Opinion

Opinion

• Palo Alto Networks SASE Converge updates boost security, UX

  With the announcement of its latest SASE portfolio updates and the acquisition of Talon, Palo Alto Networks connects the dots between security and performance.  Continue Reading

• Red Hat Analyst Day vision focuses on AI and automation

  Organizations are embracing modern distributed cloud environments. At its analyst day, Red Hat advised taking a platform approach to simplify operations and speed innovation.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Aruba Atmosphere '23 emphasizes agility matters

  HPE Aruba Networking positioned its Atmosphere conference as looking at what comes next, but the subtext was all about agility as the company tightens its integration.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• The multi-cloud networking mandate

  With most organizations using more than two public clouds, new multi-cloud networking strategies are essential to enable cross-cloud traffic and visibility across multiple clouds.  Continue Reading

• Planning the journey from SD-WAN to SASE

  Enterprises need integrated security and networking frameworks to manage distributed IT environments and are looking to SD-WAN and security options like SASE to get the job done.  Continue Reading

• VMware goes deep into multi-cloud universe

  With its rebranded Explore conference, VMware made it clear its focus is on supporting customers' multi-cloud and edge computing environments as data is processed in new places.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Marketing hype fuels AI predictive network troubleshooting

  Vendors are pushing heavily on the benefits of predictive analysis to automatically identify and remediate network issues. But should enterprise customers care?  Continue Reading

• 5 factors that form the future of Wi-Fi

  For businesses, mounting ownership costs, unrealistic performance expectations, client device chaos and competing technologies all play a role in the future of Wi-Fi.  Continue Reading

• Cisco Live highlights network observability, the metaverse

  The conference was teeming with topics, including network security, infrastructure transformation, cloud-based network management and open source tools.  Continue Reading

• The importance of unified, end-to-end network management

  As network environments evolve and grow more complex, enterprises are realizing their need for unified network management. But is an end-to-end strategy possible?  Continue Reading

• The top 5 networking technology trends for 2022

  A yearly check-in on the top networking technology trends reveals more of the same themes, including the ongoing development of SD-WAN, 5G and Wi-Fi 6.  Continue Reading

• What are some VPN alternatives for remote access?

  VPN security has its imperfections, especially when tracking user data and online activity. Some VPN alternatives may provide different security elements for users.  Continue Reading

• How free Wi-Fi hotspots help in emergency response situations

  Emergency and disaster response require teamwork among businesses, governments and community groups. In these times, free Wi-Fi hotspots help people feel connected.  Continue Reading

• 5 enterprise wireless industry trends to track in 2020

  Yes, 5G and Wi-Fi 6 will continue to grab headlines. But other ongoing wireless industry trends include problematic devices and heavy-handed licensing by vendors.  Continue Reading

• The evolution of SDN and its role in networking

  Has SDN run its course, or has the architecture simply evolved? In many current products, data centers and cloud environments, SDN may be closer than you think.  Continue Reading

• Why networking certifications no longer matter

  Networking certifications have consistently been an important milestone for network professionals. But diverse network infrastructure, automation and UI upgrades could change that.  Continue Reading

• Skip the wireless site survey cost and invest in more wireless APs

  A wireless site survey simply provides a one-time snapshot of a work environment's wireless coverage. But Wi-Fi requires ongoing management based on several changing variables.  Continue Reading

• Wireless site surveys and why you no longer need them

  Wireless site surveys have always been part of a WLAN installation, but today that no longer should be the case. Capacity, not coverage, is more important.  Continue Reading

• The switch to 400 GbE may be closer than you think

  Several dynamics are driving the need for 400 GbE infrastructures, including the increase in server density, private cloud applications and network edge data.  Continue Reading

• AI in networking presents opportunities for service providers

  Network installers and managed service providers can reap key benefits with AI in networking, including better productivity, staff management and customer response.  Continue Reading

• 5G, cloud embolden network outsourcing and ultimate virtualization

  Could the cloud, 5G, small cell technology, BYOD and carrier-provisioned networks completely virtualize network infrastructure? Well, maybe not today.  Continue Reading

• 6 emerging trends in wireless networking technology for 2019

  In 2019, expect to see some interesting trends in wireless networking technology, including a surge in millimeter waves, the budding potential for end-to-end network analytics and, of course, the ongoing development of 5G services.  Continue Reading

• The top 9 trends in network technology for 2019

  In the new year, expect SDN and SD-WAN to come back down to earth. Meanwhile, multi-cloud, edge computing and intent-based networking will ramp up. Plus, data centers are not dead.  Continue Reading

• Access networking layer ready for software-defined reboot

  After years of stagnation, the access-layer network is in need of a makeover. Implementing software-defined configurations is perhaps a good place to start.  Continue Reading

• 4G LTE or 5G could be your branch office backup internet connection

  As of May, Citrix has entered this space, too.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Market for network performance tools enters vendor consolidation phase

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

• What's VMware's goal with its Virtual Cloud Network release?

  Attendees saw a noteworthy turnabout at VMworld 2018. With its Virtual Cloud Network announcement, VMware signaled its new vision of cloud, and the network is the center of its strategy.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How Cisco's Viptela buy affects branch routers, IT customers

  Zeus Kerravala says Cisco's ISR isn't going anywhere and discusses what its use of Viptela's software-defined WAN means for the IT giant's future, its product line and its customers.  Continue Reading

• Social concept points to an SDN model with two control planes

  It might not seem like control planes and SDN models have a lot in common with a social concept, but together, they could highlight how business intent and operations inform network design.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Vendors vie for a piece of the SD-WAN market share pie

  The SD-WAN vendor market is showing some signs of consolidation. But it will remain volatile in the near term, and that should prove beneficial to customers.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud strategies should be reimagined as multi-cloud

  The tech industry needs to change the way it defines hybrid cloud. A multi-cloud environment is often a more accurate description and worthwhile goal.  Continue Reading

• MU-MIMO technology boosts system capacity for WLANs

  MU-MIMO technology might not be magic, but it upgrades WLAN performance and system capacity so well that some network engineers might call it magical.  Continue Reading

• Transforming a legacy network through digital transformation

  In a recent keynote speech, GE's CTO Chris Drumgoole outlines the transformation of a corporate giant's network from traditional and sluggish to limber and cloud-enhanced.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Software-based networks lay foundation of networking's future

  Software-based networks are evolving, reshaping how companies do business and blending into legacy networking. Enterprises will have to sort out which approaches work best.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• SDN marketplace sows confusion on network infrastructure upgrades

  The ever-evolving SDN marketplace continues to confuse IT departments as they determine what steps they should take with their network infrastructure upgrades.  Continue Reading

• Millimeter wave spectrum has key role in 802.11ay wireless

  IEEE 802.11ay Wi-Fi is getting closer to final ratification. The new standard relies on millimeter wave spectrum to deliver stronger and more robust services.  Continue Reading

• Consider the Ethernet option for primary SD-WAN connectivity

  SD-WAN connectivity offers the ability to use a variety of links. While most enterprises opt to use cable or DSL as the primary link, Ethernet could be the better option.  Continue Reading

• Wide area Ethernet can fuel digital network transformation

  Wide area Ethernet might be just what the doctor ordered to help enterprises propel their digital network transformation efforts.  Continue Reading

• The sky's the limit with 5G wireless communication

  As the reality of 5G wireless communications builds, enterprises are looking toward new ways of doing business with higher speed and increased capacity.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Users want hybrid cloud networking to be simple

  As more services move to the cloud and become more mobile, if the network is invisible and performs well, IT pros are doing their jobs in users' eyes.  Continue Reading

• What is the future of networking for enterprises?

  What will be the future of networking at enterprises and organizations operating in 2025?  Continue Reading

• A10's Harmony brings app delivery services to a multicloud deployment

  As use of cloud services explodes, A10 Networks is working to add application delivery services to the multicloud deployment process.  Continue Reading

• Software-based networks ease staff manual labor, increase efficiency

  Find out how three enterprises are experiencing the benefits of software-based networks as their staffs are freed up from manually tweaking network components.  Continue Reading

• Managing wireless networks: How to address the key challenges

  One challenge in managing wireless networks is that the tools and tech are changing rapidly. Here’s what network pros need to know now.  Continue Reading

• Vive la revolution! New wide area network technologies usher in change

  In today's wide area network, emerging technologies disrupt the status quo ... and that's a good thing. Enterprises now have more options than ever when it comes to WAN design.  Continue Reading

• Market trends will push Cisco to make an open NOS

  Cisco remains committed to selling a network operating system tightly integrated with hardware. But market trends will likely force the vendor to release an open NOS soon.  Continue Reading

• Cloud visibility goal of Ixia CloudLens software update

  Ixia takes aim at cloud visibility with its new CloudLens Public for tracking cloud performance.  Continue Reading

• Customer-focused strategy more key than digital transformation hype

  The tech industry's chatter about digital transformation and disruption are scare tactics that shouldn't distract companies from making purchases based on a customer-focused strategy.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN vendors enjoy rave reviews from happy users

  Compared to data center SDN companies, SD-WAN vendors seem to have it easy, with a relative slew of satisfied customers eager to share their deployment stories.  Continue Reading

• Amidst complex infrastructures, network visualization is needed

  Today's networks are increasingly complex. An overhaul in network visualization is needed to help parse and diagnose modern networks.  Continue Reading

• Automation key element in network monitoring best practices

  The fundamentals underpinning network monitoring might be simple, but it doesn't mean keeping tabs on your network is easy. What can you do to improve your monitoring tool framework?  Continue Reading

• Infinite options tempt, but cutting proprietary management even better

  Are the bad old days of control interface proliferation back again? Patrick Hubbard says it's time for network administrators to put their foot down.  Continue Reading

• Physical network infrastructure to decrease in SDN virtual evolution

  Ethernet switches, Wi-Fi APs and routers may be the only physical network infrastructure you need in a virtual-, SDN- and cloud-based future, according to networking expert Craig Mathias.  Continue Reading

• Wireless management in the cloud heralds transformation

  Placing wireless management in the cloud is gaining traction among enterprises as companies examine more efficient ways to oversee their networks. It's part of a shift that's affecting network infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Analyzing big data in the cloud to boost business

  Google's GCP Next event highlights the growing trend of analyzing big data in the cloud to boost business.  Continue Reading

• Internet of Things use cases that do more than lock doors

  The Internet of Things isn't only about locking doors. It's also about having a network that knows who to let in and who to keep out, without any human intervention.  Continue Reading

• You never know where you'll find a network deployment

  A network deployment can be a good reminder that IT isn’t always a desk job. Network engineers often go into cramped, dirty or unsafe places to install equipment.  Continue Reading

• EMC-Dell merger good for open SDN?

  The EMC-Dell merger has plenty of people wondering what will become of VMware NSX. But could the deal, counterintuitively, actually be good for open SDN?  Continue Reading

• Opportunity for SDN deployments in developing IT economies

  The relatively young IT systems found in developing economies could prove the perfect stage for SDN growth, with major opportunities for forward-thinking network engineers.  Continue Reading

• Open Networking User Group debate: The pro-hardware transcript

  Check out the pro-hardware side of the Open Networking User Group debate at its Fall 2015 conference where hardware squared off against software.  Continue Reading

• ONUG 'Great Debate': The pro-software transcript

  Check out the pro-software side of ONUG's debate at its Fall 2015 conference in a hardware versus software faceoff.  Continue Reading

• When will enterprises be ready to use SDN?

  After years of hype, high-profile mergers and proven use cases, enterprises hesitated to use SDN. Is it finally time for it to secure a spot in mainstream networks?  Continue Reading

• There's more to switch software than SDN

  Hardware is still a critical component in data center networking equipment, but the influence of switch software shouldn't be overlooked.  Continue Reading

• Time to erase IT friction between InfoSec, NetOps

  IT friction between your security and network operations personnel sap productivity. Maybe it's time for everyone to work together.  Continue Reading

• SDN monitoring means new transitions for engineers

  SDN network management means tools are transforming from listening mode to active mode.  Continue Reading

• Classic optimization takes back seat as WAN technologies evolve

  The growth of cloud apps and the increased use of Internet over traditional WAN technologies has forced WAN optimization to evolve.  Continue Reading

• Identify this network convergence nomenclature: You could be a winner

  As the admin and platform owner of a project, Patrick Hubbard has to monitor everything, and he coined a new term that describes that responsibility.  Continue Reading

• Boost your network productivity for free with 'lost things'

  Like Tinker Bell, network engineers can work magic by sprinkling fairy dust on formerly dormant equipment. And it doesn't cost a cent.  Continue Reading

• RSA security conference still relevant in today's landscape?

  The RSA conference convenes in San Francisco this week. But, asks Michele Chubirka, is the meeting really focusing on the critical issues?  Continue Reading

• Your next job may be 'network programmer': What you'll need to know

  SDN brings flexibility to networking, but this will require engineers to gain new skills in order to fill the emerging role of network programmer.  Continue Reading