Problem solve

Network Performance Management

• Virtual branch office in a box (vBOB) devices may replace hardware

  As you introduce your enterprise WAN to virtualization, a virtual branch office in a box (vBOB) may take shape in remote offices. Learn in this tip how BOBs are being reinvented. Continue Reading

• Breaking down radio configuration parameters in 3G networks

  Every cell phone call consists of a complex sequence of events governed by radio configuration parameters in 3G networks. Wireless expert Mike Jude breaks down the process. Continue Reading

• Why enhance Wi-Fi ad hoc mode? Most go with Wi-Fi Direct

  Wireless expert, Lisa Phifer explains that it may not be worth enhancing Wi-Fi ad hoc mode since Wi-Fi Direct is a better alternative for enabling two stations to communication directly. Continue Reading

• Wireless LAN access control: Managing users and their devices

  Wireless LAN access control may not be as simple as 802.1X authentication. Network managers will have to shoot for policy creation, device fingerprinting and network integration. Continue Reading

• Planning a virtualization firewall strategy

  Creating a virtualization firewall strategy entails determining exactly how you want to protect your virtual environments and then implementing firewall segmentation for security. Continue Reading

• Expert tips to solve port 3389 issues when end users gets blocked

  Enterprise security expert, Michael Gregg answers a question regarding port 3389 issues when a user tries to open port 3389 RDP on their router to work from home, but hits a roadblock when the ISP blocks the port.Continue Reading

• Mi-Fi and Android smartphone mobile hotspot comparison

  Wireless expert Lisa Phifer responds to a question regarding a Mi-Fi and Android smartphone mobile hotspot comparison. She provides an in depth analysis of both mobile hotspots, and also examples for uses of both.Continue Reading

• Top five virtualization problems: VM Sprawl

  Virtualization can be effective and easy to deploy, but that's sort of the problem. Fast Packet blogger Josh Stephens explains how this simplicity can lead to virtual machine sprawl.Continue Reading

• Virtual network appliances: Benefits and drawbacks

  There's lots of talk about network virtualization benefits, but are virtual network appliances all they're cracked up to be? Only in some scenarios.Continue Reading

• Unified threat management (UTM) features needed for Internet security

  In order to deliver the best and broadest Internet security and WAN access to your users, you must evaluate UTM features, or unified threat management appliance features -- like the ones discussed in this tip -- to evaluate which product is best for...Continue Reading

• Securing the wireless guest network: Authentication and management

  If you're implementing an enterprise-class wireless guest network, tighter security is crucial. A guest wireless LAN must support better visibility and user control.Continue Reading

• Cloud Security: Ensuring multi-tenant security in cloud services

  Cloud security isn’t one size fits all for a range of cloud computing services, so we break down securing cloud services with multi-tenant cloud security options, from how to secure simple SaaS to complex virtual appliances with click-to-deploy ...Continue Reading

• AT&T 4G network architecture and the LTE wars

  Frost & Sullivan analyst Mike Jude looks at how changes in the AT&T 4G network architecture deployment is upping the ante among 4G LTE wireless operators, particularly as smartphone and tablet use increases and spurs faster deployment.Continue Reading

• Top five virtualization problems: Virtualization backup and recovery

  It’s hard enough to grapple with disaster recovery in a physical environment, but when it comes to virtual servers, virtualization backup and recovery become even more difficult. Fast Packet blogger Josh Stephens tells you how to handle ...Continue Reading

• Live migration networking: Enter long-distance data center bridging

  Live migration networking poses all sorts of challenges, including the potential need for long-distance data center bridging that results in traffic trombones. When it comes to server virtualization networking, is it possible to avoid the pitfalls?Continue Reading

• 4G network offload: Radio access network and mobile backhaul solutions

  Wireless operators looking at 4G network offload to cope with growing mobile traffic have two options for relief – radio access network (RAN) offload using mobile hotspots and femtocells, and mobile backhaul solutions to move wireless traffic to the...Continue Reading

• How to ensure WLAN performance optimization

  To ensure wireless LAN performance optimization, you’ll need to implement new WLAN measurement and testing tools and conduct WLAN performance testing periodically even after network implementation.Continue Reading

• Mobile backhaul offload could affect Evolved Packet Core design

  Part two of our analysis of 4G network offload strategies looks at the implications of moving mobile backhaul traffic to the metro network, and how it could affect the design of LTE’s Evolved Packet Core.Continue Reading

• Do Web application firewalls complicate enterprise security strategy?

  Using Web application firewalls should only be one slice of your overall enterprise network security strategy. Even then, users must be aware that application firewalls can leave behind vulnerabilities.Continue Reading

• Why IPv6 won't rid the Internet of Network Address Translation

  One of the most common myths about IPv6 is that it will restore the so-called end-to-end principle of the Internet. This article explains how today's network needs for Network Address Translation (NAT) will make this very unlikely to happen.Continue Reading

• IPv6 security issues: Fixing implementation problems

  Find out how to work around the implementation-specific IPv6 security challenges that will surface until equipment vendors close the gaps between their IPv4 and IPv6 releases.Continue Reading

• End-to-end network application performance monitoring

  Network application performance monitoring inevitably leads to the use of multiple monitoring tools at once. That doesn’t have to be a management nightmare.Continue Reading

• Cisco ASA and BGP peering problems: Command line tips

  If you run into BGP peering problems because of a Cisco ASA or PIX firewallin the middle, there are a few simple command line fixes that will quickly solve the problem. Fast Packet blogger Brandon Carroll explains.Continue Reading

• How can service providers limit peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic in routers?

  It's notoriously hard to limit peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic, but IP expert Ivan Pepelnjak has some ideas on how service providers can deal with nettlesome P2P traffic jams.Continue Reading

• How to set up WAN simulators to test branch application performance

  A wide area network (WAN) simulator is necessary for enterprise IT architects and engineers to ensure acceptable application performance to end users at branch offices. In this tip, learn how to set up any generic WAN simulator to conduct network ...Continue Reading

• Wireless LAN troubleshooting: How to get proactive

  Wireless LAN troubleshooting and WLAN diagnostics can be done proactively with a new set of tools, including WLAN managers and distributed sensor platforms that track and problem solve on complex networks.Continue Reading

• How remote users change WAN connection and bandwidth requirements

  The growth of remote users entering an increasingly virtual workplace is putting stress on WAN connections and bandwidth. How should network technology evolve to meet the demands of teleworkers? Find out in this article.Continue Reading

• Integrating public and private cloud services

  Network managers must support integrated public and private cloud services because users will go under the radar to use public cloud services that help them get their work done more easily.Continue Reading

• Be aware of Wi-Fi security to deal with Firesheep at public hotspots

  Wireless expert Lisa Phifer tackles public Wi-Fi security and the steps you can take to protect yourself from sidejacking attempts like Firesheep. Lisa also highlights that these threats are not limited to public Wi-Fi access alone, and could happen...Continue Reading

• Deciding between passive optical networks and active optical networks

  Fiber expert David Hashman details the key design and other elements to consider when deciding whether to deploy a passive optical network (PON) or an active optical network (AON).Continue Reading

• WLAN testing: Wireless intrusion prevention systems and centralized testing tools

  WLAN testing has grown to accommodate the full-time surveillance necessary for super-speed 802.11n technology and mobile applications. Now WLAN testing can be done with AP-based wireless intrusion prevention systems and more.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting MPLS WAN services: VPLS, pseudowires, and Layer-3 VPNs

  Troubleshooting MPLS WAN services, like pseudowires, virtual private LAN services (VPLS) and Layer-3 VPNs (virtual private networks), can be trickier than traditional provider offerings. Learn how to fix Multiprotocol Label Switching wide area ...Continue Reading

• How to use an edge firewall for network bandwidth management

  These five tips will help your organization apply quality-of-service controls on a network perimeter firewall.Continue Reading

• How to prepare enterprise WANs for MPLS/VPN integration

  How should IT professionals prepare their enterprise WANs (wide area networks) for an MPLS VPN integration? Find out using the steps described in this tip.Continue Reading

• When should companies consider building MPLS networks into their WANs?

  Learn when corporations should consider building Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks into their enterprise wide area networks (WANs) in this tip.Continue Reading

• File transfer methods: How can WAN managers improve the process?

  In the first part of this interview with Dan Sullivan, author of 'The Shortcut Guide to Eliminating Insecure and Unreliable File Transfer Methods,' WAN managers can find answers on how file transfer methods need to change and which parts of the ...Continue Reading

• How is MPLS different from SONET and ATM networks?

  WAN managers face an array of technology possibilities, like SONET, ATM and MPLS, being pitched to them by every service provider. Making sense of these terms, and the differences between the technologies, will enable organizations to make an ...Continue Reading

• How to accelerate encrypted traffic using WAN optimization

  WAN optimization controllers (WOCs) solve branch office server consolidation problems, but not all those around encrypted traffic. Learn how certain wide area network optimization techniques can handle data and the CIFS protocol, in this section of ...Continue Reading

• MPLS and MPLS Transport Profile (MPLS-TP): The technology differences

  Carriers hope MPLS Transport Profile, or MPLS-TP, will reduce transport network complexity by providing a packet switching technology that works across different types of transport networks but offers unified network management and provisioning. ...Continue Reading

• VDI over the WAN: How latency affects virtual desktop performance

  VDI performance problems can plague global deployments, thanks to latency. But WAN optimization, QoS and WAN monitoring tools can help VDI over the WAN.Continue Reading

• Disadvantages to a layered approach

  Security expert Michael Gregg discusses the disadvantages to a layered approach to enterprise security.Continue Reading

• Making sure your FTTH GPON installation is ready for turn-up

  Fiber expert David Hashman details what you must know when accepting the fiber installation for gigabit passive optical networks, from testing requirements to reference values.Continue Reading

• Wireless access for mall kiosk

  Wireless expert Lisa Phifer answers a question on how to connect wired networked devices to a mall's wireless access.Continue Reading

• Designing WiFi access for a hotel

  Wireless expert Lisa Phifer tackles the basics of providing wireless access in a hotel.Continue Reading

• Dynamic core network services: DNS and DHCP for virtualization

  Without dynamic core network services, virtualization will be stalled. Dynamic DNS and DHCP, as well as IPAM, are necessary to manage the constantly changing addresses and configuration in a virtualized environment.Continue Reading

• Negotiating network service contracts with WAN carriers

  Here are 10 tips that describe how to negotiate network service contracts with potential carriers that provide wide area network (WAN) services. To find the best provider for your network and get the most out of your service-level agreement (SLA) ...Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of Ethernet in an access network?

  Telecom networking expert Ivan Pepelnjak only sees one advantage to using Ethernet technology in access networks. Learn what it is, plus three tips for managing per-user bandwidth.Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of DWDM over a virtual switching supervisor?

  IP expert Ivan Pepelnjak explains how comparing dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) to virtual switching supervisors (VSS) would be like "comparing a car to a highway."Continue Reading

• Choosing the right technology for fiber to the home (FTTH) deployments

  When deploying fiber to the home, FTTH network technology choices should be tied to both current and future network requirements. Accommodating both within project cost constraints means comparing active and passive optical networks (PONs) and the ...Continue Reading

• Using NetStat commands and Microsoft Port Reporter tool to find network connections

  Expert Tom Chmielarski answers a reader's question about how to determine what programs are making connections to the Internet or other network systems.Continue Reading

• What are the specified launched power and receive sensitivity of GPON and PtP networks?

  Fiber expert David Hashman details launched power and receive sensitivity specifications for gigabit packet optical networks and active Ethernet point-to-point networks.Continue Reading

• Access point problems running on PoE

  Powering a wireless access point using Power over Ethernet is usually a straightforward process, but troubleshooting an issue can be tricky. Wireless expert Lisa Phifer steps through some possible solutions and where to look for additional help in ...Continue Reading

• Internet routing table's best hope: Locator/ID Separation Protocol

  Internet routing tables are still exploding as the IPv6 migration begins in earnest, and most technical solutions are unworkable. Locator/ID Separation Protocol (LISP), which addresses multihoming and Internet traffic engineering issues, is the ...Continue Reading

• Linking an unmanaged switch and DHCP server

  Unmanaged Linksys switches don't know where to send BootP and DHCP requests. Find out what to do to fix the problem of unmanaged switches and DHCP servers.Continue Reading

• How to apply network virtualization to a wide area network (WAN)

  How can you apply network virtualization technology to an enterprise wide area network (WAN)? Allocating bandwidth and improving network management and performance are just a sampling of what WAN managers can do better. In this primer, discover ...Continue Reading

• vSphere networking features: distributed vSwitches; private VLANs; IPv6

  VMware's release of vSphere 4 brings to the table a host of enhanced vSphere networking features that give network managers enhanced control over VM traffic with distributed vSwitches, as well as IPv6 support and the ability to build private VLANs.Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot slow VPN connections

  Suffering slow VPN connection? Try checking VPN concentrators and caching.Continue Reading

• How does cloud computing affect WAN bandwidth?

  This podcast interview with IT network expert Zeus Kerravala answers the question: How does cloud computing affect wide area network (WAN) bandwidth? Learn the answer to this question and discover what a WAN manager can do to lessen the negative ...Continue Reading

• How to plan an out-of-band network management system

  To design out-of-band network management systems that are both cost efficient and effective, networking teams must consider which assets are crucial for visibility and just how much information they need to see.Continue Reading

• Virtual aggregation: Lifeline for exploding Internet routing tables

  Virtual Aggregation offers carriers steps to reduce the impact of the Internet routing table explosion on their networks and extend the life span of routers for up to 10 years, especially with the IPv4 address shortage, IPv6 deployment and fast BGP ...Continue Reading

• Using WAN performance optimization for cloud computing environments

  While cloud computing poses significant wide area network (WAN) challenges, network managers can significantly improve the chances of success by looking at advanced WAN services and thinking strategically about which network operator to use in order...Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Certificate Authority setup

  If you are deploying an SSTP VPN to secure the remote users on your enterprise wide area network (WAN), then your VPN server must be provisioned with an X.509 certificate. Use these steps to learn how to configure Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 to...Continue Reading

• Extending 802.11n wireless LAN and connecting two WLANs

  Extending 802.11 WLANs inside a large office can be done by bridging access points together, while outdoor mesh solutions can be used to connect two WLANs between buildings on a small campus.Continue Reading

• How to set up an SSTP VPN to secure your enterprise network

  Learn how to set up an SSTP VPN (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol Virtual Private Network) connection in order to secure the remote users on your enterprise wide area network (WAN). These instructions explain step-by-step what is required to create ...Continue Reading

• IPv4 address exhaustion: Making the IPv6 transition work

  This two-part article by IP expert Ivan Pepelnjak first digs into IPv4 address exhaustion and attempts to speed the IPv6 transition. Then, he analyzes several semi-workable solutions that might help network operators manage the Internet routing ...Continue Reading

• IPv4 to IPv6 translation: Comparing network-ready routing solutions

  IPv4 to IPv6 translation has been a problem for more than a decade, and several solutions that attempt to solve IPv4 address exhaustion are network ready, according to IP expert Ivan Pepelnjak, who gives his recommendations.Continue Reading

• What is the difference between MPLS and normal IP?

  Telecom networking expert Ivan Pepelnjak explains what separates Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) forwarding from standard Internet Protocol (IP) forwarding.Continue Reading

• OSS vs. NMS: What are the similarities and differences?

  What's the difference between operations support systems (OSS) and network management systems (NMS)? Telecom networking expert Ivan Pepelnjak has the answer.Continue Reading

• What is the status of 100G transmission speed in optical transport networks?

  ACG Research managing partner Eve Griliches offers an update on the development of 100 gigabit per second (100G) transmission speed in optical transport networks (OTN).Continue Reading

• How to configure Virtual Switch Tagging for vSphere VLANs

  Virtual Switch Tagging is the most commonly used method of 802.1Q VLAN tagging for VLANs for vSphere. In this tip, learn how to configure a switch for VLAN Switch Tagging.Continue Reading

• Service layer architecture: 4 main network operator requirements

  A recent survey revealed service layer architectures will have to meet four main network operator requirements to enable carriers to differentiate themselves effectively from over-the-top (OTT) services and act on new market opportunities.Continue Reading

• I am designing an underground outside plant (OSP) Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network. What kind of con

  Fiber expert David Hashman compares polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as conduit for underground outside plant (OSP) Fiber to the Home (FTTH) networks.Continue Reading

• I am starting a Fiber to the Home (FTTH) project. Which is better for my FTTH deployment, a passive

  Fiber expert David Hashman explains the pros and cons of passive optical network (PON) and active Ethernet (Active-E) network technologies for Fiber to the Home (FTTH) deployment.Continue Reading

• vSphere VLAN: Understanding 802.1Q VLAN tagging

  vSphere VLANs have requirements different from those of VLANs in physical environments because VMs are fluid and can't be assigned to one physical NIC. So 802.1Q VLAN tagging offers a new approach to configuring and managing VLANs in vSphere.Continue Reading

• How to choose ITIL monitoring tools

  ITIL network monitoring requires ITIL monitoring tools that scan network function as well as application performance and have the ability to continually update information in a series of ITIL v3 databases.Continue Reading

• Do I need 802.11n wireless adapters for laptops and PCs to install 802.11n?

  You don't need 802.11n wireless adapters for your laptops or PCs in order to install 802.11n and make use of 802.11n MIMO since most 802.11n APs are backward compatible, but you may need new client hardware.Continue Reading

• Networking for virtualization: Virtual network switch problems abound

  When it comes to networking for virtualization, every hypervisor comes with built-in switching, but virtual network switch problems abound, including the lack of traffic visibility and manageability.Continue Reading

• Edge virtualization technologies solve virtual network switch woes

  Virtual network switches have posed serious problems for networking pros, but network edge virtualization technologies, including distributed virtual switches, may be what makes manageability possible in networking for virtualization.Continue Reading

• Smart pipe strategy puts new telecom services in business value chain

  New TM Forum initiatives focus on new telecom services that bring in revenue while making 'smart pipe' networks essential to value chain partners. Whether through cloud computing services or network outsourcing, it is ushering in a new -- possibly ...Continue Reading

• Financing FTTH deployment: Show us the ROI for Fiber to the Home

  The cost of FTTH deployment is high and demands heavy upfront equipment costs, yet competition keeps profit margins low. Find out how carriers are trying to improve the network ROI and reinvent the fiber to the home business model to help mitigate ...Continue Reading

• Managing virtualization networking: Virtual network switch challenges

  Managing virtualization networking is a real challenge for network admins since they often don't have control of virtual network switches and the traffic that runs inside servers. But there are some solutions by way of virtualization networking ...Continue Reading

• What is a WAN manager's role in storage?

  Bandwidth, data deduplication, disaster recovery (DR) and remote site acceleration and optimization are all areas where storage and WAN managers' job responsibilities overlap. This article explains how and answers the question, 'What is a wide area ...Continue Reading

• Web SSL VPN introduction

  This Web SSL VPN introduction answers the question "What is a Web SSL VPN?" and explains SSL VPN advantages in remote access environments. Understand how they evolved from their lesser IPsec VPN counterparts, how they protect against hackers, how ...Continue Reading

• A history of VPN: Disadvantages of early virtual private networks

  This history of VPN explains why early virtual private network solutions proved disadvantageous for businesses and how the advent of newer VPNs has created more secure and simpler-to-deploy solutions for wide area networks (WANs) and remote users.Continue Reading

• Web SSL VPN advantages: Secure remote access

  View this business case to understand Web SSL VPN advantages and how they compare with traditional IPsec virtual private networks. Learn in this tip how secure remote access can be easier, faster and cheaper for enterprise wide area networks (WANs).Continue Reading

• How to optimize Ethernet for data center networks

  It will take time for super-fast data center Ethernet technologies to evolve, so managers of data center networks must optimize existing Ethernet through a series of strategies that range from choosing very large switches to isolating storage ...Continue Reading

• How will Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) interact with MPLS-TP in the future?

  Telecom networking expert Ivan Pepelnjak considers how service providers may approach interaction between Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and MPLS-Transport Protocol (MPLS-TP).Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of a Multiprotocol Label Switching-based Border Gateway Protocol-free core?

  Learn the pros of using an Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)-free core, including how freeing core routers of BGP can stabilize networks.Continue Reading

• Telecom's three advantages in selling Everything as a Service

  Cloud computing has ushered in the era of "Everything as a Service." Network operators need to exploit three advantages as they compete with other "X as a Service" providers selling software, infrastructure, platforms and more as a service.Continue Reading

• Configuring VLANs on a Cisco Catalyst 3750 and Catalyst 2950 together

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• How does User-based Rate Limiting (UBRL) do if I have oversubscribed a port or switch?

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• Should you consider wireless WAN service for your enterprise?

  Learn the advantages and disadvantages of using wireless in your enterprise wide area network (WAN). This article on wireless WAN service considerations explains how 3G and 4G technology developmentsContinue Reading

• Integrating LAN edge switch security and network access control

  The best form of network edge security is to integrate LAN edge switch security features with network access control devices so that networking teams can use VLANs, ACLs and health checks at the switch alongside NAC's behavior analysis.Continue Reading

• Configuring LAN edge switches for network access authentication

  Intelligent edge switches can play a role in network access authentication, but these functions are often overlooked.Continue Reading

• New telecom industry trends require OSS/BSS systems changes

  New telecom industry trends are driving OSS/BSS systems requirements, with new service layer architecture and customer experience management at the core, causing a move to automated systems and management-as-service logic.Continue Reading

• Can I use MPLS Traffic Engineering with IPv6?

  Wondering how to reap the benefits of MPLS Traffic Engineering features with IPv6? Expert Ivan Pepelnjak has your answer.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between DWDM and CWDM?

  Expert Ivan Pepelnjak explains the primary differences between dense wavelength division multiplexing and coarse wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM and CWDM).Continue Reading

• Where do you think WiMAX technology will be used?

  As major service providers tap Long-Term Evolution for 3G network upgrades, a question arises: What's next for WiMAX technology? Expert Ivan Pepelnjak looks at the future of WiMAX.Continue Reading

• How does traffic grooming for optical networks work?

  Wondering how traffic grooming for optical networks works? Learn the ins and outs from our expert, Ivan Pepelnjak.Continue Reading

• Five key Evolved Packet Core issues face 4G LTE network planners

  Wireless operators deploying Evolved Packet Core technology in 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks agree on five key issues to address in this unique transition from 3G to 4G networking. Learn from their experience on everything from fiber ...Continue Reading