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Network Security Best Practices and Products

• How does Active Directory for Cisco ACS work?

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• What network troubleshooting tools can I use to determine the cause of slow web page access?

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• Benchmarking core switches: Modeling techniques for switch testing

  When it comes to benchmarking core switches, network managers find that testing tools are costly, so it may be worth using switch traffic modeling for testing core switch performance. Continue Reading

• Integrated wireless network management systems work across infrastructures

  Enterprises must implement integrated wireless network management systems that are user-aware and offer end-to-end visibility but also provide the drill-down capabilities of wired network management systems. Continue Reading

• Cloud networking: Inter-networking data centers and connecting users

  Cloud networks have a mission: connect a pool of resources that any user, anywhere can access without fail. Continue Reading

• Five telecom provider benefits of offering cloud computing services

  Cloud computing services, platforms and infrastructure can benefit telecom service providers and provide Web-based applications to enterprise customers if carriers address challenges like security and performance to differentiate themselves and cut ...Continue Reading

• Preparing your wired network for wireless network integration

  Wireless LAN integration means upgrading wired networks with new equipment and traffic prioritization to avoid bottlenecks between the networks and provide QoS for wireless multimedia applications, including WLAN voice and video.Continue Reading

• What is the difference between IP address and machine address?

  Do you know the difference between an IP address and a machine address? Find out in this Ask the Expert response.Continue Reading

• IPsec VPN with Cisco router: Configuration and implementation

  The Cisco IOS implementation of the IPsec suite is an open-standards based framework that provides network engineers with a variety of options to deliver secure VPN communications. This series of articles explains Cisco IPsec VPN configuration ...Continue Reading

• Testing 10 gigabit Ethernet switch latency: What to look for

  Testing 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches means going beyond just speed to examine potential latency. Testing 10 gigabit Ethernet switch latency requires choosing the right switches and testing tools and recreating your track flow in just the right way.Continue Reading

• Demystifying the evolved packet core for 4G LTE networks

  Designing 4G LTE network evolved packet core technology to ensure maximum resource efficiency and high-quality user experience calls for increased focus on metro "middle-mile" networks and analysis of expected traffic handoff patterns.Continue Reading

• Unified fabric: Data center bridging and FCoE implementation

  IT organizations planning to deploy a unified storage and network fabric through data center bridging and FCoE implementation must consider a host of components, such as adapters, and configuration plans.Continue Reading

• Frame relay vs. ATM networks: What's the difference?

  Want to know the difference between frame relay and ATM networks? Find out in this expert response.Continue Reading

• How to reach maximum 802.11n speed and throughput

  Vendors promise 802.11n WLAN speed of 600 Mbps, but users find they can realistically reach about 300 Mbps. In order to maximize 802.11n speed and throughput, users find they must have just the right AP configuration and use of antennas.Continue Reading

• IP over dense wave division multiplexing (DWDM): Metro and core issues

  Providers pressured to increase network throughput while reducing costs can look to IP over DWDM in some metro network situations, such as saving money on residential Internet backhaul. IP expert Ivan Pepelnjak also walks you through the ...Continue Reading

• Wireless or Ethernet LAN? An apples-to-apples cost comparison

  Now that 802.11n has made wireless LAN faster and more reliable, network administrators are wondering: Wireless or Ethernet LAN? Until now Ethernet replacement hasn't been feasible, but 802.11n WLAN benefits are much more tangible now.Continue Reading

• Top five telecom industry trends for 2010: Market transformation ahead

  Five telecom industry trends for 2010 show clear signs that the coming year may well bring a market transformation unlike any the telecom industry has seen in quite some time.Continue Reading

• Deep packet inspection: Who needs it for network traffic management?

  Using deep packet inspection (DPI) is a great way to analyze Internet traffic and bandwidth use beyond the TCP headers, when its use doesn't violate network traffic management regulations. Carriers may find that if they don't embrace DPI, their ...Continue Reading

• Why is the 802.11g Wi-Fi throughput speed on my smartphone slow?

  I recently purchased a smartphone with Wi-Fi (802.11g) but found video over Wi-Fi to be pretty choppy. I checked SpeedTest and I don't get anywhere near 54 Mbps when connected to Wi-Fi. Why not?Continue Reading

• How can I increase throughput on my wireless mesh network?

  We have installed a wireless mesh network that connects two access points (APs) to mesh nodes that are mounted at 25 meters high on 23 light poles. Poles are distributed around a container yard that measures 650 meters by 1,000 meters. There are six...Continue Reading

• Integrating wired and wireless LANs: Making the business case

  With improved 802.11n performance, wireless LAN ports are overtaking Ethernet in the enterprise, and networking teams are pressed to find solutions for integrated wired and wireless network management.Continue Reading

• How does rain affect wireless network data transfer?

  In one of the wireless data acquisition installations, there is no data transfer during rain and mist. The wireless system works in 2.4 GHz frequency. What could be the cause of this?Continue Reading

• How do I set the Web page default on a network of computers without setting them all individually?

  Learn how to set a default for a network of computers if a group policy isn't working. Instead of setting each machine manually, learn what else you can do.Continue Reading

• Three major issues face telecom on cloud computing services adoption

  Service providers must address three important cloud computing services issues – security, reliability and portability – if enterprise customers are going to adopt the new model, and the TM Forum is aiming to take a key role in the ...Continue Reading

• How do I change my security setting to allow ActiveX?

  Learn how to change your security settings to allow ActiveX in Internet Explorer 6 or later, from our enterprise security expert Michael Gregg.Continue Reading

• Network data encryption security a key to cloud computing requirements

  Network data encryption security is the best defense for cloud computing outside the enterprise firewall, which means that all data and communications that will need to be encrypted, even if other services protect it. Find out how to do it.Continue Reading

• How to test LAN switch energy efficiency

  Vendors promise energy-efficient networks, but they often can't provide actual measurements for LAN switch power consumption. In this best practices guide, learn methods for measuring LAN switch energy efficiency.Continue Reading

• Testing LAN switch power consumption: A best practices guide

  LAN switch power consumption testing is as crucial as benchmarking speeds and feeds on switches. Enterprises that develop a set of best practices for testing network power consumption will save millions in op-ex annually.Continue Reading

• Telecom network test equipment takes on strategic role

  Telecom network test equipment is becoming a strategic necessity for operators, who want to integrate the NOC with lab- and field-testing equipment to get a handle on network performance and stability issues.Continue Reading

• How many wireless base stations can connect to 802.11g access points?

  Our wireless networking expert, Lisa Phifer, talks about the information you need in order to support additional clients on 802.11g access points (APs), in this advice.Continue Reading

• Desktop virtualization network requirements

  CIOs have fallen in love with virtual desktop infrastructure, so networking teams must meet desktop virtualization network requirements that include network bandwidth management and traffic prioritization for real-time communications.Continue Reading

• What is wireless networking?

  Are you looking for resources on wireless networking and a definition to define this concept? Then view this expert answer.Continue Reading

• How can I calculate perimeter firewall throughput?

  Learn how to use a capture filter in Wireshark, to determine network throughput on a firewall by monitoring incoming packets and using a simple equation to find a baseline throughput, from our expert Michael Gregg.Continue Reading

• Why is access denied to my Active Directory (AD) users and computers?

  Learn how to troubleshoot administrative domain access errors on your network in your Active Directory user list from our expert, Lindi Horton.Continue Reading

• Is the future of 4G LTE wireless networks in cloud computing?

  4G LTE wireless networking will drive low-revenue data business to carriers, so the key to making a profit is to bundle cloud-enabled managed services with basic communications.Continue Reading

• APs drop connection in WLAN configured as a wireless mesh network

  Learn how to network troubleshoot a Colubris MSC 3200 access point/controller in a 16-access-point networking environment, each with unique static IPs that drop the Internet connection, from our expert Lisa Phifer.Continue Reading

• Selecting a WAN service provider: Keep an eye on SLAs

  Adding new layers on your WAN for application monitoring and optimization can easily increase costs and complexity, which can take a toll on organizations struggling with limited budgets and short staff. The solution may be a managed service ...Continue Reading

• Procurement zones become telecom network infrastructure strategy

  Telecom carriers are changing their traditional network technology procurement procedures and looking at vendor-led "procurement zones" to ensure equipment and solutions interoperability and get around delayed standards issues in an increasingly ...Continue Reading

• Telecom network operations and infrastructure planning: Outsourcing the challenge

  Next-generation network complexity is causing heavy increases in telecom network operations costs, and finding the skill set needed to integrate and maintain network infrastructure are is increasingly difficult. Telecom carriers are exploring new ...Continue Reading

• Launching a network operations outsourcing project

  Outsourcing telecom network operations is becoming more common as next-generation network increase in complexity and IT focus, but a successful launch should include specific planning steps.Continue Reading

• Telecom outsourcing: Network Planning and operations guidelines

  Next-generation networks are increasingly complex, and the number of telecom infrastructure devices to manage is increasing pressure in the network operations center. Outsourcing network operations may be the answer, but first network operators must...Continue Reading

• Do I have to disable DHCP on my router to create a DHCP server?

  Learn how to turn off DHCP properly in order to use a DHCP server that is configured on a Windows server, and ensure that your routers are not acting as DHCP servers, from our expert Lindi Horton.Continue Reading

• What preventative maintenance procedures for network equipment exist?

  Learn the best practices for monitoring and maintaining your Cisco IP equipment based on potential fault and performance management best practices, from our expert Lindi Horton.Continue Reading

• Supply chain revolutionary: AT&T leads procurement zone adoption

  Changing the telecom procurement processes to make equipment vendors more responsible for integration and network operations has been discussed for months, and now it's a reality, with AT&T leading the way with its Domain Supplier program.Continue Reading

• How to plan for 802.11n wireless LAN upgrades

  802.11n WLAN upgrades mean more than just implementing new antennas and access points. 802.11n network requirements include the need for more power and controller capacity, as well as complex management and monitoring tools.Continue Reading

• Distributed network management means no more hard NOCs

  Distributed network management with out-of-band networks enables enterprises to move away from network operations centers, becoming eco-friendly and spending less.Continue Reading

• FTP accelerator may be more of a quick than long-term fix

  One of the top challenges for many companies is transferring large files between network locations, so they are looking for ways to simply speed up the transfer of files from one point to another. FTP or file acceleration alternatives not only solve...Continue Reading

• Will using a VPN protect me against fake wireless hotspots?

  Learn how to avoid data theft from phishing or connecting to a fake hotspot, by using a VPN, and various other secure browsing techniques, from our expert Lisa Phifer.Continue Reading

• Top 10 reasons why computers do not have network access to each other

  Learn 10 useful tips from our expert on how to troubleshoot a network in which one computer will not allow password permissions or access because of several common network environmental issues.Continue Reading

• How can I replicate the services of Active Directory (AD) in ADC?

  Learn how to replicate AD services in ADC (Active Directory Controller) by creating policy replication agreements between two or more servers, from our expert.Continue Reading

• Is there VLAN software recommend for Realtek NICs?

  Find out which VLAN (virtual local area network) software recommendations and device drivers are the best solutions for your Realtek NIC, from our expert, Lindi Horton.Continue Reading

• Effective service delivery platforms: Are we there yet?

  Service delivery platforms (SDPs) can play an essential role in making sure telecom carriers aren't relegated to transport-only status and instead can increase revenue by serving customers and over-the-top (OTT) partners using flexible multimedia ...Continue Reading

• 4G LTE wireless transition: Examining the services advantages

  In the transition to 4G wireless broadband networks, mobile operators need to analyze the business opportunities and customer drivers of 4G LTE networks. For providing revenue-generating services, LTE has three main advantages over 3G, including ...Continue Reading

• Preparing metro networks for 4G LTE backhaul

  Wireless operators must ensure their metro network infrastructure is optimized to handle 4G wireless broadband LTE voice and data, because the backhaul capabilities determine how much data the cell can support.Continue Reading

• Deploying 802.11n access points: Best practices

  802.11n access points offer greater speed, footprint and ability to support demanding applications than their 802.11a/b/g counterparts, but they require different configuration, monitoring and management. Learn strategies for 802.11n deployment.Continue Reading

• Telecom industry trends hint at big changes to come

  Telecom industry changes stemming from network convergence and interest in driving IT-oriented service-level architecture could cause upheaval in the equipment-buying and management process, vendor professional services requirements and CIO/CTO ...Continue Reading

• Service delivery platforms enable service differentiators

  Deploying software-based service delivery platforms (SDPs) can allow network operators speedy service deployment and validation and offer differentiated services that increase revenue and customer value.Continue Reading

• Deep packet inspection: Controversial but valuable traffic management tool

  Deep packet inspection (DPI) may be controversial from a customer privacy and net neutrality standpoint, but the technology has valuable Internet traffic management capabilities to help service providers prioritize and deliver types of traffic, and ...Continue Reading

• How can I hide my WLAN's SSID in an Aruba AP-61?

  Learn the pros and cons of hiding your access point (AP) service set identifiers (SSIDs) on an Aruba AP-61, from our wireless network expert, Lisa Phifer.Continue Reading

• Which Q&A brain dump sites will help me prepare for the CCNA exam?

  Becoming a Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA) takes much more than memorizing brain dumps or taking short cuts to pass the exam. Get advice on the best way to approach CCNA certification from our expert David Minutella.Continue Reading

• WLAN QoS and SLA monitoring with 7/24 Wireless Quality Assurance costs

  Learn how 7/24 Wireless Quality Assurance compares to traditional network monitoring methods in terms of cost effectiveness, in this expert response from Lisa Phifer.Continue Reading

• New managed network services can increase service providers' revenue

  Thanks to their economies of scale and changes in enterprise networking needs, telecom service providers have an enormous opportunity to grow their managed services revenue with new cloud-based, WAN, IT and security services at effective price ...Continue Reading

• Self-organizing networks could be next-gen OSS model

  The concept of self-organizing networks emerging from LTE and IMS technology may offer service providers a new telecom OSS model for broad service operations management that automates processes and enables lower operations costs for high-volume, ...Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 IP routing configuration: Static and dynamic RIPv2

  With the removal of OSPF in Microsoft Windows Server 2008, your IP routing options are static routing or dynamic routing with RIPv2. In this tip, learn whether you should use static or dynamic routing, and see the IP routing configuration of each.Continue Reading

• Remote, branch office VPN access with DSL

  Connecting multiple branch or remote offices to the main office can be done easily over DSL with a typical IPsec VPN solution; explore the options, including using a Cisco router.Continue Reading

• How server virtualization improves efficiency in a client-server model

  How can server virtualization benefit a business in a client-server model? Our network administration expert explains how virtualization can optimize productivity in this expert response.Continue Reading

• VPN, remote access security best practices

  Keeping workers connected to the corporate network increasingly requires greater reliance on virtual private networks. Find out more about site-to-site VPN and connecting mobile and remote workers, as well as what protocols are used.Continue Reading

• Ensuring wireless connectivity with IPsec-secured access points

  Understanding how a wireless client obtains IP addresses on an IPsec-based secured access point ensures the wireless network is functioning correctly, which means users can work uninterrupted.Continue Reading

• Stolen laptop recovery using remote access and wireless network SSIDs

  Remote access can allow users to locate lost or stolen laptops and devices. Learn how to leverage connectivity in order to find missing hardware in this advice from our wireless networking expert.Continue Reading

• How radio frequency (RF) of microwaves alter wireless signal strength

  Microwaves are a part of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. Our wireless networking expert explains the difference and how RF affects wireless signal strength in this expert response.Continue Reading

• What is IP?

  Learn fundamental networking basics in this expert response defining the acronym 'IP.'Continue Reading

• Is CCNA mandatory for CCIE certification?

  Does the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification require prior Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification? Find out in this expert response.Continue Reading

• How is wireless access point (AP) coverage affected by frequency?

  Wireless access point (AP) coverage can be affected by channel frequency, distance, environment and data rate. Our site wireless networking expert explains.Continue Reading

• Cisco Unified Computing System vs. VMware vSphere 4

  In the Cisco Unified Computing System vs. VMware vSphere 4 battle, find out which company is more likely to be the first to bring private clouds to data centers.Continue Reading

• Wireless AP SSID and channel configuration for a distribution network

  Multiple access points (AP) on a wireless network require careful configuration. Learn how channel frequency and Service Set Identifiers (SSID) should be set up for seamless transition between APs.Continue Reading

• How does the CCNP compare to a master's degree

  The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification reflects proficiency in routing and switching. How does it compare to a master's degree? Our Cisco Certification expert explains.Continue Reading

• Where can I find a sample security audit report? How can I run my own?

  IT organization security audit reports aren't for circulation. Our network enterprise security expert explains how professionals can sample a technical report by running their own.Continue Reading

• Why would a computer show drive letters for discs that don't exist?

  If a computer shows drive letters for removable discs that aren't physically connected to it when no hard disk partitioning has been done, could a virus be responsible? Our network administration expert explains.Continue Reading

• Formula for proper bandwidth utilization on a T1 line

  Utilize bandwidth efficiently to prevent dropped packets over a T1 line. Our site network administration expert provides best methods in this expert response.Continue Reading

• Determining IPsec tunneling, bandwidth capacity

  VPN router tunnels, including IPsec tunnels, are demystified in this tip as well as bandwidth management and determining bandwidth capacity for router tunnels.Continue Reading

• Reduce TCP congestion, packet loss on the WAN with SACK and FACK

  TCP robustness and packet loss can be reduced with the use of the SACK and FACK algorithms on the WAN. Find out how these algorithms can help reduce congestion on the network.Continue Reading

• Interpreting bandwidth utilization graphs

  Network bandwidth utilization graphs can help determine if an enterprise has the right amount of bandwidth. Find out more about interpreting the graphs and finding the solution the fits the best.Continue Reading

• GRE tunnel vs. IPsec tunnel: What is the difference?

  Encapsulating a packet for secure transportation on the network can be done using either GRE or IPsec protocols. This tip explains under what circumstances each protocol works best.Continue Reading

• Router virtualization: Developing effective networking strategies

  As new router and network virtualization technologies become a reality, telecom carriers need to weigh lower capital costs against realistic operations costs to see whether it's worth replacing parallel networks.Continue Reading

• Networking vs. network security: How to choose the right certification

  Network professionals have several career paths. Our site Cisco certification expert explains the appropriate certifications for networking and network security pros in this expert response.Continue Reading

• VPLS: A secure LAN cloud solution for some, not all

  VPLS can be the right solution for enterprise customers using non-IP protocols and for disaster recovery scenarios, as long as service providers and customers understand the security implications and don't get swept away with the hype.Continue Reading

• Satisfying the need for WAN speed

  Improving the performance and throughput of a WAN usually starts with a basic understanding of speed limitations and capacity. While the common view is faster is better, in the land of WANs and other areas of networking, it is all about distance, ...Continue Reading

• Converged Enhanced Ethernet: New protocols enhance data center Ethernet

  10 Gigabit Ethernet performance in the data center is improving. Network traffic and packet loss issues are being solved with new, more efficient protocols.Continue Reading

• How 802.11n wireless APs in Greenfield mode affect nearby networks

  802.11n high throughput (HT), or Greenfield mode is an efficient method of communication across the wireless LAN that 802.11a/g devices don't recognize. Lisa Phifer explains in this expert response.Continue Reading

• Monitoring your network to detect rogue access points (APs)

  Rogue access points (APs) put data security at risk. Network admins can identify and monitor unknown APs using wireless LAN security software. Lisa Phifer explains in this expert response.Continue Reading

• Carrier Ethernet: Big picture issues for carrier deployment

  Carrier Ethernet standards were designed to address Ethernet technology's shortcomings in access and core networks and in site-to-site transport to bring Ethernet to carrier grade. This tip addresses additional telecom service provider issues in ...Continue Reading

• Three 4G business models emerge for LTE and WiMAX

  4G evolution talk is all the rage, but the best business models for wireless broadband technologies aren't in sharp focus yet. Wireless operators have to decide whether to deploy WiMAX or LTE for their 4G networks, and knowing their customers' ...Continue Reading

• How to find an SSID and identify neighboring WLANs

  Wireless network expert Lisa Phifer explains what an SSID is and how to identify and differentiate between neighboring WLAN identifiers in this expert response.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing's impact on the network: How to prepare

  Cloud computing is catching on, but its impact on the network must be considered before companies begin running significant applications in the cloud. How data is sourced and stored, as well as how the application is distributed over the network, ...Continue Reading

• WAN capacity planning: Building a methodology

  Successful WAN capacity planning depends on many factors and how they work together. This article provides network managers with a starting point for understanding how to measure and predict network capacity and provides a 10-step methodology to ...Continue Reading

• Questions to ask to determine WAN bandwidth requirements

  When addressing bandwidth management, business and technical issues cannot be overlooked. This means that as a network manager you must identify all the key factors that affect bandwidth usage and requirements. This article walks through collecting ...Continue Reading

• WAN design: What to consider

  WAN design includes taking many factors into consideration. Network managers must start with business goals and technology requirements, then use techniques including discovery, network analysis, and simulation to determine the network architecture ...Continue Reading

• FTTx: Three considerations for deployment planning

  Fiber may be the most effective way to deliver high-speed bandwidth, but three main FTTx deployment considerations for service delivery will affect each provider's cost/benefit analysis. Find out what network operators need to consider in selecting ...Continue Reading

• 802.11n's impact on WLAN security

  802.11n wireless LANs offer many benefits over 802.11a/b/g for not only performance but also network security. However, 802.11n can also bring new security threats. As businesses move full steam ahead toward bigger, faster WLANs, many factors must ...Continue Reading

• How to stop channel interference on 802.11x wireless access points

  Networking expert Lisa Phifer explains how to identify interference on the WLAN, how to stop 802.11x networks from overlapping and gives advice against other forms of interference.Continue Reading