Problem solve

Problem solve

Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

• Network analytics: New ITOA tools stop downtime before it happens

  When it comes to improving network performance, big data alone isn't enough -- network managers need IT operations analytics (ITOA) to make sense of it all. Now, cutting-edge, "smart" ITOA tools do more than just use network analytics to diagnose ... Continue Reading

• What is the difference between bit rate and baud rate?

  Learn how to understand the difference between bit rate and baud rate in this expert answer. 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

• 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

• How can my company reap the advantages of SDN if its culture is risk-averse?

  SDN expert Will Murrell discusses how the advantages of SDN will speak to cautious companies only when network engineers can make a case for SDN's lower cost and high functionality. Continue Reading

• How a network security overview pays dividends

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

• New WAN access options improve availability, performance

  The old last-mile delivery problem for enterprise network access has become a WAN access first-mile opportunity, as new options improve network availability and performance.Continue Reading

• Building resilient networks on a mountain, at sub-zero temps

  Freezing temperatures and dirty conditions at this underground gold mine in interior Alaska are no match for its strategy for maintaining resilient networks.Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot iPhone and iPad connection problems

  As iPhone and iPad Wi-Fi clients proliferate in the enterprise, IT must troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection problems. Here's how to solve basic iPhone and iPad connection problems.Continue Reading

• Common network errors and their causes

  Network not behaving? Learn how to identify the most common network errors -- like discards and collisions -- and how to implement solutions to get your network humming again.Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot Android Wi-Fi connection problems

  Android smartphone and tablet users now abound in the enterprise, making Android Wi-Fi connection troubleshooting a key element of enterprise wireless network connection management.Continue Reading

• Is 25 Gigabit Ethernet the cure for data center oversubscription?

  With reduced hardware costs and more flexible lanes in the physical architecture, 25 Gigabit Ethernet may offer answers in oversubscribed data centers.Continue Reading

• How can enterprises manage the cybersecurity skills gap?

  Due to the demand for professionals with backgrounds in both computer science and networking, filling cybersecurity jobs is difficult. Technology will have to play a bigger role.Continue Reading

• What's the best way to handle end-of-sale devices on your network?

  A majority of organizations have end-of-sale and end-of-life devices on their networks. What's the best way to ensure your equipment is up to date?Continue Reading

• OPM hack two months later: What was learned?

  Network security expert Michele Chubirka shares her thoughts about June's OPM hack and what steps IT should take to fend off future attacks.Continue Reading

• Taking steps to avoid another OPM security breach

  The Office of Personnel Management security breach rocked the IT industry. Here's what should be done to make sure it doesn't happen again.Continue Reading

• Choosing QoS vs. upgrade to solve link congestion

  Learn how to determine if quality of service will handle a congested link or if the capacity of your network must be increased.Continue Reading

• Mitigating the challenges of container networking

  Container networking can cause issues at scale. Networking expert Jeff Loughridge suggests ways network engineers can work around such challenges.Continue Reading

• When it comes to system outages, don't prepare for the worst

  Tracking and monitoring for common potential problems is more valuable and cost-effective than planning for massive systems outages -- which may never occur.Continue Reading

• Data warehousing projects benefit from cloud and Hadoop

  SN blogs: This week, analysts discuss a new way to network a campus LAN and if ACI and NSX can work well together.Continue Reading

• Brocade app ups performance of OpenDaylight SDN

  Brocade makes generally available an OpenDaylight SDN app that improves network performance through more efficient traffic flow.Continue Reading

• Understanding the basics of a hybrid VPN

  In part two of a three-part series, an expert looks at how hybrid VPNs are impacted by the shift from private services to the public Internet.Continue Reading

• When users say the network is slow, APM tools can prove them wrong

  Not a week goes by when many network managers don't hear this complaint: "The network is slow." In this Q&A, one IT pro describes how he's often able to prove otherwise.Continue Reading

• How do you establish connections across multiple MPLS providers?

  Your company is merging: How do you link disparate WAN service providers to ensure continued connectivity?Continue Reading

• Cloud and mobility call for new network defense tactics

  As network attacks become more sophisticated, IT must equip itself with new network defense tactics.Continue Reading

• Adios, legacy network architectures: Making the jump to NSX

  Frustrated by the limits of hardware-centric network architectures, cloud provider FireHost has been testing VMware's NSX platform to improve its security.Continue Reading

• What's the best way to safely preconfigure VPN access?

  Expert Julian Weinberger says limiting user VPN access can help enterprises enforce security and BYOD policies and reduce risk at the same time.Continue Reading

• Why one IT pro’s network upgrade led him from Cisco to Dell

  In this Q&A, one network admin explains how rapid growth at his company prompted a massive network upgrade that included migrating from Cisco to Dell.Continue Reading

• WAN 2.0: Say goodbye to network provisioning delays

  Network engineers have long suffered the consequences of slow provisioning times for many traditional wide area network (WAN) connections like point-to-point T1 lines or MPLS networks. They're at the mercy of carriers that can take as long as three ...Continue Reading

• Grappling with private WAN provisioning delays in the on-demand era

  Long lead times are not a new problem in private WAN provisioning, but enterprises are feeling the pain of those delays more acutely.Continue Reading

• How indoor mesh wireless solved an outdoors problem

  Using an approach engineered for indoor deployments helped this system administrator solve a network connection problem in the great outdoors.Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi heat map: Secret weapon for wireless network admins

  Using heat map technology to pinpoint network activity saves time instead of sending a senior admin to do a site test survey across the entire campus.Continue Reading

• Recent flurry of slower Ethernet speeds focuses on strategy, not acceleration

  For the first time, Ethernet innovation isn't about higher speeds. The recent push for 2.5 and 5 Gigabit Ethernet show it's all about use cases.Continue Reading

• New Ethernet speeds, 2.5 and 5 GbE, ready campus LAN for 802.11ac

  The next generation of Wi-Fi technology, 802.11ac Wave 2, will be able to push multiple gigabits of data per second, but most enterprise networks wouldn't be able to take full advantage of it with the infrastructure they have in place today. That's ...Continue Reading

• Mitigating IPv6 neighbor discovery attacks

  You might be vulnerable to IPv6 neighbor discovery attacks. But there are tools you can use to counter those threats.Continue Reading

• Using NetFlow monitoring tactics to solve bandwidth mysteries

  NetFlow eliminated the hassle of network troubleshooting after a school complained about its Internet access.Continue Reading

• IT network management and SMBs: What to look for

  Resource-challenged small, medium-sized businesses need special tools to help them oversee their networks. What to look for.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

• VWAN threatens traditional three-tiered WAN design

  With vWAN providers changing the traditional three-legged WAN structure, carriers need to develop new WAN plans and services using SDN and NFV to keep enterprises on their networks.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

• 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

• 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

• Good BYOD expense management hinges on clear telecom expense policies

  A cohesive telecom expense management program must be based on clear policies governing how employees are reimbursed for using their own devices.Continue Reading

• How to manage bandwidth hogs of the mobile device age

  Personal mobile devices will hog your network resources unless you are prepared. Here is what network admins must do now.Continue Reading

• PSTN-to-VoIP evolution poses identity, authentication challenges

  Going from PSTN to VoIP services, this two-part series looks at the evolution of voice and its challenges, from enabling 911 to user identification.Continue Reading

• Why are open APIs needed in a software-defined network?

  Open APIs are architectural components of a software-defined network that push configurations or information to routers and switches or other apps.Continue Reading

• Five software-defined data center tips to consider before investing

  The software-defined data center combines programmable networks, servers and storage. But these SDDC tips show you what to look for beyond basic flexibility.Continue Reading

• Software-based routers on x86 servers are becoming reality

  With stronger processing power and advanced software features, software-based routers are becoming a reality -- but only in some cases.Continue Reading

• Using dynamic ARP inspection to stop sniffing attacks

  Expert Michael Gregg discusses how dynamic Address Resolution Protocol inspection helps prevent hackers from penetrating enterprise switches.Continue Reading

• Expert discusses must-haves for secure VPN implementations

  Expert lists strong encryption settings and security policies, among others, as ways to use security and design to strengthen VPNs.Continue Reading

• In SDN optical networks, centralized control and scalability

  Technology for SDN optical networks is emerging and with it comes centralized control and dynamic bandwidth provisioning in the WAN.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V logical networks: The answer to scalability

  When it comes time to scale Microsoft virtual environments, engineers must use Hyper-V logical networks, which enable wider connectivity.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V networking: The three virtual switches that fuel connectivity

  In this Hyper-V networking primer, learn about the three virtual switches behind Microsoft virtualization connectivity.Continue Reading

• Brocade SDN certification: What to know about its product credentials

  Brocade now offers two SDN certification credentials focused on its virtual router product platform. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Next-stage high-density switch options: What's right for you?

  All major switch vendors have rolled out new high-density, low-latency data center switches. Expert Glen Kemp looks at what makes them special.Continue Reading

• White box switches: Understanding the basics

  White box switches are finally emerging, offering a choice in network OS as well as flexibility. Are they poised to take over your network?Continue Reading

• SDN essentials: Why network orchestration and virtualization?

  The goal of SDN is dynamic networks, so it's crucial to understand the concepts of network orchestration and virtualization -- the keys to flexibility.Continue Reading

• SDN basics: Understanding centralized control and programmability

  Network engineers who want to learn about SDN basics must begin with the concepts of centralized control and network programmability.Continue Reading

• How SDN and NFV simplify network service chain provisioning

  SDN and NFV simplify service chain provisioning, making it easier and cheaper to spin up applications in enterprise and service provider networks.Continue Reading

• Securing from anywhere: Your mobile device VPN strategy

  Virtual private networks have long secured remote users. Learn how a mobile device VPN factors into your security strategy.Continue Reading

• Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic simplify OpenFlow

  OpenFlow can simplify networks, yet the protocol itself is complex. Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic streamline OpenFlow SDN.Continue Reading

• Wireless security options don't have to break the bank

  Security expert Michele Chubirka shares low-cost and free options available to help your company guard its wireless LANs against threats.Continue Reading

• How many devices can one 802.11n standard access point control?

  Expert Mike Jude reveals the technical and theoretical limitations of 802.11n access points as more enterprises upgrade to the new standard.Continue Reading

• WAN aggregation: Why you should consider this application delivery optimization technique

  What is WAN aggregation, and how does it work? Our expert explains why all companies should consider this type of application delivery optimization.Continue Reading

• Subnet basics: Must you set up Wi-Fi subnets in a single building?

  Expert Mike Jude discusses the rationale of creating distinct Wi-Fi subnets in a single building.Continue Reading

• Take steps to defend your network using DHCP snooping

  Learn how to enable DHCP snooping to secure your network against common breaches including man in the middle attacks and ARP poisoning.Continue Reading

• Getting cloud capacity planning right in the face of oncoming growth

  Cloud capacity planning requires accurate knowledge of a cloud provider's existing infrastructure, future plans and the growth plans of its customers.Continue Reading

• Identifying and mitigating cloud computing vulnerabilities

  How successful a cloud provider is in growing its business depends on its ability to dispel customer concerns about data security and privacy.Continue Reading

• Will the cloud exchange be the next big ecosystem player?

  An emerging branch of the cloud ecosystem, the cloud exchange, has the potential to address many concerns about the cloud broker model.Continue Reading

• Six ways hackers try to break Secure Sockets Layer-encrypted data

  Security expert Michael Gregg discusses steps enterprises should take to ensure their SSL-encrypted data remains secure.Continue Reading

• Overcoming network functions virtualization implementation challenges

  Carriers need network functions virtualization implementation prespecification, so they'll look to TM Forum and cloud management models for help.Continue Reading

• Selling SaaS: Operational requirements for consumers vs. businesses

  The key to successfully selling SaaS across all market segments is addressing the different operational requirements among various buyer groups.Continue Reading

• Where SDN and DPI technology meet: Centralized control and automation

  When SDN and DPI technology meet, network engineers can apply monitoring and management policy to the whole network instead of individual components.Continue Reading

• Are there alternatives to the OpenFlow protocol?

  Jason Edelman explains OpenFlow protocol alternatives and what's important in determining which southbound protocol will work for you.Continue Reading

• IETF SDN: I2RS uses traditional routing protocols in software networks

  The IETF SDN strategy relies on centralized management and distributed decision making with traditional network protocols -- departing from OpenFlow.Continue Reading

• Selling government cloud services: FedRAMP vs. FISMA

  Even if a cloud provider isn't planning to sell government cloud services, it's still important to have a basic understanding of FedRAMP and FISMA.Continue Reading

• Cloud bursting: How will it affect your billing requirements?

  Cloud bursting attracts many customers to public cloud services, but tracking these dynamic resources for billing becomes problematic for providers.Continue Reading

• Virtual overlay networks: Tunneling protocols enable multi-tenancy

  Virtual overlay networks use tunneling protocols to extend isolated network segments between servers for multi-tenant data center networks.Continue Reading

• Wide area network resiliency best practices

  Learn about network resiliency best practices to keep your wide area network (WAN) services running during technical difficulties and outages.Continue Reading

• Business continuation and disaster recovery tips for your WAN services

  Understand the tools, technologies and strategies used to ensure business continuance (BC) and disaster recovery (DR) for your WAN services.Continue Reading

• IT service-level agreements and SDN: Assuring virtualization performance

  With SDN with network virtualization, service providers can improve server virtualization performance and offer improved service-level agreements.Continue Reading

• Building cloud-ready applications: What changes?

  To maximize profits, providers must understand cloud-ready applications, learn how to meet their unique requirements and offer facilitating services.Continue Reading

• IPv6 benefits: Making the IPv6 business case

  Depleted IPv4 addresses are not enough for many enterprises to deploy IPv6. Use these IPv6 benefits to make a business case for your IPv6 migration.Continue Reading

• IPv6 cost considerations

  Before you make the switch to the new Internet Protcol, it's important to understand these IPv6 cost considerations.Continue Reading

• SDN security strategies for network attack prevention

  With a deeper level of visibility and granular control, SDN security strategies can better prevent a wide range of network attacks.Continue Reading

• IPv6 addressing requires special attention to ensure security

  IPv6 auto-configured addresses raise concern about privacy and the protocol's vulnerability to host tracking attacks, and more.Continue Reading

• In the SDN WAN: Network programmability, provisioning and high availability

  The SDN WAN's network programmability and automated provisioning addresses the demands placed on the wide area network by the cloud, SaaS and BYOD.Continue Reading

• Understanding the relationship between SDN and NFV

  SDN and NFV are not part and parcel to each other, but when the two sets of technology meet they advance each other's capabilities.Continue Reading

• In mobile networks, SDN and NFV mean service orchestration

  In mobile networks today, it can take months to deploy infrastructure and services, but SDN and NFV allow for orchestration and dynamic provisioning.Continue Reading

• Unlocking the potential of SDN controller applications

  Three broad sources for route information could drive SDN controller applications: provisioning instructions, "route sniffing" and path computation.Continue Reading

• SDN's missing links: Five barriers blocking SDN adoption by providers

  As more providers move to deploy SDN, adoption is being hindered by crucial gaps in device standards and tools for network control.Continue Reading

• Using big data analysis to harness your network operations

  Big data is all the craze, but analyzing big data intelligently can help network administrators pinpoint potential problems.Continue Reading

• How network functions virtualization will revolutionize architecture

  Using NFV, engineers can virtualize devices and services in large networks to make their architectures cost efficient and flexible.Continue Reading

• Easier ways to troubleshoot network routing issues

  Expert Patrick Hubbard shares how you can make your life easier by alleviating some annoying network routing issues.Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud networks face challenges, but SDN may be the answer

  Customers have misgivings about hybrid cloud, but enhancing cloud networks with software-defined networking may help allay many concerns.Continue Reading

• Enterprise wireless standards: The basics

  Glen Kemp discusses the standards and protocols that support enterprise-class wireless deployments and how they differ from consumer configurations.Continue Reading

• FISMA compliance through continuous monitoring: Tips for cloud providers

  Continuous monitoring for FISMA compliance must shift from its static approach to a cyclical, more dynamic strategy for near real-time risk awareness.Continue Reading

• How to make Network as a Service a real option

  Networking as a Service may be the future of networking, but virtual network overlay and device-based NaaS has challenges to solve first.Continue Reading

• Virtualization management: What you need to know about the Nexus 1000v

  Cisco's Nexus 1000v platform gives network administrators some familiar tools to oversee virtual networks.Continue Reading

• Three models of SDN explained

  In this tip, networking expert Tom Nolle outlines the three models of SDN, explaining the basic goals, mechanisms, benefits and drawbacks of each.Continue Reading