Network infrastructure

Aerohive's Atom, 802.11ax access points win innovation award

The winner of this month's Network Innovation Award, Aerohive Networks, has already begun shipping its new 802.11ax wireless APs and its plug-and-play 802.11ac Atom AP. Continue Reading

By

• Alissa Irei, Senior Site Editor

Software-defined networking security involves 3 factors

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

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

Software-defined access networks pose promise and pitfalls

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

By

• Teren Bryson

How three new telecom services can compete with OTT services

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

By

• Tom Nolle, Andover Intel

Does software-defined networking architecture use segment routing?

Segment routing steers packets using a list of instructions, and it can be used in MPLS and IPv6 architecture. But does software-defined networking architecture support it? Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

Linksys enters cloud-managed Wi-Fi market

Belkin International's Linksys unit has launched a cloud-managed Wi-Fi system. Linksys is tapping MSPs for help in selling Cloud Manager to small businesses. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Juniper bundles Contrail Networking, OpenStack for the edge

Juniper Networks has introduced the Contrail Edge Cloud. The platform for running service providers' network edge applications includes Contrail Networking and Red Hat OpenStack. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Access networking layer ready for software-defined reboot

After years of stagnation, the access-layer network is in need of a makeover. Implementing software-defined configurations is perhaps a good place to start. Continue Reading

By

• Teren Bryson

Verizon 5G rollout could change broadband competition

Verizon launches Oct. 1 a 5G internet service in four U.S. cities. The Verizon 5G rollout could give the company an edge against cable companies in the high-speed internet market. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

What is multi-access edge computing, and how has it evolved?

Multi-access edge computing provides the processing capacity needed to support the increase of 'things' at the network edge. But for all its promise, MEC has challenges to face. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Doyle, Doyle Research

Network functions morph with SD-WAN deployment strategy

Companies are approaching network infrastructure upgrades with SD-WAN deployment, but a new survey shows they're weighing issues like service chaining and integrated functionality. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

Juniper-Ericsson partnership aimed at 5G market

Juniper Networks has partnered with Ericsson to sell 5G gear and software to carriers. The Juniper-Ericsson alliance arrives as Cisco's partnership with Ericsson weakens. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

VMware Project Dimension to deliver managed HCI, edge networking

VMware's lightweight hyper-converged infrastructure system, called Project Dimension, includes the vendor's SD-WAN. The HCI appliance is aimed at retailers and manufacturers. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

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

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

By

• Fernando Gont, SI6 Networks

Cisco adds LTE modem to Meraki MX security appliance

Cisco adds a built-in 4G wireless broadband modem to two Meraki MX security appliances. Cisco launched the Meraki MX67C and the MX68CW devices with an integrated CAT 6 LTE cellular modem. The company also introduced four faster MX models without LTE. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Cambium Networks certified in Express Wi-Fi by Facebook program

In networking news, Cambium gets certified in Facebook's Express Wi-Fi program, Nyansa frees up network data worldwide and SevOne will support VMware NSX SD-WAN. Continue Reading

By

• Luke O'Neill, Executive Editor

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

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

By

• Craig Mathias

How network operators can differentiate SD-WAN services

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

By

• Tom Nolle, Andover Intel

What IPv6 features can be found in the latest specification?

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

By

• Fernando Gont, SI6 Networks

How Cisco's Viptela buy affects branch routers, IT customers

Zeus Kerravala says Cisco's ISR isn't going anywhere and discusses what its use of Viptela's software-defined WAN means for the IT giant's future, its product line and its customers. Continue Reading

By

• Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research

Array bolsters throughput, security in NFV appliance

Array Networks has added support for 40 GbE interfaces in its NFV appliance. The AVX hardware also has higher throughput for encrypted traffic. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Benefits of wireless networks extend to disaster recovery plans

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

By

• Craig Mathias

Kontron heeds carrier demand for software, buys Inocybe

Kontron has bought open source networking company Inocybe. The specialty hardware maker is adding SDN software to its portfolio as telco customers buy more commodity systems. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Origin authentication a small step toward resolving BGP security issues

Although content verification, origin authentication and shared information can address aspects of BGP security, it's unlikely we'll be able to resolve the issues completely. Continue Reading

By

• Russ White

Social concept points to an SDN model with two control planes

It might not seem like control planes and SDN models have a lot in common with a social concept, but together, they could highlight how business intent and operations inform network design. Continue Reading

By

• Russ White

Compare leading on-premises and cloud-managed WLAN products

In order for your organization to select the WLAN architecture that will best meet its needs, you must compare product types, deployment options and capabilities. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

SR-IOV specification poses promise and pitfalls in virtualized networks

The SR-IOV specification gives network administrators another tool for workload optimization. While SR-IOV could offer many benefits, it does have its drawbacks. Continue Reading

By

• Glen Kemp

Assessing performance bottlenecks in virtualized networking

Virtual or soft switches can add measurable overhead to network-intensive workloads, but implementing PCI devices offers one option to reduce excess overhead. Continue Reading

By

• Glen Kemp

Midyear 2018 telecom trends: Operators broaden their focus

Midyear 2018 telecom trends show operators looking to increase profits on a number of fronts ranging from new investments, network automation and rethinking the 5G transition. Continue Reading

By

• Tom Nolle, Andover Intel

Does software-defined networking architecture need network overlays?

Network overlays and software-defined networking architecture share a history. But while overlays offer flexibility, they also bring extra overhead and troubleshooting complications. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

New details released on Huawei's intent-based network

ZK Research offers details on Huawei's new Intent-Driven Network and what its hardware and the software can do to smooth network glitches and even raise security. Continue Reading

By

• Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research

Big Switch taps AWS VPCs for hybrid cloud networking

Big Switch plans to roll out software for creating virtual networks in AWS and a private cloud. The hybrid cloud technology takes advantage of AWS VPCs. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Can hyper-converged systems benefit from SDN architecture?

Hyper-convergence combined with software-defined networking architecture might seem like hyper-hype, but SDN offers many network capabilities required of hyper-converged systems. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Doyle, Doyle Research

UNH InterOperability Lab expands IPv6 testing amid SDN growth

UNH-IOL updated its IPv6 testing program to comply with newly released regulations for network devices procured by government agencies, adding SDN and IoT support along the way. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

MU-MIMO technology boosts system capacity for WLANs

MU-MIMO technology might not be magic, but it upgrades WLAN performance and system capacity so well that some network engineers might call it magical. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Mathias

HPE aims new SimpliVity HCI at edge computing

Hewlett Packard Enterprise has launched a 2U SimpliVity HCI product for virtual desktops. The condensed compute and storage system will later be offered for IoT applications. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Cradlepoint router boosts network flexibility for dance group

Connecting an audience to the motion and music of a dance production takes more than dance and musical skills. For one professor, it required network flexibility and the Cradlepoint AER2100 router. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

Vodafone puts Facebook Voyager through its paces

Vodafone said it has finished successfully testing the open source Facebook Voyager transponder on a live network in Spain. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Transforming a legacy network through digital transformation

In a recent keynote speech, GE's CTO Chris Drumgoole outlines the transformation of a corporate giant's network from traditional and sluggish to limber and cloud-enhanced. Continue Reading

By

• Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research

Juniper adds core campus switch to EX series

Juniper has added to the EX series a core aggregation switch for companies that need less scale than the EX9000. The compact EX4650 campus switch supports the EVPN and VXLAN protocols Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Vendors need to concentrate on wireless reliability, not hype

Wireless reliability should be the main goal of WLAN vendors and institutions, one engineer writes. Also, how come networking didn't evolve the same way compute did? Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Options for dedicated cloud interconnects and their benefits

There are clear benefits to replacing existing VPN tunnels now. Discover the advantages to dedicating cloud interconnects to improve your enterprise traffic flows. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Cisco acquires July Systems for its location, analytics services

Cisco buys July Systems to add its cloud-based location services to Cisco's enterprise Wi-Fi platform. Also, Extreme and Ruckus launch improvements to their wireless LANs. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Three goals of multiple cloud management and how to reach them

Attaining the benefits of the cloud is getting ever more complex. Learn ways to enable efficient and effective management of hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Carrier cloud needs 5G wireless networks, other drivers for success

While 5G wireless networks appear to be the biggest driver in building the necessary carrier cloud, two other short-term drivers can help complete the carrier network transformation. Continue Reading

By

• Tom Nolle, Andover Intel

Cisco to merge Viptela, DNA Center for campus networking

Cisco plans to integrate its Viptela SD-WAN with DNA Center for campus networking in the next 18 months. At the same time, Cisco expects to release a cloud version of DNA Center. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Cisco opens DNA to developers in campus networking push

Cisco wants to turn its DNA Center campus networking platform into a platform for software development. The goal is to work with the data the system collects. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Clarifying network disaggregation and related technologies

Trying to explain network disaggregation and related trends -- like SDN, NFV and white boxes -- can be complicated. Our expert pins the terms down and explains the tradeoffs. Continue Reading

By

• Russ White

New Arista switches use Barefoot Tofino programmable chip

Arista has launched its first switches with the Barefoot Tofino programmable chip. The latest hardware is designed to replace some network appliances and routers. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Network edge switch upgrades hinge on WLAN deployments

Network edge switch upgrades depend on a variety of factors, but one of the most critical is taking a look at your future WLAN deployment strategies. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Mathias

Choosing the right software-driven network technology

 Continue Reading

Software-based networks lay foundation of networking's future

 Continue Reading

DevOps in networking begins to gain ground

Software development has benefited from a DevOps framework, which brings together software engineers and operating teams to collaborate in a continuous integration/continuous delivery model that helps automate and deploy code faster. DevOps in networking, however, is still an emerging concept. Many networks are still managed and updated using heavily manual processes.

In this issue of Network Evolution, find out how network virtualization and automation are leading enterprises to consider whether they can manage their networks through DevOps methodologies. As more network elements become software-driven, organizations will see a shift to DevOps in networking.

In addition to an emerging DevOps approach, the software-driven network brings with it a slew of new technologies and approaches to understand. From software-defined networking and software-defined WAN to network functions virtualization and virtual network functions, network professionals have to wade through options aimed at changing everything about how networks are built and managed. Read on as we sort out the subtle differences among these technologies.

And as virtualization enhances network design, it also makes the network a more attractive target for hackers. We also look at what security tools and services enterprises are investing in to boost network security in the cloud.

Finally, read how the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is using cloud-based network monitoring to keep its theater in the spotlight.

 Continue Reading

Software-based networks lay foundation of networking's future

Software-based networks are evolving, reshaping how companies do business and blending into legacy networking. Enterprises will have to sort out which approaches work best. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Choosing the right software-driven network technology

The software-driven network can drive efficiency and flexibility, but network pros first need to identify the problems they're trying to fix to choose the right technology options. Continue Reading

By

• Alissa Irei, Senior Site Editor

DevOps for networking evolves with software

Enterprises have yet to fully integrate a collaborative approach to DevOps for networking, but that's changing as networks become more automated and software-driven. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

MEF targets multivendor interoperability for network services

Vendors participating in MEF's SD-WAN implementation project aim to develop better multivendor interoperability that can lend itself to improved automation. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

A refresher course on white box networking equipment

This white box networking review sheds some light on the variations, as it's all too easy to confuse the intricacies of white boxes, universal CPEs and brite boxes. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

ADC, the networking management tool, acquires new abilities

Networking pros should take a new look at what application delivery controllers now offer. ADCs now have some cutting-edge features making the networking workhorse exciting. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

New, micro-ADC features can aid enterprise security

The ADC is no hot, new networking tool, but it's evolved dramatically, adding some features in its latest iterations that promise to increase its already important role. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

Private CDN services fill specific needs for some businesses

In addition to shared CDN service options, private CDNs with dedicated edge servers are the obvious answer for businesses with specific content delivery needs. Continue Reading

By

• David Jacobs, The Jacobs Group

Pica8 wooing campus with white box network switch software

Pica8 is rolling out new white box network switch software aimed at campus and branch-office deployments in a bid to build a new market. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Helping enterprises adapt to open source switching

Enterprise adoption of open source switching hasn't kept pace with cloud providers and telcos. What are some of the barriers blocking the use of disaggregation? Continue Reading

By

• Dan Conde

Nutanix combines SDN, microsegmentation in Nutanix Flow

With the availability of Nutanix Flow, the HCI vendor merges SDN and microsegmentation to incorporate networking capabilities in its hyper-converged infrastructure stack. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

CDN providers comparison: Highlighting vendors' focus

Get to know the top content delivery networks with the help of this CDN providers comparison infographic, breaking down vendors' network capacity, services offered and more. Continue Reading

By

• David Harbeck, Editorial Assistant

Network infrastructure design for network-as-a-service

When it comes to network as a service, network infrastructure design depends on if you want services delivered across the LAN, WAN or data center. Find out what you need to know. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Growing CDN services market changes to meet cloud needs

Enterprises looking for greater network performance and scalability turn to traditional CDN services providers for nontraditional help to improve security and offer access to APIs. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Protecting the DNS protocol: How DNSSEC can help

Securing the DNS protocol is no joke. Learn what the DNS Security Extensions are and the efforts the United States government is taking to push DNSSEC adoption. Continue Reading

By

• Karen Scarfone, Scarfone Cybersecurity

Ways to solve DNS security issues in your organization

Get up to speed fast on means and methods for reducing or eliminating security-related issues in DNS, an integral service upon which the internet depends. Continue Reading

By

• Karen Scarfone, Scarfone Cybersecurity

Verizon SDN used to manage legacy Cisco, Juniper routers

Verizon has built a software-defined networking controller for its legacy routers. The Verizon SDN technology is being used on Cisco and Juniper hardware delivering Ethernet services. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Enterprises move from SD-WAN testing to deployment, IHS says

Enterprises are undergoing SD-WAN testing to gauge how the technology can offer better WAN control, IHS Markit says. Also, OPNFV releases Fraser to support cloud-native applications. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

How do I choose between open source and commercial SDN?

Commercial SDN offers vendor-backed support, while open source platforms can be upgraded more quickly. Whether an enterprise chooses one over the other depends on its preferences. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Navigating the network ADC buying process

Learn how to assess your organization's needs for an ADC device and to evaluate the different application delivery controllers in the market to find the right fit. Continue Reading

Software-driven network access ups enterprise agility

Network access to service provider systems is becoming software-based. Learn more about how software-defined access works and the flexibility inherent in software. Continue Reading

By

• John Fruehe

The role of SDN in 5G technology and the WAN: Can it scale?

Network operators have a narrow window to figure out if SDN in 5G technology can scale well enough to move it beyond the data center and into the WAN. Continue Reading

By

• Tom Nolle, Andover Intel

Test yourself on open networking, open source and SDN

The open networking concept follows the likes of SDN and open source, but the lines separating them all are often blurred. This quiz can help you understand the differences. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

2018 ONUG conference to tackle IT disruption, building blocks

With the spring 2018 ONUG conference coming up on May 8 to 9, Nick Lippis, ONUG co-founder, discusses how IT teams are facing disruption from technologies like the cloud and SD-WAN. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

Top application delivery controllers offer range of options

The leading vendors in the application delivery controller market offer a broad range of physical and virtual appliances, with varying throughput levels and diverse function sets. Which product is right for you? Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Tolly, The Tolly Group

New CDN services give providers an edge in WAN marketplace

With enterprises moving workloads to public cloud, the CDN services market could see growth in security and performance services, as providers exploit their network-edge locations. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Gerwig, Editorial Director

Network-as-a-service market blossoms as demands grow

The network-as-a-service market is attracting more attention, as enterprises look for ways to outsource some of their infrastructure needs to providers. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Mathias

IDC: Steady growth for IT infrastructure products spending

IDC maps growth in IT infrastructure products spending, cPacket beefs up monitoring for 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps networks, and Dell agrees to resell Metaswitch's composables package. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Edge computing, cloud data centers drive decentralized IT

This week, bloggers explore the growth of decentralized IT, thanks to edge computing; Infoblox DNS security updates; and how machine learning is becoming a feature, rather than a product. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

KDDI Europe picks Silver Peak SD-WAN for managed service

KDDI Europe makes its move in managed SD-WAN, supported by Silver Peak SD-WAN; Lumina Networks updates its Flow Manager product to support service providers transitioning to SDN. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

Despite WLAN speed growth, do we really need mGig?

Networking vendors introduced mGig to support 802.11ac Wave 2 devices within enterprise networks. But do you really need to upgrade to accommodate the new WLAN speed? Continue Reading

By

• Lee Badman

IDC names four SDN providers to watch

An IDC report named Apstra, Big Switch Networks, Plexxi and Pluribus Networks as SDN providers to watch; Martello aims to validate Elfiq-based SD-WAN; and Aryaka extends to China. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

Networking elements of a digital transformation framework

Establishing a digital transformation framework includes adopting advanced technologies. Networking pros play a crucial role in managing this new wave of innovation. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Wireless networking technology helps craft IT modernization

A long-term care business looks to wireless network technology and Active Directory to kick off its IT modernization plan and business growth. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Wireless networking technology helps craft IT modernization

 Continue Reading

Networking elements of a digital transformation framework

 Continue Reading

Improvements and features of the new POE standard, IEEE 802.3bt

The new IEEE 802.3bt standard focuses on Power over Ethernet to improve efficiency and support the proliferation of edge devices, from lighting systems to point-of-sale. Continue Reading

By

• David Jacobs, The Jacobs Group

Examine CORD architecture's benefits and challenges

CORD architecture offers service providers a compelling way to combine open hardware and software in the central office, boost service delivery and enable NFV capabilities. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Doyle, Doyle Research

The on-premises vs. cloud-managed WLAN architecture debate

Although on-premises WLANs and cloud WLANs both offer significant advantages, determining which approach will provide the best return depends on several factors. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Survey: SD-WAN challenges include immaturity and complexity

Complexity and maturity concerns rank among top SD-WAN challenges, according to a survey from Cato Networks. Also, Juniper's OpenContrail is rebranded to Tungsten Fabric. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

Cloud-based Aruba NetInsight focuses on Wi-Fi performance

Aruba's latest cloud-based analytics compares user Wi-Fi performance to let companies see why theirs is underperforming. Aruba NetInsight pricing starts at $50 per managed device. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Casemore: Cloud, as-a-service honing networking industry trends

Cloud and as-a-service delivery are bringing new urgency to networking. IDC analyst Brad Casemore cites the key networking industry trends worth watching in 2018. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Open Compute Project hardware sales surpass $1B, sellers eye more markets

A study found Open Compute Project hardware sales topped $1 billion last year. The OCP-commissioned study also reports sellers are eyeing new markets for their open source products. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

5G service lifecycle automation may be key to business cases

Network operators need a 5G service lifecycle automation roadmap that leads to revenue-producing business cases to make the evolution to 5G worth the investment. Continue Reading

By

• Tom Nolle, Andover Intel

Digital transformation process includes the network

The digital transformation process puts pressure on the network to support new technology. Network pros need to be transformative, too, adapting new skills to interact with business. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

The future of SDN in 2018 moves toward increased automation

Future SDN trends could show variations of the technology becoming more prominent among enterprises, as organizations look increasingly toward programmability and automation. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

A comparison of leading application delivery controllers

You can simplify the process of buying an ADC device by examining how leading vendors address key considerations, including platform options, security and server load balancing. Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Tolly, The Tolly Group