Tips

Tips

• Enabling mobile phone upgrades could reduce wireless customer churn

  Solutions that improve mobile phone upgrades and speed mobile data transfer to any wireless device can help operators reduce customer churn and ease dependence on specific devices, as well as enable bundle additional applications during device ...  Continue Reading

• Building a private cloud? Start slowly

  If you're learning how to build a private cloud, it's best to begin slowly. In this tip, learn the phases to building a private cloud, including implementing server and storage virtualization, as well as self-service portals.  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

• 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

• How to prioritize bandwidth for WANs during data center consolidation

  In today’s world of consolidation, perhaps no other IT infrastructure project occupies as much of a network manager’s time as data center consolidation. That said, how can we prioritize bandwidth for each segment of traffic across an enterprise wide...  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

• Four content strategy, delivery models emerge for network operators

  Network operators eager for a bigger role in content delivery are looking at four main content strategies that leverage their strengths, take regulatory requirements into account and align with both service layer and cloud computing plans.  Continue Reading

• TM Forum's Cloud Services Initiative encourages enterprise adoption

  This guest column describes how TM Forum's Cloud Services Initiative plans to improve cloud computing management and standardization for large enterprises with wide area networks (WANs).  Continue Reading

• Using virtual appliances and desktop virtualization

  IT organizations are implementing desktop virtualization and virtual appliances for virtual WAN optimization and virtual application delivery, but there are challenges to overcome along the way.  Continue Reading

• Can application delivery controllers support virtualization?

  Combining application delivery controllers and virtualization is unavoidable, but load balancers have a tougher job ensuring virtual machine performance and application optimization in this environment.  Continue Reading

• Knowing when to outsource VPN services

  While VPN services have historically been managed internally, many network managers are facing the need to outsource VPN services to third-party service providers. A number of factors go into this decision, with not only costs but management and the...  Continue Reading

• Using network virtualization to simplify WAN management

  In enterprise IT, virtualization always increases complexity. Luckily for wide area network (WAN) managers, network virtualization can simplify WAN management. To learn how, read this tip.  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

• Video content tops wireless services in consumer quadruple play study

  A recent Stratecast study expected to find wireless services leading consumers' perception of quadruple play value, but found video content in the lead instead, which means wireless operators need to rethink their value assumptions.  Continue Reading

• Broadband infrastructure options require capacity planning analysis

  Service providers have to balance myriad factors when doing a broadband infrastructure capacity planning analysis, ranging from four main technology options to keeping a close eye on the competition and regulatory changes that could affect profits ...  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

• How to upgrade the WLAN for mobile applications

  In order to upgrade WLANs for mobile devices and mobility applications, network managers must implement 802.11n technology, and WLAN architectures that can handle lossless applications like VoIP and other unified communications.  Continue Reading

• Rise of packet voice to key next-generation voice services evolution

  Packet voice is expected to replace TDM voice, which would have a major impact on the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Learn what's driving the shift and what factors could influence the evolution of next-generation voice services.  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

• 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 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

• 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

• Mapping WAN application acceleration techniques to critical apps

  Use this primer on wide area network (WAN) application acceleration techniques to understand which network optimization tools are appropriate for optimizing critical applications.  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

• 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

• Juniper and packet optical transport: The market's warm, come on in

  Router vendors are in a good position to enter the packet optical transport market and some of the big ones have made their moves; now ACG Research wonders what Juniper plans to do and who it might acquire.  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

• 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

• WAN performance: Application delivery, optimization and the end user

  A distributed enterprise, real-time applications like video, server virtualization and cloud computing all factor in to poor application performance.  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

• Building a better evolved packet core for 4G LTE networks

  4G LTE networks address wireless bandwidth issues for mobile operators, but to really make it work, an Evolved Packet Core architecture is essential to address today's traffic onslaught and tomorrow's signaling and scaling issues. ACG Research ...  Continue Reading

• Using a VPN is crucial for WAN managers trying to secure road warriors

  WAN managers must protect corporate data by ensuring that their road warriors are using a VPN, because being exposed on DEF CON's Wall of Sheep is the least of your worries.  Continue Reading

• Cisco Nexus 1000v virtual network switch: Virtual network management

  The Cisco Nexus 1000v distributed virtual switch gives network administrators more control in virtual network management. Previously, virtualization networking was controlled by server teams, which left network admins unable to view and manage ...  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

• Data deduplication technology in enterprise wide area networks (WANs)

  How does data deduplication technology work in the setting of enterprise wide area networks (WANs)? Find out in this tip and learn what a WAN manager needs to know about WAN deduplication.  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

• 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

• Four trends drive enterprise adoption in WAN optimization market

  Telecom carriers can compete to provide enterprises with managed service delivery in the WAN optimization market if they understand enterprise trends, provide application performance SLAs and work with vendors to offer flexible solutions.  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

• Choosing an edge switch: What to consider before you invest

  Choosing an edge switch means considering a host of edge switch features that range from advanced security like IPS and malware-scanning to wireless LAN features like integrated access points and Power over Ethernet Plus.  Continue Reading

• Traffic grooming in optical networks: Making real-world choices

  Solutions for traffic grooming in optical networks haven't kept pace with all-optical network development and still work in the electrical domain. Telecom providers have to make hard, real-world choices about how to best transport their services ...  Continue Reading

• New service capabilities to influence mobile network infrastructure

  Major questions surrounding mobile appliance service deployment will affect operators' mobile network infrastructure planning in terms of enabling Quality of Service and Evolved Packet Core technology if they can sell premium services.  Continue Reading

• Mobile appliance explosion changes broadband mobile network planning

  Rising smartphone use and mobile appliance growth have created new service opportunities for wireless operators. In their mobile network planning, they must calculate how much to invest in new technology if return on investment is marginal.  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

• 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 developments  Continue 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

• VoiceCon declines, but enterprise wireless solutions claim spotlight

  Once one of the premier voice communications trade shows, VoiceCon has slipped, one analyst argues. But even in its decline, evidence is mounting that enterprises have warmed to the potential of wireless solutions and unified communications.  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

• 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

• Integrating the Evolved Packet Core for seamless 3G/4G mobile backhaul

  When transitioning from 3G to 4G networks, wireless operators must plan carefully to migrate and integrate mobile backhaul so it accommodates both the new Evolved Packet Core for LTE and traditional TDM-based backhaul solutions.  Continue Reading

• How your enterprise WAN network monitoring strategy needs to evolve

  The discrepancy between network monitoring and management has blurred now that technology, service and labor changes have taken place in the enterprise. This change requires an update to your WAN network monitoring strategy. To learn about the ...  Continue Reading

• Choosing a provider for WAN managed services for your enterprise

  How do you find the right provider for your business's WAN managed services? Ask the right questions. To get a managed service provider (MSP) at the right price with the right offerings and service-level agreements (SLAs), view these tips.  Continue Reading

• Seven IPv6 networking myths that don't match reality

  IPv4 addresses are running out, and the change to IPv6 networking is imperative, yet the myths surrounding what the protocol can and cannot do are becoming the stuff of legend. Our IP expert looks at IPv6 reality instead.  Continue Reading

• LAN edge switch security functions: Switch ACLs; filtering port traffic

  LAN edge switch security functions enable network administrators to use switch access control lists (ACLs) to filter incoming and outgoing traffic, as well as port-level traffic filtering and VLAN management for a more in-depth approach to LAN ...  Continue Reading

• Mobile WAN routers: Comparison and considerations for your enterprise

  If you have road warriors in your enterprise wide area network (WAN) workforce, you're probably worrying about exorbitant mobile broadband fees. Mobile WAN routers are a cost-effective alternative. Read this tip to learn when to use them in your ...  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing providers are selling IT services, not just networks

  Most telecom carriers have their own views of how to win as cloud computing providers, but outside their traditional business model, the cloud is about selling IT services, which have very different requirements and enterprise expectations.  Continue Reading

• New market pressures mold broadband access network infrastructure

  When it comes to broadband access network infrastructure upgrades, telecom carriers face high capital expense costs and subscriber reluctance to pay the real price for one big pipe to deliver everything. Find out why changing market forces are ...  Continue Reading

• Bandwidth: Evaluating current and future requirements

  Increased bandwidth, and factors influencing the need for it, are considered in this tip. Network engineers will discover best practices for estimating current and future bandwidth needs.  Continue Reading

• WAN video conferencing network design requirements for QoS

  To ensure high-quality video conferencing over your enterprise wide area network (WAN), you need to make sure you have enough bandwidth, among other things. Check out these WAN video conferencing network design configuration requirements before you ...  Continue Reading

• New WAN optimization solutions need application visibility and control

  Why are WAN optimization vendors making more than WAN optimization solutions? This analysis of the WAN optimization market explains how and why network application visibility and control are just as important as accelerating technologies.  Continue Reading

• 4G wireless networks and customer experience management

  To get the most out of their 4G wireless networks, operators must ensure that subscribers receive a high quality customer experience, including automatic real-time measurement and tracking, for their increasingly complex service portfolios. This ...  Continue Reading

• How cloud computing challenges an IT manager's enterprise WAN strategy

  Understand how cloud computing challenges your enterprise wide area network (WAN) strategy and see how a WAN manager's job functions and responsibilities will change during a cloud computing implementation.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Managing unified networking and storage fabric: Who's in charge?

  When it comes to managing unified fabric, the jury is out on who's in charge. FCoE switches and adapters have LAN and SAN elements and can be managed by existing network or storage interfaces. But the two teams have very different approaches.  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

• 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

• Weighing the value of optical/electrical network convergence

  Telecom carriers must weigh several factors to assess the value of combining optical and electrical network layers -- opto-electrical network convergence -- as packet networking increases in order to ensure lower operations costs, necessary ...  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

• To consumers, smartphone support matters more than 'gadget factor'

  Wireless carriers think smartphones' unique capabilities make them desirable to consumers. Over time, though, the "gadget factor" may be trumped by customer service, especially smartphone support, for carriers looking to retain customers.  Continue Reading

• Unified data center fabric primer: FCoE and data center bridging

  Unified data center fabrics combine FCoE and data center bridging to enable SAN and LAN traffic to run on the same physical network, simplifying network architecture and resulting in savings. This unified data center fabric primer runs down 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

• Rising network bandwidth demand: Addressing wireless growth issues

  Network bandwidth demand is rising as wireless customers adopt smartphones and demand higher-quality network service. To avoid future bandwidth problems, wireless carriers must improve planning, service delivery, support and integration.  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

• Effective network traffic management: When carriers need dedicated boxes

  Telecom carriers are assessing whether they need dedicated network traffic management equipment for enforcing bandwidth quotas or other advanced service definitions to control congestion.  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

• 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

• Desktop virtualization storage strategies: Easing bandwidth and access

  Without the right desktop virtualization storage strategies, implementing the technology could mean a great strain on storage area networks and the core. But with the right approach, enterprises could benefit from desktop virtualization and actually...  Continue Reading

• Customers want more value in wireless telephone service, survey says

  Wireless telephone service earned high marks for quality but low marks for value in a new consumer survey. By increasing the value perception, carriers might convince more subscribers to ditch landlines.  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 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

• What network managers need to know about virtualization planning

  Network managers need to consider more than server CPU utilization when planning for virtualization. These common misconceptions and tips show what project managers need to know before implementing a virtual environment in their enterprise network.  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

• Network performance testing trends show greater operator need

  Telecom network performance testing trends show operators are changing their integrated network operations center, lab and field requirements to improve service-layer architecture management.  Continue Reading

• Building a secure cloud computing infrastructure: The case for single sign-on

  Building a secure cloud computing infrastructure is challenging because the applications and data are outside the security of the enterprise firewall. Network engineers should look to single sign-on solutions using existing standards and processes ...  Continue Reading