Tips
Tips
WAN technologies and services
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4 key SD-WAN trends to watch
Managed services, secure remote access, AI applications and 5G wireless network connectivity are four important trends that should propel the SD-WAN market. Continue Reading
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How low Earth orbit satellite networks improve internet access
Compared to traditional satellite setups, LEO satellite internet provides several benefits, such as low latency, reduced costs and better support for remote sites. Continue Reading
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6 steps for rapid geographic network segmentation
When segmenting network operations in certain parts of the world, modular network design and geographic domain definition are two vital elements to consider. Continue Reading
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SD-WAN and MPLS costs more complementary than clashing
An SD-WAN vs. MPLS cost comparison is not always an either-or decision. Organizations often implement both technologies to enhance network traffic performance. Continue Reading
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SD-WAN vs. VPN: How do they compare?
When comparing SD-WAN and VPN, enterprises choosing between the two technologies should consider factors like cost, management and routing intelligence. Continue Reading
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Top 9 SD-WAN benefits for businesses
Make the case for an SD-WAN implementation, and explore the benefits and main use cases for SD-WAN in enterprises, beyond traditional hybrid WANs. Continue Reading
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SD-WAN comparison chart: 10 vendors to assess
This SD-WAN vendor comparison chart is a useful starting point to evaluate information about deployment options, pricing, security, cloud connectivity and more. Continue Reading
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The role of automation in SD-WAN
API integration, machine learning and AIOps are vital to achieve the benefits of SD-WAN automation, which include better network performance and faster operations. Continue Reading
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Vendor SD-WAN labs offer hands-on testing and learning
Software-defined WANs can be confusing. Fortunately, networking vendors offer SD-WAN labs to help organizations learn about the technology. Continue Reading
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How Wi-Fi 6, WWAN and 5G make all-wireless offices possible
Wireless technology has evolved extensively in recent years to support end-user demands and the possibility of wireless-first network connectivity for business offices. Continue Reading
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How to set up a VPN for enterprise use
VPNs are nearly ubiquitous, but does your organization know how to deploy one? Learn about use cases, requirements, deployment options and best practices for VPN deployment. Continue Reading
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Understanding the FTP PORT command
FTP uses control and data channels, each using a separate TCP port. Port 21 is for the control channel, and port 20 is for the data channel. Learn how these two channels are used. Continue Reading
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Private 5G in a box simplifies deployment, mobility
Vendors are offering private 5G in a box -- a condensed and streamlined form of standalone 5G -- to simplify the complexity of typical private 5G deployments. Continue Reading
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Zero trust, wireless WAN affect the future of IoT networking
Zero-trust security models, wireless WAN evolution and the emergence of pop-up businesses are all helping to fuel innovation in IoT networking capabilities. Continue Reading
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How to use iPerf3 to test network bandwidth
In this in-depth tip, learn how to use iPerf3, a network testing tool to measure throughput and benchmark your WAN links to ensure effectivity. Continue Reading
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4 attributes key to network-as-a-service model
For a network-as-a-service model to work for the enterprise, it needs to offer four key attributes: an application-specific, elastic, secure and personalized VPN. Continue Reading
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SASE options for the branch of one -- work from anywhere
More than ever, enterprises need to support individual employees that make up a branch of one. These setups require reliable connectivity, application performance and security. Continue Reading
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Why 5G will redefine WWAN and SD-WAN
The nexus of 5G, WWAN and SD-WAN promises to usher in an array of custom tools and services for enterprises. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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When to consider managed SD-WAN services for your business
SD-WAN offers promising benefits, like the ability to use multiple ISP links, but managing those links can prove challenging. Managed SD-WAN services can help. Continue Reading
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7 key SD-branch trends to expect in 2020
New year, new developments. See what's new with SD-branch in 2020, including security advancements and how technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 and 5G will affect branch offices. Continue Reading
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SD-WAN deployment in the works? Consider these 3 things
SD-WAN can simplify the deployment and management of new branch WANs, but there are some key configuration and technical choices you must make to get started. Continue Reading
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Achieve network perimeter security through deep segmentation
Firewall effectiveness is in deep decline, but there's still a way to create an effective security perimeter through the practice of deep segmentation. Learn how. Continue Reading
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The future of VPN will reflect the need for flexibility
The future of VPN services reflects the industry's trend toward software networking, evident in developments like SD-WAN and public cloud. The need for flexible technology is a main driver. Continue Reading
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How to assess an SD-WAN product and determine which you need
Two main differentiators have emerged in SD-WAN products. Learn how they work and how an IT manager can use them to assess network performance and diagnose problems. Continue Reading
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SD-branch begins to prove itself with growing deployments
Enterprises are beginning to deploy SD-branch and are seeing positive results, pointing to the possibility that the software-defined branch will become the norm for branch networking. Continue Reading
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Business IoT applications benefit from SD-WAN prioritization
Business IoT applications require prioritized traffic flows and low-cost connectivity. SD-WAN lets IT teams assign policies to prioritize traffic and use cheaper connectivity links. Continue Reading
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Software-defined branch networks: Why and how to do them
Software networking virtualization has reached branch networks. Learn the whys and hows of creating the software-defined branch using the latest software networking technologies. Continue Reading
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How your SD-WAN appliance can consolidate the branch stack
The latest SD-WAN appliance technology promises expanded and accelerated consolidation of branch stacks. Learn how it works and how to make it work for you. Continue Reading
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Visions of software-defined branch begin to take hold
Software-based technologies can apply to the vision of a software-defined branch that converges network elements and centralizes management. But getting there will take time. Continue Reading
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How types of noise in data communication systems affect the network
Learn about the different types of noise in data communication -- including thermal, intermodulation, cross-talk, impulse and shot noise -- and how they can affect your network. Continue Reading
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When will SD-WANs 'cross the chasm'?
It can be difficult to separate hype from reality, especially when it comes to SDN technology. Here, analyst Jim Metzler explores when software-defined WANs might go mainstream. Continue Reading
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Is a hybrid WAN architecture right for you?
Hybrid WANs have a lot of benefits, but make sure you understand how they can work in your organization. Continue Reading
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VPN client alternatives: Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) over IPsec
This month, Lisa Phifer discusses a robust VPN client alternative: Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) over IPsec. Continue Reading
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IPSec and NAT incompatibility
Learn why Authentication Header (AH) doesn't work with Network Address Translation (NAT) or Port Address Translation (PAT) and that Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) is also incompatible with PAT. Continue Reading
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T1 vs. VoIP for branch office connectivity
Learn how to decide between a T1, fractional T1 and VoIP for connecting branch offices. Continue Reading
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WAN optimization and bottlenecks: Is the WAN really the weakest link?
"How much traffic" is no longer a good enough measure of WAN bandwidth. In this tip, Carrie Higbie looks at how today's ever-increasing expectations for data transfer rates require increased attention to WAN optimization, and suggests how ... Continue Reading
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VPNs: Fundamentals and basics
VPNs are discussed in this introductory tip on the fundamentals of virtual private networks. Continue Reading
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IP network design, part 3: Designing the WAN
The wide area network (WAN) is the single biggest contributor to a corporate network's cost of ownership. Therefore, this is the area where the cost-versus-performance tradeoff is most pronounced and most critical. This article explores the various ... Continue Reading
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VRFs and routing
Doug Downer continues his series about VPN routing and forwarding instances focused on the task of configuring and verifying a VRF scenario with a requirement for separate customers on a shared device. In this tip, he shows how to configure a method... Continue Reading
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Keeping it all separate with VRFs
A Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instance can deliver separation across both a shared infrastructure and shared devices, ultimately simplifying management. Continue Reading
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VPLS, a new Layer 2 MPLS VPN technology
A new Layer 2 MPLS VPN technology that provides similar reliablity and QoS as MPLS VPN, but in a more simplified way. But beware, it does have it's limitations. Continue Reading
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MPLS - Label Switched Paths
A look at some of the details of working with Label Switched Paths (LSPs). Continue Reading
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MPLS Versus IPSEC VPNs: Which one is right for you
An examination of the similarities and differences between IPSEC and MPLS and some insight as to when one should be used over the other. Continue Reading
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The VPN Expert: VPN client alternatives, part 4 -- IPsec
Here's a list of IPsec clients that run on many systems. See what they have to offer and what they are often missing. Continue Reading