Network strategy and planning
Network architects must consider various factors when designing, updating or expanding their organizations' networks. Discover tips and best practices about network design and planning, topology considerations and technology strategies.
Top Stories
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Tip
19 Dec 2024
Network design principles for effective architectures
It's important for network architects to consider several factors for an effective network design. Top principles include flexibility and scalability, redundancy and security. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2024
5 UC and collaboration trends reshaping the market in 2025
Expect GenAI and agentic AI to dominate unified communications and collaboration trends, plus employees and businesses weigh return-to-office edicts and heightened cyberattacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2023
Unify NetOps and DevOps to improve load-balancing strategy
Research showed that many enterprises struggle with their load-balancing strategies. Unifying NetOps and DevOps teams might help simplify some of this complexity. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2023
Get familiar with who builds 5G infrastructure
Organizations that build 5G data centers may need to upgrade their infrastructure. These 5G providers offer products like virtual RAN options, wireless access routers and others. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2023
Extreme Networks extends network fabric to the edge
Extreme Networks extends its SD-WAN network fabric to the edge to unify wired, wireless and WAN networking for simpler network control and more application performance monitoring. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Feb 2023
How hybrid access as a service supports hybrid work
Hybrid access as a service from a startup helped a global company secure optimized connectivity over home broadband connections. Could HAaaS replace VPNs? Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2023
4 ways to reduce network power consumption
A heavy reliance on the network can increase energy use across businesses. Here are some best practices network teams can follow to reduce power consumption. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Feb 2023
8 top Web 3.0 use cases and examples
Smart contracts, automated content creation, targeted advertising, community building and metaverse-like experiences are some of the benefits from anticipated Web 3.0 applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Feb 2023
10 core features of Web 3.0 technology
Web 3.0 promises to provide what Web 2.0 can't: autonomy for content creators to monetize their own data through blockchain, decentralization, user data ownership and private keys. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2023
Vendor SD-WAN labs offer hands-on testing and learning
Software-defined WANs can be confusing. Fortunately, networking vendors offer SD-WAN labs to help organizations learn about the technology. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Feb 2023
blockchain decentralization
Decentralization is the distribution of functions, control and information instead of being centralized in a single entity. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2023
5 ways Web 3.0 will impact digital marketing
If Web 3.0 can provide greater privacy, more marketing reach and better targeting, the World Wide Web's latest iteration could ease the online customer personalization problem. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jan 2023
thing (in the internet of things)
A thing, in the context of the internet of things (IoT), refers to any entity or physical object such as a device that forms a network and has the ability to transfer data with other devices over the network. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Jan 2023
Everything you need to know about Linux man pages
Admins who aren't familiar with a command can use Linux man pages for better understanding. This tutorial outlines how to access Linux manuals and the value they provide. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2023
Evaluate Wi-Fi mapping tools and best practices
As Wi-Fi is now a critical component of enterprise network connectivity, Wi-Fi mapping helps teams evaluate their wireless coverage. Learn the basics of Wi-Fi mapping. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jan 2023
green networking
Green networking is the practice of selecting energy-efficient networking technologies and products and minimizing resource use whenever possible. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Jan 2023
Five networking trends teams should focus on in 2023
Distributed IT and hybrid work create network complexity, which is driving adoption of AIOps, network and security convergence, multi-cloud, private 5G and digital twins in 2023. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jan 2023
load balancing
Load balancing is a technique used to distribute network traffic across a pool of servers known as a server farm. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2022
Wireless network capacity planning and requirements
When planning wireless network capacity needs, tally your total endpoints, monitor application bandwidth usage and consider future growth. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2022
Are private wireless networks worth the investment?
Private wireless networks enable more control over networks, but they aren't right for every organization. Here's what to evaluate for a private wireless network deployment. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2022
How to use Nmap to scan a network for documentation
Nmap might be more common for security tasks, but it's also useful for network documentation and inventory. Follow these best practices to make the most of Nmap scan results. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Dec 2022
network disaster recovery plan
A network disaster recovery plan is a set of procedures designed to prepare an organization to respond to an interruption of network services during a natural or humanmade catastrophe. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Dec 2022
checksum
A checksum is a value that represents the number of bits in a transmission message and is used by IT professionals to detect high-level errors within data transmissions. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2022
Ensure network resilience in a network disaster recovery plan
A network disaster recovery plan doesn't always mean network resilience. Learn how factors like funding, identifying potential risks and constant updates make a difference. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2022
How to set up a business Wi-Fi network
A Wi-Fi network is a business necessity, but setting it up takes skill and effective troubleshooting. Learn how to make Wi-Fi work and keep it running smoothly. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2022
Evaluate various SASE approaches for deployment
Enterprises must choose between single- or multivendor SASE approaches, as well as DIY or managed service options. Experts suggest considering use cases to simplify SASE deployment. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Nov 2022
routing table
A routing table is a set of rules, often viewed in table format, that's used to determine where data packets traveling over an Internet Protocol (IP) network will be directed. Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2022
Ciena acquires Benu and Tibit for PON, edge
Ciena acquires Benu for advanced subscriber management and Tibit for pluggable PON technology that connects to existing hardware. Acquisitions bring engineers during shortage. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2022
Learn what SDN data center controllers do in a network
In a software-defined network, SDN data center controllers are a crucial component. Consider factors such as performance and compatibility when examining controller options. Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2022
Warriors joins other NBA teams in building smart arenas
The Golden State Warriors installed 250 Wi-Fi 6E access points in Chase Center to deliver high-speed internet almost anywhere in the arena. Faster networks are a trend in the NBA. Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2022
Cisco lays off staff, cuts office space in $600M restructuring
Cisco's shake-up will affect about 4,000 workers as the company doubles down on security, enterprise networking and its platform strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Nov 2022
Best practices for enterprise CBRS deployment
Enterprises can use CBRS spectrum to deploy private cellular networks that offer reliable and predictable coverage. Learn about installation, AP mounting and device compatibility. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Nov 2022
How to set up backup internet connections for home offices
Reliable connectivity and secure access are must-haves for employees working from home. Here are ideas to consider when designing backup internet connections for home offices. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Nov 2022
open networking
Open networking describes a network that uses open standards and commodity hardware. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Nov 2022
control plane (CP)
The control plane is the part of a network that carries signaling traffic and is responsible for network routing. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2022
OSU medical center uses automation for digital transformation
Most people think automation will take jobs away. For OSU Wexner Medical Center, network automation helps improve security, simplify tasks for staff and save lives. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2022
How Wi-Fi 6, WWAN and 5G make all-wireless offices possible
Wireless technology has evolved extensively in recent years to support end-user demands and the possibility of wireless-first network connectivity for business offices. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Nov 2022
9 steps for wireless network planning and design
Wireless network planning may appear daunting. But IT teams can tackle this task in nine key phases, which include capacity, redundancy and site surveys. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Oct 2022
Cloud, security and automation alter networking roles
Networking pros are no longer in their own bubbles, even if they prefer it that way. The growth of cloud, security and automation is expanding traditional networking roles. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2022
Best practices for data center network optimization
Data center network optimization can improve business impact and promote long-term equipment health. Look to pilot new equipment, consolidate servers and improve energy efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Oct 2022
Best practices for network documentation and auditing
Network documentation helps enterprises resolve problems more quickly and create more reliable networks. But documentation needs to include various components to be effective. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2022
What to include in a network disaster recovery plan checklist
A network disaster recovery plan should include components like documentation, emergency contacts, step-by-step procedures, provider and vendor details, backup info and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2022
4 tips for network capacity planning and provisioning
To avoid network overprovisioning, teams should review baselines and roadmaps, assess limitations and consider business strategy changes when focusing on network capacity planning. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2022
Valmont Industries tests network as a service to improve WAN
Valmont Industries wants an agile WAN that the company can modify in days instead of months. The global manufacturer is testing network-as-a-service provider Graphiant. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2022
Techniques to get started with green networking
'Emerging Green Technologies' details how technology is a flexible tool organizations can use to make business operations more sustainable. Here's how to make your network green. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2022
How energy-efficient networking supports sustainability
In this Q&A, 'Emerging Green Technologies' author Matthew N. O. Sadiku discusses the importance of going green and how to make networks energy-efficient to achieve this goal. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Aug 2022
New data center demands reshape enterprise app delivery
Discover how modern application delivery controllers and web application firewalls can improve network provisioning processes and help secure distributed workloads. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Aug 2022
Network bandwidth vs. throughput: What's the difference?
Bandwidth and throughput both indicate network performance. The terms are often used together, but bandwidth refers to capacity, while throughput details how much data actually transmits. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2022
How does SD-access work?
SD-access is a combination of two elements: SDN and the access edge. The result is a network with a centralized management system and improved security policies. Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2022
IT pros weigh COVID-19 risks, safety at tech conferences
Companies preparing to send employees to tech conferences should have a COVID-19 safety plan and prepare for the possibility that some workers will bring the virus back to the office. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Aug 2022
Next-gen network management difficult without AIOps
Complicated networks mean complicated network management. AIOps can help manage next-generation networks by monitoring, adding visibility and fixing errors within the network. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2022
How vendors support sustainable networking initiatives
Organizations are focusing on sustainability in all business divisions, including network operations. These tools could help organizations make their enterprise networks green. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2021
network topology
A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network. Continue Reading
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Guide
01 Nov 2018
What is SD-WAN? Future, challenges, benefits of SD-WAN technology
What is SD-WAN and how can it change the way networks operate? Discover its advantages, challenges, important key terms and where the future of SD-WAN could take you. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Oct 2018
Edge computing in IoT: Increasing network efficiency to ease traffic
Edge computing in IoT is tied to IoT's growth in a number of vertical markets due to the benefits of processing data close to the data source, which relieves network overload. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2018
New Arista campus switches aim to simplify designs
The Arista campus switches are an effort by the company to target enterprises with the same set of features used by large data centers and carriers. Continue Reading
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Video
23 Feb 2009
Must-haves for wireless network security: WLAN switches, intrusion detection and more
Joel Snyder of Opus One reviews the WLAN switch technology and explains why intrusion detection systems and firewalls need to also be carefully added to a "defense in depth" network configuration. Continue Reading
- Answer 03 Mar 2005
- Answer 14 Oct 2004
