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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Answer
11 Jul 2024
CASB vs. SASE: What's the difference?
CASB and SASE enhance network and SaaS application security. CASB acts as a security layer for cloud services, while SASE integrates networking and security into one framework. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2024
A guide on how to learn network automation
Networks are always evolving, and network automation is the next step forward. From soft skills to AI, these skills are essential to understanding network automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jul 2019
What is network automation, and what can it do for you?
This feature explores what network automation is and its influence on organizations. It also discusses assumptions about its effect on network engineers and similarities with SDN. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jul 2019
Datadog network monitoring tool provides visibility to containers
Datadog Network Performance Monitoring intends to ease the workload of engineering teams by automating network monitoring and providing visibility down to containers. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2019
Why streaming telemetry tops SNMP in tracking network performance
SNMP isn't going away anytime soon, but streaming telemetry is a much more effective way to generate critical alerts and measure network performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Jun 2019
Can you integrate legacy network monitoring and analytics?
Legacy network monitoring and new analytics tools don't often mix. One workaround is APIs, but a better option is to upgrade older management software. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2019
3 real-world network automation use cases
The real benefits of network automation are managing multiple network devices at once. Larger networks, in particular, can benefit from these network automation use cases. Continue Reading
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Guide
28 Jun 2019
How to improve network visibility and regain control
Gaining visibility into the network has never been easy; technology like cloud and IoT makes it even tougher. Learn how to meet such challenges and keep network traffic flowing. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2019
Follow trends and research to increase networking innovations
Organizations can witness network transformations if they are aware of market trends, research and disruptive technologies. Many turn to third parties for this information. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2019
Aruba NetInsight, User Experience Insight coming to Central
Aruba plans to add analytics to its Central management console for the WLAN. Customers will be able to access Aruba NetInsight and User Experience Insight in Central. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Jun 2019
How do I plan a network management strategy for multiple tools?
Many IT teams deal with a bevy of network management tools, which complicates data integration and leads to errors. A network management strategy that focuses on coordination can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jun 2019
What is NetOps? Start with these 5 common questions
This compilation is an essential starting point for NetOps novices. These five common questions explore what NetOps is, how it can benefit networks and its effect on network teams. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jun 2019
Kaloom introduces real-time INT for data center visibility
Kaloom's in-band network telemetry, FlowEye, intends to provide data center managers with a full view of a packet's real-time journey through a data center. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jun 2019
Explore 4 key areas of enterprise network transformation
Organizations have made improving network performance a major priority in 2019. But moving from legacy to modern infrastructures may introduce network challenges, as well. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2019
Ixia network packet broker, cybersecurity test introduced
Ixia launched two new products for networking and security: the Ixia network packet broker, Vision X, for data center visibility and Ixia BreakingPoint QuickTest to gauge device and network security. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jun 2019
F5 Super-NetOps initiative wins Network Innovation Award
The F5 Super-NetOps training initiative has won TechTarget's Network Innovation Award for its efforts to help today's networking pros develop skills for tomorrow. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jun 2019
Cisco AI, machine learning network analytics head to the cloud
The new Cisco AI and machine learning platform, launched at Cisco Live, is a cloud-based network analytics service for the data center, campus and WAN. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 May 2019
Compare offerings from network analytics market leaders
Learn how 10 top network analytics tools compare when it comes to vendor type, deployment mode, specific features and technical support options. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2019
Marconi Mainnet launched for building, scaling complex networks
The Marconi Mainnet platform provides blockchain security, multi-cloud connectivity, advanced firewalls and secure gateways for decentralized networks. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2019
Extreme launches autonomous network strategy at Extreme Connect
Extreme unveils its building blocks for an autonomous network, called Elements. The company also introduces at the Extreme Connect show an IoT security tool. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2019
Evaluate top network analysis tools to find the right fit
Before selecting a network analytics tool, determine which devices and vendors make up your organization's network and what problems you hope to solve by deploying this product. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2019
How to tackle network automation risks and tasks
Automation can make networks more efficient, but network engineers must first mitigate the risks. A good way to start is by setting up simple tasks that deliver operational value. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 May 2019
What is network traffic analytics and how does it enhance security?
Network traffic analysis has evolved to incorporate machine learning techniques that help identify network security threats in real time and expedite a response. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2019
Assess needs before evaluating network analytics software
Learn how to evaluate your organization's current network to determine the most appropriate way to integrate network analytics software and what differentiates the different tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2019
3 critical considerations for your network management strategy
The debate continues between the use of a single network management tool or a variety. Three considerations can help point your network management strategy in the right direction. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Apr 2019
Review the benefits of network performance monitoring strategies
This compilation delves into five points regarding the benefits of network performance monitoring, as well as various monitoring tools and strategies. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2019
IoT device monitoring added to Nyansa Voyance
Nyansa has added IoT traffic analytics to its network monitoring software. The latest version of Nyansa Voyance monitors the activity of IoT devices in healthcare and retail. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Apr 2019
What is Cisco Smart Licensing and how might it benefit my business?
Cisco Smart Licensing, the networking vendor's fairly new approach to software licensing, aims to provide customers with more visibility and control over their licenses. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Apr 2019
Network analytics tools take monitoring to the next level
A network analytics platform augments traditional analytics with automation and AI to provide organizations with data that can help them pinpoint a specific problem. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2019
Machine learning network monitoring shows AIOps' promise
Machine learning network monitoring tools highlight the promise of artificial intelligence for IT operations, helping networking pros contextualize data and turn it into action. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Mar 2019
How are automated network configuration and management changing?
Could a new generation of network testing and verification tools combine with automated network configuration to mimic intent-based networking systems? Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2019
Understand limitations when monitoring cloud performance
When monitoring cloud performance, organizations need to recognize the limitations that come with SaaS, PaaS and IaaS models, as well as public and private cloud architectures. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2019
3 types of configuration tools for network change management
From openly available scripting tools to vendor-supplied services, network change management and configuration tools generally fit into three main categories. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2019
How to monitor CPU usage in SDN environments
Monitoring CPU usage in a software-defined network is necessary to determine adequate network capacity and compute capacity, especially if workloads are competing for resources. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Mar 2019
What 5 items should be on your network monitoring checklist?
Device monitoring, visual performance tools and a deep understanding of network data are just a few of the items that should be on your network monitoring checklist. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2019
AI-enabled network automation supports milliseconds response time
Enterprises need to respond to network and security events in milliseconds, not seconds. Network automation coupled with artificial intelligence tools can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2019
How to strategize for WAN and SD-WAN performance monitoring
The importance of WAN performance monitoring hasn't decreased with the introduction of SD-WAN and other technologies. Enterprises still need to enforce proper monitoring strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2019
Network visibility challenges in modern networks
To tackle current visibility issues, you must first understand the nature and sources of the problems. Learn why visibility is essential but so tough to achieve. Continue Reading
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Quiz
08 Mar 2019
How much do you really know about intent-based networks?
Break through the intent-based networking hype and take the time to evaluate what you know about the architecture. This quiz covers IBN basics, the benefits of IBN and beyond. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2019
Use the right performance monitoring strategy for automated networks
Virtual and automated networks can often hide performance issues that lurk within the network. Learn performance monitoring strategies to get the most out of these environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Mar 2019
Spokane venues up their game with new guest Wi-Fi network
The Spokane Public Facilities District refreshed its Wi-Fi infrastructure with equipment from Aruba Networks for improved device support, coverage and IT management. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2019
Forward Networks' software enables intent-based networking
TechTarget has named Forward Networks a winner of its Network Innovation Award. Learn how the company's visibility and verification software supports intent-based networking. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Feb 2019
How does security for intent-based networking work?
Monitoring plays an essential role when it comes to security in intent-based networking environments, as it ensures policies are met and detects network anomalies. Continue Reading
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Infographic
21 Feb 2019
NetOps by design: How data center pods enable network agility
To bring a DevOps approach to the network, one expert suggests enterprises take a page from the cloud-provider playbook. Here's how data center pods can support a NetOps evolution. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Feb 2019
What you need to know about intent-based networks
This compilation explores five pertinent questions about intent-based networking, including those about its benefits, why organizations move to it and where it stands in 2019. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Feb 2019
How to assess an SD-WAN product and determine which you need
Two main differentiators have emerged in SD-WAN products. Learn how they work and how an IT manager can use them to assess network performance and diagnose problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Feb 2019
How to improve network latency in 3 steps
High latency can snarl network traffic and disrupt communications, resulting in unhappy end users. Check out these three steps to reduce and improve network latency. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2019
Why would an organization move to intent-based networking?
Intent-based networking doesn't use any magical commands. But it does use a heavy dose of automation, which might cause some network teams to be wary of the new approach. Continue Reading
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Infographic
12 Feb 2019
What is intent-based networking and how does it work?
Intent-based networking might be the future of networking, but it needs to be more than just another networking strategy that offers advanced automation and simplified provisioning. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Feb 2019
What 4 questions can help prepare your network for IoT?
Increasingly, organizations are seeing a marriage of IoT and networking for more efficiency and enhanced services. Here's what you need to know to prepare your networks for IoT. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2019
A brief index of network configuration basics
This glossary of terms provides a brief overview of network configuration and some of the crucial components involved -- many of which remain as necessary as ever. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2019
Intent-based networking reality check for 2019
The transition to intent-based networking won't happen overnight. But organizations can study up on different IBN approaches now to plan for future intelligent deployments. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Feb 2019
What network tools are available for hybrid cloud monitoring?
As hybrid cloud adoption ramps up, businesses should consider hybrid cloud monitoring tools that provide network performance insight across the entire environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2019
Network configuration basics: Focus on users and software tools
When configuring a network, keep a detailed and updated document to track user needs and network changes. And, of course, take advantage of network configuration software. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jan 2019
What are the pros and cons of open source network monitoring tools?
They're usually free and customizable, but can lack customer support. Take a look at the best and worst features of open source network monitoring tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2019
How Dartmouth College improved its campus-wide Wi-Fi
Dartmouth College brought 21st-century wireless infrastructure from Mist Systems to its 18th-century architecture in a highly anticipated update to its campus Wi-Fi. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2019
NetInsight enables proactive network performance monitoring
With NetInsight, network performance monitoring and analytics get smart. The cloud-based subscription service tells customers how their Wi-Fi stacks up and exactly how to improve. Continue Reading
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Infographic
18 Jan 2019
Network management and monitoring top of mind for IT teams
Network management and monitoring will take center stage in 2019, as IT professionals feel the pressure to monitor network devices, traffic and performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2019
Predictive networks: How realistic are they?
While the associated term might sound magical, predictive networks make use of real historical data to predict network events. Be ready for a bit of complexity, though. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2018
Seneca College brings its campus Wi-Fi back to school
Wi-Fi has gone back to school. Seneca College deployed a new Wi-Fi system from Aruba Networks to support its tens of thousands of students, faculty and plentiful devices. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Dec 2018
How can organizations improve their network change management?
Organizations can optimize their network change management processes with dedicated change management services for improved planning, monitoring and communication capabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Dec 2018
How to choose the right CDN service for your organization
Organizations that distribute web content to users worldwide are turning to CDN services to provide fast, secure delivery of their content. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2018
3 tips for managing multi-cloud network architectures
By correlating network events, understanding network paths and crafting detailed exception reports, network managers can get a handle on their multi-cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2018
Colorado believes autonomous vehicles technology can save lives
Edge computing, take the wheel. The Colorado Department of Transportation is deploying roadside network devices to support connected and autonomous vehicles technology. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2018
Cato SD-WAN service targets last-mile management
In networking news, Cato Networks unveils an SD-WAN tool to detect network outages; SolarWinds spotlights DevOps features; and Kaloom gets $10 million. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Nov 2018
What are the pros and cons of blockchain in networking?
While blockchain could be a valuable network management tool, enterprises don't exactly have a driving need for the ledger technology in the networking arena. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
LiveAction updates LiveNX network management service
In networking news, LiveAction launches LiveNX 8 and LiveWire; Kaloom and Red Hat collaborate for a virtualized central office; and Siemens and Aruba bridge the IT-OT gap. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2018
How the right network automation tools can modernize your network
In this roundup of networking blogs, industry experts examine network automation innovation, the partnership between networking and DevOps, and the importance of data sheet specs. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2018
5 types of network diagnostics tools and what they can do
Vendors of network analytics tools are improving older products and introducing new ones to bring network managers the information a smooth-running network now requires. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2018
Using AI, machine learning in networking to improve analytics
The barrage of alerts modern network analytics tools create is problematic, but the capabilities advanced tech like AI provides can help ease the burden to network operations. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Nov 2018
Cisco Enterprise Agreement (EA)
Cisco Enterprise Agreement (EA) is a software buying program that digitizes and simplifies license management for Cisco suite customers. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
Wi-Fi 6 to spur industry confidence in Wi-Fi, report says
In networking news, a report shows increased confidence in Wi-Fi; Ciena releases an analytics-as-a-service product; and Avi Networks targets multi-cloud load balancing. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2018
How to select a CDN provider that addresses your specialized needs
Leading CDN services offer a wide range of traffic management functionality, including application load balancing, and provide a variety of network security services. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Oct 2018
Comparing content delivery offerings from 10 leading CDN providers
It may seem that all CDN services have similar functionality for optimizing traditional apps and video. But before you select a CDN, learn how the offerings compare and differ. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2018
Network monitoring systems best practices include centralized data
With the help of a centralized data store and modeling language, network monitoring systems can both separate and unify data collection and analysis functions. Continue Reading
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Guide
17 Oct 2018
Networks of the future: What automation and IBN can do for you
Learn all you need to know about how automated network management and intent-based networking can benefit your network's future, along with useful tools and vendor plays. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2018
Public cloud management tools lacking, research finds
Networking experts discuss the challenge of finding robust public cloud management tools, how to improve network resiliency and avoiding network exceptions. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Oct 2018
How to get your branch network up and running
Setting up the branch office network can feel overwhelming, but you need only to ask the right questions to be able to evaluate the available technology and provider services. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2018
Cisco Business Critical Services gets better network monitoring
The latest version of Cisco Business Critical Services includes limited management of third-party devices and improved detection of an impending hardware failure. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2018
AT&T blockchain effort includes IBM, Microsoft
AT&T has linked its IoT services to the blockchain offerings of IBM and Microsoft. The AT&T blockchain effort is aimed at retailers, manufacturers and healthcare organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2018
Automated network testing tools actively identify network problems
If your organization is serious about application reliability, you'll want to adopt network testing tools so you'll know what will happen when network components fail. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2018
Mist automates WLAN monitoring with new AI features
Mist says its AI platform for WLAN monitoring can now handle hundreds of queries and will use deep learning to flag anomalies before they cause problems for users. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2018
What metrics and tools can accurately measure network performance?
Several methods and metrics measure network performance and throughput. But IT needs to gauge these measurements on a consistent basis to avoid major service issues. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Sep 2018
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
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Opinion
06 Sep 2018
Market for network performance tools enters vendor consolidation phase
Recent acquisitions of network performance monitoring and diagnostic tool vendors signal market consolidation. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Aug 2018
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
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Answer
21 Aug 2018
How do I troubleshoot network performance with traffic monitoring?
When undertaking network performance troubleshooting, organizations can benefit from a mix of passive and active network traffic monitoring to identify issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Aug 2018
What key network performance issues spark service disruptions?
From cabling to capacity issues, IT professionals need to consider all possibilities when rooting out the underlying cause of network performance problems. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2018
Mist Systems gives VMware NSX SD-WAN a boost
Arista Networks and VMware are focusing on Wi-Fi to bolster products for the wireless LAN. Wi-Fi vendor Mist is strengthening VMware's NSX SD-WAN and Arista has acquired Mojo. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2018
ITSM automation helps advance network automation
IT service management helps close the gap between IT staff and business needs, as artificial intelligence and machine learning work with ITSM automation to usher in network automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2018
What networking automation tools should you consider?
When launching network automation projects, do you craft custom scripts or buy off-the-shelf networking automation tools? It probably depends on your team's capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2018
How to check for high network utilization
Learn why high utilization issues in the network arise, how to detect them, and two ways to grapple with the problem to keep network latency low and application performance high. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2018
How to set up network analytics tools for successful monitoring
Learn which analytics tools help monitor the network and what systems and processes you should work out in advance to make them as effective as possible. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2018
Will network management functions as a service arrive soon?
Network management as a service isn't widespread, at least not yet. But if past history is any indication, its popularity is bound to grow, once certain hurdles are overcome. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jul 2018
How can network analytics tools benefit IT staff?
Network analytics tools can help IT managers proactively pinpoint network performance issues and trends -- even before the underlying problem is revealed. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jul 2018
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
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Opinion
20 Jul 2018
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
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Opinion
19 Jul 2018
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
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Tip
17 Jul 2018
New generation of network analytics software starting to emerge
Some of the newest network analytics tools can learn how a network is supposed to operate, warn managers of potential problems and offer ways to solve issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jul 2018
How to simplify your overly complex networking design
If you flood your networking design with extraneous features and don't have a firm understanding of the overall system, you might fall into a complexity wormhole. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2018
Network security issues top the list of enterprise priorities
A network manager's list of concerns is always long. But given the rise of deadly threats, security tops the list, followed by SDN, IoT and edge computing. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2018
Cisco intent-based networking to beat out open OS, company claims
At Cisco Live, CEO Chuck Robbins emphasized customer preference for integrated hardware and software that offer Cisco intent-based networking over open OSes. Continue Reading