD-WAN deployment

  SD-WAN touts promising benefits. But if you're considering SD-WAN deployment, take time to prioritize remote sites, and crunch the numbers to make sure it's right for your company.Continue Reading

• Telecom operators navigate three technology transformation options

  To reduce cost or increase revenue, operators have three telecom technology transformation options to increase service automation, using different amounts of new technologies.Continue Reading

• Cloud security tips to consider when mulling external data centers

  The old security rules don't apply when moving workloads to the cloud. These cloud security tips will help you make the right decision.Continue Reading

• Easier data center SDN deployments would enable private clouds

  Until building private cloud operations with data center SDN and a cloud manager gets simpler, most enterprises will stick with a virtualized data center and public cloud combo.Continue Reading

• When you should consider leaf-spine network architecture

  One solution to the dilemma of dramatic shifts in data flows is for data centers to adopt a leaf-spine network architecture.Continue Reading

• New telecom transformation goals require service automation

  Restarting a telecom transformation means putting business goals first and technology choices second, and making the service process more efficient through automation.Continue Reading

• Exposing network APIs to enterprises opens new provider SDN options

  Service providers can increase network automation using SDN and NFV next-generation infrastructure for enterprise service options by exposing secure network APIs.Continue Reading

• Moving data center strategies: What to consider in an SDDC transition

  Accommodating your legacy equipment when shifting to an SDDC takes a lot of time and careful study. What are some strategies to keep in mind when moving data centers?Continue Reading

• Delivering private and public cloud applications securely

  'It's all about the apps' is today's mantra, and managing private and public cloud app delivery must be a top concern in order to safeguard enterprise security in the mobile age.Continue Reading

• Integrate UC platform with business-critical SaaS for competitive edge

  By one current estimate, the average business operates across six different clouds. With many software-as-a-service platforms still unable to communicate with each other, enterprise workers must straddle the space between them -- leading to ...Continue Reading

• Advanced machine learning lends a helping hand to network security

  Advanced machine learning can help distinguish between false alarms and real network threats, creating valuable time for IT employees. But the technology still faces challenges.Continue Reading

• The ways you can make Wave 2 wireless work for you

  The introduction of Wave 2 wireless and 802.11ac products promises to deliver improved performance and other networking benefits to users. But it also delivers unique challenges to networking pros and will require they prepare their enterprise data ...Continue Reading

• Mobile edge computing promises wide variety of uses

  Mobile edge computing can bring applications and data closer to the end user, resulting in lower latency and better data analytics for network virtualization and IoT.Continue Reading

• Tips to understand different TCP port-scanning techniques

  TCP port scanning detects vulnerabilities within networks, and knowing the different scans available can help network professionals choose the option best suited for their needs.Continue Reading

• Network engineering tools changing as cloud shift pressures profession

  As more companies examine the cloud, network engineering tools are changing, requiring engineers to rethink and recraft their job descriptions.Continue Reading

• Essential network cabling tips for your infrastructure

  Network cabling may seem basic, but it's integral to your network infrastructure. This series of 10 lessons for networking pros explains how common types of network cables work.Continue Reading

• Unstructured data analysis is critical, but difficult

  Sometimes, it's hard to know if your data is just garbage out, unless you have the right big data implementation analysis and preparation tools.Continue Reading

• Gadget security requires renewed embrace of policies, authentication

  Network administrators must increasingly contend with the challenges fueled by gadget security within their operations.Continue Reading

• Networked cloud emerges to meet evolving infrastructure needs

  Some enterprise network managers are beginning to move networking out to the cloud, as they sort out how to best meet their organizations' evolving infrastructure needs.Continue Reading

• Cloud-based networking meets changing infrastructure needs

  A growing number of network managers have their heads in the cloud, and that's a good thing. Cloud-based networking technologies are emerging to help solve a number of enterprise problems, and organizations are busy exploring what "the networked ...Continue Reading

• Intent-driven networking reshaping network service delivery

  When configuring a network, engineers often focus on individual tasks to enable network service delivery. Intent-driven networking transfers the focus to the overall network.Continue Reading

• IT technical skills need to adapt as IT architecture shifts

  As IT architecture shifts and cloud computing grows, some IT departments may have outdated IT technical skills. How can IT departments close the skills gap?Continue Reading

• Amidst complex infrastructures, network visualization is needed

  Today's networks are increasingly complex. An overhaul in network visualization is needed to help parse and diagnose modern networks.Continue Reading

• In virtualized networking, availability tracking is key

  With virtualized networking now on the scene, tracking availability is more complex than ever. Learn about the latest technology and techniques for keeping the network manageable.Continue Reading

• With new NFV infrastructure comes new NFV security

  Service providers are rapidly adopting NFV infrastructure, but addressing NFV security in the process is essential, with network and security teams working together.Continue Reading

• Virtual service management needs hybrid approach

  The best answer for creating virtual service management may be a hybrid approach that combines end-to-end analytics-based and service-level management.Continue Reading

• Adoption of cloud computing means updating networks

  The widespread adoption of cloud computing means enterprises have to carefully balance how they upgrade their network infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Automation key element in network monitoring best practices

  The fundamentals underpinning network monitoring might be simple, but it doesn't mean keeping tabs on your network is easy. What can you do to improve your monitoring tool framework?Continue Reading

• Undersea cables keep global enterprise networks afloat

  Subsea cabling is out of sight, but it shouldn't be out of mind. Many organizations don't realize just how dependent they are on underwater fiber to stay online and in business.Continue Reading

• IP subnetting: How to calculate subnet masks

  Check out IP subnetting shortcuts on how to do subnet mask calculations and break down IP address classes to route traffic within your network.Continue Reading

• What do I need to do to create successful hybrid WANs?

  The market for hybrid network services is growing, and with it comes the challenge of successfully creating hybrid WANs.Continue Reading

• Stepping up your WAN connection with new network technology

  If you think enterprise WAN is "been there, done that," think again. The mobile workforce is redefining the role of the wide area network and the nature of the WAN connection. New technologies related to link aggregation and software-defined ...Continue Reading

• How SD-WAN benefits app delivery

  There are many SD-WAN benefits for the enterprise, including cost savings, better app delivery and more. Learn how to software define your wide area network.Continue Reading

• Infinite options tempt, but cutting proprietary management even better

  Are the bad old days of control interface proliferation back again? Patrick Hubbard says it's time for network administrators to put their foot down.Continue Reading

• Denial-of-service defense depends on multipronged strategy

  Ransomware and data breaches may be getting all the headlines, but denial-of-service attacks are on the rise. What can you do to mitigate their effect?Continue Reading

• Cisco's Tetration adds visibility for monitoring data centers

  Cisco analytics engine takes monitoring data centers to new levels by capturing network traffic and employing big data techniques to diagnose problems.Continue Reading

• White box switches and hyper-convergence aid data center networks now

  White box switches and hyper-convergence are two upgrades that can breathe new life into your data center network. Learn what they are and how to make them work for you.Continue Reading

• How to choose the right next-gen network migration option

  Network operators planning next-generation network migrations need to choose from layered, geographic and service-oriented approaches, or a combo platter that meets their needs.Continue Reading

• DevOps and automation in the software-defined network

  Software-defined networking allows today's networks to keep pace with DevOps and automation demands, making rapid and reliable software delivery possible.Continue Reading

• Overview of the Gigabit Ethernet standard

  This lesson from our network cabling series reviews the Gigabit Ethernet standard, also known as 1000BASE, as well as variations of 10BASE Ethernet.Continue Reading

• Network fault management in today's complex data centers

  Network designs and technologies may change, but identifying -- and remediating -- faults is a fundamental task for today's system managers. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Wireless management in the cloud heralds transformation

  Placing wireless management in the cloud is gaining traction among enterprises as companies examine more efficient ways to oversee their networks. It's part of a shift that's affecting network infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Data center convergence enabled by SDN, SD storage

  As applications drive the need for massive storage capacity, data center convergence will be aided by software-defined storage and networking to enable private cloud architecture.Continue Reading

• Network designs for dynamic route pacing

  The new generation of network devices means network designs based on dynamic routing. But there are pitfalls to keep in mind.Continue Reading

• Visibility key to loving your WAN carrier

  Taking a few simple steps can help strengthen the relationship between your WAN carrier and IT management.Continue Reading

• IT's hardware evolution in this software-defined age

  There may be a software-defined revolution going on, but the hardware evolution continues. Learn why hardware retains its importance in networking today, even in this SDN age.Continue Reading

• How to build a VMware lab setup for testing

  Understanding what makes virtualization tick comes down to successful testing; find out how to build a VMware lab setup for testing at home.Continue Reading

• Dynamic virtual network services usher in connectivity revolution

  Dynamic virtual network services are using NFV to provide new enterprise services faster and cheaper by removing the need for expensive hardware deployments from the equation.Continue Reading

• Best video conferencing strategy: One size doesn't fit all

  For a long time, room-based video conferencing systems were the de facto choice for many enterprises in terms of quality and affordability. Early telepresence suites were rigid and expensive, and desktop video didn't have the best reputation for ...Continue Reading

• Proactive risk management: Managing the deluge of alerts

  In today's threat landscape, proactive risk management is needed to stay on top of a surge of network and security alerts.Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking products to enable scalable container deployment

  Container deployments enable the rapid introduction of new applications, but they can also cause networking problems at scale. Analyst Lee Doyle says software-defined networking products will change that.Continue Reading

• Getting the most out of a managed WAN implementation

  Marketing materials paint a rosy picture, but a managed WAN implementation can be a challenge for enterprise network engineers.Continue Reading

• Managing apps requires holistic, reactive approach

  Managing apps' performance must be planned holistically with an eye to reactive management and proactive management.Continue Reading

• Network automation scripts: Separating myth from reality

  Network automation can make work easier, but be careful which processes you automate. Done wrong, automation can break more things than it fixes.Continue Reading

• Automated BSS and OSS models needed for new network operations

  Modernizing BSSes and OSSes to transform networks operations would be faster than changing the network itself and would save money before SDN and NFV savings start kicking in.Continue Reading

• Time to get 'Wi-Fi aware': How new tech affects the network

  The number of devices connecting to the network isn't going to slow down, which means the enterprise network has to keep up, and developments in Wi-Fi are central to this effort.

  Is your network infrastructure ready for the next stage of ...Continue Reading

• How a network security overview pays dividends

  In an age of heightened cybersecurity risks, companies still aren't spending enough to create a network security overview.Continue Reading

• Building enterprise network platforms for tomorrow

  As more and more devices become connected -- ushering in new management, security and big data challenges -- network platform requirements will continue to evolve.Continue Reading

• Planning for enterprise network testing

  Enterprise network testing provides network engineers with a deeper insight and understanding of a network's operations, enabling better service to users.Continue Reading

• Cloud exchanges designed for WAN connections to public clouds

  Emerging cloud exchanges offer access to multiple cloud services via WAN links with the benefits of better security and network performance than the public Internet.Continue Reading

• Virtual wires on the radar for future network infrastructure

  Due to changes in network infrastructure, running traffic over virtual wires could emerge from a combination of technologies, including SDN, NFV, virtualization and cloud.Continue Reading

• SDN training priorities for enterprises

  SDN promises to change how networking pros work. Analyst Shamus McGillicuddy shares the top priorities of enterprises tackling SDN retraining.Continue Reading

• Apply network analytics to more quickly solve service issues

  With little tolerance for unplanned downtime, IT is under pressure. Applying network analytics can help troubleshoot problems faster and more accurately, and prevent service issues down the line.Continue Reading

• The virtualized network alters data center plans

  The virtualized network is outstripping hardware and fundamentally altering data center plans, though in the long run, it has the chance to revolutionize them.Continue Reading

• SDN network security: Building a safer architecture

  Software-defined networking may hold the key to better security. Networking expert Lee Doyle explains how to strengthen SDN network security to prevent breaches.Continue Reading

• Unusual network locations: How engineers make it work

  Almost anyone who has installed a network knows that much of it cannot be done from the relative comfort of an office chair. Whether you have to mount wireless access points on ceilings or pull Ethernet cables behind the walls, challenging ...Continue Reading

• Good networking principles prevent SD-WAN glitches

  SD-WANs can create new risks and challenges, but they also offer new rewards if users follow good networking principles.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged infrastructure forcing new thinking for networks

  Hyper-converged infrastructure not only drives new thinking about networks, it fundamentally changes some trusted networking techniques.Continue Reading

• Using a WAN optimizer sounds great, until it doesn't work

  When a new WAN optimizer feature was added to the network, it appeared it would improve performance -- but it didn't.Continue Reading

• IPv6 connectivity: Ignore at your own peril

  Gathering knowledge on IPv6 connectivity and implementation is critical to success in modern IP networking.Continue Reading

• My MPLS service contract expires soon -- should I renew?

  The rise of SD-WAN has many asking: Do we really need MPLS connectivity? Expert John Burke explains what factors to consider before renewing your existing contract.Continue Reading

• Starbucks is increasingly a free wireless ISP

  Brands are increasingly defined by their networks. Starbucks leads the way in becoming a retail -- and free -- wireless ISP.Continue Reading

• The new WAN: How SDN changes wide area network operations

  SDN promises to transform the wide area network. Network pros should consider how SD-WAN will also change operational and organizational needs.Continue Reading