Network management and monitoring

AT&T blockchain effort includes IBM, Microsoft

AT&T has linked its IoT services to the blockchain offerings of IBM and Microsoft. The AT&T blockchain effort is aimed at retailers, manufacturers and healthcare organizations. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Automated network testing tools actively identify network problems

If your organization is serious about application reliability, you'll want to adopt network testing tools so you'll know what will happen when network components fail. Continue Reading

By

• Terry Slattery, NetCraftsmen

Mist automates WLAN monitoring with new AI features

Mist says its AI platform for WLAN monitoring can now handle hundreds of queries and will use deep learning to flag anomalies before they cause problems for users. Continue Reading

By

• Jonathan Dame

What metrics and tools can accurately measure network performance?

Several methods and metrics measure network performance and throughput. But IT needs to gauge these measurements on a consistent basis to avoid major service issues. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

Too many tools hobble network management design

'Measure twice, cut once' doesn't work for network management. It's time for the industry to consider a new way to coordinate network management design tools. Continue Reading

By

• Russ White

Market for network performance tools enters vendor consolidation phase

Recent acquisitions of network performance monitoring and diagnostic tool vendors signal market consolidation. Continue Reading

By

• Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research

Nyansa's Voyance uses machine learning to improve Wi-Fi troubleshooting

Wi-Fi woes trip up company business, but a tool that uses machine learning can help. Read this review that covers one company's experience with Nyansa's Voyance tool. Continue Reading

By

• Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research

How do I troubleshoot network performance with traffic monitoring?

When undertaking network performance troubleshooting, organizations can benefit from a mix of passive and active network traffic monitoring to identify issues. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

What key network performance issues spark service disruptions?

From cabling to capacity issues, IT professionals need to consider all possibilities when rooting out the underlying cause of network performance problems. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

Mist Systems gives VMware NSX SD-WAN a boost

Arista Networks and VMware are focusing on Wi-Fi to bolster products for the wireless LAN. Wi-Fi vendor Mist is strengthening VMware's NSX SD-WAN and Arista has acquired Mojo. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

ITSM automation helps advance network automation

IT service management helps close the gap between IT staff and business needs, as artificial intelligence and machine learning work with ITSM automation to usher in network automation. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

What networking automation tools should you consider?

When launching network automation projects, do you craft custom scripts or buy off-the-shelf networking automation tools? It probably depends on your team's capabilities. Continue Reading

By

• Dan Conde

How to check for high network utilization

Learn why high utilization issues in the network arise, how to detect them, and two ways to grapple with the problem to keep network latency low and application performance high. Continue Reading

By

• Terry Slattery, NetCraftsmen

How to set up network analytics tools for successful monitoring

Learn which analytics tools help monitor the network and what systems and processes you should work out in advance to make them as effective as possible. Continue Reading

By

• Alan R. Earls

Will network management functions as a service arrive soon?

Network management as a service isn't widespread, at least not yet. But if past history is any indication, its popularity is bound to grow, once certain hurdles are overcome. Continue Reading

By

• Alan R. Earls

How can network analytics tools benefit IT staff?

Network analytics tools can help IT managers proactively pinpoint network performance issues and trends -- even before the underlying problem is revealed. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Mathias

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

Should IT share data analysis from network management consoles?

By making data analysis available from a network management console, IT groups could offer their lines of business better insights into end-user productivity. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Mathias

Cato Networks adds 'identity awareness' to SD-WAN as a service

Cato Networks SD-WAN as a service was updated this week with identity-aware routing. The vendor claims identity awareness can simplify network operations and better meet business goals. Continue Reading

By

• Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research

New generation of network analytics software starting to emerge

Some of the newest network analytics tools can learn how a network is supposed to operate, warn managers of potential problems and offer ways to solve issues. Continue Reading

By

• Dan Conde

How to simplify your overly complex networking design

If you flood your networking design with extraneous features and don't have a firm understanding of the overall system, you might fall into a complexity wormhole. Continue Reading

By

• Russ White

Network security issues top the list of enterprise priorities

A network manager's list of concerns is always long. But given the rise of deadly threats, security tops the list, followed by SDN, IoT and edge computing. Continue Reading

By

• Steve Zurier, ZFeatures

Cisco intent-based networking to beat out open OS, company claims

At Cisco Live, CEO Chuck Robbins emphasized customer preference for integrated hardware and software that offer Cisco intent-based networking over open OSes. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

ONAP Beijing release targets deployment scenarios

With its ONAP Beijing release, the Linux Foundation turns its attention to what makes a system deployment ready to go: usability, stability and security, among others. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

Nyansa extends network performance monitor software

In Cisco Live news, Nyansa upgrades its network performance monitor software to track WAN and Wi-Fi connection problems. Also, A10 adds Kubernetes support. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

SDN, machine learning could lead to intelligent networks

The next step for SDN is to integrate network analytics and machine learning to result in automated, intelligent networks. But first, humans need to trust the technology. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

Challenges of blockchain muddle understanding of the technology

There is a lot of hype about blockchain and how it might be used within networking operations. But just understanding the technology and what it actually does might be among the biggest challenges of blockchain. Continue Reading

By

• Teren Bryson

LiveAction buys Savvius to combine packet monitoring and NPM

LiveAction plans to combine its software for network performance management with Savvius' packet monitoring technology to deliver both in a single product. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Cloud-based network monitoring creates management flexibility

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DevOps for networking evolves with software

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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.

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Cloud-based network monitoring creates management flexibility

Cloud-based network monitoring offers Broward Center's theater campus more flexible and efficient network management so IT can keep performing arts center stage. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine 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

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

The growing ties between networking roles and automation

Network automation is here, bringing with it new demands for network professionals. But these changes should go beyond shifting networking roles, responsibilities and skills. Continue Reading

By

• Jennifer English, Executive Editor

What makes networking automation so difficult?

Analysts focus on networking automation and the problems facing it, as well as gaming trends that could affect 5G deployment costs and debate questions surrounding the future of blockchain. Continue Reading

By

• David Harbeck, Editorial Assistant

How can network analytics tools be used to improve performance?

With pressure and expectations for network and enterprise performance rising, IT professionals are turning to network analytics tools that use machine learning to remain ahead of the game. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

What is ONAP, and how does it tie into NFV architecture?

Network expert Lee Doyle looks at ONAP, its role in NFV architecture and its progress in becoming the standard platform for NFV management and orchestration. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Doyle, Doyle Research

How do the benefits of SDN improve network automation?

The ability to automate networks isn't new, and while the benefits of SDN reach out to encompass aspects of automation, SDN and network automation don't mean the same thing. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Software drives the promise of the interoperable network

Interoperability in networks is essential now, a reality that vendors increasingly acknowledge. Learn how the networking industry is changing to accommodate the need for openness. Continue Reading

By

• Phillip Gervasi

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

What tools are needed to build a DevOps management model?

Amy Larsen DeCarlo answers why so many businesses are combining their development and operations teams and what tools are needed to make effective DevOps management happen. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

Is programmable infrastructure ready for prime time in networking?

In this week's networking blog roundup, analysts examine whether programmable infrastructure is now a thing, what would make a good AI tool and what's wrong with telcos. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

New Accedian SkyLIGHT PVX has root-cause analytics

Accedian Networks has launched its first product from the Performance Vision acquisition. SkyLIGHT PVX includes network monitoring, plus root-cause analytics and remediation. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Analyst balks at blockchain distributed ledger in networking

Blockchain distributed ledger technology is untested, unproven and overly complex, making it unsuitable for networking, GlobalData analyst Mike Fratto argued. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Blockchain technology use in networking? Not so fast

Blockchain technology use has little value in networking, according to one IT analyst. Analysts also examine IoT security and what might happen to AI if disasters occur. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Cisco DNA Center gets access to more IoT devices

Cisco DNA Center can now access an additional 620 IoT device profiles. Cisco also introduced this week a couple of Catalyst 9500 switches, including one with 100 GbE ports. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Cisco advances Network Assurance Engine, network verification tech

The Cisco Network Assurance Engine, a network verification tool, will add support for more third-party devices and platforms. Cisco's Sundar Iyer shares plans. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large

Pay as you go with new Cisco Tetration analytics SaaS

The latest versions of Cisco Tetration analytics include a software-as-a-service offering with pay-as-you-go pricing. Cisco is also offering a software-only version. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Enterprise network management in the wake of vendor consolidation

Consolidation is a driving force among networking vendors, but network professionals have to actively consider how those changes affect enterprise network management. Continue Reading

By

• Steve Zurier, ZFeatures

Network data analytics must work alongside human ingenuity

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Network analytics tools deepen with machine learning and AI

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Big data network analytics: The next big thing

Networking managers are trying to keep track of an ever-increasing number of moving pieces. To do so, they are turning to a new class of big data network analytics that applies machine learning and artificial intelligence to help improve performance of growing networks.

While network professionals can look at various components of their networks and see what's happening on them now, the need to create more meaningful, actionable information is leading to increased demand for more sophisticated big data network analytics. As enterprises continue to use cloud services and advanced networking technologies like software-defined WAN, this need will only grow.

In this issue of Network Evolution, read insights from network professionals who are beginning to apply big data network analytics, machine learning and AI and what enterprises expect from these tools as the industry develops them.

Also in this issue, vendor consolidation in the last several years has wrought changes to what products and services are supported. Traditional networking vendors like Cisco and Juniper have jumped into the software-defined networking space through acquisitions, and several other vendors have merged to streamline products and diversify offerings. Read how the evolving vendor landscape is impacting the way enterprises interact with their suppliers.

In addition, as more workloads are placed in the cloud, enterprises have more options for deploying unified communications. Read best practices and considerations for on-premises or cloud UC or a mix of both to decide which deployment works best.

Finally, read about one organization's mission to improve healthcare through better wireless connectivity in this issue's Subnet.

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Network data analytics must work alongside human ingenuity

Network data analytics offer a key tool in the arsenal of monitoring and understanding network behavior. But network professionals can't forget another crucial element -- themselves. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Network analytics tools deepen with machine learning and AI

Network analytics tools that utilize machine learning and AI can help IT pros with monitoring and performance evaluation, and provide business insight. But a holistic view of the network using analytics is still on the horizon. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Gluware launches Config Modeling network automation tool

Gluware launches Config Modeling, a new network automation tool intended to help customers overcome the hurdles of CLI as they manage multivendor legacy networks. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Network data analysis driving business intelligence

According to a study from Enterprise Management Associates, network data analysis tools are now being used by enterprises to deliver valuable information to business units. Continue Reading

By

• Shamus McGillicuddy, Enterprise Management Associates

Which is better for WLAN support: Mac or Windows?

Choosing the right laptop for WLAN support usually boils down to Macintosh versus Windows. But of the two, there is only one OS clearly up to the task, our expert maintains. Continue Reading

By

• Lee Badman

Network device monitoring beyond NETCONF

This week, bloggers look at alternative methods in network device monitoring, Europe's GDPR legislation and the integration of low-code platforms within cloud offerings. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

What exactly is a digital business transformation strategy?

What do you need for a digital business transformation strategy that will actually work to boost business value and change the enterprise operations model? Continue Reading

By

• Robin Gareiss, Metrigy

Yahoo Japan deploys intent-based network with Apstra AOS

Yahoo Japan deploys an Apstra intent-based network to oversee multiple vendors. Cisco touts Los Angeles Hospital, as well as the benefits it's getting from its DNA strategy. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Is it best to buy or build a network automation system?

Bloggers explore the question of buying versus building a network automation system, the challenges of hyper-converged infrastructure and the integration of AI into enterprise IT. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

The benefits of machine learning in network management

Enterprises and vendors alike are now undertaking machine learning deployment strategies. What are the benefits of machine learning in networking related to analysis and management tools? Continue Reading

By

• Terry Slattery, NetCraftsmen

How network automation scripts will affect veteran engineers

This week, bloggers look at how engineers will need to adapt to changes such as network automation scripts, offer projections for RSA 2018 and debate network transformation. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Cisco adds predictive analytics to Viptela SD-WAN

Cisco's new cloud-based service, called vAnalytics, helps companies prepare for changes within the Viptela SD-WAN by giving answers to what-if questions. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Overcoming the hype with advanced network analytics software

Bloggers explore the capabilities of network analytics software, assess the coming impact of GDPR regulations and look into the use of Ethernet VPN with an MPLS data plane in data centers. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

How can IT asset management tools aid in virtualization era?

IT asset management tools allow businesses to track resources effectively. Platform organization is increasingly necessary in a virtualized enterprise. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

PV buy takes Accedian network monitoring to the enterprise

Carrier supplier Accedian heads to the enterprise market with the acquisition of French company Performance Vision. Accedian network monitoring tools complement PV's NPM software. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

DNS functions remain vital, but must adapt as demands shift

The domain name system's tasks are simple, but essential, and the service faces challenges with the proliferation of devices that operate within IPv6 networks. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Froehlich, West Gate Networks

Meet network management goals with new tech and techniques

Get up to speed on the new technological advances, improved products and advanced techniques that make enterprise network monitoring and management a bit less daunting. Continue Reading

Is machine learning needed for network traffic routing?

This week, bloggers assess the role of machine learning for network traffic routing, new hurdles for identity management due to the cloud and what to ask AI vendors. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

What's automation's role in network provisioning resources?

IT is embracing network automation, but complications with integration disrupt the process. Using automation for provisioning resources can improve efficiency, but reduce the need for IT personnel. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

Engineer uses Cisco DNA Center to combat network challenges

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Engineer uses Cisco DNA Center to combat network challenges

Durham County hopes Cisco DNA Center and network automation create efficient, seamless experiences for IT managers and users, after redesigning its data center with Cisco's ACI. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

New 5G wireless technology trials spark enterprise interest

New 5G wireless technology promises super-fast network speeds and massive capacity. Businesses that require low latency and high throughput could see the advantages first. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

Cisco Assurance services verify intent-based networking

Cisco has advanced its intent-based networking plans with a layer of analytics that verify compliance with policies. The new Cisco Assurance is tied to the company's SDN platform. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Network configuration tools: A primer

Script management, intent-based systems and new strategies with network configuration tools are propelling a paradigm shift in the way that networks are managed. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Selecting network configuration software for automation

This week, bloggers look into choosing the right network configuration software for an automation project, endpoint security and the future of SD-WAN as a stand-alone service. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Apstra bolsters IBN with customizable analytics

Startup Apstra has introduced customizable analytics in its network operating system. The latest AOS upgrade bolsters Apstra's intent-based networking capabilities. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

ThousandEyes-Juniper pact focuses on hybrid WANs

ThousandEyes and Juniper boost visibility for hybrid WANs; IDC records sharp rise in cloud spending; and a vendor group issues specifications for optical 100 Gbps interoperability. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Take network configuration management tools to the next level

Script management systems and intent-based networking are driving the future of network configuration management tools, shifting the paradigm of how networking systems are managed. Continue Reading

By

• David Jacobs, The Jacobs Group

IBN: Enablement for a configuration management process?

How realistic are claims about intent-based networking helping organizations to enhance the network configuration management process? Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

Managing first-hop router complexity with an IPv6 prefix

This week, bloggers explore IPv6 prefix complexities, the reasons behind high turnover among CISOs and whether the adage 'just reboot it' holds true with advanced wireless LANs. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Automated networks mean clearing some key hurdles first

Obstacles facing IT adoption of automation in the network including training and trust. Now's the time to clear these hurdles and reap the benefits of an automated future. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

How can network management systems boost troubleshooting?

What can IT teams do to combine network management systems and application performance management tools to boost troubleshooting in enterprise infrastructure? Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

Hyper-convergence gives new choice in network system management

Hyper-convergence is driving network evolution, but engineers need to consider the flexibility of network system management software and performance to ensure best results. Continue Reading

By

• David Jacobs, The Jacobs Group

The future of networking technology is playing out right now

To prepare for the future of networking technology, IT managers must understand evolving concepts like hyper-convergence, SD-WAN and intent-based networking. Continue Reading

By

• Jean DerGurahian, Features and E-Zine Editor

How to select the best network monitoring tool

Learn the criteria for choosing the best network monitoring tool for your enterprise. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel
• Kim Lindros

Why device upgrade strategies fail

The industry is built on 30-year-old code, writes one analyst, and that is one reason why device upgrade strategies often fall short. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

LiveAction software focuses on provisioning resources

Bloggers look into LiveAction software aimed at provisioning resources, the threat posed by the cybersecurity skills shortage and using Linux for data center switches. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Remediation engine to improve Nyansa Voyance network monitoring

New remediation engine in Nyansa Voyance flags the cause of network troubles and recommends changes to correct it. Other improvements include more syslog data for better analytics. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

Network validation a first step to intent-based architecture

Network validation is an important first step for enterprises evaluating intent-based networking. Unless you know how things really work, you won't succeed. Continue Reading

By

• Terry Slattery, NetCraftsmen

How to use traceroute to troubleshoot network problems

Traceroute is a tool that can provide more insight than you might think. Learn how to use traceroute to troubleshoot network issues. Continue Reading

By

• Michael Gregg, Superior Solutions, Inc.

How should IT manage connected devices?

As IT teams become tasked to manage connected devices more often, what steps need to be taken to avoid performance and security-related problems? Continue Reading

By

• Amy Larsen DeCarlo, GlobalData

ManageEngine launches OpManager Plus deep packet inspection tool

ManageEngine launches OpManager Plus, a new deep packet inspection tool; Nyansa broadens analytics for Voyance; and Aerohive premieres a new combined switch-access point. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Update expands Mist Wi-Fi management platform use cases

The latest update to the Mist Wi-Fi management platform makes it more useful for divvying up network access in hotels, college dormitories and apartment buildings. Continue Reading

By

• Antone Gonsalves, News Director

SaaS SIEM offers enterprise networks refined analytics

This week, bloggers explore SaaS SIEM, applications as drivers of hybrid cloud, and the benefits and drawbacks of integrated systems. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Enterprises seek operational insight from network analytics

This week, bloggers look into operational insight from network analytics, vulnerabilities in the wake of WannaCry and slow 25 GbE switch adoption. Continue Reading

By

• Eamon McCarthy Earls, Former Associate Site Editor, TechTarget

Chef gets compliments for network automation tool features

Networking industry pros discuss the Chef automation tool and how it can be used as a network automation tool. They also examine the evolution of AI and talk about a controller upgrade gone bad. Continue Reading

By

• Chuck Moozakis, Editor at Large