Features

Features

• Network bandwidth vs. throughput: What's the difference?

  Bandwidth and throughput both indicate network performance. The terms are often used together, but bandwidth refers to capacity, while throughput details how much data actually transmits.  Continue Reading

• DevNet authors discuss Cisco DEVCOR book, automation

  The authors of a Cisco DevNet Professional DEVCOR study guide provide insights about the growth of network automation, CI/CD and programmability.  Continue Reading

• A look inside the Cisco DevNet Professional study guide

  Learn how network automation works with software development in this chapter excerpt from 'Cisco Certified DevNet Professional DEVCOR 350-901 Official Cert Guide.'  Continue Reading

• How vendors support sustainable networking initiatives

  Organizations are focusing on sustainability in all business divisions, including network operations. These tools could help organizations make their enterprise networks green.  Continue Reading

• 8 tips to optimize network bandwidth and performance

  Despite bandwidth calculations and capacity planning, networks often fail to consume bandwidth efficiently. Here are some tips to optimize bandwidth usage in enterprise networks.  Continue Reading

• Customers discuss the potential of WWAN use cases

  Wireless WAN offers high network speeds and enables remote connectivity at lower costs. Find out how cellular- and broadband-enabled WWAN helps organizations meet business goals.  Continue Reading

• Challenges, best practices for network operations management

  Traditional network operations teams are struggling with several aspects of network management. Experts weigh in on why, and what to do to simplify operations.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN, SASE markets to grow despite challenges

  SD-WAN and SASE have both seen widespread adoption throughout the networking industry, but service providers must work to address challenges that threaten to lower adoption rates.  Continue Reading

• Understand the basics of 5G wireless networks

  To build a 5G network, the deployment mode, spectrum band and services are all important factors to understand and consider. Here's what you should know about the basics of 5G.  Continue Reading

• Network management tool sprawl plagues IT organizations

  More network management tools often lead to manual errors and network trouble. Instead, consider tool integration and how existing tools can fix new problems.  Continue Reading

• 5G NSA vs. SA: How does each deployment mode differ?

  Non-standalone 5G uses a combination of existing 4G LTE architecture with a 5G RAN. Standalone 5G, on the other hand, uses a 5G RAN and a cloud-native 5G core.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise 5G: Guide to planning, architecture and benefits

  An enterprise 5G deployment requires extensive planning. Prepare for advances in wireless technology using this 5G guide that covers use cases, architecture integration and more.  Continue Reading

• Networks are the intersection in a multi-cloud strategy

  Enterprises interested in multi-cloud adoption should evaluate application requirements, cloud provider features and their legacy network architecture.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of 5G networks

  Enterprises are evaluating 5G and its effect on their operations. Before they can reap the benefits, they have to consider these 5G pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• 7 types of networks and their use cases

  Networks differ based on size, connectivity, coverage and design. This guide explores seven common types of networks, including their benefits and use cases.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for enterprise CBRS deployment

  Enterprises can use CBRS spectrum to deploy private cellular networks that offer reliable and predictable coverage. Learn about installation, AP mounting and device compatibility.  Continue Reading

• SecOps and cybersecurity basics for NetOps teams

  To bridge the gap between NetOps and SecOps teams, network pros should know security fundamentals, including different types of attackers, attacks and available security services.  Continue Reading

• Experts set the record straight on new networking technology

  What is the reality of new network technologies? Here, experts identify the risks -- real or perceived – and benefits that digital twins, automation and AI create for businesses.  Continue Reading

• 5G vs. 4G: Learn the key differences between them

  4G and 5G network architectures have some significant differences. See how the two technologies differ and what the new capabilities could mean for business communications.  Continue Reading

• Compare 8 network automation tools

  The right network automation platform can help admins build and oversee company networks. Discover some of the top choices in the market and the benefits they provide.  Continue Reading

• Macrocell vs. small cell vs. femtocell: A 5G introduction

  Small cells will provide new, fast connectivity speeds for 5G networks and capable devices, but 5G won't stop there. Macrocells and femtocells are also key to connect 5G networks.  Continue Reading

• The NetOps 2.0 era is here: A primer for networking pros

  Experts say inflexible legacy networks impede critical DevOps initiatives. Enter NetOps 2.0. This primer explains how automation and virtualization can help networks evolve.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G: Defining differences and the need for both

  While the latest Wi-Fi and cellular technology generations -- Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, respectively -- have been pitted against one another, the technologies make better friends than foes.  Continue Reading

• Explore 4 network performance monitoring tools

  The network performance monitoring market is changing to address the emergence of IoT and AI. Read more about the NPM market evolution and available vendor products.  Continue Reading

• Businesses building data center network automation internally

  Companies develop their own data center network automation software for security compliance, and they need tools closely aligned with their specific networks.  Continue Reading

• Strategies, benefits of data center network automation

  Data center networks aren't new, but ways of managing them are -- such as with data center network automation. Strategies include cloud automation, DevOps automation and more.  Continue Reading

• Ultimate guide to network management in the enterprise

  This guide to network management explains the challenges of enterprise network monitoring and maintenance, best practices and next-generation automation using AI and ML.  Continue Reading

• Study various network types, topologies for configuration

  Those looking to earn a Network+ certification need to learn about network types, topologies, network design best practices and more. James Pengelly's book covers those topics.  Continue Reading

• Network design considerations for Network+ exam prep

  One of the first things network pros should learn is how to design a network. In this Q&A, author James Pengelly discusses best practices for network configuration.  Continue Reading

• Automation brings NetOps to the next level

  Automation and AI can help enterprise NetOps teams attain the data insights they need to deliver services more efficiently and create a more agile, proactive network.  Continue Reading

• What's the status of AI in networking?

  The use cases for AI are expanding, but despite the advantages, network pros have yet to implement AI fully. Three analysts explain the status of AI in enterprise networks.  Continue Reading

• Edge, public cloud, security drive network transformation

  Networking is starting to reflect innovations in compute and public cloud. A notable change will be how network teams view networking and security as a holistic platform.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid work requires enterprise Wi-Fi for the home

  Many offices are still closed, and employees continue to work in home environments. Wi-Fi 6 supports this model of work more so than any previous standard of wireless.  Continue Reading

• In 2022, AI network management is all about growing trust

  AI network management tools are poised for significant growth in the coming year, but making the most of the tech's capabilities will require trust.  Continue Reading

• Choose from 10 CDN service providers to deliver content

  Learn how 10 CDN providers measure up when it comes to addressing key considerations, including primary service focus, features, PoPs, a free trial version and pricing information.  Continue Reading

• 7 tips for network pros navigating the global chip shortage

  With a global chip shortage raging, lead times on switches, routers, firewalls and access points have ballooned. These seven strategies can help network pros weather the crisis.  Continue Reading

• Enable automation with a network digital twin

  Digital twin technology is a hot topic in IoT systems, but IT teams can also invest in digital twins to improve network visibility, plan for changes and enable automation.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate must-have CDN features before choosing a product

  No two CDN services are identical. Explore the main feature and function areas available in today's content delivery network market to better narrow down your choice of vendors.  Continue Reading

• Guide on wireless networking concepts for CCT, CCNA exams

  Cisco's CCT and CCNA exams include wireless networking questions. Use this excerpt from Glen Clarke's 'CCT/CCNA Routing and Switching All-in-One Exam Guide' as a tool to prepare.  Continue Reading

• Learn the basics of wireless networking for exam prep

  In this Q&A, author Glen Clarke introduces readers to wireless networking and outlines what CCT and CCNA test-takers should study when prepping for their exams.  Continue Reading

• 3 lessons from the 2021 Facebook outage for network pros

  Even in hyperscalers like Facebook, one errant finger can take down a network. The takeaway, experts said, is to expect and plan for the worst and put those plans to the test.  Continue Reading

• SecOps' need for traffic data drives NetSecOps collaboration

  Security teams want to analyze network traffic data to identify anomalies and threats. As a result, network and security teams need to find ways to work together.  Continue Reading

• 4 trends spurring the evolution of network hardware

  Major trends in network hardware highlight enterprise interest in vendor-agnostic options and open models. But legacy designs could stand in the way of adoption.  Continue Reading

• University's private cellular network hints to enterprise use

  California State University, Stanislaus blanketed its campus in private 4G/5G in a project that shows promise for the future of CBRS networks in the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Ford, Mercedes-Benz optimize 5G-enabled smart factories

  Smart factories are typically powered by technologies like AI or IoT systems. Now, companies like Ford, John Deere and Mercedes-Benz are using 5G to innovate smart factories.  Continue Reading

• What are the top CDN benefits for today's enterprise?

  Delivering timely, high-quality content is more critical than ever, and CDN services bring that and a myriad of other benefits to the modern enterprise.  Continue Reading

• FedEx, S&P Global discuss cloud edge use cases

  A cloud edge strategy moves resources and data closer to where users need them, supporting use cases like robotics, IoT and autonomous processing.  Continue Reading

• Pandemic sparks interest in Wi-Fi 6 adoption

  As a result of the pandemic, a new hybrid work environment has emerged, and enterprises are looking to adopt new technologies -- Wi-Fi 6 included -- to manage it.  Continue Reading

• 6 Wi-Fi design best practices for enterprise networks

  Designing Wi-Fi networks doesn't need to be overly complicated. Site surveys and walks around the environment are simple steps teams can take to assess coverage requirements.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between internet and Ethernet?

  Internet and Ethernet are two technologies that sound similar and provide connectivity, but the methods of providing connectivity differ significantly.  Continue Reading

• Ways to speed up white box networking adoption

  Most organizations are slow to deploy new techniques, white box networking included. Experts explain why and offer advice on how to speed up adoption across enterprises.  Continue Reading

• The role of smartNICs in modern enterprise networks

  This chapter excerpt from 'Building a Future-Proof Cloud Infrastructure' looks at how smartNICs can support distributed services platforms for both cloud providers and enterprises.  Continue Reading

• How smartNIC architecture supports scalable infrastructure

  In this Q&A, author Silvano Gai discusses how smartNICs can benefit enterprises by providing more granular telemetry and supporting distributed cloud infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• CompTIA Cloud+ tips to troubleshoot cloud networks

  The CompTIA Cloud+ exam covers a range of topics, including how to secure and troubleshoot cloud networks. Some of the first steps: Start simple, and isolate the problem.  Continue Reading

• Explore virtualization study topics for CCNP, CCIE exams

  Aspiring CCNPs and CCIEs will need to grasp one of networking's most important topics: virtualization. 'Day 7' from Patrick Gargano's '31 Days' explains the subject in detail.  Continue Reading

• Virtualization concepts to study for CCNP and CCIE exams

  In this Q&A, author Patrick Gargano discusses the importance of virtualization in networking and offers studying advice for aspiring CCNPs and CCIEs in preparation for the exams.  Continue Reading

• 3 delivery models for 5G and MEC

  To enhance network capabilities, enterprises will need to consolidate 5G and MEC technologies in the future. Following a deployment model is the first step.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises look to formalize WFH network architecture

  As work-from-home programs prove they're here to stay, enterprise network teams are assessing their network designs to ensure adequate support and performance for home offices.  Continue Reading

• 5G core network functionality driven by SDN, NFV

  To reap the full benefits of 5G, operators are using SDN, NFV and network slicing to build out core network functionality.  Continue Reading

• An introductory overview of 5G network capabilities

  In this Q&A, author William Stallings discusses 5G services, such as network slicing and QoS, and other topics covered in his book, '5G Wireless: A Comprehensive Introduction.'  Continue Reading

• AIOps network management requires vendor-buyer teamwork

  Before buying AIOps tools, network managers should work closely with vendors to ensure they collect the correct network data and use relevant algorithms.  Continue Reading

• Experts discuss stretched VLAN use cases, MEC and more

  In this networking blog roundup, experts give reasons to stretch VLANs, discuss benefits of deploying private MEC with 5G, and differentiate between junior and senior IT engineers.  Continue Reading

• 2021 networking trends for a post-pandemic enterprise

  In 2020, the pandemic threw the best-laid IT plans into chaos. As enterprises find their footing again, here are four network trends defining the second half of 2021.  Continue Reading

• Five-nines availability: What it really means

  Learn what five-nines availability means and discover the steps enterprises should take to make sure network services are fully accessible.  Continue Reading

• How enterprises can close 5 major SASE gaps

  Despite five major gaps that hamper SASE implementation, Gartner recommended enterprises should plan their migration timeline and aim to consolidate to a single vendor.  Continue Reading

• 3 best practices for network observability

  Research shows a correlation with NetOps success and network observability. Following best practices of network observability can facilitate this success.  Continue Reading

• Experts say Open RAN deployment is on the rise

  Networking experts examined Open RAN revenue surges as the industry shifts toward the open model. Meanwhile, enterprises should consider the long-term benefits of switching vendors.  Continue Reading

• Cloud-based network management leads 2021 network investments

  A recent ESG survey shows that many enterprises speeding their digital transformation plans are also increasing 2021 network investment, emphasizing cloud-based network management.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to Go network programming

  This chapter excerpt from 'Network Programming with Go' dives into logging and metrics, while also providing Go code examples and best practices.  Continue Reading

• Best practices and strategies for logging in Go

  Author Adam Woodbeck discusses how network teams can use the Go programming language for logging and metrics. One tip: Log prudently, and use metrics generously.  Continue Reading

• Top network IT investments include 5G, smartNICs, cloud

  Market analysts showed interest in 5G and smartNICs during an ONUG conference panel on enterprise IT investments. And don't forget the seemingly inevitable mention of cloud.  Continue Reading

• A glimpse into Python network automation and APIs

  This chapter excerpt from 'Mastering Python Networking' dives into the importance of APIs and network state when working with Python network automation and intent-based networking.  Continue Reading

• Advice on intent-based networking and Python automation

  In his book, 'Mastering Python Networking,' Eric Chou provides network practitioners with the concepts they need to understand APIs, intent-based networking and automation.  Continue Reading

• How cloud-native networking will transform infrastructure

  Cloud-native networking aims to prioritize business needs and enable networks to become more efficient. Learn more about the potential benefits and challenges in this expert Q&A.  Continue Reading

• The role of network observability in distributed systems

  Network observability sounds like a new term for an existing practice, but is that the case? This chapter excerpt lays out what observability is and everything you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Understand top SD-WAN advantages and disadvantages

  Cost, complexity, security, training, troubleshooting and software bugs are some top SD-WAN challenges. Discover more on the advantages that SD-WAN can usher into an enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Black network engineers juggle building networks, being seen

  2020 didn't transform diversity and inclusion in companies, according to some Black network engineers. But diversity in their careers and networks goes beyond hiring practices.  Continue Reading

• Pandemic pushes enterprise connectivity to take a new path

  COVID-19 delivered a connectivity shock to businesses. But savvy network execs were primed -- and are now showing the way forward in 2021 with SD-WAN, 5G and Wi-Fi 6.  Continue Reading

• What to expect at Cisco Live 2021: Future of work, networks

  At Cisco Live 2021, attendees will hear about the future of work and what that means for the future of networks and network technologies, like SASE, 5G and cloud networks.  Continue Reading

• Cisco's future banks on security, service providers, 5G

  A big part of Cisco's future strategy will be enhancing its global presence and service provider customer base. For networking, it still pursues software and subscription models.  Continue Reading

• The complete Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) guide

  SASE helps organizations manage and secure external traffic. But is it the best choice for your environment? Find out how to buy, deploy and manage SASE in this adoption guide.  Continue Reading

• How to get started with socket programming for beginners

  To understand socket programming for beginners, basic network and security concepts are critical -- and having Python skills won't hurt, either. Learn more in this expert Q&A.  Continue Reading

• Explore this ultimate socket programming guide for beginners

  In this socket programming guide preview, learn how sockets work, the role of socket programming in enterprise networks and the ins and outs of socket programming in Python.  Continue Reading

• Get started with network penetration testing for beginners

  Authentication, patching and configuration are among the most common vulnerabilities found through network penetration testing. Learn more in this free chapter excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Advice on how to learn network penetration testing skills

  As beginners learn network penetration testing skills, they should remember these expert tips: Pay attention to what the client wants, and stick to offense, not defense.  Continue Reading

• 3 SASE case studies exploring real-world deployments

  Three case studies demonstrate how SASE technology helps organizations securely connect geographically distributed workforces.  Continue Reading

• Future of NOC transformation unifies IT teams

  NOC transformation could lead to unified IT operations with cross-domain teams, but not all enterprises need radical change when smaller upgrades and modernization do the job.  Continue Reading

• SASE vs. SD-WAN comparison: How are they related?

  SASE and SD-WAN both connect geographically separate endpoints to each other and an organization's network resources, but the methods in which they do so differ in various ways.  Continue Reading

• SASE market emerges and grows as the 'wave of the future'

  Secure Access Service Edge is the latest technology to garner industry buzz in networking and security. Although it's still relatively new, the technology is making waves.  Continue Reading

• An overview of 3GPP 5G releases and what each one means

  3GPP has standardized features and specifications for all cellular technology generations since 3G. Learn about 3GPP's 5G timeline and notable features each 5G release introduces.  Continue Reading

• Cloud networking complexity includes visibility and security

  Enterprises are deploying more workloads in cloud environments. But the visibility, security and management required for those extensions of IT infrastructure can get complicated.  Continue Reading

• How to understand networking and the internet for beginners

  For beginners, learning how networking and the internet truly work can feel overwhelming. One expert encourages patience, practice and assurance that networking isn't unknowable.  Continue Reading

• How to learn networking fundamentals, from a software pro

  Networking basics include protocols, network layers and processes that must happen for computers to communicate across a network. Here's how to start learning these basics.  Continue Reading

• IT groups abandon DIY SD-WAN; prefer managed, hybrid model

  Enterprises don't want DIY SD-WAN. Instead, they prefer managed SD-WAN, but they also don't want to outsource all SD-WAN operations to a service provider.  Continue Reading

• SolarWinds: Lessons learned for network management, monitoring

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts reveal the critical lessons learned from the SolarWinds hack in regard to network management and monitoring capabilities.  Continue Reading

• VPN vs. VLAN: What's the difference?

  VPNs and VLANs are different technologies with some similarities. VPNs connect authorized users to corporate network resources, while VLANs connect geographically separate devices.  Continue Reading

• 5 networking startups helping enterprises adapt and prepare

  Even in a global pandemic, these five networking startups continue to impress. Learn how their innovative technologies can help enterprises prepare for unforeseen challenges.  Continue Reading

• Ensure network resilience with redundancy and skills

  Ensuring network resilience doesn't just mean building redundancy in network infrastructure. It should also include planning contingencies for people and skills.  Continue Reading

• Gluware automation tech shines in brownfield networks

  Gluware's intelligent network automation technology helps enterprises outgrow manual configurations, even in technically complex, multivendor brownfield environments.  Continue Reading

• What experts say to expect from 5G in 2021

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore 5G's potential in 2021, including new business and technical territories 5G may explore and features to transform enterprises.  Continue Reading