Tips

Tips

• 7 key SD-WAN trends to evaluate in 2021

  As SD-WAN continues to mature in 2021, the technology is expected to improve in its support for integrated remote access, automation and multi-cloud connectivity.  Continue Reading

• 10 network security tips in response to the SolarWinds hack

  From perimeter protection to persistent patching, enterprises should regularly review, update and test their network security plans, especially in response to the SolarWinds hack.  Continue Reading

• Considerations for SASE management and troubleshooting

  SASE opens new territory for network and security management and troubleshooting. Ultimately, teams should look for system usability and visibility into traffic flows and policies.  Continue Reading

• SASE challenges include network security roles, product choice

  Secure Access Service Edge blends network and security functions. While this integration has its benefits, enterprises still need to address some SASE challenges.  Continue Reading

• Myths and realities of a Wi-Fi 6 upgrade

  Despite the promise of high data rates, longer client battery life and more efficient radio techniques, enterprises need to weigh Wi-Fi 6's limitations.  Continue Reading

• How to calculate SASE return on investment and costs

  SASE return on investment will vary for each organization, depending on use cases and architecture requirements. But the metrics used to determine ROI and cost factors are the same.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 SASE use cases balance network connectivity, security

  Secure Access Service Edge can enhance network performance and security controls for remote sites. Discover some of the other top SASE use cases and deployment options.  Continue Reading

• The 4 different types of wireless networks

  The four types of wireless networks -- wireless LAN, wireless MAN, wireless PAN and wireless WAN -- differ when it comes to size, range and connectivity requirements.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot wireless network connection problems in 10 steps

  When troubleshooting wireless network issues, several scenarios can emerge. But valuable end-user insights can help network administrators root out problems.  Continue Reading

• Setting up and using a home VLAN to segment network traffic

  Virtual LANs can help homeowners segment their network traffic for enhanced control and security. Network analyst John Fruehe takes you inside his home VLANs.  Continue Reading

• How SASE convergence affects network and security roles

  Most enterprises have siloed departments, but SASE's convergence of network and security functions could disrupt those constructs and drive more communication between teams.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined home offerings drive remote productivity

  Say hello to software-defined home, a 'branch of one' package that combines professional-grade Wi-Fi, security, SD-WAN and centralized management for remote workers.  Continue Reading

• How to calculate a subnet mask from hosts and subnets

  IP addressing and subnetting are important and basic elements of networks. In this article, learn how to calculate a subnet mask based on the required number of subnets and hosts.  Continue Reading

• 3 types of wireless site surveys and how to conduct them

  Network teams can avoid signal coverage issues by performing different wireless site surveys as they evaluate new spaces, set up sites and operate the network.  Continue Reading

• With SASE, security and networking tech come together

  SD-WAN, SASE or some combination of the two -- which approach will deliver the best and most secure network connectivity in your organization going forward?  Continue Reading

• Cloud automation use cases for managing and troubleshooting

  Cloud automation use cases highlight the benefits these tools can provide to companies evaluating how best to manage and troubleshoot their cloud connections.  Continue Reading

• Implementing an SDP architecture for added network security

  A key component of a software-defined perimeter requires client authentication before connection, while also making a network's internals invisible to outsiders.  Continue Reading

• What network managers need to know about SaaS optimization

  When strategizing SaaS optimization tactics, network management teams should consider their traffic steering preferences and geographically dispersed access points.  Continue Reading

• Indoor 5G gets a boost as small cells come to the rescue

  5G is good, but indoor 5G is a challenge. Enterprises are examining the introduction of small cells to help them take advantage of the new cellular standard.  Continue Reading

• How service mesh enables microservices networking

  As microservices applications grow more popular, IT teams need to enable reliable networking between them for proper communication. That's where service mesh comes in.  Continue Reading

• How to use ChatOps to automate network tasks

  Integrating team collaboration chat systems with network automation results in the ability to automate tedious workflows, enabling faster problem resolution and streamlined operations.  Continue Reading

• Why networks should apply security by design principles

  Security by design incorporates security and risk management directly into network architecture, using segmentation and Agile infrastructure design.  Continue Reading

• How and why to implement Wi-Fi QoS

  Quality of service, as network pros know, prioritizes apps as they cross the network. But Wi-Fi QoS needs to be considered, too, in relation to the overall network.  Continue Reading

• The top 5 benefits of SASE -- and some drawbacks

  A cloud-based distributed architecture, centralized management and endpoint-specific security policies are just some of the benefits of Secure Access Service Edge.  Continue Reading

• How COVID-19 will reshape 2021 enterprise network spending

  COVID-19 has shifted enterprise network spending. Campus LAN traffic may never be the same, but companies are earmarking funds to better support the remote workforce.  Continue Reading

• The basics of zero-trust network access explained

  Some experts believe VPNs have struggled to adapt to an increasingly cloud-based, internet-dependent world. Enter zero-trust network access, which may be network security's future.  Continue Reading

• How to ensure a scalable SASE architecture

  Don't assume all SASE architecture is the same, especially when it comes to scalability. Enterprises should consider distance to vendor PoPs, office locations and agent onboarding.  Continue Reading

• Compare low-power Wi-Fi protocols and their roles in IoT

  Wi-Fi means more than faster speeds. Low-power Wi-Fi will help companies improve the efficiency of their IoT deployments, thanks to longer signal range and power consumption features.  Continue Reading

• A work-from-home reimbursement policy for network tech

  A work-from-home reimbursement plan should drive better network and internet connectivity rates for remote workers and not just offset employees' existing bills.  Continue Reading

• How to build a resilient network design

  Everything fails eventually, even in networking. Enterprises can prepare for network failure by building resilience and redundancy into their network infrastructure design.  Continue Reading

• Global company weighs 5G for manufacturing, IoT analytics

  Global manufacturer Sanmina is studying the benefits of deploying 5G on its manufacturing floor to improve the speed of IoT and analytics data exchanges to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• How to build a network automation architecture in 5 phases

  The implementation of a network automation architecture involves several elements, including a core orchestration engine, assorted databases and proper network testing.  Continue Reading

• 5G network security concerns and how to prepare for them

  Enterprises looking forward to deploying 5G must first assess their security concerns upfront and review their policies and procedures, despite 5G's security improvements.  Continue Reading

• How to secure remote access for WFH employees

  The global pandemic caused mayhem on network security environments. Enterprises need to bring rigor back to their systems and tighten security for remote workers.  Continue Reading

• What's involved in VPN maintenance and management?

  Before an organization's VPN is up and running, IT teams must address four important aspects of VPN maintenance and management to keep abreast of transforming security concerns.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise 5G deployment options and how to procure them

  Enterprises have to choose from three main 5G deployment options to make 5G work: public services from a mobile operator, network slicing or building their own 5G networks.  Continue Reading

• How and when to establish enterprise 5G partnerships

  Enterprises that buy 5G public services, procure network slices or build their own private 5G networks need to establish the right partnerships for mobile services, equipment and software.  Continue Reading

• How to build a private 5G network architecture

  A private 5G network could provide organizations with greater control over their wireless environments. But cost and complexity could be critical deterrents.  Continue Reading

• Home SD-WAN will redefine next-generation WAN

  The need for home-office SD-WAN won't end when the pandemic does. Learn how best to provide this essential tech to your organization's at-home employees.  Continue Reading

• 7 top 5G enterprise use cases and business opportunities

  While 5G is not fully baked yet, early business use cases are intriguing. Connections between branch offices and headquarters, for instance, could be improved with fixed wireless.  Continue Reading

• Top 5G limitations and challenges for businesses

  Currently, the next wave of cellular technology certainly has its shortcomings. For instance, 5G faces a dearth of devices, smaller coverage ranges and hefty premiums.  Continue Reading

• Best practices to maintain VPN security

  Enterprises looking to maintain VPN security should focus on proper endpoint security and authentication, VPN server security and documentation for security policies.  Continue Reading

• Benefits of intent-based networking for modern networks

  Intent-based networking can benefit network teams working remotely with increased workloads due to COVID-19. Benefits include reduced human error and automated manual tasks.  Continue Reading

• 3 SD-WAN cloud connectivity options to explore

  Enterprises can connect their SD-WAN infrastructure to cloud providers' platforms using three methods: back-to-back access, private PoP connections and internet VPN.  Continue Reading

• 3 DDoS mitigation strategies for enterprise networks

  Enterprises can choose from three major approaches to mitigate DDoS attacks on their networks: Buy from an ISP, do it themselves or use a CDN service.  Continue Reading

• The benefits of building a network automation lab

  Network teams can build network automation labs to create a safe environment to test and validate automation tasks before running them in production networks.  Continue Reading

• How to select and set up SD-WAN and DIA

  When evaluating different options for SD-WAN and direct internet access, IT teams can't forget to consider application performance, network uptime and support for each option.  Continue Reading

• How to secure your home Wi-Fi network in 7 steps

  When securing home Wi-Fi, update devices regularly, change passwords consistently and consider splitting your WLAN into two segments: one for work and one for play.  Continue Reading

• The future of VPNs in a post-pandemic world

  Pre-pandemic, many experts touted VPN's demise. During the pandemic, VPNs became lifelines for remote workers to do their jobs. Here's what the future may hold for VPNs.  Continue Reading

• How to secure a home network for remote workforces

  Remote workers rarely achieve the same network security at home that offices provide. Yet, with the right tools, remote workers can efficiently learn how to secure a home network.  Continue Reading

• How to set up a new business network

  Building a new network can be complicated, but IT teams can ease the design process and future management by choosing the right architecture and documenting each decision.  Continue Reading

• Gain SD-branch benefits through automation, orchestration

  SD-branch technology is evolving, but don't put off learning about what this tool can do now and the advantages it will deliver in the near future.  Continue Reading

• 5G and SD-WAN pair is a game changer for branch connectivity

  Individually, 5G and SD-WAN promise various benefits for organizations. But, as a pair, 5G and SD-WAN could make the ideal network connectivity option for branch offices.  Continue Reading

• What to know about VPN termination

  Network teams make several decisions when designing a secure VPN. One of those is where in the network, logically, they will terminate the VPN tunnels.  Continue Reading

• Network traffic pattern shifts reflect COVID-19 changes

  The novel coronavirus pandemic spurred initial changes in network traffic patterns, but other trends are playing important roles in perpetuating permanent traffic shifts.  Continue Reading

• Tips for setting up a home network

  COVID-19 has compelled home-based workers to learn more about their home networks, such as wired and wireless connections, quality of service and, of course, security.  Continue Reading

• 5 principles of the network change management process

  Network change management includes five basic principles, including risk analysis and peer review. These best practices can help network teams limit failed network changes and outages.  Continue Reading

• How to build a network monitoring business case

  As network teams construct a business case for a new network monitoring tool, they should include a cost comparison of alternative tools and a strong defense for the selected tool.  Continue Reading

• Network engineer career advice amid the COVID-19 pandemic

  As COVID-19 dramatically affects the global economy, people may ask, 'What's next for my career?' No one is sure, but these tips can help network engineers feel and stay secure.  Continue Reading

• A guide on how to learn network automation

  Being a network professional means being a lifelong learner. So learn what network automation skills are essential and how best to acquire them quickly.  Continue Reading

• Pair programming pros and cons for network automation

  Pair programming is an Agile software development technique that reduces bugs and produces better software. Can pair programming work between networking experts and programmers?  Continue Reading

• 5 basic network management interview questions and answers

  Job interviews should be a two-way conversation. Here are some common network management interview questions for both hiring managers and job applicants.  Continue Reading

• Remote access best practices emphasize security, ease of use

  COVID-19 has forced companies to determine the best way to keep remote employees supported. Not sure which way to proceed? Consider these remote access best practices.  Continue Reading

• How to build a zero-trust network in these 4 steps

  While network teams are largely responsible for deploying the elements of a zero-trust network, security teams should also be involved in developing the overall zero-trust framework.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of SD-WAN and remote access

  SD-WAN could be a compelling option for enterprises that require remote access for mission-critical jobs. But IT teams should be aware of cost, training and implementation barriers.  Continue Reading

• Remote work infrastructure requires on-prem network changes

  Demilitarized zone, network access control and VPN termination points are some of the on-premises components that need to be addressed in a remote work infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• 5 needed product features to fix network management issues

  Virtualization and public cloud monitoring are among five top network management issues facing companies as they assess tools designed to oversee increasingly complex networks.  Continue Reading

• 8 remote work security risks and tips to mitigate them

  On a positive note, the coronavirus crisis provides network managers with an opportunity to bolster their remote work security programs now and for the long term.  Continue Reading

• How ISPs and operators ensure network quality in a pandemic

  COVID-19 has caused a spike in remote workers, increased internet usage and traffic surges. Here's how ISPs and telecom operators plan for continuity and quality during the pandemic.  Continue Reading

• Tips to improve network visibility and security

  Network visibility and security can be tricky, especially with the range of products available. These tips help teams pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and gauge the tools they need.  Continue Reading

• Working from home could expand SD-WAN edge to residences

  Organizations have long relied on VPNs to connect remote workers with company resources. But could SD-WAN be a viable option for certain employees working from home?  Continue Reading

• Why configuration management is important for networks

  Configuration management is essential to keep accurate network configuration records and to help organizations avoid potential challenges or problems within their networks.  Continue Reading

• Evolution of cellular 5G backhaul architecture faces challenges

  Backhaul has become trendy again and for good reason. 5G backhaul architecture means network architects will have to reconsider how their networks can handle 1 Gbps speeds.  Continue Reading

• How Wi-Fi experts can help during times of crisis management

  When faced with disaster response, wireless network professionals can volunteer their Wi-Fi skills and advise friends and family about home network security.  Continue Reading

• Overview of network management tasks and best practices

  Network management encompasses a range of tasks and processes. Explore 10 crucial tasks and accompanying best practices to ensure a resilient and functional network.  Continue Reading

• How SASE architecture integrates with network infrastructure

  SASE architecture offers a compelling value proposition, as it converges networking and security services onto a single cloud platform. Explore how it works with existing infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Software-based routing on its way to become the new normal

  SD-WAN took the networking world by storm, and software-based routing aims to do the same in the router market. Here's what to expect from the move to software.  Continue Reading

• Why SASE adoption requires a paradigm shift

  Enterprises preparing to adopt Secure Access Service Edge should understand how the architecture presents organizational and architectural challenges for network and security teams.  Continue Reading

• How to manage the surge in remote video internet traffic

  As more people work from home and create more internet traffic, enterprise network managers should adjust bandwidth levels and consider connectivity upgrades.  Continue Reading

• Supporting remote workers in your pandemic response plan

  To support employees working from home, network teams should carefully monitor VPN traffic, review firewall rules and rely on remote access support software.  Continue Reading

• 802.3cg standard extends single-pair Ethernet range and speed

  IEEE 802.3cg is a single-pair Ethernet standard that aims to support speeds up to 10 Mbps, extend Ethernet range up to 1,000 meters and offer multidrop capabilities.  Continue Reading

• How supporting a remote workforce stresses the network

  Make sure your network can support a remote workforce by analyzing 12 potential issues that can cause stress on your network, including VPN concentrator capacity and traffic routing.  Continue Reading

• Before deploying SD-WAN, assess your underlay network components

  If enterprises are to reap the benefits of SD-WAN, they better pay attention to the SD-WAN underlay network. Learn what you should take into consideration.  Continue Reading

• How to handle vendor code bugs in enterprise Wi-Fi networking

  Too many features in Wi-Fi devices can breed some serious code bugs. One coping mechanism is to seek help from fellow customers and network integrators.  Continue Reading

• The convergence of networking and security at the edge

  Networking and security are converging with offerings like SD-WAN and SD-branch. But enterprises and vendors must overcome IT silos that delay innovation and decision-making.  Continue Reading

• Plan a VPN and remote access strategy for pandemic, disaster

  Disasters and pandemics occur unexpectedly, affecting companies, workers and networks alike. Plan a remote access strategy that covers VPN requirements, bandwidth demands and licenses.  Continue Reading

• Ansible limitations for network automation

  Ansible can be a powerful tool for network automation, but users should be aware of its limitations with debugging, performance, complex data structures and control flow.  Continue Reading

• What do 2G and 3G sunset dates mean for business customers?

  A 2G and 3G shutdown probably won't affect businesses much, but embedded IoT devices may see some problems as these two older cellular technologies fade away.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to network automation with Ansible

  Ansible is one of the most popular open source network automation tools. Network pros can use it to perform basic network automation tasks, like collecting ARP table data.  Continue Reading

• Watch for these 6 wireless networking trends in 2020

  No doubt you've heard about 5G and Wi-Fi 6. But don't forget other wireless trends emerging in 2020, such as CBRS, dynamic spectrum sharing and Open RAN.  Continue Reading

• How businesses can gear up for Wi-Fi 6 hardware

  The latest wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6, is coming to an enterprise near you. As a result, businesses will need to plan accordingly as they evaluate Wi-Fi 6 devices.  Continue Reading

• When assessing SD-WAN benefits, don't ignore SD-WAN costs

  SD-WAN offers several benefits, but companies also need to understand SD-WAN costs. Organizations need to consider some critical areas -- and not all of them are obvious.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN requirements for a multi-cloud world

  With the emergence of a multi-cloud world, SD-WAN vendors must upgrade their platforms to ensure secure and reliable SD-WAN connectivity to cloud services.  Continue Reading

• Understand business value to advance your networking career

  Network pros can use the CAR mindset -- challenge, action and result -- to better match their networking initiatives with business goals and advance their career opportunities.  Continue Reading

• 5G indoor coverage poses problems for office buildings and operators

  The millimeter waves of 5G have trouble penetrating walls and other structures, which presents significant challenges for carriers as they plan 5G indoor coverage.  Continue Reading

• What to include in a network services agreement

  Network teams that create MSP contracts for their managed network services should cover delivery lead times, network performance, adds and changes, network uptime and escalation.  Continue Reading

• How SD-WAN changes the network security perimeter

  The advent of SD-WAN has changed the network security model by pushing more security and control to the edge -- and businesses need to adjust to this new reality.  Continue Reading

• Explore 9 essential elements of network security

  Network security isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy. Dive into the various segments of network security, and learn how they overlap and interact with each other.  Continue Reading

• 3 ways to improve WAN performance with SD-WAN

  SD-WAN can improve WAN performance in three ways: It adds a secondary transport for network traffic, while also taking advantage of broadband Ethernet and application acceleration.  Continue Reading

• The 5 steps to a successful MPLS-to-SD-WAN migration

  A solid migration plan is necessary in order to successfully transfer MPLS to SD-WAN and avoid contract mishaps, unexpected costs and delayed installation.  Continue Reading