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• 'Network Know-How' offers network troubleshooting techniques

  Download this free chapter excerpt from "Network Know-How" to gain insight into basic network troubleshooting techniques. Identify and solve most networking errors in your environment. Continue Reading

• Why monitoring will require a networking engineer

  Despite the evolution of networking, monitoring has remained the same. And that's one reason why the role of the network engineer will remain critical. Continue Reading

• Getting clarity on delivering video conferencing services

  The technology that the inventors of the 1960s Picturephone visualized is at last within reach. Here's how to implement and manage video conferencing today, and factor in cloud services too. Continue Reading

• Network management projects top list of 2015 IT initiatives

  According to TechTarget’s 2015 IT Priorities Survey, 44% of enterprises are planning network management projects this year. Continue Reading

• A unified view: How to manage and monitor networks today

  Enterprise networks are increasingly complex, with a variety of wired and wireless connections linking locations that can include multiple clouds, branch offices and headquarters. The enterprise network must provide access to an ever-wider variety ... Continue Reading

• Intuit solves taxing problem with system availability tools

  Intuit uses application monitoring to ensure glitch-free performance during tax time.Continue Reading

• Named Data Networking project wants to retire TCP/IP

  TCP/IP is buckling under the demands of today's Internet, according to researchers who want to replace it with a new Internet protocol stack. Their solution: Named Data Networking.Continue Reading

• How to make legacy and emerging network technologies work together

  Emerging network technologies like SDN and NFV have to interwork with legacy equipment and be managed as one. Find out what it will take to get there.Continue Reading

• How to protect your IPv6 address management

  Expert Fernando Gont explains how to probe whether your IPv6 address components are vulnerable to attack.Continue Reading

• Avoiding the pitfalls of virtual network functions takes planning

  Building a network functions virtualization framework means understanding which features, or functions, are most important. Tread carefully.Continue Reading

• How to avoid IPv6 neighbor discovery threats

  If you're ready to deploy IPv6, get ready to understand neighbor discovery and its vulnerabilities.Continue Reading

• What is the security impact of enterprise IoT?

  Software management at the device level is key to mitigating security risks in the enterprise when IoT arrives.Continue Reading

• Managing mobility means understanding EMM

  As enterprises become more mobile, enterprises need to understand the tools available to help them manage that growth.Continue Reading

• What buyers need from Wi-Fi access point upgrades

  A recap of SearchNetworking's How to Buy series, which teaches IT professionals what to keep an eye on when buying new products for their networks.Continue Reading

• Hotel Wi-Fi security crumbles in wake of bored IT admin

  What happens when a bored IT admin meets a hotel Wi-Fi network that does not want to cooperate?Continue Reading

• Three VoIP quality killers

  Managing VoIP quality is a constant headache for engineers. Here are some ways to avoid some common problems.Continue Reading

• Shifting to next-gen firewalls changes security dynamics

  Next-generation firewalls offer a lot of capabilities. But how do you add them into your security portfolio?Continue Reading

• Can Netflix save enterprise WAN networks?

  How long will it take for ISPs to come to enterprises and ask them to pay extra to ensure that their Salesforce.com data gets to where it's supposed to go?Continue Reading

• Faster wireless means wireless security policies need an update

  Faster wireless technology is now widely available, but are your network's security policies up to the task?Continue Reading

• Cloud-managed wireless: Why network engineers love it

  Cloud-managed wireless is growing three times faster than the wireless LAN market as a whole. Network engineers rave about its benefits, but it's not for everyone.Continue Reading

• One less box: Cloud-managed wireless eases network management

  IT staffing remains flat as demands placed on networking pros grow. Cloud-managed wireless shows less can be more when IT is asked to do more with less.Continue Reading

• Cloud network management for the WLAN booms

  When cloud-based wireless LAN (WLAN) management services hit the market several years ago, their feature sets were limited compared to their ...Continue Reading

• Resource public key infrastructure can plug hole in BGP security

  The Border Gateway Protocol does a lot of wonderful things, but there are steps you should take to ensure your IP routing is secure.Continue Reading

• Securing corporate data in a BYOD world

  In an ever more dangerous world, your trusty VPN has a more important role than ever.Continue Reading

• How to build a network for Open vSwitch testing

  Setting up an Open vSwitch test network can be as simple as downloading code, deploying it on x86 servers and attaching storage disks. Here's how to get started.Continue Reading

• SN blogs: Don’t let your information drown in data lakes

  This week, analysts discuss why it’s important to use data to create business strategies to drive revenue; Comcast says it supports net neutrality principles.Continue Reading

• Blended IT and security operations: Where's the balance?

  There are benefits to eliminating the distance between IT and security operations. But there are challenges as well.Continue Reading

• Information security services under siege

  Security professionals are disillusioned and desperate for some progress in the uphill battle against attackers. Is the security industry up for the task?Continue Reading

• Secure network access: Context is everything

  Increasingly, network admins are seeking tools to assess end-user patterns and then notify them in the event anomalies occur that suggest a network attack: for example, logins attempted from a different location or by attempts to access different ...Continue Reading

• Cloud-managed networking makes VPN a snap

  Provisioning and deploying a WAN and VPN is an everyday function for engineers. But can you do that for an office 4,000 miles away without leaving your office?Continue Reading

• Common DNS record types: What they mean

  The domain name resolution process has many steps. Our expert walks you through some of the most common.Continue Reading

• NFV basics: A guide to NFV implementation, challenges and benefits

  A network functions virtualization implementation brings challenges and benefits for users. Learn how NFV works, its relation to SDN, and real-life use cases in this Essential Guide.Continue Reading

• Don't let new technology products go undetected

  You might not be using technology to its full potential if you are unaware of product features. Don't be afraid to dig into your products and discover capabilities that make your life easier.Continue Reading

• With MPLS-TP and SDN, a simpler dynamic control plane

  MPLS-TP transforms carrier networks for packet switching, but SDN could take it a step further. Combining the technologies, engineers could reduce complexity in the dynamic control plane and gain flexible service creation.Continue Reading

• SDN and network virtualization: How do they work together?

  There are different ways to implement network virtualization in a software-defined network. Jim Meztler explains network virtualization and SDN, and how the two can work together.Continue Reading

• Audio video bridging, auto Ethernet fuel need for precise timing

  As applications such as automobile Ethernet and audio video bridging gain traction, the need for new timing protocols beyond NTP takes root.Continue Reading

• Why you need software-defined security for your SDN

  The network architecture shift to software-defined networking requires software-defined security, not a hard-wired security approach.Continue Reading

• Picking the best firewall software, hardware or application

  Transforming the image of securityContinue Reading

• Managing virtual networks poses multiple challenges

  Server virtualization offers network managers many advantages -- but those benefits come with some stiff challenges.Continue Reading

• Performance benchmarking your ADCs

  Assessing the performance of your new ADC requires careful benchmarking. Here's what to look for.Continue Reading

• Network load balancer and ADC options: What's best for you?

  When considering an ADC platform, take the time necessary to ensure the prospective system meets your requirements.Continue Reading

• Honing your application delivery platform: Buying the right ADC

  In the market for a load balancer or a full-blown application delivery controller? SearchNetworking's How to Buy series shares what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Slow rate of IPv6 adoption: True or false?

  An expert explains why the adoption rate of IPv6 isn't as slow as people think and why it is important to create a dual-stack environment during the protocol shift.Continue Reading

• How to manage and monitor the converged network

  The network is converging. Voice, video, and storage and data networks are already converged, and more recently networking pros have had to tackle virtual networks, mobile devices and cloud services. Up next: software-defined networks. It's a lot to...Continue Reading

• Six considerations for big data networks

  Big data networks must be built to handle distributed resources that are simultaneously working on a single task. That'll require network resiliency, consistency and application awareness.Continue Reading

• How to reassert control in era of bring your own application

  The growth of bring your own applications means IT has to find new ways to reassert control over software introduced into the workplace.Continue Reading

• Aggregation in IPv6 routing curbs effects of Internet growth

  IPv6 addresses are four times larger than those based on IPv4, but experts say that doesn't mean IPv6 will slow down routers. In fact, IPv6 routing makes route aggregation simpler, which leads to smaller routing tables.Continue Reading

• What does WebRTC video mean for the network?

  WebRTC, an emerging standard for embedding voice and video-conferencing applications into Web browsers, is aimed at making real-time communications as simple as clicking a link. It eliminates the need to download and install any clients or plug-ins,...Continue Reading

• Good WLAN design means going beyond marketing hype

  Good WLAN design means getting past the slogans that thwart performance objectives.Continue Reading

• How SDN LTE could simplify network management

  LTE is growing fast, but so are the network management challenges that come along with it. SDN LTE could be the game changer, bringing centralized control for a simpler network.Continue Reading

• Open Network Install Environment gives end users network OS choices

  The Open Network Install Environment's community of vendors offers an open install environment for bare-metal switches using its Linux-based OS installer.Continue Reading

• Umpqua Bank employs NSX, micro-segmentation for enterprise security

  Umpqua Bank's Sam Guidice tells how the organization deployed VMware's NSX as part of its effort to utilize micro-segmentation for enterprise security.Continue Reading

• Three new takes on WAN optimization

  Once considered new technology, WAN optimization is now widespread, and enterprises are including it in their networks from the start. Now that WAN optimization is mature, what's the next step for WAN management? Application delivery optimization ...Continue Reading

• You may already own the best Internet security tool

  You may not have to spend money to purchase more security tools; in fact, Michele Chubirka writes, you probably already own what you need.Continue Reading

• Using the Link Layer Discovery Protocol to reveal disparate devices

  The Link Layer Discovery Protocol is a helpful tool when you need to know what's connected in your network -- regardless of vendor.Continue Reading

• How to find the cybersecurity tools you need

  There are scores of cybersecurity tools in the marketplace, but you probably have all the ones you really need, writes security adviser Michele Chubirka.Continue Reading

• Upgrading the core when network downtime isn't an option

  Network downtime is often a necessary evil for network upgrades, but in the world of 24/7 broadcast media, maintenance windows are hard to come by.Continue Reading

• Network programming skills from scripting to DevOps: What to learn

  Networking pros don't need to become code monkeys, but a little network programming can go a long way toward advancing their careers.Continue Reading

• Hybrid SDN is the gateway drug to the new network

  Enterprises aren't ready to revamp entire networks for SDN, but it's not a zero-sum game. A hybrid SDN strategy introduces it gradually or partially.Continue Reading

• Context aids fight against network security threats

  Today's network security threats demand a context-based approach, but without a good grasp of security basics, context won't do you much good.Continue Reading

• Regulatory pressure accompanies changing IT landscape

  The new IT landscape is more virtual, distributed and increasingly mobile. It's more interconnected with applications talking to each other. Threats are evolving and so is regulatory pressure. All of this creates security compliance challenges.Continue Reading

• Pervasive protection is the new security paradigm

  Pervasive protection encompasses risk management, forensics, identity authentication and risk management to provide a centralized approach to security management that protects your enterprise network in a modern IT landscape.Continue Reading

• Implementing a new security management plan

  To respond to increased cyberthreats, enterprises need to form their network's security plan around the idea of pervasive protection, which is based on the notion of a centrally managed security system.Continue Reading

• Why you should update your IPv6 equipment purchasing policies now

  To make your network IPv6 equipment ready for the transition, these guidelines can help you update your purchasing policies to make sure you and your vendors are on the same page when it comes to IPv6 features.Continue Reading

• What you need to know about switch upgrades

  Next-generation switches have a lot of capabilities, especially as vendors retool their product lines to support application awareness and other features. But make sure you get the switch you need.Continue Reading

• Do providers gain any IPv6 benefits for their cloud infrastructure?

  If services providers want to improve their cloud services and build large-scale cloud infrastructures, they must look to IPv6. IPv6 expert Ciprian Popoviciu explains the IPv6 benefits that providers don't get with IPv4.Continue Reading

• Xirrus offers 802.11ac Wave 2 upgrade path through XR arrays

  Xirrus announced 802.11ac Wave 2 upgradability through its modular Xirrus XR Arrays in anticipation of Wave 2 shipping next year.Continue Reading

• After you buy, configure your WAN optimizer to work for you

  Before putting your WAN optimization platform into production, make sure it's tuned to meet your specific needs.Continue Reading

• Will the Facebook switch and SDN OS change networking? Maybe

  Network engineers are largely split on how the new open source Facebook switch and SDN OS will impact their environments.Continue Reading

• Benchmark WAN optimization tools before you buy

  WAN optimization is a critical component of every enterprise's network infrastructure. Always properly test your environment, however, before deciding which optimization platform to deploy.Continue Reading

• Maximizing applications in the hybrid cloud environment

  The network plays an important role in cloud application performance. The most important factors affecting how it performs are your choice of monitoring tool and how you analyze that data. It's all about having the right analytics capabilities.Continue Reading

• What kind of IPv6 support can providers offer?

  With the transition to IPv6 looming, service providers must be aware of the types of IPv6 support they can make available to their enterprise customers. IPv6 expert Ciprian Popoviciu explains what providers can do to guide their customers.Continue Reading

• Cisco iWAN marries MPLS and Internet for WAN aggregation

  With Cisco iWAN, engineers optimize WAN performance by dynamically aggregating MPLS and Internet resources.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting SDN? You'll need a packet time machine

  SDN promises automation without old configurations. But when networks dynamically change, troubleshooting SDN will require a packet time machine.Continue Reading

• Using metrics to fuel your data center ROI

  If you need the upgrade you want, getting the right metrics is critical, Patrick Hubbard explains.Continue Reading

• If providers lag in implementing IPv6, will enterprises be hurt?

  If a service provider delays implementing IPv6, it may face serious challenges as enterprise customers need to make the transition. Expert Ciprian Popoviciu explains why providers must make the necessary preparations for IPv6 readiness.Continue Reading

• Getting ready for NFV: Master the basics and nail the RFP process

  Network functions virtualization (NFV) is designed to reduce network cost and complexity by virtualizing network equipment onto switches, servers and storage. NFV has the potential to bring service providers savings on capital equipment and network ...Continue Reading

• End-to-end visibility is possible even with a hybrid network

  Most enterprise networks are hybrid now, but observing operations and tweaking performance is still possible; you just need the right tools.Continue Reading

• Content distribution networks: Separating fact from hype

  Content distribution networks can accelerate cloud applications and services, but only if companies know what they're looking for.Continue Reading

• What you need to set a global MPLS network architecture

  When searching for a global MPLS provider, make sure business requirements align with network requirements. The first of a three-part series.Continue Reading

• Set up firewalls for the next generation: What to consider

  Considering a next-generation firewall? The latest features will facilitate design and architecture changes in your data center environment.Continue Reading

• Wanted: A new network management model for NFV

  NFV network management models need to be less device-driven and more focused on orchestration across legacy network components and virtual resources.Continue Reading

• Applying military cyberdefense mindset to cloud, enterprise security

  Jeff Schilling, CSO of FireHost and a former head of cyberdefense at the Defense Department, applies lessons learned in the military to the enterprise.Continue Reading

• When good WANs go bad: WAN failure effects widespread

  Don't just think of WAN performance in terms of meeting enterprise objectives. WAN failure touches multiple endpoints.Continue Reading

• Study: VMs transforming disaster recovery

  A Silver Peak and ESG survey reveals that deploying virtual machines allows disaster recovery that wouldn't be possible otherwise.Continue Reading

• Why not replace routers with smart switches?

  In this Q&A, one network manager discusses how he's ripping out routers and replacing them with smart switches at sites with Ethernet WAN transport.Continue Reading

• MPLS networks not obsolete, but Internet as WAN catches up

  MPLS networks have been the undisputed king of WAN services for years, but more enterprises are looking at supplementing them with Internet services.Continue Reading

• Deluge of devices drives high-density wireless network design

  As the number of mobile devices that users carry multiplies, networking pros must factor device density into their wireless network designs.Continue Reading

• As users carry more devices, wireless network design must evolve

  The average person carries three mobile devices, according to an informal poll conducted last year by Sophos Labs. While Kindles and Fitbits probably aren't making their way onto corporate wireless LANs (WLANs), more enterprises must provide ...Continue Reading

• What you need to know about LEED, DAS and public safety radio

  IT executives must work with facilities teams to ensure high-quality wireless service while guaranteeing access to first responders.Continue Reading

• One network for three towers and a concert arena? Think hybrid SDN

  When TV Asahi expanded from one to four buildings, it used NEC ProgrammableFlow for hybrid SDN to connect new and legacy equipment on a single LAN.Continue Reading

• How to prepare for an automatic enterprise infrastructure?

  Before adding automation, take control over your processes or else you could end up enhancing the problems you already have.Continue Reading

• How software-defined storage and SDN connect through orchestration

  Software-defined storage and SDN are separate infrastructures, but they can be co-managed and provisioned through orchestration tools.Continue Reading

• Talari WAN aggregation helps shake enterprise reliance on MPLS

  WAN aggregation, coupled with WAN optimization, can help businesses take advantage of cheaper bandwidth options, while keeping reliability intact.Continue Reading

• Network metrics: Costs, tools and beyond

  Network engineers use metrics to solve problems. Executives' main focus is the budget, so engineers should use tools to help figure costs.Continue Reading

• Big data infrastructure depends on good WAN management

  In order to successfully exploit big data, effective WAN management must be part of the infrastructure puzzle.Continue Reading

• Many culprits to blame for application performance problems

  The answer to diagnosing application performance problems is fully understanding where issues may lie.Continue Reading

• How to buy: What to look for in 802.11ac access points

  If you're in the market for 802.11ac access points for your wireless LAN, find out what features are essential when it's time to buy.Continue Reading

• Is it too early to start planning for 5G?

  The development of 5G is gaining buzz, but is it too early to seriously discuss 5G for mobile networks? Mike Jude explains the issues.Continue Reading

• Wireless expense management shouldn't spook employees

  Tom Nolle discusses the dos and don'ts of wireless accounting and the steps enterprises must take to address BYOD expense management.Continue Reading