Tips

Tips

• What are the features and benefits of 5G technology for businesses?

  In addition to high speeds and low latency, the emergence of 5G cellular technology could put some pressure on the market prices of incumbent WAN connectivity.  Continue Reading

• Learn about the top telecom certifications

  Use this expert advice to wade through myriad telecom certifications and pinpoint the top certifications for the industry, like TCO, iNARTE and BICSI certifications.  Continue Reading

• Why streaming telemetry tops SNMP in tracking network performance

  SNMP isn't going away anytime soon, but streaming telemetry is a much more effective way to generate critical alerts and measure network performance.  Continue Reading

• Top 5G use cases for business include fixed wireless, healthcare

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

• 5G deployment will accelerate SD-WAN growth

  As 5G deployment ramps up in the coming years, the technology will transform enterprise WAN connectivity, help drive SD-WAN rollouts and stir up market competition.  Continue Reading

• Discover 3 real-world network automation use cases

  The real benefits of network automation are managing multiple network devices at once. Larger networks, in particular, can benefit from these network automation use cases.  Continue Reading

• Edge computing and IoT combine to reshape the network

  Enterprises are examining edge computing and IoT in a new light to determine the best way to process and transmit the mountain of data generated by IoT devices.  Continue Reading

• 5G and SD-WAN could provide reliable, alternate connectivity

  5G and SD-WAN could develop into an alternative connectivity option that offers high speeds and low latency to geographic areas and remote workers with limited connectivity options.  Continue Reading

• The role of edge computing security in enterprise networks

  By ensuring IoT security, IT teams can secure enterprise networks as well. Edge computing can provide one path toward this security, as long as IT properly evaluates and plans for it.  Continue Reading

• 3 important SD-WAN security considerations and features

  Device onboarding, control plane security and data plane security are three crucial SD-WAN security considerations enterprises should research when choosing an SD-WAN vendor.  Continue Reading

• How 5G deployment will affect enterprise network hardware, software

  Enterprise network architects can start thinking about 5G deployment now, focusing on mobile usage, real-time communications and 5G-capable network equipment.  Continue Reading

• 5 ways 802.11ax benefits enterprise Wi-Fi networks

  The advantages of 802.11ax -- the upcoming wireless standard -- are deemed impressive, significant and revolutionary. See how the technology could benefit your business.  Continue Reading

• 4 criteria to consider in your cloud migration strategy

  Organizations that are evaluating a workload migration to the cloud should use this workload placement process to build a consistent cloud migration strategy.  Continue Reading

• The status of white box networking in the enterprise

  Despite the benefits of white box networking, most enterprises are cautious about deployment. Use these five questions to determine when white box implementation is a smart move.  Continue Reading

• 3 tips for proper network provisioning and capacity planning

  To provision the right amount of network resources, be sure to review past network performance, assess upcoming tech projects and consider business strategy changes.  Continue Reading

• The benefits of open source networking for enterprise IT

  The benefits of open source are proved among large providers. But enterprises are less inclined to use open source networking, due to its limited functionality and support.  Continue Reading

• How to tackle network automation risks and tasks

  Automation can make networks more efficient, but network engineers must first mitigate the risks. A good way to start is by setting up simple tasks that deliver operational value.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between 802.11ax vs. 802.11ac?

  When considering 802.11ax vs. 802.11ac, the new Wi-Fi standard has a lot to offer. What new capabilities should you expect from the new spec, also known as Wi-Fi 6?  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 and IoT could threaten the network

  New advances in Wi-Fi technology -- like Wi-Fi 6 -- and IoT can create bottlenecks in legacy campus LANs due to increased throughput consumption and slower uplink speeds.  Continue Reading

• Weighing the pros and cons of enterprise network subscriptions

  A centralized repository of network licenses can help enterprises visualize their IT assets and manage their purchases. But higher costs and amortization issues lurk.  Continue Reading

• Wireless capacity more important than fast Wi-Fi 6 speed

  Wi-Fi 6 speed may be getting all the attention, but the most compelling advantages of the new standard are techniques engineered to increase wireless capacity.  Continue Reading

• Drawbacks of open source networking could impede full growth

  IT teams have increasingly accepted the use of open source within their organizations. But open source networking continues to lag behind -- and it may not catch up.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G networks is more about cooperation than competition

  While Wi-Fi 6 and 5G might experience some interference with each other, enterprises should focus on the handoff of connections between the two technologies.  Continue Reading

• 3 critical considerations for your network management strategy

  The debate continues between the use of a single network management tool or a variety. Three considerations can help point your network management strategy in the right direction.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Should you buy 802.11ax devices before the Wi-Fi standard is ratified?

  The Wi-Fi 6 standard has not been ratified yet, but enterprises are faced with a decision. Should they buy 802.11ax devices now or wait for the standard to be approved?  Continue Reading

• What happens when edge computing hits enterprise networks?

  Is it time to take your network to the edge? Learn what edge networking can do to improve traffic flows, ease demand for high-performing connectivity and more.  Continue Reading

• What the future of edge computing means for cloud and networks

  IoT and application processing needs are shaping the future of edge computing, driving the growth of micro modular data centers and raising the question of cloud computing's relevance.  Continue Reading

• Public cloud networking basics: How to navigate to AWS, Azure

  Moving workloads to AWS and Azure doesn't have to be difficult as long as you follow a few cloud networking basics. What do you need to know to make the shift?  Continue Reading

• Examine the requirements for 5G core networks

  The 5G core network will support millions of devices that need high-speed communication and data processing. Learn what other capabilities are required for 5G deployment.  Continue Reading

• The 3 pillars of SD-WAN QoS and questions to ask your providers

  Traffic shaping, path control and forward error correction are three core components of SD-WAN QoS. Here are some crucial questions to ask your vendors regarding those areas.  Continue Reading

• 3 steps for a successful data center consolidation plan

  A data center consolidation plan is usually riddled with questions. But careful forethought is key for the successful centralization of software and servers.  Continue Reading

• Understand limitations when monitoring cloud performance

  When monitoring cloud performance, organizations need to recognize the limitations that come with SaaS, PaaS and IaaS models, as well as public and private cloud architectures.  Continue Reading

• How 5G can start a brand new era for the virtual RAN

  5G is forging the way for operators to delve into virtualized RANs. Yet, despite its benefits, vRAN lacks standards and is still in the early developmental stages.  Continue Reading

• 3 types of configuration tools for network change management

  From openly available scripting tools to vendor-supplied services, network change management and configuration tools generally fit into three main categories.  Continue Reading

• How to monitor CPU usage in SDN environments

  Monitoring CPU usage in a software-defined network is necessary to determine adequate network capacity and compute capacity, especially if workloads are competing for resources.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between 4G and 5G technology?

  As you evaluate the difference between 4G and 5G, you'll see the next-generation cellular standard seems pretty impressive. But goals and reality can be quite different.  Continue Reading

• What is service chaining and where does VNF onboarding fit in?

  Service chaining and VNF onboarding aren't easy. Companies interested in these processes need to understand the challenges involved, as well as various requirements for onboarding.  Continue Reading

• How to strategize for WAN and SD-WAN performance monitoring

  The importance of WAN performance monitoring hasn't decreased with the introduction of SD-WAN and other technologies. Enterprises still need to enforce proper monitoring strategies.  Continue Reading

• Network visibility challenges in modern networks

  To tackle current visibility issues, you must first understand the nature and sources of the problems. Learn why visibility is essential but so tough to achieve.  Continue Reading

• Use the right performance monitoring strategy for automated networks

  Virtual and automated networks can often hide performance issues that lurk within the network. Learn performance monitoring strategies to get the most out of these environments.  Continue Reading

• How to improve network speed and get faster Wi-Fi in 3 steps

  Proper router placement and maintenance, along with tighter security controls, can help IT departments improve network speed and boost Wi-Fi performance.  Continue Reading

• Take steps now to ready your network for 802.11ax specification

  The 802.11ax specification promises higher speeds and lower latency. Preparing now will help you make the transition easier. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• How to improve network security in 5 steps

  The basics of network security start with a proactive and comprehensive audit of connectivity points. Also, be sure to get end users involved with network security policies.  Continue Reading

• Network operating system advantages extend to white box switching

  The network operating system is changing, moving toward software acceleration, open APIs and white box switching. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the new NOS.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN cost savings hinge on underlying WAN technologies

  SD-WAN marketing almost always mentions the benefit of cost savings. Cut through the hype and discover how SD-WAN works with MPLS and internet connectivity to drive savings.  Continue Reading

• Wireless network configuration basics: 5 steps to follow

  Different wireless networks have different requirements. However, some common principles exist for strategizing your wireless network configuration steps.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How to improve network latency in 3 steps

  High latency can snarl network traffic and disrupt communications, resulting in unhappy end users. Check out these three steps to reduce and improve network latency.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of network slicing in 5G

  Although network slicing is useful for certain applications, like IoT and mobile networks, it might not be necessary at this point, especially when considering its cost.  Continue Reading

• How to improve your networking career path in 3 steps

  Network technology is always changing. As a result, your IT network skills need to evolve, as well. Take a look at three steps you can take on your networking career path.  Continue Reading

• How SD-WAN architectures improve network flexibility and efficiency

  The key benefits of SD-WAN architectures include better network redundancy, efficient MPLS connections and added flexibility to deploy new services remotely.  Continue Reading

• 5 steps to troubleshoot a virtual machine problem in Azure

  If you're wrestling with a virtual machine problem, like a faulty connection issue, be sure to check the domain name system and network traffic routing.  Continue Reading

• Intent-based networking reality check for 2019

  The transition to intent-based networking won't happen overnight. But organizations can study up on different IBN approaches now to plan for future intelligent deployments.  Continue Reading

• Network configuration basics: Focus on users and software tools

  When configuring a network, keep a detailed and updated document to track user needs and network changes. And, of course, take advantage of network configuration software.  Continue Reading

• Have newer security methods made NAC systems obsolete?

  While newer security methods, like microsegmentation and software-defined perimeter, diminish the role of network access control, NAC systems can still help secure the network edge.  Continue Reading

• 6 steps to troubleshoot Wi-Fi network issues

  In a business setting, as you troubleshoot Wi-Fi network issues, these six steps provide a foundation to get you started and keep you grounded when wireless problems hit.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises iffy on telecom services beyond network connectivity

  Enterprises look to telecom carriers for network connectivity services, but providers need to win them over to sell cloud and productivity options, according to network pros.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Predictive networks: How realistic are they?

  While the associated term might sound magical, predictive networks make use of real historical data to predict network events. Be ready for a bit of complexity, though.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud strategies?

  When comparing multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud deployments, you'll want to pay particular attention to the management concepts and tools for each cloud strategy.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN features lacking, but offer differentiation opportunity

  Most available SD-WAN products focus on a few main features, which risks making SD-WAN a commodity offering. But vendors are starting to combat that with feature differentiation.  Continue Reading

• Data center interconnects rife with application challenges

  Avoid pushing complexity into your network. This is especially true with data center interconnect design, Layer 2 mobility and application requirements.  Continue Reading

• Network security, SD-WAN suppliers revamp branch security

  Branch network security is getting a face-lift, as network security and SD-WAN suppliers look at new ways to integrate their platforms and upgrade products.  Continue Reading

• Telecom trends 2019: Time for operator 5G and IoT decisions

  Telecom trends in 2019 dictate that network operators have tough choices to make to compete with OTT players, increase revenue in terms of 5G and IoT, and consider the software-based fast-fail model.  Continue Reading

• What to consider when integrating SD-WAN and ITSM tools

  We haven't really heard a lot about SD-WAN integration with IT service management. But getting SD-WAN to work with existing ITSM tools is a big priority for enterprises.  Continue Reading

• The future of SD-WAN moves away from stand-alone product

  'Tis the season for a look at the future of SD-WAN. In 2019, one networking expert expects more managed SD-WAN, further market consolidation and a shift away from individual SD-WAN devices.  Continue Reading

• Gauge your platform purchasing options before SD-WAN deployment

  Finalizing how an organization deploys SD-WAN can be a complex process, especially with the range of available purchasing options. But studying the options is always a good start.  Continue Reading

• 3 tips for managing multi-cloud network architectures

  By correlating network events, understanding network paths and crafting detailed exception reports, network managers can get a handle on their multi-cloud environments.  Continue Reading

• How NetOps and DevOps concepts tackle network problems

  Although NetOps and DevOps differ in approach, the concepts share similar goals and methods, allowing the two teams to work and share tools together.  Continue Reading

• How NFV and SDN could shape the future of telecom

  Looking to the future of telecom, NFV and SDN can help generate new services revenue and lower operating costs using cloud principles, rather a traditional network standards approach.  Continue Reading

• How 3 benefits of SDN can help small businesses

  As SDN matures and evolves from its original definition, it's getting harder for small businesses to ignore the benefits of SDN, like better visibility, security and efficiency.  Continue Reading

• NetOps, SecOps, DevOps concepts merge to automate security testing

  By adopting DevOps concepts, network teams can automate security testing. But, as development, network and security tasks mingle, some staffing challenges can arise.  Continue Reading

• Using AI, machine learning in networking to improve analytics

  The barrage of alerts modern network analytics tools create is problematic, but the capabilities advanced tech like AI provides can help ease the burden to network operations.  Continue Reading

• 11 common wireless security risks you don't have to take

  Wi-Fi is a boon to productivity, but it can also create serious security issues. Learn how any company can uncover and fortify their wireless security setup.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN and SLAs: Why crafting internal SLAs is a smart move

  IT teams can use SD-WAN to keep track of network performance, upping the possibility to create and enforce internal SLAs that better reflect business requirements.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN connectivity options hinge on latency, app performance

  Users debating MPLS vs. internet for SD-WAN connectivity should take the time to extensively research latency and quality-of-service requirements in terms of application performance.  Continue Reading

• Network monitoring systems best practices include centralized data

  With the help of a centralized data store and modeling language, network monitoring systems can both separate and unify data collection and analysis functions.  Continue Reading

• 4 switch ASIC interfaces to drive SDN and machine learning growth

  Learn how four interfaces that are designed to control switch ASICs and packet forwarding can help accelerate developments in SDN and machine learning.  Continue Reading

• How to improve wireless network capacity and performance in 3 steps

  In order to implement and optimize sufficient wireless network capacity, organizations need to follow the three key steps of planning, managing and troubleshooting.  Continue Reading

• Automated network testing tools actively identify network problems

  If your organization is serious about application reliability, you'll want to adopt network testing tools so you'll know what will happen when network components fail.  Continue Reading

• Time-sensitive networking standards could boost industrial control

  With the help of VLAN priority levels, time-sensitive networking can make packet flow more predictable. The technology could especially benefit the factory floor.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking security involves 3 factors

  Software-defined networking security requires IT teams to ensure data confidentiality, the integrity of the network and the availability of network services, along with compliance.  Continue Reading

• Software-defined access networks pose promise and pitfalls

  By implementing software-defined controls on the access layer, IT can centralize and unify network policies. However, any new technology is still rife with risk.  Continue Reading

• How three new telecom services can compete with OTT services

  Network operators should embrace three new types of telecom services -- hosting, information processing and experiences -- to increase revenue and compete with OTT services providers.  Continue Reading

• A 7-step checklist for designing a cloud migration plan

  Enterprises want their applications to be portable and able to shift easily among multiple cloud providers. To do that, putting together a good cloud migration plan is a must.  Continue Reading

• What is carrier cloud's role in 5G and IoT transformation?

  Carrier cloud deployment is helping network operators respond to opportunities that will drive transformation, like 5G and IoT. The question is, where can carrier cloud help?  Continue Reading

• Ensuring P2P apps don't cause network performance issues with IPv6

  Peer-to-peer applications can cause performance issues with IPv6 branch-office networks. Universal Plug and Play might be an effective way to overcome access issues.  Continue Reading

• How has software-defined networking security evolved?

  Software-defined networking security means more than just microsegmentation. Enterprises can also use SDN to assign security zones, improve monitoring and help with automation.  Continue Reading

• Find network security vulnerabilities by assessing risk

  IT staff needs to regularly review network security vulnerabilities and security gaps to battle rising cybersecurity breaches and keep costs under control through risk assessments.  Continue Reading

• Wireless-first networks verge on wireless-only, but concerns remain

  A wireless-first strategy could spread among enterprises and proceed toward wireless-only. IT staff, however, should heed concerns around capacity, management and cost.  Continue Reading

• How network operators can differentiate SD-WAN services

  Providers' SD-WAN services currently compete largely on cost, but network operators hope to gain market share with network-based SD-WAN feature differentiation.  Continue Reading

• What IPv6 features can be found in the latest specification?

  The IPv6 specification is now becoming a full-fledged internet standard. New IPv6 features focus on enterprise reliability and operational and security considerations.  Continue Reading

• Active-active data centers key to high-availability application resilience

  Enterprises dependent upon a high-availability application should investigate active-active data center designs to ensure reliability and resiliency.  Continue Reading

• ITSM automation helps advance network automation

  IT service management helps close the gap between IT staff and business needs, as artificial intelligence and machine learning work with ITSM automation to usher in network automation.  Continue Reading

• Software networking supports campus network convergence

  Software networking, along with intent-based capabilities, can help improve campus network visibility and authentication, while also supporting Ethernet and Wi-Fi convergence.  Continue Reading

• Benefits of wireless networks extend to disaster recovery plans

  In a business continuity and disaster recovery plan, IT resilience is key. Find out how the benefits of wireless networks can help keep businesses running.  Continue Reading

• How micro modular data centers simplify complex network routes

  The deployment of prefabricated micro modular data centers could ease network traffic to customer premises and multiple clouds by processing data locally at the network edge.  Continue Reading

• Network performance metrics pose data center challenges

  Currently, network performance metrics are not fully formed and offer just a generic view of the network. Plus, metrics produce reams of data that are difficult to digest.  Continue Reading

• How hackers use idle scans in port scan attacks

  Hackers exploit port scan attacks to mask their identities before launching an attack. One of their favorites: the idle scan.  Continue Reading