Tips

Tips

• GENEVE primer: The answer to network virtualization interoperability?

  The GENEVE network encapsulation protocol is more flexible than VXLAN and NVGRE. Will it bring interoperability to network virtualization overlays?  Continue Reading

• GENEVE primer: A universal network encapsulation protocol?

  The GENEVE network encapsulation protocol is more flexible than VXLAN, NVGRE and STT and does everything they can do. Will it replace them entirely?  Continue Reading

• How to buy: Assessing next-gen firewalls

  Is there a next-gen firewall in your future? Our How to Buy guide offers advice you need to ensure you purchase the best platform to meet your needs.  Continue Reading

• Don't ignore this great wireless training resource

  Online wireless support communities are a great resource for IT professionals who need their questions answered quickly.  Continue Reading

• After you buy, configure your WAN optimizer to work for you

  Before putting your WAN optimization platform into production, make sure it's tuned to meet your specific needs.  Continue Reading

• Benchmark WAN optimization tools before you buy

  WAN optimization is a critical component of every enterprise's network infrastructure. Always properly test your environment, however, before deciding which optimization platform to deploy.  Continue Reading

• Wireless performance paced by new protocols, designs

  In part three of his series about the evolution of wireless technology, Craig Mathias covers the techniques that will anchor next-generation systems.  Continue Reading

• Cisco iWAN marries MPLS and Internet for WAN aggregation

  With Cisco iWAN, engineers optimize WAN performance by dynamically aggregating MPLS and Internet resources.  Continue Reading

• The simple facts behind antenna basics

  No matter how expensive your wireless system may be, its performance depends on the strength of its antennas.  Continue Reading

• Content distribution network outdoes traditional cloud services

  Content distribution network services facilitate content distribution at a lower cost and with higher performance than traditional cloud services.  Continue Reading

• Content distribution networks: Separating fact from hype

  Content distribution networks can accelerate cloud applications and services, but only if companies know what they're looking for.  Continue Reading

• How wireless works: The tech behind the magic

  Beginning with the electromagnetic spectrum, analyst Craig Mathias details the foundation supporting wireless communications.  Continue Reading

• What you need to set a global MPLS network architecture

  When searching for a global MPLS provider, make sure business requirements align with network requirements. The first of a three-part series.  Continue Reading

• Set up firewalls for the next generation: What to consider

  Considering a next-generation firewall? The latest features will facilitate design and architecture changes in your data center environment.  Continue Reading

• Wanted: A new network management model for NFV

  NFV network management models need to be less device-driven and more focused on orchestration across legacy network components and virtual resources.  Continue Reading

• When good WANs go bad: WAN failure effects widespread

  Don't just think of WAN performance in terms of meeting enterprise objectives. WAN failure touches multiple endpoints.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about LEED, DAS and public safety radio

  IT executives must work with facilities teams to ensure high-quality wireless service while guaranteeing access to first responders.  Continue Reading

• WLAN AP reviews: Aruba instant access points

  Aruba's series of IAP-225 access points promises quick provisioning and quick configuration, analyst Craig Mathias writes.  Continue Reading

• Beyond location, operators can mine data for context-based services

  Carriers sit on a goldmine of user data that could launch context-aware services, but they must review regulatory and compliance issues carefully.  Continue Reading

• Need more green? Context-aware services can lead to new revenue

  To increase revenue with context-aware services, carriers can add on to location-based services, then offer advanced in-context services from there.  Continue Reading

• Network metrics: Costs, tools and beyond

  Network engineers use metrics to solve problems. Executives' main focus is the budget, so engineers should use tools to help figure costs.  Continue Reading

• Big data infrastructure depends on good WAN management

  In order to successfully exploit big data, effective WAN management must be part of the infrastructure puzzle.  Continue Reading

• Many culprits to blame for application performance problems

  The answer to diagnosing application performance problems is fully understanding where issues may lie.  Continue Reading

• WLAN AP reviews: Meru access points

  This 802.11ac product review of Meru Networks AP822 WLAN access points focuses on the advantages of high-capacity and plug-and-play capabilities.  Continue Reading

• WLAN AP reviews: Cisco Aironet access points

  Find out how the Cisco Aironet 3700 series of 802.11ac WLAN APs differentiates itself from the pack and where they are best deployed.  Continue Reading

• How to buy: What to look for in 802.11ac access points

  If you're in the market for 802.11ac access points for your wireless LAN, find out what features are essential when it's time to buy.  Continue Reading

• Building a hybrid network with SDN, network virtualization

  SDN and network virtualization are new and still largely misunderstood technologies. Here's how they can combine to build a modern hybrid network.  Continue Reading

• Wireless expense management shouldn't spook employees

  Tom Nolle discusses the dos and don'ts of wireless accounting and the steps enterprises must take to address BYOD expense management.  Continue Reading

• Virtual networks require fresh look at management and orchestration

  Operators need new management and orchestration systems to support virtual and physical networks and to link network elements to customers' services.  Continue Reading

• What's behind your application performance problems

  Glen Kemp illuminates some of the issues that can lead to application performance issues in this two-part series.  Continue Reading

• Network Functions Virtualization demands new network management models

  NFV aims for dynamic network provisioning and orchestration, requiring a new network management model that integrates legacy and virtual resources.  Continue Reading

• Good BYOD expense management hinges on clear telecom expense policies

  A cohesive telecom expense management program must be based on clear policies governing how employees are reimbursed for using their own devices.  Continue Reading

• Planning MPLS network procurement not for faint of heart

  In order to facilitate an MPLS link for your VPN, you need to follow four key steps -- including a provider- agnostic design and review.  Continue Reading

• Make your hybrid cloud transparent: Virtual switches, other cool tools

  Cloud visibility is a major challenge. Luckily, there are options for creating observation posts in hybrid infrastructures. Here are some to consider.  Continue Reading

• How to manage bandwidth hogs of the mobile device age

  Personal mobile devices will hog your network resources unless you are prepared. Here is what network admins must do now.  Continue Reading

• Who's calling? Engineering identity, authorization for VoIP calls

  To enable legal voice call interception in the world of VoIP, service operators need to find a way to gain accurate user identity and authentication.  Continue Reading

• PSTN-to-VoIP evolution poses identity, authentication challenges

  Going from PSTN to VoIP services, this two-part series looks at the evolution of voice and its challenges, from enabling 911 to user identification.  Continue Reading

• Five software-defined data center tips to consider before investing

  The software-defined data center combines programmable networks, servers and storage. But these SDDC tips show you what to look for beyond basic flexibility.  Continue Reading

• Software-based routers on x86 servers are becoming reality

  With stronger processing power and advanced software features, software-based routers are becoming a reality -- but only in some cases.  Continue Reading

• How the open transport switch will make operator SDN a reality

  SDN holds plenty of promise in operator networks, but it'll take open transport switches to translate protocols like OpenFlow to the underlying network.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud optimization: Ensure hybrid cloud works at your business

  An expert discusses ways IT professionals can overcome major obstacles when deploying a hybrid cloud.  Continue Reading

• Five key trends in data center technology

  Enterprise data center technology is evolving more quickly than ever before. To decide what steps you need to take, consider these five trends.  Continue Reading

• SDN optical transport networks: Programmability, but first, challenges

  SDN can be used to optimize optical transport networks, but first, engineers must learn to apply it to the diverse architectures of operator networks.  Continue Reading

• New IT tools to help you take charge in the age of the hybrid cloud

  An IT pro must be able to optimize service delivery and control the cloud operating environment. Learn about the new tools that make this task easier.  Continue Reading

• Lower network Opex needed to maximize new service revenue

  Operators need to reduce network Opex to maximize new services revenue, and different approaches are emerging to address the challenge.  Continue Reading

• Building a smarter defense with situational intelligence tools

  Contextually aware security platforms are growing in importance as employees access corporate assets through more devices and across more locations.  Continue Reading

• Using dynamic ARP inspection to stop sniffing attacks

  Expert Michael Gregg discusses how dynamic Address Resolution Protocol inspection helps prevent hackers from penetrating enterprise switches.  Continue Reading

• Expert discusses must-haves for secure VPN implementations

  Expert lists strong encryption settings and security policies, among others, as ways to use security and design to strengthen VPNs.  Continue Reading

• In SDN optical networks, centralized control and scalability

  Technology for SDN optical networks is emerging and with it comes centralized control and dynamic bandwidth provisioning in the WAN.  Continue Reading

• Cisco Modeling Lab: What you need to know

  Network architect Teren Bryson gives SearchNetworking readers an early peek into Cisco's forthcoming Cisco Modeling Lab.  Continue Reading

• Integrate contextual security to strengthen mobile device usage

  Adding contextual security framework to mobile device management strategy can yield benefits if you plan correctly, expert David Jacobs writes.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V logical networks: The answer to scalability

  When it comes time to scale Microsoft virtual environments, engineers must use Hyper-V logical networks, which enable wider connectivity.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V networking: The three virtual switches that fuel connectivity

  In this Hyper-V networking primer, learn about the three virtual switches behind Microsoft virtualization connectivity.  Continue Reading

• VMware certification programs: Recasting the old, developing the new

  VMware has revised their cloud, data center virtualization and end-user computing programs, in addition to developing a network virtualization one.  Continue Reading

• Cisco SDN vs. VMware network virtualization: Explore the differences

  Two viable SDN options -- Cisco SDN and VMware network virtualization -- have emerged, but the two are starkly different. Here's how to compare the two.  Continue Reading

• Analyze your storage traffic to meet data center WAN needs

  Understand the storage applications running across your data center WAN links to ensure optimal performance.  Continue Reading

• Brocade SDN certification: What to know about its product credentials

  Brocade now offers two SDN certification credentials focused on its virtual router product platform. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Five strategies to enhance cyber resilience

  Expert Uy Huynh details five security strategies to increase network recovery capabilities to keep your company working efficiently.  Continue Reading

• Next-stage high-density switch options: What's right for you?

  All major switch vendors have rolled out new high-density, low-latency data center switches. Expert Glen Kemp looks at what makes them special.  Continue Reading

• White box switches: Understanding the basics

  White box switches are finally emerging, offering a choice in network OS as well as flexibility. Are they poised to take over your network?  Continue Reading

• Considering SDN impact on networking staff

  Programmable networks will bring automation and change the role of the networking pro, so it's important to consider the SDN impact on IT employees.  Continue Reading

• Don't overlook SDN startups when investing in programmable networks

  When evaluating SDN technology, consider buying from SDN startups, which may be more nimble and innovative than traditional hardware vendors.  Continue Reading

• SDN essentials: Why network orchestration and virtualization?

  The goal of SDN is dynamic networks, so it's crucial to understand the concepts of network orchestration and virtualization -- the keys to flexibility.  Continue Reading

• SDN basics: Understanding centralized control and programmability

  Network engineers who want to learn about SDN basics must begin with the concepts of centralized control and network programmability.  Continue Reading

• 802.11ac 2013 standard ratified: What WLAN planners need to know

  Now that the IEEE has ratified the new 802.11 ac high-speed Wi-Fi standard, WLAN administrators need to plan their next steps.  Continue Reading

• New wireless network capabilities promise higher user capacity

  Lisa Phifer discusses how new wireless network capabilities meet the demands of increased wireless devices and bandwidth-thirsty applications.  Continue Reading

• Three myths about SOA cloud providers have to stop falling for

  When it comes to SOA, cloud providers often don't realize that much of what they've heard is based on misconceptions and unfair stigma.  Continue Reading

• Getting to know OpenStack Neutron: Open networking in cloud services

  OpenStack Neutron provides a consistent set of network services for use by other elements, such as VMs, systems management modules and other networks.  Continue Reading

• How big data and mobility fuel the need for open cloud architectures

  Open cloud architectures let providers scale storage and integrate with enterprise storage platforms -- two big requirements in the big data age.  Continue Reading

• Managing virtual network services: Lessons from implementation

  Virtualization broke many traditional management models. Cloud providers deploying virtual network services should understand the consequences.  Continue Reading

• Five steps to boost network efficiency in campus LAN

  Networking expert Glen Kemp reveals five ways to optimize the efficiency of your campus LAN.  Continue Reading

• SDN, networking monitoring: Challenge or a change for the better?

  In SDN network monitoring there are both challenges and the potential for change that will bring network management capabilities to a new level.  Continue Reading

• How SDN and NFV simplify network service chain provisioning

  SDN and NFV simplify service chain provisioning, making it easier and cheaper to spin up applications in enterprise and service provider networks.  Continue Reading

• Unified management more critical as virtual, physical worlds mesh

  As virtual and physical networking continue to evolve, the concept of unified management becomes even more important, analyst John Burke writes.  Continue Reading

• Securing from anywhere: Your mobile device VPN strategy

  Virtual private networks have long secured remote users. Learn how a mobile device VPN factors into your security strategy.  Continue Reading

• Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic simplify OpenFlow

  OpenFlow can simplify networks, yet the protocol itself is complex. Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic streamline OpenFlow SDN.  Continue Reading

• Wireless security options don't have to break the bank

  Security expert Michele Chubirka shares low-cost and free options available to help your company guard its wireless LANs against threats.  Continue Reading

• WAN aggregation: Why you should consider this application delivery optimization technique

  What is WAN aggregation, and how does it work? Our expert explains why all companies should consider this type of application delivery optimization.  Continue Reading

• Mulling enterprise SDN deployment? Not so fast

  Although SDN offers some compelling advantages, enterprises would be ill-advised to deploy the technology until it gets more mature and standardized.  Continue Reading

• Designing an effective vulnerability management program for the cloud

  Vulnerability scans aren't enough. A comprehensive vulnerability management program is vital for cloud providers to make informed security decisions.  Continue Reading

• What to consider for hybrid network virtualization technology

  There are ways to use network virtualization technology in your existing network that let traditional and virtual architectures complement each other.  Continue Reading

• What network virtualization technology can do for your network today

  Network virtualization technology is now generally available, and it won't require a rip-and-replace. A hybrid approach may be the best way to begin.  Continue Reading

• Faster processors, convergence fuel growth of 40 Gigabit Ethernet

  The advent of more powerful servers and increasing traffic are combining to fuel the migration of 40 Gigabit Ethernet into the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Take steps to defend your network using DHCP snooping

  Learn how to enable DHCP snooping to secure your network against common breaches including man in the middle attacks and ARP poisoning.  Continue Reading

• Getting cloud capacity planning right in the face of oncoming growth

  Cloud capacity planning requires accurate knowledge of a cloud provider's existing infrastructure, future plans and the growth plans of its customers.  Continue Reading

• SDN WAN optimization and security applications emerge

  Managing remote offices is tough, but SDN WAN optimization and security bring centralized management that simplifies pushing policy to the branches.  Continue Reading

• How to improve public cloud computing performance over your WAN

  Enterprises have a few options for improving public cloud computing performance over their WANs. See what our expert recommends.  Continue Reading

• Identifying and mitigating cloud computing vulnerabilities

  How successful a cloud provider is in growing its business depends on its ability to dispel customer concerns about data security and privacy.  Continue Reading

• Multi-layer SDN: Programmability across packet and optical layers

  Multi-layer SDN lets engineers use controllers for centralized programmability across both packet and optical layers for a more efficient WAN.  Continue Reading

• Will the cloud exchange be the next big ecosystem player?

  An emerging branch of the cloud ecosystem, the cloud exchange, has the potential to address many concerns about the cloud broker model.  Continue Reading

• Open cloud: Just a buzzword or the future of infrastructure?

  Embracing an open cloud means there is no technology lock-in, no contractual lock-in and no services lock-in.  Continue Reading

• Six ways hackers try to break Secure Sockets Layer-encrypted data

  Security expert Michael Gregg discusses steps enterprises should take to ensure their SSL-encrypted data remains secure.  Continue Reading

• Overcoming network functions virtualization implementation challenges

  Carriers need network functions virtualization implementation prespecification, so they'll look to TM Forum and cloud management models for help.  Continue Reading

• Selling SaaS: Operational requirements for consumers vs. businesses

  The key to successfully selling SaaS across all market segments is addressing the different operational requirements among various buyer groups.  Continue Reading

• Infrastructure services should be means, not end, for IaaS providers

  As IaaS prices continue to fall and dilute already thin margins, IaaS providers must reposition their offering as a cloud services building block.  Continue Reading

• Campus edge unification helped by virtual chassis, stacked switches

  Competitively priced virtual chassis and stacked switches can help enterprises unify their wired and wireless networks at the campus edge.  Continue Reading

• New standards help administrators increase enterprise WLAN capacity

  Combined, the 802.11ac and 802.11ad standards will allow admins to increase enterprise WLAN capacity, for better user density and higher data rates.  Continue Reading

• Is OpenStack IPv6-ready?

  Cloud computing won't reach its potential without IPv6 support. Three experts tested OpenStack to see how IPv6-ready the cloud platform really is.  Continue Reading

• Unifying the campus edge, wireless and wired convergence

  Glen Kemp discusses some of the key considerations that need to be made when unifying wired and wireless access at the campus edge.  Continue Reading

• Where SDN and DPI technology meet: Centralized control and automation

  When SDN and DPI technology meet, network engineers can apply monitoring and management policy to the whole network instead of individual components.  Continue Reading