Network infrastructure
Network hardware and physical appliances, such as routers, switches, gateways, hubs and bridges, serve as the vital foundation of network infrastructure. Common network protocols and more emergent network software also play major roles in any architecture. While networking has shifted to software-centric principles, see how traditional network infrastructure keeps pace.
Top Stories
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News
03 Dec 2024
Arista simplifies switching to its campus network
Arista says companies can switch to its campus network while holding on to legacy stacked switches. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Nov 2024
14 common network protocols and their functions explained
Networking makes the internet work, but neither can succeed without protocols. Common network protocols and their functions are key for communication and connection across the internet. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2016
FCC proposal seeks to reduce price cap on TDM business data services
FCC chairman proposes reducing price caps on TDM business data services. Google Fiber and Verizon propose expansion in wireless testing locations and high-frequency spectrum, respectively. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2016
VMware-AWS hybrid cloud challenges OpenStack
The VMware-AWS hybrid cloud partnership pressures OpenStack supporters to simplify deployment of the open source cloud platform in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2016
WAN access options multiply when buying network services
A new menu of WAN access options means companies have a wide variety of means to reach cloud and network services. But more choice also means more potential pitfalls. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2016
Digital transformation to be major theme in ONUG 2016 fall conference
Nick Lippis, co-founder and co-chairman of ONUG, describes what to expect from ONUG 2016. Major topics will include digital transformation and its effect on the IT industry. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2016
Digital infrastructure technology is the 'glue' of cohesion
This week, bloggers look into digital infrastructure technology, threat fatigue and virtual appliance optimization for data centers. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2016
Avaya joins vendors offering cloud-based management of WLANs
Avaya plans to offer in the first half of next year cloud-based management for its access switches and WLAN 9100 access points. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Oct 2016
CN Tower climbs heights with mobile engagement platform
The CN Tower, Canada's tallest building, implements an Aruba mobile engagement platform to connect with customers. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2016
DirecTV Now on target to become AT&T's main video platform
AT&T plans to test wireless broadband traveling near power lines; AT&T pushes its online-streaming platform, DirecTV Now; and Yahoo and Verizon weigh the effects of the largest recorded company hack on its deal. Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2016
ONF Project Boulder continues working toward SDN interoperability
SDN market-watchers discussed Project Boulder's SDN interoperability trial, nine good reasons to buy white box switches and Riverbed's latest SD-WAN strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2016
The white box switching market gets a closer look
Following years of development, is the potential of the white box switching market finally being realized? Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2016
Masergy, Interoute to offer Silver Peak managed SD-WAN services
Silver Peak has joined a growing list of WAN vendors partnering with service providers to roll out managed SD-WAN services for enterprise customers. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2016
NFV, SD-WAN and vCPE shift scope of managed WAN services
This week, a networking analyst examines the future of managed WAN services, while another one remembers his time at EMC in the wake of last week's Dell-EMC merger. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2016
IP subnetting: How to calculate subnet masks
Check out IP subnetting shortcuts on how to do subnet mask calculations and break down IP address classes to route traffic within your network. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2016
SDN, open source nexus to accelerate service creation
What's new in the SDN blog world? One expert says SDN advancements will be accelerated, thanks to SDN and open source convergence, while another points out the influence SDN has in the cloud industry. Continue Reading
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News
18 Aug 2016
Cisco layoffs a response to industry shift to software, cloud services
The latest Cisco layoffs are a result of customers moving to networking software and the cloud instead of the company's proprietary hardware. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2016
New Huawei Enterprise chief handicapped by politics, not products
David He, newly appointed president at Huawei Enterprise U.S., is ready to turn over 100% of sales to partners. He is optimistic despite cloud of Chinese cyber spying. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2016
Agencies urged to speed up Next-Generation 911 transition
Municipalities are being urged toward Next-Generation 911 as phone companies complete fiber optic cable transition, and Google Fiber's Webpass acquisition will make wireless broadband connections possible. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2016
Wi-Fi Alliance blasted for 'bias' in test for carrier LTE-U on Wi-Fi
A wireless carrier group has accused the Wi-Fi Alliance of kowtowing to cable operators as it nears completion of a test for LTE-U on Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2016
Comparing cable types: Fiber vs. copper twisted pair
What's the difference in fiber vs. copper cables? Key differences include cost, speed and more when it comes to fiber optic and copper twisted-pair cabling options. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2016
Verizon launches virtualized services for enterprises
ICYMI: Verizon launches VNF service to enterprises; Ethernet organizations plan 2.5, 5 GbE plugfest for fall and Riverbed beefs up SteelCentral. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2016
Cisco vCenter plug-in bridges physical, virtual data center networks
Cisco has launched a vCenter plug-in for connecting the VMware management tool to applications running on non-virtualized servers. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2016
New AT&T Network on Demand service provides Cisco virtual router, more
The latest AT&T Network on Demand service provides virtualized versions of Cisco or Juniper routers, Fortinet firewalls or Riverbed WAN optimization technology. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2016
Glue provides SD automation for more network appliances
Glue Networks has added support for more than a dozen network products in its orchestration engine. The Gluware engine provides greater SD automation. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2016
Mist spreads new idea for cloud-managed Wi-Fi
Startup Mist rolls out a wireless service that blends artificial intelligence, virtual Bluetooth Low Energy beacons and unprecedented visibility into network performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jun 2016
What is the difference between bit rate and baud rate?
Learn how to understand the difference between bit rate and baud rate in this expert answer. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2016
Juniper simplifies branch network deployment with SD technology
Juniper has introduced SD technology for enterprises that the vendor says will simplify the deployment of branch networks. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2016
Avaya VSP NOS targets network disaggregation
This week, bloggers explore Avaya VSP updates, the federal Software Assurance Marketplace and packet loss with TCP. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2016
Netronome offers P4 support on server adapters
This week, networking industry bloggers examine Symantec's decision to buy Blue Coat and whether cloud-native applications have merit. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2016
VMware's Arkin acquisition to bolster NSX microsegmentation
VMware says it will acquire startup Arkin to provide analytics that help customers broaden the use of NSX microsegmentation. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2016
Corsa boosts its programmable switch system offerings
This week, bloggers assess Corsa's programmable switch offerings, Verizon DBIR, and how to create a marketing and technology 'lingua franca.' Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 May 2016
Physical network infrastructure to decrease in SDN virtual evolution
Ethernet switches, Wi-Fi APs and routers may be the only physical network infrastructure you need in a virtual-, SDN- and cloud-based future, according to networking expert Craig Mathias. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2016
Cisco sales down in switching; up in software, services
Cisco sales last quarter revealed weakness in its switching and router business, as revenue from software subscriptions and cloud-based services increased. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2016
Martin Casado predicts infrastructure evolution at Interop 2016
Speaking at Interop 2016, Martin Casado laid out his vision for infrastructure evolution instead of a future that predicts its demise. Continue Reading
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News
02 May 2016
Verizon NFV infrastructure offers interchangeable parts
This week, networking analysts explore Verizon NFV, SD-WAN as intent-based networking and automation costs. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2016
Network refresh: Look at your needs, not the name on the box
In this Q&A, one networking pro shares why he and his team broke from their existing vendors during a network refresh and went with a new roster for their routers and switches. Continue Reading
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News
02 May 2016
New Verizon data centers support businesses, jar suppliers
New Verizon data centers are part of a two-pronged strategy of helping customers and taming suppliers through open technology. Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2016
Networking panels at Interop conference cover gamut
Interop networking track chair Tom Hollingsworth talks about the topics he believes are most important to today's networking engineers. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2016
Dell, Aerohive partner in WLAN infrastructure management
Partners Dell and Aerohive have collaborated on software for managing WLAN infrastructure hardware, including switches and access points. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2016
Veriflow aims to prevent network outages
This week, networking bloggers discuss a new way to eliminate network outages, OpenStack networking and whether SDN is novel or just natural. Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2016
Carrier shift to NFV driving virtual CPE deployments
Carrier adoption of software-based network functions will lead to better virtual CPE for enterprise branch networks. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Apr 2016
How can my company reap the advantages of SDN if its culture is risk-averse?
SDN expert Will Murrell discusses how the advantages of SDN will speak to cautious companies only when network engineers can make a case for SDN's lower cost and high functionality. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2016
Brocade's Ruckus buy betters chances in campus WLAN market
Brocade's acquisition of Ruckus Wireless would counter the stronger portfolios of Cisco and HPE for the campus WLAN. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Apr 2016
Internet of Things use cases that do more than lock doors
The Internet of Things isn't only about locking doors. It's also about having a network that knows who to let in and who to keep out, without any human intervention. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2016
Users find harmony in Cisco, VMware SDN software
Baystate Health and Sugar Creek Packing give Cisco and VMware SDN software separate chores in data center networks. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Mar 2016
Group begins work on 400 Gbps QSFP interfaces
Thirteen networking and electronics industry suppliers said they would work together to develop a new generation of double-density quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) interfaces that would ... Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2016
AT&T reveals details of ECOMP SDN platform
AT&T is seeking developer input in deciding whether to open source its ECOMP SDN platform for self-service networking. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2016
Survey shows how early adopters define SDN
In this week's blog roundup, a survey of early adopters offers insights into the evolving definition of SDN, and several service providers join an SDN alliance. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2016
Serro unveils new open source SDN framework, AuSM
Serro releases its new open source SDN framework, AuSM, to link up network and monitoring tools via API. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Mar 2016
Cisco buys semiconductor firm Leaba
Cisco Wednesday said it would purchase Israeli-based Leaba Semiconductor to beef up its chip research and development efforts. Cisco said the acquisition--for $320 million in cash--will lay the ... Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2016
Mulling the network impact of the Internet of Things
This week, bloggers examine the network impact of IoT, tackle RSA Conference priorities and how to use MS Visio for network diagramming. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2016
Cisco NFV platform could become a 'game changer' for customers
The new Cisco NFV software stack will eventually run on any Intel-based x86 server. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2016
Could OpenConfig resolve automation struggles?
SDN bloggers consider the need for standard network models, why simplicity rules in buying decisions and how automation cut a five-week configuration project to four minutes. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2016
Cisco NFV technology targeted at mobile carriers
Introduced at Mobile World Congress, the latest Cisco NFV technology is an all-in-one package of computing, storage and networking infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2016
Fiber Mountain Glass Core embraces Layer 1 devices, software
In the world of SDN, Layers 2 and 3 tend to take all the glory. But Fiber Mountain's Glass Core architecture puts the focus on the physical layer for the first time. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2016
Casado departure not expected to hurt VMware SDN tech plans
SDN pioneer Martin Casado is leaving VMware, and analysts say the departure is unlikely to affect VMware's SDN tech strategy. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2016
Security company uses SDN framework to fight DDoS attacks
Cybersecurity company Nexusguard said it implemented SDN technology to fight large DDoS attacks -- automating routing decisions and scaling network resources. Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2016
5G wireless standards years away but 5G testing moves ahead
The competition is on for 5G wireless dominance at Mobile World Congress as carriers beef up their fiber networks a la Verizon's XO deal, and AT&T rolls out landline texting. Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2016
Cisco switch engines boost Catalyst performance
Cisco's latest supervisor switch engines lift Catalyst performance to handle more application-driven network traffic. Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Feb 2016
You never know where you'll find a network deployment
A network deployment can be a good reminder that IT isn’t always a desk job. Network engineers often go into cramped, dirty or unsafe places to install equipment. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2016
2016 CIO top priorities revealed in survey
This week, CIO top priorities revealed, Juniper Networks acquires BTI Systems -- an optical networking firm -- and Netronome introduces Agilio. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2016
Stop looking for an SDN definition, says networking pro
In this SDN blogs roundup, an expert says deploying SDN is more important than defining it; an SDN company gets Google's attention; and the brite box turns 2. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jan 2016
Cisco leads, HPE gains in key tech infrastructure markets
Cisco led in six of seven key tech infrastructure markets last year, while Hewlett Packard Enterprise gained strength in several of the sectors, a research firm reported. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2016
The 'sad state' of enterprise network architecture
This week, bloggers explore enterprise network architecture challenges, the increasing danger of exploit kits and how best to oversee private cloud management. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2016
IPv6 connectivity: Ignore at your own peril
Gathering knowledge on IPv6 connectivity and implementation is critical to success in modern IP networking. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2016
First 802.11ad products shipping soon for wireless office
A Qualcomm Wi-Fi chipset scheduled for release this year will power 802.11ad products designed for the wireless office. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2016
Predictions for SDN development in 2016
This promises to be an exciting year for software-defined networking enthusiasts, with SDN development poised for explosive growth. Analyst John Burke shares his predictions. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2016
Looking ahead at NFV trends in 2016
In our latest roundup of posts from SDN blogs, analysts explore network functions virtualization trends, SD-WAN adoption rates and software-defined security tools. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2016
Cisco heading again to hyper-converged hardware market
Cisco has reportedly partnered with Springpath in developing hyper-converged hardware for the data center. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jan 2016
Recent trends in IT networking: One observer's view
In this week's SN blog roundup, analysts explore recent trends in IT, the Juniper breach and next-generation firewalls. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Dec 2015
EMC-Dell merger good for open SDN?
The EMC-Dell merger has plenty of people wondering what will become of VMware NSX. But could the deal, counterintuitively, actually be good for open SDN? Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2015
Common network errors and their causes
Network not behaving? Learn how to identify the most common network errors -- like discards and collisions -- and how to implement solutions to get your network humming again. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Dec 2015
My MPLS service contract expires soon -- should I renew?
The rise of SD-WAN has many asking: Do we really need MPLS connectivity? Expert John Burke explains what factors to consider before renewing your existing contract. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2015
Ethernet switch market makes gains
IDC probes the Ethernet switch market, Gigamon improves network visibility and Riverbed survey of 900 IT illustrates application performance fears. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2015
NIA awards: A look back at innovative technology products
As 2015 draws to a close, we look at the innovative technology products that garnered a SearchNetworking Network Innovation Award. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2015
Are you ready for an SDN deployment?
The principal motivation behind SDN deployments is the need for a responsive and nimble IT organization. While the network architecture is definitely in the future, not all are ready for it. Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2015
Aruba Sensor takes tracking beacons to other Wi-Fi networks
Aruba's new Sensor product makes it possible to use the company's indoor tracking beacons on third-party Wi-Fi networks. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2015
OPNFV: Nearly 60% of telecom pros exploring NFV
A survey shows more than half of telecom pros are considering NFV; Talari focuses on financing SD-WAN; and Platform9 broadens private cloud management. Continue Reading
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Opinion
24 Nov 2015
Opportunity for SDN deployments in developing IT economies
The relatively young IT systems found in developing economies could prove the perfect stage for SDN growth, with major opportunities for forward-thinking network engineers. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2015
IT service management should precede SDN automation
This week, bloggers explore the role of IT service management in SDN automation, Juniper's disaggregation of Junos software and complications of modern networks. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2015
Aerohive API platform delivers business application data
Aerohive has unveiled an API platform that delivers wireless network data to business application developers. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2015
New Midokura release works with container software
Midokura released a new version of Midokura Enterprise MidoNet at the OpenStack summit in Tokyo, with support for OpenStack Liberty, Ubuntu OpenStack and containers. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Nov 2015
Open Networking User Group debate: The pro-hardware transcript
Check out the pro-hardware side of the Open Networking User Group debate at its Fall 2015 conference where hardware squared off against software. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Nov 2015
ONUG 'Great Debate': The pro-software transcript
Check out the pro-software side of ONUG's debate at its Fall 2015 conference in a hardware versus software faceoff. Continue Reading
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News
11 Nov 2015
NIA: Midokura's open source MidoNet doesn't hold back
Midokura wins this month's Network Innovation Award for MidoNet Community Edition, an open source version of its flagship product. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2015
Juniper pricing to reflect industry shift to software
Juniper pricing for networking products is changing, as the company prepares to become a software business, moving away from per-port pricing. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Nov 2015
When will enterprises be ready to use SDN?
After years of hype, high-profile mergers and proven use cases, enterprises hesitated to use SDN. Is it finally time for it to secure a spot in mainstream networks? Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2015
ONOS project hits 11,000 downloads in first year
This week, ONOS appoints a community manager; Pluribus demonstrates a hyper-converged infrastructure; Oracle launches a cloud-deployable signaling router. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2015
The mistake that could make NFV MANO irrelevant
In this week's round-up of blog posts from around the Web, an analyst takes a closer look at NFV management and orchestration (MANO), explaining why it could play second-fiddle to OpenStack. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Oct 2015
Persuading management to support the IT buying process
What steps should you take to get your network buying needs approved by top management? One piece of advice: Learn what your manager needs. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2015
Brocade makes the enterprise wireless network more open
Brocade has partnered with two more Wi-Fi vendors to offer enterprise customers a more flexible wireless network. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2015
HP rallies partners around OpenSwitch as Cisco replacement
The HP-led OpenSwitch community is likely to attract the interest of large enterprises with Web-scale data centers. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2015
Cisco Mobility Express aims to make wireless easier
In this week's blogs, analysts discuss Cisco Mobility Express and examine whether enterprise networks can really handle an explosion of Internet of Things devices. Continue Reading
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Buyer's Guide
05 Oct 2015
Wireless LAN technology: A buyer's guide
This SearchNetworking buyer's guide explores wireless LAN technology to help you buy the right wireless LAN equipment for your enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2015
Cisco to open SDN framework to nonpartner products
Cisco is preparing to open up ACI, the company's SDN framework, to nonpartner products that provide Layer 4-7 network services. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2015
SDN/NFV end-games, paths forward remain in flux
In this week's blogs round-up, an analyst predicts that SDN/NFV will see decisive changes in 2016, while a blogger says open source SDN projects are gaining steam. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Sep 2015
What's the best way to handle end-of-sale devices on your network?
A majority of organizations have end-of-sale and end-of-life devices on their networks. What's the best way to ensure your equipment is up to date? Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2015
HP adds Pica8 to broaden use of Altoline SDN switch
HP agrees to resell the Pica8 network operating system on the Altoline SDN switch. Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2015
Comcast to offer enterprise network management services
Comcast enters the market for enterprise network management services as more large companies opt to have other businesses handle networking chores in data centers. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2015
Latest Brocade ODL controller, apps ease use of open source in cloud
Brocade has released an ODL controller upgrade and apps for building private and public clouds based on OpenDaylight and OpenStack. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2015
Wi-Fi update 802.11ac set to take over in 2016
Research firm IDC expects the latest Wi-Fi update 802.11ac to account for the majority of access point shipments and revenue in 2016. Continue Reading