Network management and monitoring
Network management and monitoring are vital components of modern IT operations that help businesses run effectively and efficiently. Network observability also provides added visibility into the end-user experience. Find out how innovations such as AI, machine learning, network analytics and network automation are shaping the future of network management and monitoring.
Top Stories
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Tutorial
07 Aug 2024
Examine a captured packet using Wireshark
Wireshark is a useful tool for capturing network traffic data. Network pros can make the most of the tool by analyzing captured packets to see what that data means for troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Aug 2024
Benefits and methods of load balancing
Load balancing ensures smooth network performance by distributing traffic equitably, enhancing scalability and adapting to dynamic IT landscapes. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Apr 2021
How are network operations center responsibilities changing?
If your network operations center responsibilities haven't changed yet due to evolutions like DevOps and edge computing, they likely will soon. Here's what you need to know. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2021
Best practices for VPN traffic monitoring
VPNs are still a critical part of many enterprise remote access strategies. Networks teams that monitor VPN traffic should look at factors like application usage and overhead. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2021
Perform a network health check with network testing
Network engineers can use myriad network testing approaches to ensure their networks are efficient and reliable. The key is incorporating them into a regular maintenance cycle. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2021
Key tasks in a network maintenance checklist
Network technologies and devices might change over time, but certain maintenance tasks, such as data backup and device inventory, will always be essential for network teams. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Mar 2021
3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project)
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaborative project between a group of telecommunications associations with the initial goal of developing globally applicable specifications for third-generation (3G) mobile systems. Continue Reading
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Quiz
10 Mar 2021
Test your knowledge of socket programming in Python
In this quiz, review the fundamentals of socket programming in Python, including port scanning, TCP and UDP, and how to enable different methods from the socket module. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Mar 2021
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
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Feature
10 Mar 2021
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
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Tip
04 Mar 2021
NOC performance metrics for optimal operation
NOC best practices include using standardized network designs and automation. But don't forget to identify performance metrics that help track and measure operational success. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Feb 2021
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
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Tip
01 Feb 2021
How to monitor home network traffic for added security
When addressing home network monitoring, track all connected devices, and take advantage of open source tools, like packet capture, to sniff out malicious traffic. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2021
The tradeoffs and cost of network redundancy
Network redundancy costs vary depending on enterprise use cases, but the determining tradeoff usually depends on how long a company can sustain network downtime. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2021
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
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Tip
29 Jan 2021
How the SolarWinds vulnerability affects networking
The SolarWinds attack resulted in a bevy of network vulnerabilities, like masked traffic and backdoor access. Network teams should take the time to review their security strategies. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2021
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
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Tip
20 Jan 2021
10 network security tips in response to the SolarWinds hack
From perimeter protection to persistent patching, enterprises should regularly review, update and test their network security plans, especially in response to the SolarWinds hack. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jan 2021
Considerations for SASE management and troubleshooting
SASE opens new territory for network and security management and troubleshooting. Ultimately, teams should look for system usability and visibility into traffic flows and policies. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2020
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
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Feature
29 Dec 2020
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
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Tip
11 Dec 2020
Building an effective security operations center framework
An effective security operations center framework combines monitoring and analysis platforms and threat intelligence services to help organizations respond to risks quickly. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Dec 2020
Network performance issues are IT pain point amid COVID-19
Network performance is a top issue among IT teams and remote workers amid the pandemic and can correlate with other technical issues, such as cybersecurity and hardware problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2020
Cloud automation use cases for managing and troubleshooting
Cloud automation use cases highlight the benefits these tools can provide to companies evaluating how best to manage and troubleshoot their cloud connections. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2020
How to use ChatOps to automate network tasks
Integrating team collaboration chat systems with network automation results in the ability to automate tedious workflows, enabling faster problem resolution and streamlined operations. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2020
VMware updates vRealize Network Insight, NSX-T
Launched at VMworld 2020, the latest version of vRealize Network Insight has verification technology that lets managers see the impact of network changes before deploying them. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2020
Network monitoring market converges with security analytics
As cyber attacks increase and enterprise networks require threat detection and protection, network monitoring and security analytics are converging for more comprehensive visibility. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Sep 2020
Tips and tools for home network security monitoring
Homes now have more connected devices, which could become targets for hackers. Consequently, work-from-home employees should take certain steps to safeguard their networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Sep 2020
Home SD-WAN will redefine next-generation WAN
The need for home-office SD-WAN won't end when the pandemic does. Learn how best to provide this essential tech to your organization's at-home employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Aug 2020
Benefits of intent-based networking for modern networks
Intent-based networking can benefit network teams working remotely with increased workloads due to COVID-19. Benefits include reduced human error and automated manual tasks. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2020
Arista will charge a premium for CloudVision as a service
Arista's CloudVision as a service will have a higher subscription price than the on-premises version. The vendor says the new product will have better network analytics. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2020
The future of networking jobs in the new normal
Soft skills will grow in relevance as network pros adapt to a post-pandemic world that includes more remote troubleshooting and the move away from a hard network edge. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2020
The benefits of building a network automation lab
Network teams can build network automation labs to create a safe environment to test and validate automation tasks before running them in production networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jul 2020
As network security analysis proves invaluable, NDR market shifts
IT infrastructure threat detection and response have emerged as critical elements of enterprise cybersecurity as network security analysis proves invaluable to protecting data. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jul 2020
IT spending priorities in 2020 shift to network management, UC
The global pandemic has temporarily slowed SD-WAN and campus network spending, but enterprises are still investing in network infrastructure, focusing on network management and UC. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2020
How to set up a new business network
Building a new network can be complicated, but IT teams can ease the design process and future management by choosing the right architecture and documenting each decision. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2020
Why network configuration templates are useful in automation
If a network team automates network configuration templates, it can save time and eliminate redundant activities in order to focus more on data collection and analysis. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2020
An automation-first approach enables network predictability
For an organization to prioritize network automation, it needs an automation-first approach. This strategy involves understanding automation workflows and enabling proper training. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jun 2020
Compare the 2 common types of technical debt
While enterprises often incur technical debt inadvertently through inexperience or poor management, sometimes, developers will plan technical debt to establish a market presence. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2020
Ensure your backup networking and infrastructure work together
How can you effectively modify your backup process to fit your network speed? Because bandwidth constantly varies, employ best practices for a range of scenarios. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2020
Network traffic pattern shifts reflect COVID-19 changes
The novel coronavirus pandemic spurred initial changes in network traffic patterns, but other trends are playing important roles in perpetuating permanent traffic shifts. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jun 2020
Telemetry vs. SNMP: Is one better for network management?
Networks are more complex, making network management more challenging. Enterprises are weighing telemetry vs. SNMP to see which method is better. Each has pluses and minuses. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2020
Cisco DNA Center's new features may mean more user headaches
Cisco continues to add features to DNA Center to centralize more network control within the software. But as the product grows more complex, users struggle to deploy it. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jun 2020
MLB uses NetBox automation for network configuration backup
Major League Baseball used NetBox in tandem with its network automation project to streamline its configuration backup process and keep its infrastructure systems in sync. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2020
Cisco acquisition of ThousandEyes has many user benefits
Cisco's acquisition of ThousandEyes could benefit companies using Cisco's SD-WAN, AppDynamics, Duo Security and AnyConnect. Cisco plans to close the deal by the end of October. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2020
Small vendors that stand out in network automation
When incumbent vendors fall short, enterprises should consider these small vendors for new approaches to analytics and network automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2020
How to build a network monitoring business case
As network teams construct a business case for a new network monitoring tool, they should include a cost comparison of alternative tools and a strong defense for the selected tool. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 May 2020
What are the 5 different types of network management?
Security policies, optimal service levels, configuration changes and even cost control measures all encompass the different types of network management. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 May 2020
The true cost of network downtime for your business
Network brownouts could be the biggest under-the-radar threat to your network. Calculate the potential costs of downtime to save your organization's productivity and money. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2020
AI-powered cyberattacks force change to network security
Companies now face sophisticated enemies using AI and machine learning tools for their attacks. It's a world of new dangers for those defending network systems and data. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 May 2020
Plan now for the future of network security
How to battle well-funded, technologically sophisticated threats and ensure high-quality network performance? CISOs need a plan to meet network challenges now and in the future. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Apr 2020
Telework security requires meticulous caution, communication
Organizations that are proactive about telework security may enjoy a more resilient network environment. Follow five steps in this webinar to ensure secure remote work. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2020
Open Systems' SASE tech wins TechTarget innovation award
Open Systems' SASE platform helped tens of thousands of workers gain secure remote access during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more about our new Network Innovation Award winner. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2020
Network automation book shares recipes for success
In this network automation book excerpt, discover how automation frameworks NAPALM and Ansible can provide network teams with vendor-agnostic network management capabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2020
Network pros need NAPALM, Ansible network automation skills
Network pros need network automation skills in NAPALM and Ansible because the two modules together can enhance multivendor environments and streamline network management tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Apr 2020
5 needed product features to fix network management issues
Virtualization and public cloud monitoring are among five top network management issues facing companies as they assess tools designed to oversee increasingly complex networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2020
SD-WAN, 5G remote work technologies enable future networks
In this roundup of networking blogs, learn how SD-WAN and 5G can benefit business continuity plans for network infrastructure and whether split tunneling is necessary -- or safe. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2020
Tips to improve network visibility and security
Network visibility and security can be tricky, especially with the range of products available. These tips help teams pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and gauge the tools they need. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2020
Why configuration management is important for networks
Configuration management is essential to keep accurate network configuration records and to help organizations avoid potential challenges or problems within their networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2020
Zoom, Netflix discuss remote network management challenges
COVID-19 forces IT teams to manage company networks remotely. Here are common issues IT teams of all sizes -- like those at Zoom and Netflix -- face and ways to solve them. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2020
Overview of network management tasks and best practices
Network management encompasses a range of tasks and processes. Explore 10 crucial tasks and accompanying best practices to ensure a resilient and functional network. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2020
How to manage the surge in remote video internet traffic
As more people work from home and create more internet traffic, enterprise network managers should adjust bandwidth levels and consider connectivity upgrades. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Apr 2020
SNMP vs. CMIP: What's the difference?
While SNMP and CMIP originally competed as network management protocols in the 1980s, SNMP has emerged as the more relevant protocol, largely due to its simplicity. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2020
How supporting a remote workforce stresses the network
Make sure your network can support a remote workforce by analyzing 12 potential issues that can cause stress on your network, including VPN concentrator capacity and traffic routing. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2020
Remote work tests corporate pandemic plans
IT leaders share what's working and how they are supporting remote work mandates for employees as part of their corporate pandemic plans, as well as social distancing among IT. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2020
AI, analytics, automation fuel the future of network management
Advances in automation, AI and analytics should help IT administrators overcome new challenges in virtualized network environments, but some obstacles will surface. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2020
Plan a VPN and remote access strategy for pandemic, disaster
Disasters and pandemics occur unexpectedly, affecting companies, workers and networks alike. Plan a remote access strategy that covers VPN requirements, bandwidth demands and licenses. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Mar 2020
What is network verification and do enterprises need it?
Network verification can help organizations gain critical network performance insight and alleviate network complexity. But aspects of the concept are new and not yet mainstream. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2020
Ansible limitations for network automation
Ansible can be a powerful tool for network automation, but users should be aware of its limitations with debugging, performance, complex data structures and control flow. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
Network traffic analysis best practices: Assess and repeat
Network traffic analysis best practices require network teams to work closely with security teams and constantly assess their tool sets, analysis processes and traffic patterns. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2020
An introduction to network automation with Ansible
Ansible is one of the most popular open source network automation tools. Network pros can use it to perform basic network automation tasks, like collecting ARP table data. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2020
What should I know about IP address management systems?
As networks continuously gain more devices, outdated IP address management methods face new challenges. Despite this, IPAM is still crucial for any organization's network. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Feb 2020
A glossary of network terms for management and monitoring
This glossary of network terms specifically highlights network management and monitoring processes. Explore these 12 key terms and concise definitions. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2020
Build a source of truth into your network automation strategy
Many network automation approaches rely on a source of truth repository to provide data on network behavior. But building this automation database isn't always easy. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2020
How to monitor network traffic in 7 steps
Effective network monitoring is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance by IT groups. This step-by-step plan can fine-tune network monitoring strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2020
Compare Paramiko, Netmiko and NAPALM network automation
Python is a useful language, but it can't do everything. Explore some basic network automation scripts that use Python with three automation libraries: Paramiko, Netmiko and NAPALM. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2019
Food manufacturer finds success with SD-WAN vendor CloudGenix
Disappointed in a managed service from Verizon, food manufacturer Diamond Crystal Brands went looking for an SD-WAN vendor that could deliver. It found it in CloudGenix. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Dec 2019
Why should I consider an AIOps platform for my network?
AIOps can take various tasks -- such as data collection and analysis -- off the plates of network teams. This can provide organizations with better insight into network visibility. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Dec 2019
Consider these 5 FAQs for network monitoring best practices
New technologies are transforming how organizations plan network management and monitoring, introducing questions about legacy system upgrades and the number of tools required. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Dec 2019
How do I choose the right network automation tools or platform?
In your organization's search for the best network automation platform for business operations, compare the pros and cons of proprietary and open source tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2019
Agile for infrastructure requires major cultural shift
To realize the benefits of Agile for infrastructure, network teams must think differently about how to deliver services -- embracing radical change and a trial-by-error approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2019
Boost network security visibility with these 4 technologies
The network is where it's at if you want to stop malicious actors. But first you need to up your network visibility. Learn about four technologies that can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2019
Network visibility and monitoring tools now amp up security
Three technology trends are currently making network visibility even more central to security tools. Learn more about the impact of big data, AI and APIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2019
Benefits of network automation software ease challenges for IT
Network automation software comes with a compelling list of benefits, but IT teams should confirm which processes are automated and how the software integrates with existing tools. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Nov 2019
What's the difference between half-duplex and full-duplex?
A half-duplex transmission could be considered a one-way street between sender and receiver. Full-duplex, on the other hand, enables two-way traffic at the same time. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2019
Learn how to master network traffic analysis with Python
In this book excerpt, explore key components of network security and network traffic analysis with Python scripting from Packt Publishing author José Manuel Ortega. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2019
How Python addresses security, network traffic analysis concerns
Python can benefit key areas of an organization's network, including network security and traffic analysis. Glean critical expert advice from an author of various Python textbooks. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2019
Itential's network automation software wins TechTarget award
At the ONUG Fall 2019 conference in New York, one word was on everyone's lips: automation. Itential's infrastructure-as-code platform helps turn those four syllables into action. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Oct 2019
Transform network management with a network automation strategy
Enterprises can employ a network automation strategy to provide some stability for network management and monitoring. Automation, however, still requires some hard work. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Oct 2019
Network automation skills and training in demand, research finds
Surprisingly, scripting, programming and software development are not exactly the top network automation skills desired by enterprises, according to recent research. Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2019
Gluware network automation update addresses OS changes
Gluware adds to its network automation platform easier management of changes to device configurations and operating systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Oct 2019
After ransomware virus, Merck's medicine was network automation
After a ransomware attack, Merck decided the best remedy was to deploy network automation tools designed to transform how it handled network configuration changes. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Oct 2019
Security, business agility kindle network automation adoption
IT teams are confused by the multiple automation strategies available, but they're still adopting automation with hopes it will benefit network security and agility. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2019
Extreme hands StackStorm workflow automation to Linux group
Extreme Networks will let The Linux Foundation handle development of the StackStorm workflow automation platform. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Oct 2019
How do I create proper documentation of network automation?
Despite network automation's advantages, organizations can face disadvantages if they have improper network documentation. These four components can help enable proper documentation. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Sep 2019
Educate users when troubleshooting a network connection
In this roundup of industry blogs, engineers discuss why it's helpful to teach users the basics of troubleshooting a network connection and why it's hard to simulate a network. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2019
Legacy tools encumber modern network infrastructure monitoring
Many IT teams still use older monitoring tools that provide limited visibility across multiple network environments. AI and machine learning can help, but they'll take some time. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2019
VMware acquisition of Veriflow to bolster vRealize platform
The VMware acquisition of Veriflow is expected to help vRealize users determine the integrity of a network design before it goes into production. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Aug 2019
Top enterprise network challenges include agility, product hype
Product hype and network agility are some of the primary network challenges for modern enterprises, according to networking experts. Read up on their insights and advice. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Aug 2019
What are the steps I should take for network transformation?
The path to digital transformation has three points that all organizations should reach to ensure their network is ready for digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Aug 2019
Top AIOps use cases in network performance management tools
AIOps use cases in network performance management include automating certain network functions, including traffic analysis. But the data could be difficult to digest. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2019
What are the top 3 network analytics use cases?
Network analytics use cases illustrate some of the benefits that companies are receiving from network analysis tools. Gauging network performance is just one key area. Continue Reading