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Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• A guide to network lifecycle management

  Network pros should use a network lifecycle management process to monitor, manage and implement changes in their network, regardless of if they use PPIDOO or another framework. Continue Reading

• Overview of network management tasks and best practices

  Network management encompasses a range of tasks and processes. Explore 10 crucial tasks and accompanying best practices to ensure a resilient and functional network. Continue Reading

• The benefits of network asset management software

  Network asset management software helps network teams keep track of network devices and software to ensure timely upgrades, accurate inventory and updated documentation. Continue Reading

• The role of network sandboxing and testing

  Network sandboxing provides network teams with a risk-free environment to test changes and run potential threat scenarios. This helps prevent outages and other unexpected issues. Continue Reading

• How to tackle network automation challenges and risks

  Automation makes networks more efficient, but engineers must first mitigate the risks. With planning and training, enterprises can take advantage of automation's capabilities. Continue Reading

• How to subnet in cloud network environments

  Cloud and on-premises subnets use IP ranges, subnet masks or prefixes, and security policies. But cloud subnets are simpler to set up, while on-prem configuration is still manual.Continue Reading

• How to plan and start a network upgrade

  Network architects face challenges when considering a network upgrade, but enterprises can keep problems to a minimum by following a careful plan and listening to end users.Continue Reading

• Tips to provide network support for remote workers

  Enterprises must modernize their networks to support remote work, while IT teams ensure networks have proper bandwidth and security, as well as dedicated help for remote workers.Continue Reading

• Cloud networking sustainability strategies yield benefits

  As enterprises seek ways to reduce their environmental footprints, one popular way is to migrate on-premises networking infrastructure to third-party CSPs.Continue Reading

• A work-from-home reimbursement policy for network tech

  Organizations should create comprehensive work-from-home reimbursement plans that drive better network and internet connectivity rates rather than offset employee's existing bills.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

• The benefits of network wargaming for enterprises

  Wargaming isn't just for cybersecurity. Network wargaming gives network teams the skills they need to address non-cybersecurity events and emergencies.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

• 12 network automation ideas to implement in your network

  What's your path to network automation? Here are 12 automation ideas that span different levels of expertise to help network teams get comfortable with network automation.Continue Reading

• How to test changes in a network lab environment

  Test labs are ideal for network engineers to observe potential outcomes of network changes. Successful tests require a solid lab environment and thorough testing process.Continue Reading

• How to use IPv6 in enterprise networks

  The transition to IPv6 is a learning curve. Here's what to understand about IPv6, including benefits, troubleshooting techniques and best practices for secure integration.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

• Network automation success begins with a source of truth

  A network source of truth is essential for automation strategies. Organizations must know what data an NSoT contains and which tools to integrate for successful network automation.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 role of generative AI in networking

  As networks grow more complex, generative AI emerges as a tool that can help network teams with a wide range of tasks, such as writing scripts, documentation and incident response.Continue Reading

• Building networks for AI workloads

  Conventional and high-performance computing networks cannot adequately support AI workloads, so network engineers must build specialized networks to accommodate their massive size.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

• How to handle environmental regulations and green networking

  Green networking is achievable if network managers ensure devices and supporting systems are energy-efficient and comply with established environmental regulations.Continue Reading

• How cloud drives changes to network licensing

  The cloud's effect on application management and licensing is expected to shift from end-user applications to SDN concepts. Say goodbye to perpetual licensing.Continue Reading

• How to avoid internet black holes for the network

  Black holes in the network disrupt connectivity and compromise data integrity. Network monitoring, team collaboration and routing optimization help minimize the negative effects.Continue Reading

• How to ensure optimal network workload placement

  Network and cybersecurity requirements are the most important considerations when designing how to deploy new network workloads across the enterprise.Continue Reading

• Using microservices and containers in network automation

  Networking can benefit from the modularity of containers. This guide helps network teams navigate the integration of microservices and containers into network automation workflows.Continue Reading

• SASE drives network and security team collaboration

  Successful SASE implementation requires network and security team collaboration. Research from EMA reveals shared responsibilities and multivendor strategies enhance teamwork.Continue Reading

• How NetOps supports digital transformation

  NetOps uses automation and intent-based networking tools to streamline digital transformation and ensure accurate and flexible network services.Continue Reading

• A network compliance checklist for remote work

  This network compliance checklist for remote work provides best practices on establishing remote policies and procedures, help desk support and data backup, among other steps.Continue Reading

• NetSecOps best practices for network engineers

  Network engineers increasingly need to align their duties with security, such as implementing continuous monitoring, deploying threat intelligence and collaborating with security.Continue Reading

• How ZTNA protects against internal network threats

  ZTNA has grown in popularity as a method to enable remote access and mitigate security risks, but businesses can also use ZTNA to protect against internal threats inside a network.Continue Reading

• How to close the networking skills gap

  The networking skills gap stems from tech shifts, generational turnover and hiring complexities. Bridge the gap with skills gained through study, training and employer support.Continue Reading

• Effective soft skills for network engineers

  Soft skills such as empathy, active listening and problem-solving can be valuable assets to network engineers who interact with nontechnical business stakeholders.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

• 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

• 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

• 5G Advanced features include accurate timing, AI support

  5G Advanced is the latest 5G specification, aiming to deliver enhanced massive MIMO, 5G integration with AI and accurate location positioning. Here's more about recent developments.Continue Reading

• 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

• 5 network requirements for cloud computing

  Network and cloud teams should consider factors such as bandwidth and latency optimization, security, network redundancy, QoS and network automation in their cloud strategies.Continue Reading

• 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

• What to know about UDP vulnerabilities and security

  UDP is a simple protocol, but it has inherent vulnerabilities that make it prone to attacks, such as limited packet verification, IP spoofing and DDoS attacks.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Building data center networks for GenAI fabric enablement

  Network scalability, throughput and orchestration are some of the key elements that enterprises need to consider as they build out generative AI data centers.Continue Reading

• Network considerations for cloud migration to data center

  Performance, security concerns and high costs are factors that prompt organizations to migrate workloads from cloud to data centers. Here's what to consider.Continue Reading

• 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

• How enterprises can migrate from IPv4 to IPv6

  Both IPv4 and IPv6 are suitable for enterprise networks, but organizations that want to switch over to the latest IP address format can follow a few methods to make the transition.Continue Reading

• 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

• How to modernize networks with sustainability in mind

  A network modernization project is a good time to consider sustainability initiatives, such as using energy-efficient devices and renewable energy sources.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Automation, orchestration software fuel network modernization

  In some ways, network modernization means cutting manual configuration errors and relying on automation and orchestration to achieve unified network management.Continue Reading

• SmartNICs and the need for evolving network infrastructure

  SmartNICs can meet the increasing demand for high performance, low latency and secure data transfer. But the implementation of smartNICs requires reliable network infrastructure.Continue Reading

• 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

• 9 ways to make network modernization work

  More cloud computing, container networking and network capacity are some of the ways businesses could modernize their networks. AI and automation can help, too.Continue Reading

• 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

• 6 steps for rapid geographic network segmentation

  When segmenting network operations in certain parts of the world, modular network design and geographic domain definition are two vital elements to consider.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

• 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

• Follow these 9 steps for SD-WAN testing before deployment

  Before an SD-WAN implementation, you'll want to run the system through a battery of tests to check for things like failover, packet delivery and traffic segregation.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 3 important SD-WAN security considerations and features

  Device onboarding, control plane security and data plane security are three crucial SD-WAN security considerations enterprises should research when choosing an SD-WAN vendor.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Ensure network resilience in a network disaster recovery plan

  A network disaster recovery plan doesn't always mean network resilience. Learn how factors like funding, identifying potential risks and constant updates make a difference.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How to set up a VPN for enterprise use

  VPNs are nearly ubiquitous, but does your organization know how to deploy one? Learn about use cases, requirements, deployment options and best practices for VPN deployment.Continue Reading

• 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

• What to include in a network disaster recovery plan checklist

  A network disaster recovery plan should include components like documentation, emergency contacts, step-by-step procedures, provider and vendor details, backup info and more.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 20 systemctl commands for system and service management

  System and service management are vital to ensure customer satisfaction and service delivery. These systemctl commands can help ease those management tasks for admins.Continue Reading

• How enterprise networks use WAN virtualization

  SD-WAN is the most common form of WAN virtualization. But virtual WAN strategies are evolving to include software-defined perimeter and cloud concepts.Continue Reading

• How to secure NetOps initiatives using Agile methodology

  As more NetOps teams implement Agile methods, network and security testing must be part of a holistic approach that involves developers, networking and security teams working together.Continue Reading

• Business benefits of an Agile networking approach

  Enterprises that embed an Agile approach in their networking strategies could see benefits like better network performance, enhanced data security and faster rollouts of network services.Continue Reading

• 7 steps of an SD-WAN implementation

  Organizations interested in implementing SD-WAN need to collect site profiles and requirements, analyze their options, perform tests and evaluate the results.Continue Reading

• Hybrid work requires enterprise Wi-Fi for the home

  Many offices are still closed, and employees continue to work in home environments. Wi-Fi 6 supports this model of work more so than any previous standard of wireless.Continue Reading

• Integrating zero-trust practices into private 5G networks

  One of the first steps in deploying a technology is protecting it from potential security threats. Learn how to secure a private 5G network with zero-trust security practices.Continue Reading

• How to implement network segmentation for better security

  For a network segmentation strategy to be effective and improve security, network teams need to create detailed security policies, identify each resource and use allowlists.Continue Reading

• Explore 9 essential elements of network security

  Network security isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy. Dive into the various segments of network security, and learn how they overlap and interact with each other.Continue Reading

• Enable automation with a network digital twin

  Digital twin technology is a hot topic in IoT systems, but IT teams can also invest in digital twins to improve network visibility, plan for changes and enable automation.Continue Reading

• Cable management software enhances documentation, visibility

  Even a timeworn networking discipline like cabling can undergo a renaissance. See how cable management software helps organizations visualize network connectivity.Continue Reading

• 4 ideas for network cable management best practices

  When organizing cable clutter, network engineers should follow some common best practices, including the use of cable labels, cable ties and proper documentation.Continue Reading

• 4 categories of network monitoring

  Network teams should routinely monitor the states of their networks. The type of network monitoring strategy used depends on the needs of the organization.Continue Reading

• 6 Wi-Fi design best practices for enterprise networks

  Designing Wi-Fi networks doesn't need to be overly complicated. Site surveys and walks around the environment are simple steps teams can take to assess coverage requirements.Continue Reading

• Automate network validation for smoother changes

  Teams can verify network state before and after network changes to ensure smooth deployment of the changes. Automating those pre- and post-change checks can reduce errors and outages.Continue Reading

• AIOps network management requires vendor-buyer teamwork

  Before buying AIOps tools, network managers should work closely with vendors to ensure they collect the correct network data and use relevant algorithms.Continue Reading

• 2021 networking trends for a post-pandemic enterprise

  In 2020, the pandemic threw the best-laid IT plans into chaos. As enterprises find their footing again, here are four network trends defining the second half of 2021.Continue Reading

• 5 steps to achieve network infrastructure modernization

  All networks may be different, but companies have similar goals when they look to upgrade their network infrastructures. Assessing current designs is just the first step.Continue Reading

• Enterprise RF spectrum management best practices

  Effective spectrum management requires coordination from company departments to follow certain policies before introducing wireless devices to the enterprise.Continue Reading

• How to prepare networks for the return to office

  Network teams should evaluate their UC strategies, VPN capacity and even air conditioning requirements as employees start to return to office environments.Continue Reading

• Network capacity planning best practices for return to office

  As workers grow comfortable enough to return to the office, network teams will need to plan in advance to make sure the network is ready and ensure proper performance.Continue Reading

• Modern network infrastructure design taps security, flexibility

  As workers return to office settings, organizations may have to update their on-premises network infrastructure design to improve scalability and connectivity.Continue Reading

• How cloud-based network monitoring tools expand visibility

  Organizations have become even more distributed and virtual in the wake of COVID-19. Cloud-based network monitoring is well suited to keep tabs on network performance.Continue Reading

• Best practices for VPN traffic monitoring

  VPNs are still a critical part of many enterprise remote access strategies. Networks teams that monitor VPN traffic should look at factors like application usage and overhead.Continue Reading

• 5 basic steps for effective cloud network security

  In hybrid infrastructures, old network security systems won't work. Enterprises must adopt effective cloud network security strategies to keep their assets safe.Continue Reading