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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Tip
21 Dec 2023
Best practices for secure network automation workflows
It's not enough to build network automation workflows. It's important to secure those workflows, as well. Access control, encryption and collaboration all play important roles. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Dec 2023
Network simulation vs. emulation: What's the difference?
Network engineers use simulation and emulation to test changes, which ensures reliable post-change performance. Network simulators create models, while emulators mimic networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2023
8 network tasks administrators can do quicker from the CLI
Admins can use the command-line interface to manage network tasks. Learn how to streamline automation, troubleshoot networks and manage services on Linux, macOS and Windows. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2023
5 phases to build a network automation architecture
The implementation of a network automation architecture involves several elements, including a core orchestration engine, assorted databases and proper network testing. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Nov 2023
SASE vs. NaaS: What's the difference?
SASE and NaaS are network models with different goals. SASE combines SD-WAN with cloud-based security, while NaaS lets businesses outsource network management via a subscription model. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2023
How to simplify network operations
Network challenges include visibility, scalability and security. NetOps teams should follow management best practices and consider cloud networking to simplify operations. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Nov 2023
GSK unifies networking and security for cloud migration
Sessions at ONUG Fall 2023 emphasized the value of a unified networking and security approach. GSK integrated the two to begin its digital transformation journey to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
31 Oct 2023
APIs integral to a successful DDI strategy
Research showed DDI success correlated with successful APIs, but few organizations feel satisfied with their API quality. Learn how to mitigate the challenges of DDI APIs. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2023
Private 5G, NaaS, automation among top networking trends
Presentations at ONUG Fall 2023 focused on private 5G, network as a service and network automation, which have all become more important as network complexity intensifies. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 Oct 2023
Use cURL and Wget to download network files from CLI
Web browsers aren't the only tools that use HTTP to download files. Command-line tools, such as cURL and Wget, can download resources like VM images, configuration files and updates. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Oct 2023
How a DDI platform supports IP-based network management
A DDI platform simplifies IP network management in the cloud networking era. But collaboration among networking and other IT teams is crucial amid ongoing challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Sep 2023
Best practices for network automation with Python
Python libraries, version control, documentation and object-oriented programming provide helpful best practices for network engineers tackling network automation with Python. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Sep 2023
Cisco makes big splash with Splunk
The integration of Cisco and Splunk could result in a full-stack offering that provides comprehensive visibility across enterprise locations and AI-driven insights. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2023
How to use NAPALM for efficient network management
NAPALM is a flexible Python library that can integrate with Ansible modules, support multivendor environments, and ease network management and automation strategies. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Sep 2023
Use Angry IP Scanner to audit the network
Angry IP Scanner provides a network scanner alternative to Nmap that is simple, user-friendly and versatile across OSes. Scan types include ping scans, UDP scans and TCP scans. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Aug 2023
SD-WAN consumption to change as NaaS market matures
NaaS is a cloud model that could provide a compelling way for enterprises to consume SD-WAN and other network services. Despite its potential, though, growth projections are slow. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2023
VMware revamps cloud software for edge management
VMware's new Edge Cloud Orchestrator, formerly VMware SASE Orchestrator, manages VMware's edge compute and SD-WAN systems. Carmaker Audi plans to use the product in its factories. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Aug 2023
AI, automation promise bright future for network operations
A closed-loop system can help network operations teams build trust with AI and automation tools that identify network problems, send alerts and recommend repairs. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
16 Aug 2023
How to capture and analyze traffic with tcpdump
Network administrators use tcpdump to analyze traffic in Linux systems. Learn how to install and use tcpdump, as well as examine the results of captured traffic. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2023
5 trends for SD-WAN managed services
Enterprises interested in managed SD-WAN must evaluate essential considerations. Top trends include hybrid operations, vendor consolidation and AI-driven networking. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2023
Cisco acquisitions target mostly ThousandEyes, Cloud Security
Cisco has made nine acquisitions this year, with all but two focused on improving internet monitor ThousandEyes as well as security manager and policy administrator Security Cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2023
Types of Nmap scans and best practices
Nmap scanning helps network teams with network reconnaissance and vulnerability discovery. Common types of scans include TCP SYN, OS detection, vulnerability and version detection. Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2023
SDI swaps Cisco wired, wireless LAN for Nile NaaS
Supply chain software maker SDI claims it cut LAN costs by a third with Nile. But Gartner says NaaS is unlikely to become a dominant option for on-premises networking. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2023
Reasons to build and buy network automation tools
Most enterprises are building and buying network automation tools, and the reasons for both approaches are abundant. Find out why your organization might want to do the same. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2023
An introduction to Git for network engineers
Git can be a useful tool for network engineers who manage complex infrastructure, especially as networking increasingly overlaps with software, automation and DevOps. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2023
5 techniques to debug network issues in Linux and Windows
Debugging a network issue should start with basic troubleshooting. If that doesn't fix it, admins should check, verify and configure connections to the client, server and network. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Jul 2023
Cisco's vision for Networking Cloud becomes clear
Cisco is focused on simplifying, securing and delivering better experiences across networking, security, collaboration and apps in alignment with its vision to connect anything. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Jul 2023
3 ways to troubleshoot using Wireshark and tcpdump
Protocol analyzer tools, such as Wireshark and tcpdump, can help network administrators identify protocols in the network, analyze network performance and discover network devices. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2023
Prosimo offers free multi-cloud connectivity
The new MCN Foundation can find and connect to public clouds and provide visibility. The company's full-stack product powers the limited free version. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2023
Cisco to add SamKnows broadband visibility to ThousandEyes
SamKnows data in ThousandEyes will let enterprises monitor the broadband connections of employees working from home. The information can help companies troubleshoot problems. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2023
Cisco acquires Accedian for Network Assurance portfolio
Cisco expects Accedian to bolster its Network Assurance portfolio for service providers. The product line provides network troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and remediation. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jun 2023
Compare network management vs. network monitoring
Network management and monitoring relate to NetOps. Network management helps NetOps teams maintain network performance, while network monitoring is a subset of network management. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2023
New Cisco tools aim to enable green networks, data centers
At Cisco Live 2023, Cisco unveiled new products and updates to its portfolio to help organizations create sustainable data center networks as they modernize their infrastructures. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jun 2023
NetworkGPT, ChatGPT plugins show promise for NetOps
NetworkGPT, a ChatGPT plugin revealed at Cisco Live 2023, shows the potential of how generative AI can integrate with and support network operations. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2023
Cisco releases plans for Networking Cloud
Cisco's introduction of Networking Cloud lacked technical details and delivery dates for the high-level console for accessing all the company's network management platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2023
How to interact with network APIs using cURL, Postman tools
Network engineers can use cURL and Postman tools to work with network APIs. Use cases include getting interface information and manipulating device configuration data. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 May 2023
MLB simplifies operations with network automation platform
Network automation enables Major League Baseball to monitor its networks across dozens of stadiums and locations, automate mundane tasks, schedule upgrades and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2023
AI in network management poses challenges for network pros
Research shows that, while AI helps increase business success, network pros struggle to use it more than their peers. Find out how organizations can encourage network pros to use AI. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 May 2023
5 common network services and their functions
DHCP, DNS, NTP, 802.1x, and CDP and LLDP are some of the most common services network administrators use to secure, troubleshoot and manage enterprise networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2023
Python interpreter vs. IDE: What network engineers should know
When using Python for network automation, network engineers often work with interpreters and integrated development environment tools to test modules and debug code. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 May 2023
What are the advantages and disadvantages of CLI and GUI?
An old-fashioned command-line interface still has some advantages over its counterpart, the graphical user interface, when managing network devices. See how CLI and GUI stack up. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2023
7 factors to consider in network redundancy design
Network pros should consider multiple factors when adding redundancy to network design, including network equipment, protocols, backup, processing and subnet connections. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2023
Baptist Health leaves Cisco for Arista
Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Fla., expects Arista's single wired, wireless and data center network operating system to eliminate partial outages during infrastructure upgrades. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2023
Tips to use the Cockpit web consoles
Admins that use Cockpit to manage Linux servers can use the web consoles to add users, build firewalls and perform other tasks. Use these web consoles to oversee your servers. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2023
7 characteristics of next-generation networking
Network modernization has become important for many organizations. Discover which technologies -- such as SASE, AI, automation and more -- can help build next-generation networks. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2023
How ChatGPT can assist with network management
Network professionals can use ChatGPT as a tool to automate mundane processes, write code, design networks and perform other tasks related to network management. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Apr 2023
The benefits of digital twin networks
Digital twin networks use historical and real-time data to simulate a network. That data results in benefits around network visibility, training, security and compliance. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Apr 2023
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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Tip
10 Apr 2023
Is cloud-based network management right for your business?
Many enterprises use on-premises network management, but moving network management to the cloud might make more sense for some. Compare pros, cons and features of both options. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2023
Use cases of digital twins for networks
Network engineers can use digital twins for design, testing, security and maintenance. But limitations with vendor specificity and a lack of standards hinder wider adoption for now. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Apr 2023
What's the difference between network reliability and availability?
Network reliability is how long infrastructure works without disruption. Network availability is the percentage of time infrastructure operates in a given time frame. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2023
Self-healing networks goals, benefits and how they work
With help from automation and AI, self-healing networks promise to detect, remediate and even predict network problems. But can these systems be trusted? Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2023
How network perimeters secure enterprise networks
Network perimeters serve as essential network security to block unwanted traffic. Find out how they differ from the network edge and how they help secure enterprise networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2023
5 steps to migrate from MPLS to SD-WAN
To migrate from MPLS to SD-WAN, you need a plan. Use these five steps as a guideline to avoid MPLS contract disasters, unexpected costs and delayed installation. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2023
Configure NIC teaming in Windows Server
NIC teaming maximizes network bandwidth and provides redundancy benefits. These steps guide users through NIC teaming configuration in Windows Server with GUI and PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2023
White box networking use cases and how to get started
Rising cloud costs have prompted organizations to consider white box switches to lower costs and simplify network management. Here's what to know about white box networking. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Mar 2023
Network security management best practices and challenges
The rise of distributed networks, mobile devices and cyber threats has spurred the ongoing convergence of network management and network security processes. 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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News
15 Feb 2023
Cisco Viptela SD-WAN integrates with SASE for better security
Cisco Viptela SD-WAN integration with Cisco+ Secure Connect brings cloud-based security to remote workers and easier collaboration between IT security and networking teams. 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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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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Guest Post
07 Feb 2023
CIOs must support multi-cloud training for network engineers
Many enterprises are shifting to multi-cloud environments, but they must enable proper training. Here's how they can be proactive and support multi-cloud network training. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2023
4 steps to troubleshoot Windows 11 network issues
When IT administrators encounter problems with a Windows 11 network connection, they have plenty of options to fix the issue. Learn the steps to troubleshoot these issues. 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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Feature
30 Jan 2023
The features of multi-cloud networking architecture
Enterprises are looking for multi-cloud networking features that include programmability, security integration and end-to-end visibility in a consumption-based model. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2023
How cloud-managed Wi-Fi simplifies policy and AP controls
Cloud-managed Wi-Fi provides IT groups with several benefits, including policy enforcement, network management and consistent AP configuration across multiple sites. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jan 2023
Enterprises consider NaaS adoption for business agility
As enterprises accelerate toward digitization of their complete IT stack, NaaS -- which can lower costs, increase QoS and improve business agility -- has become a viable option. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2023
The benefits of network asset management software
Network asset management software helps network teams keep track of network devices and software, ensuring timely upgrades, accurate inventory and updated documentation. 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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News
03 Jan 2023
Multi-cloud networking trends to watch in 2023
As multi-cloud networking becomes an industry standard, enterprises increasingly seek tools to wrangle data, services and security in a sprawling network that can span countries. 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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Answer
20 Dec 2022
NOC vs. data center: What's the difference?
Network operations centers and data centers are two facilities organizations use to store IT devices and manage operations. But they differ significantly in terms of purpose and operations. 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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News
09 Dec 2022
Juniper's CN2 supports Kubernetes networking on AWS
Juniper simplifies Kubernetes networking on Amazon's Elastic Kubernetes Service by adding virtual networks and multi-dimensional segmentation in the hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 Dec 2022
How to use Wireshark OUI lookup for network security
Wireshark OUI lookup helps cyber defenders, pen testers and red teams identify and target network endpoints -- and it can be accessed from any browser. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Nov 2022
How to check an IP address in Linux
In a Linux system, IP addresses correspond with a public or private network. This tutorial outlines how to find public and private IP addresses with Linux commands. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2022
3 types of wireless site surveys and how to conduct them
Network teams can avoid signal coverage issues by performing different wireless site surveys as they evaluate new spaces, set up sites and operate the network. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Nov 2022
Cloud networking vs. cloud computing: What's the difference?
Organizations might sometimes consider cloud computing and cloud networking as interchangeable due to their similarities. But the two strategies have different goals and processes. 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
16 PowerShell commands for network troubleshooting
These 16 Windows PowerShell cmdlets, including Get-NetIPAddress and Test-Connection, help network administrators troubleshoot their network environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Oct 2022
Network monitoring tools must offer more insights upfront
Vendors' network monitoring tools can require complex customization after purchase. New EMA research points to the need for tools to deliver more out of the box. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Oct 2022
VPN use prevails despite interest in VPN alternatives
Despite claims that VPNs are on their way out of enterprise networks, to be replaced by alternative technologies, research suggests VPNs are, in fact, here to stay. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2022
How to perform VLAN troubleshooting
Common VLAN issues include physical connectivity problems, duplex mismatches, forwarding loops, unicast flooding and Layer 3 configuration errors. These troubleshooting steps can help. 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
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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Feature
21 Sep 2022
Batfish use cases for network validation and testing
Automated pre-change network validation with Batfish can save time in the network change management process and minimize configuration and policy errors when deploying changes. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Sep 2022
Tips to prepare for a network disaster recovery audit
Enterprises can audit their network disaster recovery plans to ensure thorough protection and preparation. Consider factors like documentation, management support and audit type. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2022
How AI and ML in Open RAN alleviates network complexity
Incorporating AI and ML into Open RAN networks could help MNOs simplify operations and deliver 5G enhanced capabilities of high bandwidth, low latency and quality of service. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2022
DNS server troubleshooting for Linux and Windows
Steps in DNS server troubleshooting include checking the DNS status, looking at zone configurations and evaluating logs. Follow these best practices for Windows and Linux servers. 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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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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Feature
24 Aug 2022
A look inside the Cisco DevNet Professional study guide
Learn how network automation works with software development in this chapter excerpt from 'Cisco Certified DevNet Professional DEVCOR 350-901 Official Cert Guide.' Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Aug 2022
DevNet authors discuss Cisco DEVCOR book, automation
The authors of a Cisco DevNet Professional DEVCOR study guide provide insights about the growth of network automation, CI/CD and programmability. Continue Reading
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Quiz
24 Aug 2022
11 practice questions for Cisco DEVCOR 350-901 exam
Think you know network automation? Take this practice exam from Chapter 10 of 'Cisco Certified DevNet Professional DEVCOR 350-901 Official Cert Guide' to test your expertise. 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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Opinion
12 Aug 2022
Why modern networks require AIOps
Distributed IT environments increasingly require automated networks, and AIOps can provide the answer for network operations teams dealing with increased complexity, starting now. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2022
What an AI-driven network looks like
Log analysis and wireless management are common AI use cases in networking. Future applications could include chatbot alerts, digital experience monitoring and traffic engineering. 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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Tip
02 Aug 2022
Troubleshoot name resolution on Windows, Linux and macOS
Network administrators can troubleshoot name resolution using a variety of methods, including ping, nslookup and PowerShell cmdlets. Here are some troubleshooting best practices. Continue Reading