Tutorials

Tutorials

• An introduction to the types of firewalls and how they work

  In this introduction to firewall technology, learn about the types of firewalls and how they work to keep private networks safe from hackers and other security threats.  Continue Reading

• NetOps vs. DevOps vs. NetSecOps: What's the difference?

  DevOps, NetOps and NetSecOps ... oh my! These IT concepts have their differences, but at the end of the day, they're family. Here's how they relate.  Continue Reading

• What is CDN technology, and who are the current CDN providers?

  This tutorial on content delivery networks offers an overview of CDN technology, provides information on finding CDN providers and looks at CDNs' role in enterprise networking.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN explained: Getting your questions answered

  Our SearchSDN networking experts aim for SD-WAN explained in this Q&A compilation, with topics ranging from vertical markets it can benefit to the merits of WAN optimization vs. SD-WAN.  Continue Reading

• Essential network cabling tips for your infrastructure

  Network cabling may seem basic, but it's integral to your network infrastructure. This series of 10 lessons for networking pros explains how common types of network cables work.  Continue Reading

• USB cable connection and connector types explained

  The USB cable connection remains popular -- particularly with home users -- in part, because of its easy setup. Take a closer look at standard USB and related connection types.  Continue Reading

• A parallel cable connection for computers can still be useful

  Parallel cable connections that allow data to be transferred between computers require a slightly complicated setup. But the speeds achieved are worth it.  Continue Reading

• How to set up a serial cable connection in your network

  Serial direct cable connection is examined in this cable networking lesson, which defines the term and explains how it works, as well as the technology required to set one up.  Continue Reading

• Introduction to Windows direct cable connection

  Methods of direct cable connection have evolved. This tip explains how, as well as what each method -- including UTP crossovers and straight-through cabling -- requires.  Continue Reading

• Learn about fiber optic cable types and why smaller is better

  Learn about fiber optic cable types, how the most widely used one -- 62.5/125-micron loose tube -- is constructed, and why smaller is better when it comes to fiber optics.  Continue Reading

• 100Base-TX cable, or Fast Ethernet, explained

  This tip reviews 100Base-TX cable fundamentals, including a breakdown of the term's meaning, how it works and related cable types that network pros need to know.  Continue Reading

• How the 10Base-T cable evolved and its use today

  This tip reviews how 10Base-T cable developed and what the elements of the term mean. It also reviews the variations of this cabling type and how they are used now.  Continue Reading

• How to set up a CAT5 UTP crossover cable

  Learn all about UTP crossover CAT5 cables in this cabling series tip, which both explains the purpose of this common cable type and how to set one up.  Continue Reading

• Types of network cables: An introduction to network cabling

  Different types of networking cables are the backbone of a network's infrastructure. Selecting the right type is critical, as enterprise network admins deploy new technologies.  Continue Reading

• Straight-through cable: Learn about UTP wiring and color coding

  Straight-through UTP cables and CAT5 networks are discussed in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Overview of the Gigabit Ethernet standard

  This lesson from our network cabling series reviews the Gigabit Ethernet standard, also known as 1000BASE, as well as variations of 10BASE Ethernet.  Continue Reading

• GRE IPsec tunnel and transport mode overhead

  Understand how much packet overhead is used in GRE IPsec tunnel vs. transport mode in this technical tip.  Continue Reading

• Implementing IPsec to protect your VPN data

  While implementing IPsec can be done a variety of ways, this article discusses how to configure IP security to protect your VPN data.  Continue Reading

• IPsec transport mode: How it works

  This article explains what virtual private network (VPN) IPsec transport mode is and how it works, using diagrams, illustrations and easy-to-understand language.  Continue Reading

• IPsec tunnel mode: How it works

  Learn what IPsec tunnel mode is and how it works across your virtual private network (VPN).  Continue Reading

• IPsec modes: Understanding transport vs. tunnel modes for VPN security

  Did you know that there are two types of IPsec modes? This article series walks you through examples, behaviors and implementation of both.  Continue Reading

• Cloud capacity planning not just about capex -- it's an SLA issue, too

  Do you know how to play Tetris? Good -- then you're halfway to understanding the rigors of cloud capacity planning. Learn the rest in this free chapter download.  Continue Reading

• Wireless wide area networks: A primer on WWAN technology and uses

  A wireless wide area network (WWAN) has several possibilities for uses and comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Learn about the WWAN in this primer.  Continue Reading

• Branch networking: Comparing branch office routers

  This comparison of branch office routers examines the features and functionality offered by leading branch networking vendors.  Continue Reading

• MPLS vs. VPN: Comparing ADSL MPLS VPNs with ADSL IP VPNs

  Expert Chris Partsenidis hashes out the MPLS vs. VPN debate to determine whether cheaper ADSL IP VPN alternatives are better than ISP-supported ADSL MPLS VPNs for your WAN.  Continue Reading

• Mobile broadband/SSL VPN solution keeps police officers in the field

  An Alabama police department mobilized its officers by creating a mobile broadband and SSL VPN solution, forgoing a costly private network installation.  Continue Reading

• ADSL VPN primer

  This ADSL VPN primer explains what an Asymmetic Digital Subscriber Line IP VPN is and introduces IT professionals to ADSL VPN security, services and backup.  Continue Reading

• Understanding MPLS IP VPN encryption

  Does MPLS IP VPN encryption make your enterprise WAN secure? Read this explanation to understand MPLS virtual private network security basics.  Continue Reading

• DSL VPN advantages and disadvantages

  While many enterprises are moving from T1 to MPLS IP VPN connections, others are moving to DSL VPNs. Learn why and assess the DSL VPN advantages and disadvantages for yourself.  Continue Reading

• 4G wireless network planning: A guide for network operators

  This 4G wireless network planning guide helps network operators determine what moving to 4G means for network design and traffic handling practices, and how to adapt as necessary.  Continue Reading

• MPLS VPN tutorial

  What are MPLS networks? How do they work and how are MPLS VPNs used in enterprise wide area networks (WANs)? This MPLS VPN tutorial will help you understand MPLS VPN basics.  Continue Reading

• Virtual WAN optimization appliance roundup

  Get a rundown of use cases and vendor options for a virtual WAN optimization appliance, which can go places hardware can’t and creates opportunities for focused traffic management.  Continue Reading

• T1 circuit or MPLS network: How to choose

  The venerable T1 circuit is making way for the high-speed, easy to manage MPLS network. While the carriers are not ripping out T1 connections, they are pressuring WAN managers to abandon them.  Continue Reading

• Desktop virtualization network and storage best practices

  A desktop virtualization network and storage strategy that optimizes bandwidth and limits lag time is key to enterprise uptake of virtual desktop infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• A WAN manager’s guide to data center interconnect

  Virtualization is changing the role of the WAN for data center interconnect. WAN managers need to understand and prepare for the new requirements for data center links.  Continue Reading

• Network disaster recovery planning guide: Best practices

  This network disaster recovery planning guide provides essentials for protecting a network in the event of a disaster and offers knowledge necessary to execute a successful plan.  Continue Reading

• Telecom tutorials

  SearchTelecom.com's tutorials offer expert insight, technical tips and best practices on core and access networks, IPTV, fixed mobile convergence, VoIP, WiFi/WiMax, wireless and mobile devices, MPLS, service areas, network operations and more.  Continue Reading

• Networking tutorials

  SearchNetworking.com’s tutorials are a great resource for technical tips and valuable best practices on routing, switching, network security, network/systems management, convergence/VoIP and wireless LANs, so that IT professionals can keep their ...  Continue Reading

• Layer 3 VPN architectures

  This guide serves as an introduction to Layer 3 VPN architectures. As you consider different virtual private network types for your enterprise WAN, such as MPLS, IPsec, SSL and remote, be mindful of the traffic you want to transmit (data, voice, etc...  Continue Reading

• Optimizing 802.11n for voice over wireless LAN

  Understand the impacts that 802.11n can have on voice applications and discover techniques to deliver toll-quality voice over wireless LAN, including WMM prioritization, call admission and fast roaming. You’ll gain insight into why a well-designed ...  Continue Reading

• Deploying 802.11n for improved wireless LAN performance

  This series examines how deploying 802.11n can improve your enterprise’s wireless LAN performance enabling mobility services that make workforces informed and productive. With 802.11n you can extend your network to deliver multimedia over wireless ...  Continue Reading

• 802.11n WLAN design best practices

  Discover best practices for designing and deploying an 802.11n wireless LAN, from RF design and band/channel selection to access point placement for coverage and capacity. After reading this section, you will understand where to start when adding ...  Continue Reading

• 802.11n migration: Supporting legacy devices

  Lisa Phifer explains how your 802.11n migration provides support for legacy client devices that are already used for best-effort data applications like Internet access and email, identifying best practices for migration. After reading this section, ...  Continue Reading

• Delivering video over your 802.11n wireless LAN

  Learn about delivering video over your 802.11n wireless LAN. Discover the features that affect video streaming, and identify benefits and limitations related to techniques like multicast and airtime fairness that must be considered in order to ...  Continue Reading

• VPN tutorial: Understand the basics of IPsec and SSL VPNs

  Understand the basics of protecting corporate data in this VPN tutorial. Learn the difference between IPsec and SSL VPNs and how to use them correctly.  Continue Reading

• Which VPN should your business network implement?

  Discover which VPN would be the best to implement into your enterprise wide area network (WAN). See examples of different VPN scenarios.  Continue Reading

• VPN types: Protocols and network topologies of IPsec VPNs

  IPsec VPNs use a number of different security protocols. Learn these VPN types, their network topologies, and the services they provide.  Continue Reading

• The benefits and different types of SSL VPNs

  SSL VPNs communicate differently than other VPN types. Discover the difference between portal and tunnel SSL VPNs and learn the benefits of each.  Continue Reading

• How to accelerate encrypted traffic using WAN optimization

  WAN optimization controllers (WOCs) solve branch office server consolidation problems, but not all those around encrypted traffic. Learn how certain wide area network optimization techniques can handle data and the CIFS protocol, in this section of ...  Continue Reading

• Classes of MPLS services: Find the best MPLS/VPN service for your WAN

  Despite the many names given to MPLS/VPNs by marketers, there are only three classes of MPLS-based VPN services with very distinct characteristics. If you’re able to map their service descriptions into one of these classes, you’ll immediately ...  Continue Reading

• Network automation overview

  Network automation in its many forms is fast becoming a requirement for ever-more complex enterprise networks. Automatically processing configuration changes in a consistent manner will take the load off the network administrator, reduce downtime ...  Continue Reading

• I/O Virtualization and Converged I/O: Understanding the basics

  I/O virtualization and converged I/O are crucial to enabling converged data center networks and avoiding the bottlenecking that arises in virtualized environments. In this primer, learn about I/O virtualization appliances and software, as well as ...  Continue Reading

• CoS/QoS basics: Understanding class and quality of service for WANs

  This technology primer aids wide area network (WAN) engineers in understanding CoS/QoS basics. Learn what quality of service is and isn't, along with how it compares with class of service. To transform your basic IP network into a robust one that ...  Continue Reading

• Virtualization networking guide: Managing virtualization

  Networking professionals must understand how server virtualization affects the network. This virtualization networking guide examines capacity planning for virtual server networking, managing virtual networks through distributed virtual switching, ...  Continue Reading

• Data center interconnect using VPLS

  Virtual private LAN services offer an alternative to traditional WAN links and solve enterprise data center interconnect problems. VPLS also opens the door to new data center network management strategies.  Continue Reading

• MPLS VPN basics

  In this review of MPLS VPN basics, discover the differences between MPLS VPN and traditional virtual private networks, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this newer service provider offering.  Continue Reading

• Metro Ethernet tutorial

  This metro Ethernet tutorial explains what kind of carrier Ethernet the service is, when the technology should be used, and what wide area network (WAN) managers need to know about it.  Continue Reading

• A cloud computing tutorial for WAN managers

  If your company is considering cloud services, check out this cloud computing tutorial that will walk you through what wide area network (WAN) managers need to know about cloud computing technology, which cloud types work for the enterprise, the ...  Continue Reading

• What's the value of ITIL foundation certification?

  The ITIL foundation certification sets the baseline for understanding the move to an IT service management model. Whether it is required by your organization, for personal resume enhancement, or even to move into another type of IT role, an ITIL ...  Continue Reading

• Primer: Multi-tenant network for the private cloud

  The push for private cloud computing networks is creating new security and management challenges for network managers. The first step is to build a multi-tenant network to isolate applications and data; next come application-aware networks.  Continue Reading

• WAN bandwidth optimization tools and techniques

  WAN bandwidth optimization tools and techniques are explained in this primer on getting the most out of your business wide area network links. This introduction to WAN technologies discusses methods and products that accelerate traffic so that your ...  Continue Reading

• Wireshark filter tutorial: A Wireshark guide from Laura Chappell

  This Wireshark guide from Laura Chappell examines the open source network monitoring tool and its many uses. Use this Wireshark filter tutorial to find out what the network analyzer can do for your network.  Continue Reading

• Using LAN edge switch security features for network defense-in-depth

  Enterprises are turning their focus to the largely unused LAN edge switch security features that can enable the use of ACLs and VLANs for port management and traffic monitoring. LAN edge switches also support network access authentication and can be...  Continue Reading

• Cloud computing network primer

  Cloud computing network architecture is moving toward a flat, leaf-spine topology, enabling reduced latency and balancing bandwidth, providing any-to-any connectivity within and between servers. Learn more in this primer.  Continue Reading

• VLAN guide for networking professionals

  Virtual LANs (VLANs) are LANs with definitions that map workstations based on anything except for geographic location. In this VLAN guide, you will learn about VLANs as they relate to server virtualization and WLANs and find VLAN configuration tips ...  Continue Reading

• Evaluating Citrix Branch Repeater for WAN optimization

  Citrix's product for WAN optimization is the Citrix Branch Repeater. This family of products integrates network optimization with application, desktop and server virtualization.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating Blue Coat Systems' WAN optimization

  Blue Coat Systems distinguishes itself as a WAN optimization vendor with strengths in security and application visibility. Learn important facts about Blue Coat's ProxySG and PacketShaper products.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating Silver Peak Systems for WAN optimization

  Silver Peak Systems' WAN optimization product line addresses problems typically seen in the data center, including accelerating data backup, server and storage centralization, and real-time collaboration and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).  Continue Reading

• Evaluating Ipanema Technologies' WAN optimization

  Ipanema Technologies provides WAN optimization to system integrators, VARs, and service providers. It offers extensive performance management in addition to acceleration and optimization technology.  Continue Reading

• WAN optimization vendors: Comparison methodology and snapshot

  We polled the major WAN optimization vendors for product information and compiled it to help you make a vendor comparison. Here we list the main differences between WOC providers, in brief.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating Riverbed Steelhead WAN optimization

  Riverbed Steelhead appliances for WAN optimization are focused on specific enterprise applications -- such as rich media, thin clients, Web apps and disaster recovery -- scalability and ease of installation.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating Cisco WAAS WAN optimization

  Cisco WAAS is a family of WAN optimization products that integrate well into the network environment and offers broad application support through Cisco's partnerships.  Continue Reading

• Bandwidth measurement and management guide

  Today's enterprise applications are demanding more and more network bandwidth. How do you ensure you have enough bandwidth and manage it well? Find out with the resources in our bandwidth measurement and management guide.  Continue Reading

• Types of penetration tests

  Learn about different types of penetration tests in part four of our series on this ethical hacking technique that can help security professionals evaluate the effectiveness of information security measures within their organizations.  Continue Reading

• Penetration testing strategies

  Learn penetration testing strategies, ethical hacking techniques to help security professionals evaluate the effectiveness of information security measures within their organizations.  Continue Reading

• Penetration testing methodology and standards

  Penetration testing methodology and standards are key to success for this ethical hacking technique that can help security professionals evaluate information security measures.  Continue Reading

• SSL VPN tutorial

  Some companies see SSL VPNs as a simpler, cheaper way to provide remote access to corporate data. Find out about SSL VPN usage, compare IPsec vs. SSL and decide what's right for your network in this SSL VPN tutorial.  Continue Reading

• IP network design guide: Managing an IP-based network

  Network design underlies the performance of your enterprise IP network. This four part guide by Cormac Long offers you a comprehensive roadmap to designing IP-based networks, from the basic principles involved to the more complex finishing touches.  Continue Reading

• Performing a penetration test

  Part 2 in our series on penetration testing, an ethical hacking technique, to help security professionals evaluate the effectiveness of information security measures within their organizations.  Continue Reading

• Network penetration testing guide

  This network penetration testing guide reveals how to use penetration testing tools and best practices for conducting a penetration test.  Continue Reading

• Network user management

  While networking professionals protect their network perimeters, they must be just as careful to manage users on the inside. How can admins enforce network security policies and allocate user permissions? Take a look at these problem user profiles ...  Continue Reading

• Choosing WAN connectivity and services wisely

  This guide explores the evolution of the wide area network and the WAN connectivity services being developed to improve remote connections, including the use of services like MPLS, Ethernet, and the Internet.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise wireless LAN security: 802.11 and seamless wireless roaming

  Learn how to secure your enterprise wireless local area network (LAN) in this guide of industry best practices. Wireless networking expert Lisa Phifer explains how network security is improved by the wireless IEEE 802.11n protocol; how to secure ...  Continue Reading

• IPv6 tutorial

  IPv6 promises a stronger, faster Internet experience and lots of potential headaches for network administrators. Compiled by the SearchEnterpriseWAN.com editors, this handy IPv6 tutorial provides you with what you need to know to prepare for the ...  Continue Reading

• Optimize bandwidth for maximum network performance

  Today's enterprise applications are demanding more and more network bandwidth. How do you ensure you have enough bandwidth and how do you maximize its performance? Find out with these resources.  Continue Reading

• How does a firewall work?

  A firewall is a set of related programs, located at a network gateway server, that protects the resources of a private network from users from other networks. An enterprise with an intranet that allows its workers access to the wider Internet ...  Continue Reading

• 802.11 protocols

  Learn about the newest wireless protocol, 802.11n, as well as how to evaluate which protocol is best for your environment. You also get a run-down of the 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g specifications in this guide.  Continue Reading

• Networking certification guide

  This networking certification guide covers the majority of networking-related certifications available to IT professionals. Only credentials likely to be recognized as having value within the networking industry have been selected, which led us to ...  Continue Reading

• Network management frameworks: FCAPS and ITIL

  Network management is a complex topic, especially as the network has to handle more instances of unified communications, video, and virtualization. Thus far, two frameworks exist that can be of some use for understanding and taming network ...  Continue Reading

• Firewall implementation: Perimeter security placement and management

  For your enterprise firewall implementation, understand where your perimeter security goes, how many you need, what precautions to be aware of and know how to manage and maintain your firewall.  Continue Reading

• How to choose the best firewall for your enterprise

  Learn how to choose the best firewall for your enterprise. This guide gives you purchasing advice, tells you which IT team is responsible for the perimeter security solution and offers a checklist of risks you must assess before making deciding ...  Continue Reading

• Multiple T1 line networks

  John Shepler explains the benefits of private T1 lines.  Continue Reading

• Wireless network deployment and management

  Wireless network deployment and management are discussed in this guide.  Continue Reading

• Wireless troubleshooting

  Wireless network troubleshooting basics are discussed in this guide.  Continue Reading

• Wireless access points

  The basics of wireless access point (AP) as well as configuration and placement are covered in this guide.  Continue Reading

• Wireless protocols learning guide

  Wireless protocols; technologies including 802.11, WLAN, WPA, WEP, Wi-Fi and wireless broadband; and deployment issues such as access points, security and troubleshooting are discussed in this guide designed to provide a basic introduction to ...  Continue Reading

• Developing good troubleshooting technique -- from 'Network troubleshooting and diagnostics'

  The most important part of troubleshooting is developing a good technique. This excerpt from "Network troubleshooting and diagnostics" lays the foundation for developing a good technique by examining approaches such as using the OSI model as a ...  Continue Reading

• Network engineering applications -- from 'Network troubleshooting and diagnostics'

  Learn about network engineering and analysis applications that can be used when a high-level approach is needed to understand how the network system as a whole operates, both within each individual device and between the internal network and any ...  Continue Reading

• IP address management -- from 'Network troubleshooting and diagnostics'

  Learn how IP address management and maintenance tools can help manage the scope of IP addresses on your network. With typical Class C subnets consuming upwards of 254 addresses per subnet and most companies needing multiple subnets, the sheer ...  Continue Reading

• Tool suites for identifying the problem -- from 'Network troubleshooting and diagnostics'

  A baker can't bake a cake without a good cake pan, and a mechanic won't get very far in fixing your car without a solid wrench set. Though the tools for network administrators are different and more difficult to wrap your hands around than these ...  Continue Reading