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Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• What is the IP address 0.0.0.0 used for?

  One of a handful of special-purpose addresses, 0.0.0.0 has several applications in networking. It stands in as a placeholder address, identifies a default route and more. 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

• Next-gen networks transition to software networking

  Network operators are in full balancing-act mode while embracing software networking, changing services and lower operations costs. And the timing only has to be perfect.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

• Future networks jettison traditional networking thinking

  Software-defined networking gets all the headlines, but there's another trend gaining traction in future networks: software-based networking. Enterprises are increasing their reliance on software -- rather than manual coding -- to automate tasks ...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

• How to prevent network downtime in the modern enterprise

  Today's enterprise network finds itself under unprecedented strain, with the number of connected devices and "things" increasing and end-user expectations of speed and performance growing. Meanwhile, as IT professionals strive to offer the latest ...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

• How to boost your ransomware security awareness

  With attacks soaring, how should IT organizations mount an effective defense and boost ransomware security awareness?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

• How to monitor network usage in modern enterprise IT

  Analyst John Burke explains the in ins and outs of network monitoring and how to monitor network usage in modern enterprise IT.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

• Windows Server 2016 networking embraces SDN

  Microsoft's new Windows Server 2016 networking capabilities have grown to support SDN, virtual network functions and hybrid cloud.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

• Why an application performance monitoring tool is essential

  An application performance monitoring tool harvests data and differs from application management, offering valuable services in an age of virtualization.Continue Reading

• What vertical industries can benefit from SD-WAN deployments?

  SD-WAN deployments can benefit a number of industries, providing improved performance and lower costs. Expert Lee Doyle looks at three of the top SD-WAN verticals.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

• The ups and downs, ins and outs, of cloud application delivery

  Cloud application delivery is a pressing concern in IT operations today.

  Whether enterprise applications live in a private or public cloud, enterprise IT is still responsible for making sure employees can access the apps they need -- end of ...Continue Reading

• How to achieve secure mobile device management

  Laptops and phones are critically important in the era of BYOD, but safety can only be achieved with secure mobile device management.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

• How do PKI problems complicate VPN management?

  Securing and managing VPNs can be a challenge, and public key infrastructure can help, but PKI problems are often lurking.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

• USB cable connection and connector types explained

  The USB cable connection remains popular -- particularly with home users -- in part, because of its easy setup. Take a closer look at standard USB and related connection types.Continue Reading

• VM deployment: Stack Overflow team designs custom automation app

  Stack Overflow engineer George Beech says when he couldn't find the right tool to automate the VM deployment process, he and his team members decided to create their own.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

• How to understand modern network security threats

  Modern network security threats aren't getting any easier to address. An analyst works to shed light on the challenges facing current-day IT teams.Continue Reading

• High-speed DCI technologies critical in age of cloud, big data

  High-speed data center interconnect can help network managers handle the data explosion, preventing east-west traffic jams in the era of cloud and hyper-converged infrastructure.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

• How to set up a serial cable connection in your network

  Serial direct cable connection is examined in this cable networking lesson, which defines the term and explains how it works, as well as the technology required to set one up.Continue Reading

• Modern management of a virtualized network: Tips and techniques

  The virtualized network poses challenges to network management systems -- and as more hardware components become virtualized, that challenge becomes even greater. This handbook discusses the steps IT administrators must take to both build and corral...Continue Reading

• Introduction to Windows direct cable connection

  Methods of direct cable connection have evolved. This tip explains how, as well as what each method -- including UTP crossovers and straight-through cabling -- requires.Continue Reading

• Get thee to a conference: Hybrid network training a must for admins

  Network admins need hybrid network training to do their jobs more effectively, because today's hybrid IT reality means working with on-premises and cloud-based 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

• Learn about fiber optic cable types and why smaller is better

  Learn about fiber optic cable types, how the most widely used one -- 62.5/125-micron loose tube -- is constructed, and why smaller is better when it comes to fiber optics.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

• From the 3G-to-4G transition to SDN, network pro rises to the challenge

  After years at a provider -- where she helped install cell towers during the 3G-to-4G transition -- an Army-trained network engineer tackles a new challenge in the enterprise: SDN.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

• LAN SDN management looks to the cloud and causes LAN ghost towns

  Future campus LAN SDN management will be needed to deal with LAN applications that have migrated to the cloud, creating on-premises network ghost towns.Continue Reading

• 100Base-TX cable, or Fast Ethernet, explained

  This tip reviews 100Base-TX cable fundamentals, including a breakdown of the term's meaning, how it works and related cable types that network pros need to know.Continue Reading

• Building a cloud network architecture based on metrics

  To make the right decisions when building your cloud network architecture, metrics and data about user experience and technical attributes are needed.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 the 10Base-T cable evolved and its use today

  This tip reviews how 10Base-T cable developed and what the elements of the term mean. It also reviews the variations of this cabling type and how they are used now.Continue Reading

• How to set up a CAT5 UTP crossover cable

  Learn all about UTP crossover CAT5 cables in this cabling series tip, which both explains the purpose of this common cable type and how to set one up.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

• Taking your data center network design to the next level

  Data center network design upgrades are now high on many enterprise's must-do lists. The way enterprises now use data is why: In a recent TechTarget Networking Survey, when asked why they were updating their data center network, 44% of networking ...Continue Reading

• IT pros need to raise security umbrella as devices proliferate

  As more connected gadgets and devices find their way into corporate networks, it's up to IT managers to ensure the network remains secure. What steps should you take?Continue Reading

• What are some ways to reduce IT maintenance costs?

  Enterprises spend millions of dollars each year on IT maintenance, service and support. But there are steps you can take to whittle those costs down.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

• Straight-through cable: Learn about UTP wiring and color coding

  Straight-through UTP cables and CAT5 networks are discussed in this tip.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

• Undersea cable sends Ethernet to observatory on ocean floor

  Thanks to donated undersea cabling from AT&T, the ALOHA Cabled Observatory provides real-time data from the ocean floor. It took a longtime networking pro to get it up to speed.Continue Reading

• In virtualized environments, importance of hardware remains

  It's tempting to get swept up in the hype around software-defined everything and cloud mania, but even in virtualized environments, networking hardware is still critical.Continue Reading

• Physical network gear isn't going anywhere

  For decades, hardware has reigned as king in the network, but the deluge of hype surrounding cloud, virtualization and software-defined networking has some asking how long physical network gear can hold on to its crown.

  As we see in this edition...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

• What duties are in the network manager job description?

  Get the inside scoop on a network manager's job description, workload and responsibilities which keep an organization's network infrastructure running smoothly.Continue Reading

• Hardware vs. Software: The role of hardware in a software age

  In this software age, is there any role left for hardware? In our three-part guide, our experts' response is a resounding, "yes." It may feel like this is the era of 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