Features

Features

• 14 common network protocols and their functions explained

  Networking makes the internet work, but neither can succeed without protocols. Common network protocols and their functions are key for communication and connection across the internet.  Continue Reading

• AI skills for network professionals

  Networking professionals must develop basic networking skills and AI to thrive in a complex landscape. Learn how AI's integration into network management will change the field.  Continue Reading

• How AI in the NOC will transform network operations

  AI can improve network operations through automation and troubleshooting. Experts at ONUG emphasized phased adoption and methods that enhance NOC monitoring and support.  Continue Reading

• 4 ways to improve the network monitoring experience

  The network transition from data centers to hybrid and multi-cloud environments makes the network delivery path difficult to find. Here are four ways to make that process easier.  Continue Reading

• What AI capabilities do network tools need?

  AI networking tools have many beneficial capabilities. When evaluating AI tools, engineers should prioritize the specific capabilities their networks need for successful AI use.  Continue Reading

• The future of Wi-Fi 7 adoption in enterprises

  Wi-Fi 7 promises faster speeds and better performance, but complexities in deployment and limited device compatibility have slowed adoption across enterprises.  Continue Reading

• The push to make network engineering cool again

  What does it mean to make networking cool again? To most network engineers, it means building awareness about networking and making it more accessible. But there's still work to do.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for Cisco pyATS test scripts

  Test scripts are the heart of any job in pyATS. Best practices for test scripts include proper structure, API integration and the use of Python libraries to enhance testing.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi upgrades on the horizon as enterprises eye Wi-Fi 7

  Enterprises have been slow to adopt Wi-Fi 7, as they find previous generations suit their needs. However, experts predict enterprises will upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 in the next 12 to 18 months.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 5: What's the difference?

  Wi-Fi 6 was introduced as the next-generation Wi-Fi standard after Wi-Fi 5. While similar in certain aspects, Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 differ in terms of features and capabilities.  Continue Reading

• 9 types of networks and their use cases

  Networks differ based on size, connectivity, coverage and design. This guide explores the most common types of networks, their benefits and use cases.  Continue Reading

• The benefits and drawbacks of network as a service

  NaaS, with its varied definitions and attributes, is hard to define. In a new EMA survey, enterprises laid out their expectations for NaaS, including its benefits and drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• 5G NSA vs. SA: How do the deployment modes differ?

  Non-standalone 5G uses a combination of existing 4G LTE architecture with a 5G RAN. Standalone 5G, on the other hand, uses a 5G RAN and a cloud-native 5G core.  Continue Reading

• Broadband equity initiatives bridge digital divide in K-12

  Federally funded broadband programs support infrastructure upgrades to underserved communities, which address the digital divide in K-12 education.  Continue Reading

• The complete secure access service edge (SASE) guide

  SASE helps organizations manage and secure traffic across locations. But is it the best choice for your environment? Use this guide to learn about SASE architecture and providers.  Continue Reading

• 5G vs. 4G: Learn the key differences between them

  5G and 4G network architectures have some significant differences. See how the two technologies differ and what the new capabilities mean for business communications.  Continue Reading

• Compare 5 single-vendor SASE providers

  SASE has broad enterprise appeal because it combines security and connectivity. With so many vendor options available, enterprises might need help narrowing the search.  Continue Reading

• Strategies for simplifying network complexity

  Experts at the Cisco Live 2024 conference discussed the future of AI in networks and how its use can help simplify network and data center operations.  Continue Reading

• Mass General Brigham tackles network upgrade, AI pilots

  As Mass General Brigham updated its network and invested in other upgrades, the hospital ecosystem also developed a measured approach to AI implementation.  Continue Reading

• How an improved network experience enhances business

  At Cisco Live 2024, leaders discussed how AI can support business objectives. Companies like CSL Behring and Room & Board improved their network experience with ThousandEyes.  Continue Reading

• Subnet use cases and considerations for network performance

  Network administrators create subnets to split networks and optimize performance. Other reasons for subnetting include traffic management, cloud optimization and security.  Continue Reading

• How to determine a network's AI readiness

  Experts discussed how organizations should be preparing for AI deployments within their networks. Determining AI readiness is leadership's first step toward AI integration.  Continue Reading

• Latest AI network trends signal future of network automation

  AI will revolutionize all aspects of network operations, from management to security. Experts discussed AI's potential and the challenges of readiness at ONUG Spring 2024.  Continue Reading

• The benefits of AI in network operations

  Sessions at ONUG Spring 2024 highlighted how AI will transform networking. Experts discussed how AI can help optimize, automate and secure networks, despite some skepticism.  Continue Reading

• Build a resilient network: What I learned from 5 thought leaders

  At the 2024 'Strategies for a Resilient Network' summit, five thought leaders shared best practices to help you achieve optimal network resiliency. Learn more.  Continue Reading

• Why GenAI infrastructure optimization starts with the network

  GenAI deployment requires optimized infrastructure. The networking aspects, such as workload placement and the type of deployment model, could determine GenAI performance.  Continue Reading

• Is network automation adoption necessary?

  Automation is not a one-size-fits-all strategy for every network problem. Enterprises must examine their network's needs to determine if automation is a worthwhile investment.  Continue Reading

• The effects of network downtime and ways to fix it

  Causes of network downtime include human error, misconfigurations and security threats. Experts weigh in on the consequences of network downtime, as well as ways to fix it.  Continue Reading

• SASE vs. SD-WAN: What's the difference?

  SASE and SD-WAN are two similar architectures administrators use to provide secure network access, but they differ in terms of deployment, security, connectivity and more.  Continue Reading

• VPNs persist amid the rise of ZTNA, other VPN alternatives

  VPN use continues despite its outdated status in the networking industry. But usage has declined as enterprises make room for remote access alternatives, like ZTNA, SASE and more.  Continue Reading

• Automation, cloud drive network and security convergence

  Network and security teams are unifying due to automation, cloud and SASE. Successful unified teams receive insights that support management, monitoring and troubleshooting.  Continue Reading

• Introduction to network hardware components

  This excerpt from 'Cisco Certified Support Technician CCST Networking 100-150 Official Cert Guide' provides beginners with knowledge and best practices on network hardware.  Continue Reading

• Best practices to install network hardware

  Network practitioners might get tangled in the confusion of wires, switches and other hardware components. A networking expert offers best practices for network hardware.  Continue Reading

• What the networking job market looks like for 2024

  Networking trends around cloud, NaaS and security are influencing the job market and required skill sets among enterprise employers, but networking fundamentals are still a priority.  Continue Reading

• How AI in Wi-Fi will shape wireless connectivity

  AI will become an integral technology in networks in the next few years. Find out what an automated Wi-Fi network can do for businesses and learn best practices to get started.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 7 development grows but adoption interest lags

  Despite early discussions about the potential of Wi-Fi 7, many enterprises are still catching up with the rapid pace of Wi-Fi development for new standards.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise 5G: Guide to planning, architecture and benefits

  An enterprise 5G deployment requires extensive planning. Prepare for advances in wireless technology using this 5G guide that covers use cases, architecture integration and more.  Continue Reading

• What are the pros and cons of 5G?

  Enterprises are evaluating 5G and its effect on their operations. Before they can reap the benefits, they have to consider these 5G pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• 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

• NaaS use cases include hardware refreshes, pop-up sites

  NaaS is an Opex-based consumption model that simplifies deployment, policy configuration and purchasing. The model is beneficial for small and large enterprises alike.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Macrocell vs. small cell vs. femtocell: A 5G introduction

  Small cells provide fast connectivity speeds for 5G networks and capable devices, but 5G won't stop there. Macrocells and femtocells are also key to connect 5G networks.  Continue Reading

• The essential 5G glossary of key terms and phrases

  To understand 5G, delve into the terminology that shapes the technology. This glossary of 14 5G keywords explains what 5G is and how its features work.  Continue Reading

• The 3 different types of 5G technology for enterprises

  5G isn't a single flavor of cellular technology; it's three flavors, and each one can enable advanced capabilities, such as ultrareliable low latency and IoT connectivity.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G: What's the difference?

  Some of the major differences between Wi-Fi 6 and 5G include frequency, authentication, licensing and use cases. But the two technologies can also work well together.  Continue Reading

• Open RAN revenue falls but 5G remains on track

  New research showed the market for Open RAN, a once-promising 5G enabler, has slowed down. Challenges persist, but experts expect 5G to continue to grow with Open RAN involvement.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Cut through 5G hype with the latest insights

  Network complexity has made 5G difficult for telecom providers to enable, which has delayed global development. These insights examine the status of 5G.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Network engineer vs. software engineer: What's the difference?

  Despite potential overlaps in software skills, the roles of network engineers and software engineers vary in terms of skill sets, salaries, certifications and more.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate top 5G fixed wireless access benefits

  Fixed wireless access, when enabled by 5G, makes wireless network connectivity accessible to users at affordable rates. Learn the benefits FWA brings to operators and enterprises.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• An overview of 802.1X authentication methods and EAP

  Enterprises use 802.1X authentication to manage their wireless LANs, and that process relies on the Extensible Authentication Protocol and its various types.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• LA County Registrar's network extends voting accessibility

  LA County Registrar's modernized network uses technologies such as 5G, SD-WAN and AI in voting centers across the county to make voting more accessible to constituents.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• MNOs must clear 5G confusion to maximize revenue

  5G has the potential to generate billions in revenue, but MNOs must first clear up 5G applications and technologies -- such as FWA and IoT -- for customers and partners.  Continue Reading

• A deep dive into SD-WAN troubleshooting and monitoring

  Whether in the throes of SD-WAN issues or preparing for the future, network teams should have practical steps to follow when troubleshooting SD-WAN environments.  Continue Reading

• Explore private wireless network vendor options

  Private wireless networks can be difficult to deploy. Networking vendors -- such as Celona, Cradlepoint and Extenet -- offer services that could simplify the process.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to twisted-pair cable wiring

  This excerpt from 'Networking Essentials: A CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Textbook' provides an overview of twisted-pair network cables and acts as a study tool for the exam.  Continue Reading

• Considerations for configuring twisted-pair cables

  In this Q&A, author Jeffrey Beasley discusses what students who plan to take the CompTIA Network+ exam should know about twisted-pair cables, from configuration to troubleshooting.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 10 important components of SDN controllers

  SDN controller features include modularity, APIs, clustering and GUIs. Read more in this chapter excerpt from 'SDN-Supported Edge-Cloud Interplay for Next Generation Internet of Things.'  Continue Reading

• 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

• Industry outlook on MEF's new zero-trust, SASE standards

  MEF recently released new zero-trust and SASE standards. Standardizations can help with interoperability, but are they necessary for vendors and service providers to follow?  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 5 sustainability initiatives in the telecommunications industry

  Telecom operators have committed to sustainability plans to reduce carbon emissions and energy use. But they also face challenges, like competing goals and behavioral changes.  Continue Reading

• 5G expectations high, despite underwhelming adoption rates

  A new study from IEEE found 5G remains one of the most anticipated technologies for 2023. Top expectations for 5G include automation, satellite services, sustainability and more.  Continue Reading

• Wireless security: WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 differences

  As wireless networks have evolved, so have the protocols for securing them. Get an overview of WLAN security standards, and learn the differences among WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 5G for WWAN interest grows as enterprises go wireless-first

  As interest in wireless-first WAN connectivity increases, network pros might want to consider using 5G to enable WWAN links.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• VPN vs. zero trust vs. SDP: What's the difference?

  For strong network security, many vendors say VPNs don't cut it anymore. Enter the zero-trust security model and SDPs.  Continue Reading

• How to choose the best ZTNA vendor for your organization

  In a sea of options, finding the best ZTNA vendor for your organization can pose a major challenge. Weed through the marketing hype with advice from the experts.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 8 tips to optimize network bandwidth and performance

  Despite bandwidth calculations and capacity planning, networks often fail to consume bandwidth efficiently. Here are some tips to optimize bandwidth usage in enterprise networks.  Continue Reading

• Customers discuss the potential of WWAN use cases

  Wireless WAN offers high network speeds and enables remote connectivity at lower costs. Find out how cellular- and broadband-enabled WWAN helps organizations meet business goals.  Continue Reading

• Challenges, best practices for network operations management

  Traditional network operations teams are struggling with several aspects of network management. Experts weigh in on why, and what to do to simplify operations.  Continue Reading

• SD-WAN, SASE markets to grow despite challenges

  SD-WAN and SASE have both seen widespread adoption throughout the networking industry, but service providers must work to address challenges that threaten to lower adoption rates.  Continue Reading

• Understand the basics of 5G wireless networks

  To build a 5G network, the deployment mode, spectrum band and services are all important factors to understand and consider. Here's what you should know about the basics of 5G.  Continue Reading

• Network management tool sprawl plagues IT organizations

  More network management tools often lead to manual errors and network trouble. Instead, consider tool integration and how existing tools can fix new problems.  Continue Reading

• Networks are the intersection in a multi-cloud strategy

  Enterprises interested in multi-cloud adoption should evaluate application requirements, cloud provider features and their legacy network architecture.  Continue Reading