Network Computing

Upcoming Events

Solid state is showing up at every level of the storage stack -- as a memory cache, an auxiliary storage tier for hot data that's automatically shuttled between flash and mechanical disk, even as dedicated primary storage, so-called Tier 0. But if funds are limited, where should you use solid state to get the best bang for the buck? In this Network Computing webcast, we'll discuss various deployment options.

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Interop Las Vegas 2013
May 6-10, 2013
Mandalay Bay Conference Center
Las Vegas

Attend Interop Las Vegas 2013 and get access to 125+ workshops and conference classes, 350+ exhibiting companies and the latest tech.

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Next Gen NetworkTech Center

Your company has always made demands on the network, but in the last ten years, the biggest demand has been for more bandwidth. While increasing bandwidth is still important, supporting the diverse set of applications now coming onto the scene is going to impact how you design and manage your network from edge-to-core. Our Next Generation Network Tech Center delivers best practices, emerging trends, new products and strategies to help you prepare for the next generation network.

News and Analysis

McAfee Launches Real-Time Security Policy Software

News roundup: McAfee connects ePolicy Orchestrator to Enterprise Security Manager; Arista Launches Data Analyzer; Zscaler goes big with Security Cloud analytics; Anturis unveils beta IT monitoring tool

F5 Acquires SDN Startup LineRate Systems

News roundup: F5's LineRate Systems acquisition targets data center programmability, scalability; Dell launches a new switch and rolls out OpenFlow support; CA simplifies IAM offerings; Veeam offers VM backup up to 15 cloud providers.

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Blogs

Next Generation Firewalls 101

March 01, 2013 01:37 AM

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Next generation firewalls combine application awareness and deep packet inspection to give companies more control over applications while also detecting and blocking malicious threats.

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Tags: Next Generation Firewall, NGFW, deep packet inspection, applications, IPS

Channel: Data Protection, Next Gen Network, Networking & Mgmt, Data Center

InteropNet's Live Wire Act

February 19, 2013 04:30 PM

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InteropNet is the technological backbone of the Interop conference. Built four days before conference doors open, InteropNet serves more than 10,000 users and 300 exhibitors each day of the conference. Here’s how it comes together.

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Tags: InteropNet, Interop, Las Vegas, network operations center

Channel: Servers & Storage, Next Gen Network, Wireless, Security, Networking & Mgmt, Data Center

SDN Startup Targets Cloud Providers

February 15, 2013 10:25 AM

Posted by Ethan Banks

SDN startup Anuta Networks is launching a controller for IaaS cloud providers to manage physical network infrastructure—switches, routers, load balancers and more—and to automate the provisioning of network services.

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Tags: Anuta Networks, SDN, IaaS, controller, network virtualization, OpenStack, southbound API, northbound API

Channel: Virtualization, Cloud Computing, Networking & Mgmt, Next Gen Network

Readers Respond: F5 Firewall Challenges Cisco, Check Point

February 06, 2013 05:38 PM

Posted by Andrew Conry Murray

Network Computing readers weighed in on F5’s entry into the firewall market and how its strategy of integrating firewall software into its load-balancing platform might play out with customers and competitors.

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Tags: F5, Cisco Systems, Check Point, Juniper, firewalls, security, load balancing

Channel: WAN Security, Data Center, Next Gen Network, Virtualization, Networking & Mgmt

Cisco's ONE Controller Debuts; Targets SDN

February 04, 2013 02:46 PM

Posted by Greg Ferro

Cisco's SDN architecture gets its keystone with the launch of the Cisco ONE Controller, a software package that supports OpenFlow and its own onePK APIs. Cisco also announced support for hybrid clouds with its Nexus 1000V product and the Nexus 6000, a new data center switch.

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Tags: Cisco, ONE Controller, SDN, OpenFlow, onePK, Nexus 7000, Nexus 6000, 1000V InterCloud, NAM

Channel: Next Gen Network, Public Cloud, Networking & Mgmt, Private Cloud, Data Center

VMware's SDN Dilemma: VXLAN or Nicira?

January 31, 2013 08:02 PM

Posted by Greg Ferro

VMware has invested in two overlay network approaches: the VXLAN standard originally conceived by Cisco and STT, drafted by SDN startup Nicira. VMware acquired Nicira for more than a billion dollars. Which will VMware choose? Here’s my take.

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Tags: VMware, Cisco Systems, VXLAN, STT, Nicira, network overlay, network virtualization, SDN

Channel: Data Center, Next Gen Network, Networking & Mgmt

Next >>

Best of the Web

VXLAN termination on physical devices

VXLAN is an Experimental IETF draft of protocols to enable the creation of a large overlay, multi-tenant network.

Quick Read

ONF Deadly Serious About OpenFlow-Based SDNs

: OpenFlow is poised to reach over-hyped status, yet there are practical, useful reasons for keeping an eye on Openflow. The biggest cloud players are involved and driving the feature creation.

Quick Read

Practical Introduction to Applied OpenFlow

Get a primer on the Openflow protocol and what it can do for networking.

Quick Read

On Resilience of Spit-Architecture Networks

This research papers investigates the practical issues in split-architecture networks and the placement of the controllers, such as Openflow controllers, in the network.

Quick Read

IaaS Providers

Cloud Computing Comparison

With 17 top vendors and features matrixes covering more than 60 decision points, this is your one-stop shop for an IaaS shortlist.

IaaS Providers

Next Gen Network Reports

Understanding Flat Networks

A flat network or fabric provides more paths through the network and can maximize bandwidth and better support a highly virtualized data center. We'll look at standards-based approaches to designing a flat network, including TRILL and SPB, as well as proprietary implementations. We'll also discuss the implications of moving to a flat network and provide guidance to help you decide if this approach is right for your data center.

3 Paths To Network Convergence

Separate data and storage networks might have been necessary when Fast Ethernet was pitted against speedy, special-purpose Fibre Channel, but Ethernet's evolution has obviated most of the performance differences. We'll examine the trends behind network convergence, share exclusive research, and outline three deployment scenarios for those who want to merge data and storage networks.

Long-Distance LAN

Connecting two data centers for always-on applications is a tricky business. Perhaps the most critical decision is how to link themL keeping the application and virtualization software synchronized requires very low latency between the two data centers.We walk you through the challenges and evaluate the pros and cons of solutions such as VPLS and MLAG, as well dark fiber and dense wave division multiplexing.

Networking In A Virtualized World

Virtualization is rapidly evolving into a core element of next-generation data centers. This expanded role places new strains on the network. This report explore the technical issues exposed by virtualized infrastructure and looks at standards, technologies and best practices that can make your network ready to support virtualization.

Premium Content

Cost-effective Network Architecture: Establish a Fit for Purpose Infrastructure

Real-time communications and collaboration is a game-changer for enterprise network architecture. Today�s enterprise network needs to be a highly focused resource capable of providing a mobile and diverse workforce with efficient, effective access to the tools and applications that drive productivity. Because traditional, general purpose network architectures were not designed to address Unified Communications, new network strategies are needed. This white paper unveils Avaya�s Fit for Purpose infrastruc�ture capabilities that combine performance on the most demanding real-time applications with compelling economics.

Debunking the Myth of the Single-Vendor Network

Gartner recently conducted research to test the theory behind the single-vendor network. They collected information from hundreds of client interactions and performed detailed interviews of nine organizations that introduced a second vendor into their network environments. This white paper details the study, presents the key findings and provides recommendations based on the research. Download this paper today to understand why using a duel-vendor or multivendor solution is a practical approach to building a network.

Podcast: Transformations in the Enterprise Data Center

In this question and answer podcast, Zeus Kerravala, Senior Vice President at Yankee Group, discusses transformations that the enterprise data center has undergone in recent years, the impact these trends have on end users and how you should prepare now for the next major data center transition. Plus, Kerravala reveals the current limitations of the data center and explains how the virtual data center puts additional strain on the network.

The Evolution to Next Generation Networks: Cloud Computing and Virtualization with Ease

Attend this round table discussion with Zeus Kerravala, Senior Vice President and Distinguished Research Fellow, Yankee Group to review the requirements for next generation networks, network virtualization and cloud computing.
Attend this event and learn:
- Why the evolution to a virtualized data center is "the most significant IT transformation since the Internet was born"
- Top trends that are impacting how networks are built
- Key needs and drivers motivating companies to transition to virtualized infrastructures
- Tips for evaluating vendors and solutions
Plus, you�ll have the opportunity to hear what your peers ask the experts and benefit from their expert insights and response. Register today.

Video: Empower the Cloud through Network Virtualization

Join Gartner Vice President, distinguished analyst, Mark Fabbi as he discusses CIOs' biggest networking challenges - increasing operational efficiencies and adaptability with fewer resources and less time. Fabbi reveals tools and highlights best practices to help you transform your data center to create a true competitive advantage.