Tips

Tips

• Cloud and mobility call for new network defense tactics

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

• Manage apps with APM tools, fix critical performance issues

  IT pros need to consider new developments in technology like software-defined networking and the Internet of Things when choosing the best Ethernet switch for their current and future network.  Continue Reading

• IT managers should focus on capacity, not wireless throughput

  Wireless throughput is getting faster, but capacity is the measure you should really be studying.  Continue Reading

• Service providers take cautious approach to NFV implementation

  Service providers' strategies for NFV implementation are designed to minimize disruption while transitioning legacy architectures to a virtualized world.  Continue Reading

• The evolution of Carrier Ethernet service chaining offers new options

  Operators looking to service chaining for Carrier Ethernet must assess both the issues and opportunities for use via NFV or as hosted network edge services.  Continue Reading

• MPLS fabric is natural fit for ISP backbone overlays

  While data centers typically use an IP fabric under their network overlays, ISPs may find that MPLS fabric makes more sense as backbone underlays.  Continue Reading

• How network overlays could benefit provider backbones

  ISPs are weighing potential benefits of network overlays in the backbone, including increased agility, faster service provisioning and lower Opex.  Continue Reading

• Overlay networks could revolutionize ISP backbone

  Overlay networks have already taken the data center by storm, but they also offer advantages to the ISP backbone network, including more agility and reduced Opex.  Continue Reading

• NFVi: Virtual networks drive changes in telecom infrastructure needs

  Expert Lee Doyle explains why service provider networks need NFV infrastructure -- high-performance, reliable and scalable platforms to support virtual network functions.  Continue Reading

• Networkers face tough slate of cloud and security decisions

  Deploying a cloud service means it's time to craft new policies that govern security procedures.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud stresses application monitoring tools

  Keeping tabs on application performance gets tougher in hybrid cloud situations. APM tools can help.  Continue Reading

• What is SDN? The answer now includes automation and virtualization

  What is SDN? What software-defined networking really means has evolved dramatically and now includes automation and virtualization.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about the hybrid WAN

  The ballooning amount of data generated by users and applications is fueling the development of hybrid WANs. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Virtual network functions, not network functions virtualization, belong in enterprise

  While network functions virtualization is exclusively a service provider technology, virtual network functions are at home in the enterprise space.  Continue Reading

• Facebook, Google use SDN to boost data center connectivity

  Internet content providers like Facebook and Google are already using SDN to improve hyperscale data center connectivity. But more could be done.  Continue Reading

• How indoor mesh wireless solved an outdoors problem

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

• Are OpenStack and NFV MANO interchangeable?

  Network functions virtualization and cloud management systems appear to overlap, but whether or not the latter can manage and orchestrate a virtual network is open to debate.  Continue Reading

• ICYMI: Cisco teams up with SpiderCloud for USC offering

  ICYMI: Cisco and SpiderCloud target the enterprise with their jointly developed mobile offering; Kemp introduces a free version of its virtual ADC.  Continue Reading

• Advent of 2.5, 5 Gigabit Ethernet switches roiling market

  Faster wireless has opened the market for a new breed of switches. Expert Craig Mathias will tell you what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• SDN load balancer debate: Controller or ADC?

  Expert David Jacobs discusses whether software-defined networking will render application delivery controllers obsolete or complement evolving SDN.  Continue Reading

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

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

• Virtual network function development: Ecosystem or silo?

  The future of virtual network functions depends on how easily they can be deployed. Consensus is still a ways off.  Continue Reading

• Ten recommendations to improve your NFV network evolution

  As providers move into network functions virtualization, these 10 recommendations can help guarantee a successful NFV network transition.  Continue Reading

• With wave 2 Wi-Fi on the horizon, is your network ready?

  Wave 2 Gigabit Wi-Fi will usher in speeds of up to 7 Gbps. Expert Lisa Phifer explains what you need to do to get ready.  Continue Reading

• How to buy: What IT needs to look for in data center switches

  IT needs to know what to look for when buying data center switches that support high speeds and lower latencies to pave the way for agile data center network consolidation.  Continue Reading

• Seven wireless networking trends to remember

  Wireless networking is empowering, but it comes with a fair amount of complexity. Stay clear-headed and understand your own needs and constraints, even as the fog gathers around you.  Continue Reading

• Opportunistic encryption: The IETF's 50 shades of protection

  The IETF is asking for help as it defines the opportunistic security standard. What does this mean to the enterprise?  Continue Reading

• Open NFV toolkit Snabb Switch offers virtual Ethernet programming

  Snabb Switch, an emerging open NFV toolkit, enables Ethernet function programming in a software switch. Could it leave vendor-developed hardware in its wake?  Continue Reading

• IPv6 attack attempts and how to mitigate them

  Compartmentalizing traffic and employing static entries can help enterprises block neighbor discovery-based attacks in their IPv6 networks.  Continue Reading

• Mitigating IPv6 neighbor discovery attacks

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

• REST APIs in SDN: An introduction for network engineers

  REST APIs play a vital role in SDN controllers and applications. This will be new territory for many network engineers, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.  Continue Reading

• Five SDN starter kit options you should know

  SDN starter kits are designed to help enterprises evaluate the technology before they begin transitioning their networks to the new architecture. What should you look for?  Continue Reading

• How to make legacy and emerging network technologies work together

  Emerging network technologies like SDN and NFV have to interwork with legacy equipment and be managed as one. Find out what it will take to get there.  Continue Reading

• How to protect your IPv6 address management

  Expert Fernando Gont explains how to probe whether your IPv6 address components are vulnerable to attack.  Continue Reading

• IT network management and SMBs: What to look for

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

• Avoiding the pitfalls of virtual network functions takes planning

  Building a network functions virtualization framework means understanding which features, or functions, are most important. Tread carefully.  Continue Reading

• The journey to next-generation networks begins now

  Network operators will see real change in their next-generation networks in 2015, moving SDN and NFV from science project status to serious trials, while mobile networks get the lion's share of investment, and new regulations affect all of it.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid IPv6 neighbor discovery threats

  If you're ready to deploy IPv6, get ready to understand neighbor discovery and its vulnerabilities.  Continue Reading

• Managing mobility means understanding EMM

  As enterprises become more mobile, enterprises need to understand the tools available to help them manage that growth.  Continue Reading

• VWAN threatens traditional three-tiered WAN design

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

• Network management, next-gen firewall tools take center stage

  A recap of SearchNetworking's How to Buy series, which teaches IT professionals what to keep an eye on when buying new products for their networks.  Continue Reading

• Three VoIP quality killers

  Managing VoIP quality is a constant headache for engineers. Here are some ways to avoid some common problems.  Continue Reading

• How to plot SIP services to a WAN foundation

  What you need to measure when evaluating SIP services from your WAN services provider.  Continue Reading

• Virtual network functions bring potential with some risk

  Virtual network functions are the magic behind NFV. They bring software capability to routing, mobile core, security and more. But they're not without implementation challenges.  Continue Reading

• Virtual WAN providers challenge traditional MPLS

  Virtual WAN providers are opening up wide area network options to replace MPLS, using SDN and NFV to create overlays that overcome the public Internet's drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• Is it the end of the line for wired Ethernet?

  802.11ac expansion has eliminated the need for a wired network; networking pros should plan for integrated security and application management.  Continue Reading

• What's the holdup on enterprise network software adoption?

  Enterprise network software uptake is lagging due to a wide range of adoption barriers. The good news is that these challenges shouldn't be difficult to overcome.  Continue Reading

• SDN and NFV are the heart of the 'new IP'

  What exactly is the 'new IP'? In a nutshell, it's the use of SDN and NFV to build highly virtualized IP networks that will allow carriers and operators to monetize new services. Here's how it works.  Continue Reading

• Buying the right network management application for you

  With SDN and the integration of wireless networking within enterprise infrastructures, IT must carefully assess its network management needs.  Continue Reading

• What to know: Getting the right network management tool

  Network management applications are the first line of defense against costly downtime. But what capabilities should these essential tools have?  Continue Reading

• WAN topology contingent on ISP resources, user needs

  When designing a WAN topology, enterprises have to carefully balance their requirements against what their service providers can offer.  Continue Reading

• Shifting to next-gen firewalls changes security dynamics

  Next-generation firewalls offer a lot of capabilities. But how do you add them into your security portfolio?  Continue Reading

• Faster wireless means wireless security policies need an update

  Faster wireless technology is now widely available, but are your network's security policies up to the task?  Continue Reading

• Resource public key infrastructure can plug hole in BGP security

  The Border Gateway Protocol does a lot of wonderful things, but there are steps you should take to ensure your IP routing is secure.  Continue Reading

• Securing corporate data in a BYOD world

  In an ever more dangerous world, your trusty VPN has a more important role than ever.  Continue Reading

• How to build a network for Open vSwitch testing

  Setting up an Open vSwitch test network can be as simple as downloading code, deploying it on x86 servers and attaching storage disks. Here's how to get started.  Continue Reading

• Blended IT and security operations: Where's the balance?

  There are benefits to eliminating the distance between IT and security operations. But there are challenges as well.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-managed networking makes VPN a snap

  Provisioning and deploying a WAN and VPN is an everyday function for engineers. But can you do that for an office 4,000 miles away without leaving your office?  Continue Reading

• Common DNS record types: What they mean

  The domain name resolution process has many steps. Our expert walks you through some of the most common.  Continue Reading

• NFV Infrastructure: What really lies beneath?

  Vendors have differing ideas on what constitutes an NFV Infrastructure, which makes it difficult to know how to invest. However, there are a few key elements every portfolio should include.  Continue Reading

• 5 network performance features in VMware NSX 6.1

  VMware NSX 6.1 brings new optimization, management and security features to virtual network environments.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to measure wireless network performance

  Trying to find ways to assess your wireless network performance? Here are some tools that can help.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about the DNS system

  The domain name system is a fundamental building block of the Internet. Our expert explains the details of what makes it work.  Continue Reading

• Mininet creates OpenFlow test networks on the cheap

  With Mininet emulation software, you can create OpenFlow test networks that let you experiment with programmable networking and flexible control planes without investing in costly switches.  Continue Reading

• With MPLS-TP and SDN, a simpler dynamic control plane

  MPLS-TP transforms carrier networks for packet switching, but SDN could take it a step further. Combining the technologies, engineers could reduce complexity in the dynamic control plane and gain flexible service creation.  Continue Reading

• Network management systems must meet new demands

  It's getting harder to see what's happening in enterprise networks, thanks to SDN, cloud and mobility. It's time for network management systems to catch up.  Continue Reading

• Network as a service: The core of cloud connectivity

  Public, private and hybrid clouds have one common requirement: networking. Discover how network as a service enables cloud connectivity.  Continue Reading

• Audio video bridging, auto Ethernet fuel need for precise timing

  As applications such as automobile Ethernet and audio video bridging gain traction, the need for new timing protocols beyond NTP takes root.  Continue Reading

• Why you need software-defined security for your SDN

  The network architecture shift to software-defined networking requires software-defined security, not a hard-wired security approach.  Continue Reading

• An open source networking ecosystem shapes up

  Open source networking is becoming a reality now that standards bodies, vendors and development communities are working together. Yet these players face a slew of challenges.  Continue Reading

• Managing virtual networks poses multiple challenges

  Server virtualization offers network managers many advantages -- but those benefits come with some stiff challenges.  Continue Reading

• Performance benchmarking your ADCs

  Assessing the performance of your new ADC requires careful benchmarking. Here's what to look for.  Continue Reading

• Network load balancer and ADC options: What's best for you?

  When considering an ADC platform, take the time necessary to ensure the prospective system meets your requirements.  Continue Reading

• Honing your application delivery platform: Buying the right ADC

  In the market for a load balancer or a full-blown application delivery controller? SearchNetworking's How to Buy series shares what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Network micro-segmentation brings security to NSX and ACI

  VMware and Cisco are depending on network micro-segmentation to bring a new level of virtualization security with east-west firewall capabilities.  Continue Reading

• The appeal of SDN in the WAN, and where to start

  SDN's networking role has not always been clear, there are now some compelling use cases. Because SDN can make the WAN more functional and less expensive, networking pros should keep their eyes on SDN developments.  Continue Reading

• Six considerations for big data networks

  Big data networks must be built to handle distributed resources that are simultaneously working on a single task. That'll require network resiliency, consistency and application awareness.  Continue Reading

• Network timing: Everything you need to know about NTP

  As more applications use IP networks, reliable distribution of authoritative timing information is becoming critical.  Continue Reading

• NFV applications emerge from ISVs, but challenges loom

  A new group of ISVs is producing exciting NFV applications that bring automation to a range of network services. But these developers face enormous challenges in establishing a new set of technologies.  Continue Reading

• How to describe technology in business terms to win board approval

  Networking professionals have to be able to explain the value of technology in business terms to win board approval. Find out how to talk business-speak.  Continue Reading

• How to reassert control in era of bring your own application

  The growth of bring your own applications means IT has to find new ways to reassert control over software introduced into the workplace.  Continue Reading

• Seven steps to a Microsoft Hyper-V test network

  Networking pros can use Microsoft Hyper-V networks for multi-tenant cloud environments, but first they'll have to learn the ropes in testing environments. Here are simple steps to building a Hyper-V test network.  Continue Reading

• Basic elements of Microsoft network virtualization

  Microsoft network virtualization may not get the same market mindshare as the competition, but you can pull off a software-driven, multi-tenant network for the cloud using Hyper-V and Systems Center 2012.  Continue Reading

• How SDN LTE could simplify network management

  LTE is growing fast, but so are the network management challenges that come along with it. SDN LTE could be the game changer, bringing centralized control for a simpler network.  Continue Reading

• WAN aggregation, SDN the best next steps for network optimization

  WAN aggregation allows continuous, high-performance networking, and software-defined networking delivers greater security, visibility and control. In this tip, expert John Burke evaluates both technologies to help you better optimize your network.  Continue Reading

• What do we need from NFV orchestration?

  NFV orchestration is about much more than just provisioning and managing virtual features, such as firewalls or load balancers. Instead, NFV orchestration must address the entire service-chaining process.  Continue Reading

• You may already own the best Internet security tool

  You may not have to spend money to purchase more security tools; in fact, Michele Chubirka writes, you probably already own what you need.  Continue Reading

• Analyzing 4G and Wi-Fi options for spot-on wireless network planning

  Three important questions can help you analyze your 4G and Wi-Fi assets and user expectations for wireless network planning now and in the future.  Continue Reading

• Using the Link Layer Discovery Protocol to reveal disparate devices

  The Link Layer Discovery Protocol is a helpful tool when you need to know what's connected in your network -- regardless of vendor.  Continue Reading

• How to find the cybersecurity tools you need

  There are scores of cybersecurity tools in the marketplace, but you probably have all the ones you really need, writes security adviser Michele Chubirka.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi fills gap in indoor location tracking market

  Wi-Fi networks fill in the gap left by GPS networks unable to probe indoors. Businesses are finding some new ways to exploit that capability.  Continue Reading

• Juniper OpenContrail vs. Cisco ACI: Making an SDN decision

  Juniper and Cisco have radically different SDN strategies. Here's some crucial information about the Cisco ACI vs. Juniper OpenContrail decision.  Continue Reading

• Why you should update your IPv6 equipment purchasing policies now

  To make your network IPv6 equipment ready for the transition, these guidelines can help you update your purchasing policies to make sure you and your vendors are on the same page when it comes to IPv6 features.  Continue Reading

• Options abound for OpenStack implementation

  Integrating OpenStack within your existing data network takes some careful planning, but there are plenty of tools to help.  Continue Reading

• Application performance measurement gets boost with DPI

  There are lots of technical approaches to sifting applications out of the sand pile of network traffic, but when you get down to the details, the best solutions all do it the same way: with deep packet inspection, writes Patrick Hubbard.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about switch upgrades

  Next-generation switches have a lot of capabilities, especially as vendors retool their product lines to support application awareness and other features. But make sure you get the switch you need.  Continue Reading

• What to look for when gauging MPLS performance

  Quality of service and service-level agreements are just a few of the considerations enterprises must keep in mind when assessing global MPLS providers.  Continue Reading

• Next-gen firewall reviews: Fortinet FortiGate 3950B

  Find out how the Fortinet FortiGate 3950B next-gen firewall stacks up against the competition, and read up on how to assess NGFWs before you buy.  Continue Reading

• Next-gen firewall reviews: Palo Alto Networks PA-5060

  Find out how the Palo Alto Networks PA-5060 next-gen firewall stacks up against the competition, and read up on how to assess NGFWs before you buy.  Continue Reading

• Next-gen firewall reviews: Check Point 12610

  Find out how the Check Point 12610 next-gen firewall stacks up against the competition, and read up on how to assess NGFWs before you buy.  Continue Reading