Networking and communication

LeftHand refreshes iSCSI SAN software

Version 7.0 of LeftHand's iSCSI SAN software contains dozens of new features, including support for four-way replication and brushed-up thin provisioning. Continue Reading

By

• Beth Pariseau, Senior News Writer

NAC growth sluggish as companies consider network security options

Companies are taking a wait-and-see approach, hoping the technology's maturity will make it more cost effective. Continue Reading

By

• Dennis Fisher

Open source PBX: Risk or value?

Open source IP PBX systems like Asterisk have benefits and risks. Learn what they are and assess your readiness for the IP PBX implementation in this tip from Gary Audin. Continue Reading

By

• Gary Audin, Delphi Inc.

Black Hat Las Vegas 2007: Special news coverage

SearchSecurity.com covers all the controversy at this year's show with news, features, podcasts, interviews, exploits and more direct from Las Vegas. Continue Reading

VoIP performance testing fundamentals

This guide discusses why it is important to run regular VoIP network performance testing and some of the ways it can be done. Continue Reading

By

• SearchVoIP ANZ Staff

Wireless interference can be frustrating (and fun?)

Since Wi-Fi operates in unlicensed bands, the enterprise wireless spectrum can be shared by other, seemingly innocuous devices like Bluetooth and wireless game controllers. But interference from such devices, or from having too many devices on one wireless network, can have a strong impact. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey

For Boeing, data security, network access still hazy

Boeing is trying to reshape its network security architecture to better protect sensitive systems from threats without degrading employee productivity. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Westervelt, TechTarget

Hardening your router: Increasing security with ACLs

Learn how to harden your router to increase network security using ACLs in this step-by-step, automated, ten-minute demo. Continue Reading

By

• David Davis

Unified communications infrastructure threats and defense strategies

Unified communications systems promise exciting productivity gains for workers and cost savings for businesses, but many often underestimate the security threats facing them. John Burke outlines the threats facing unified communications and how to defend against them. Continue Reading

By

• John Burke, Nemertes Research

Branch offices get security, services boost

Juniper Networks released a handful of new branch office offerings, including two new services routers, two secure services platforms and two network management appliances. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey

Updating a QoS strategy for VoIP traffic

Learn how to update your QoS strategy for VoIP traffic in this tip from Tom Lancaster. Continue Reading

By

• Tom Lancaster

Unified messaging system updates company's voicemail

Installing a new unified messaging system helped one company in its daily struggles with an outdated voicemail system. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart, Associate Editor

Cisco users upbeat about security direction

Cisco customers say the vendor's security strategy is headed in the right direction, which is why they believe the networking giant's IronPort integration will be smooth sailing. Continue Reading

By

• Bill Brenner

Data migration product specifications

Part of the Tiered Storage Buying guide focusing on product specifications for data migration tools. Continue Reading

VoIP measurement boosts customer service efficiency

iSelect Technology Manager Jason Egbers says the company's new VoIP measurement tools have helped it improve contact center operations. Continue Reading

By

• Adam Turner

SIP fundamentals

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) will allow true interoperability, eventually enabling every IP-based device and application to communicate seamlessly with one another. This guide discusses some of the basics of SIP, including vulnerabilities, testing and hardware. Continue Reading

Instant messaging usage increase highlights need for policies

Instant messaging is a valuable business tool for some enterprises. For others, it's a security risk. Either way, a recent Burton Group report suggests that all companies should have an IM usage policy, even if they haven't deployed IM yet. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart

VoIP/IP Telephony vendor security solutions

Are vendors' VoIP security features all you need, or is it prudent to buy additional security tools to lock down your network? Continue Reading

By

• Gary Audin, Delphi Inc.

Instant messaging usage increase highlights need for policies

A Burton Group report suggests that all companies should have an IM usage policy, even if they haven't deployed IM yet Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart, Associate Editor

Meet Mr. Asterisk

Adam Turner meets the creator of the Asterisk open source IP PBX and explores the future of the software, which is making major enterprise inroads. Continue Reading

By

• Adam Turner

Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet: Technology overview

This overview of Gigabit Ethernet and 10G lays the foundation for understanding Gigabit Ethernet technology and the advantages it brings to your network. Continue Reading

By

• SearchNetworking ANZ Staf

VoIP performance testing fundamentals

VoIP network performance testing can mean the difference between a VoIP system working at a high level QoS and a weak system that runs so poorly customers could take their business elsewhere. This guide discusses why it is important to run regular performance testing and some of the ways it can be done. Continue Reading

By

• SearchVoIP ANZ Staff

HP users mull blade storage

HP's "blade everything" strategy is starting to emerge in storage. Users at the HP Technology Forum this week mulled the possibilities for the technology. Continue Reading

By

• Beth Pariseau, Senior News Writer

Securing the enterprise VoIP perimeter

How to make VoIP work without sacrificing firewalls or network perimeter security. Continue Reading

By

• Gary Audin, Delphi Inc.

Burton Group Catalyst Conference San Francisco 2007

SearchSecurity.com brings you the latest news, interviews, podcasts and more from the Burton Group Catalyst Conference 2007 in San Francisco. Continue Reading

VoIP security testing fundamentals

Testing your VoIP security system against all the threats that exist on the network can be a full time job. This guide documents how a VoIP system can be tested and suggest some of the available tools to use -- with a focus on fuzzing tools and methods. Continue Reading

What's in a VoIP packet -- An introduction to bandwidth for VoIP

Learn what makes up a VoIP packet, how headers work, what protocols transport voice traffic over the Internet and how this traffic uses network bandwidth. Continue Reading

By

• Gary Audin, Delphi Inc.

AIIA outlines federal election wish list

The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has released its policy expectations for political parties in the upcoming 2007 federal election. Continue Reading

By

• Voice&Data Staff

VoIP call quality and reporting software improves QoS

Technology developed to power IPTV networks is also helping improve VoIP quality of service. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart

Deploying VoIP: Five things every CIO should know

Navigating the complexity of a VoIP deployment can be overwhelming and it may seem like you need a technical degree to understand it. Here are five tips to help steer through the fog of a VoIP migration. Continue Reading

By

• Zeus Kerravala, Senior Vice President, Yankee Group

VoIP market evolves in 2007

VoIP will see market changes this year as IP PBX sales increase and market leaders shift their focus. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey, Senior News Writer

VoIP performance testing fundamentals

VoIP network performance testing can mean the difference between a VoIP system working at a high level QoS and a weak system that runs so poorly customers could take their business elsewhere. This guide discusses why it is important to run regular performance testing and some of the ways it can be done. Continue Reading

VoIP market evolves in 2007

The VoIP market will mature and grow this year, according to new research. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey

Avaya to merge with Silver Lake and TPG Capital

Telephony giant Avaya will be acquired by a private equity firm. Continue Reading

By

• Voice&Data Staff

Deploying VoIP: Five things every CIO should know

Navigating the complexity of a VoIP migration can be overwhelming. Here are five tips to help steer through the fog of a VoIP deployment. Continue Reading

By

• Zeus Kerravala, ZK Research

WAN storage guide -- Chapter 1: WAN basics

A WAN basically connects two or more LANs. While this may sound like a relatively straightforward goal, the implications of WAN connectivity have had a profound influence on networking. This chapter covers basic WAN information. Continue Reading

By

• Stephen J. Bigelow, Senior Technology Editor

Unified communication case studies: What you need to know

Learn how others overcame the expected and the unexpected challenges of a UC deployment in our case studies. Continue Reading

By

• SearchVoIP.com editors

WAN storage guide -- Chapter 1: WAN basics

The implications of WAN connectivity have had a profound influence on networking. We look at some of the practical WAN issues, such as bandwidth, cost, latency and reliability. Continue Reading

By

• Stephen J. Bigelow, Senior Technology Editor

Check Point promises more VoIP security, fewer slowdowns

Check Point's enhanced Open Performance Architecture is designed for deeper security of technologies like VoIP without the network performance problems that often come with it. Continue Reading

By

• Bill Brenner

VoIP rush heats up cooling debate

Increased VoIP adoption is putting pressure on data centres' power and cooling requirements Continue Reading

By

• Simon Sharwood

It's cool to think about heat

If you're not thinking about power and cooling, you're behind the curve. Continue Reading

By

• Simon Sharwood

Cisco, Nortel frontrunners in Avaya acquisition rumors

Cisco and Nortel are said to be amongst those circling the still-live body of VoIP vendor Avaya, but analysts disagree on which, and why. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey

Brocade gets into the HBA business

Experts say the move, based on a partnership with LSI, could lower HBA pricing across the board and be the first step toward a Brocade-developed storage virtualization product. Continue Reading

By

• Beth Pariseau, Senior News Writer

SAN School: Table of contents

What is a storage area network? What are the benefits and pitfalls of installation? How can a SAN fit into your organization? These questions and more are answered SAN School. Continue Reading

By

• SearchStorage.com editors

The wireless future offers plenty of voice possibilities

Farpoint Group's Craig Mathias surveys the future of wireless networks and their ability to carry voice traffic. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Mathias

Bridging VoIP islands

WAN optimisation makes it possible to connect campus VoIP connections Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Hickey

VoIP advice from the trenches

ITKE, or ITKnowledge Exchange, is simply a cool (and quick) way to get a response to your VoIP-related questions. Continue Reading

By

• Leigha Cardwell, TechTarget

Network access control learning guide

From PDAs to insecure wireless modems, users have myriad options for connecting to -- and infecting -- the network. Created in partnership with our sister site SearchSecurity.com, this guide offers tips and expert advice on network access control. Learn how unauthorized users gain network access, how to block and secure untrusted endpoints, and get Windows-specific and universal access control policies and procedures. Continue Reading

McAfee launches IPS for 10g networks, but is IT ready?

McAfee unveiled a new IPS offering for 10-gigabit Ethernet networks and announced the upgrade and integration of several other products. One analyst offers a mixed assessment. Continue Reading

By

• Bill Brenner

Mitel acquires Inter-Tel, signaling more consolidation to come

Mitel acquired Inter-Tel last week, signaling a trend toward vendor consolidation in the VoIP market and creating stronger options for SMBs. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey

Mobile instant messaging enhances company's business processes

A mobile IM service acquired by a hosted VoIP provider encourages more companies to enhance their business processes. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart, Associate Editor

Microsoft, TCG partner on network access control; Cisco takes own route

Microsoft and the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) have joined forces to create better interoperability between network access control solutions with the announcement of a new specification which ensures that Microsoft's Network Access Protection (NAP) and TCG's Trusted Network Connect (TNC) architecture can work together. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Hickey

Manipulating VoIP Security

This tip provides an extensive list of sites that track and document VoIP attack tools. Continue Reading

By

• Gary Audin, Delphi Inc.

VoIP security fundamentals

VoIP security is a challenge for IT staff because IP telephony brings with it not only the security problems of data networks but also new threats specific to VoIP. In this fundamentals guide, learn about network security threats and emerging IP telephony threats, and how to secure your VoIP systems and endpoints from them. Continue Reading

Choosing WAN providers: Key questions to ask

When evaluating carrier services for the WAN, it's imperative to ask some key questions regarding customer service, service-level agreements, global coverage, management and monitoring capabilities, and underlying technologies. Make sure these questions are on your checklist. Continue Reading

By

• Robin Gareiss, Metrigy

VoIP, unified communications adoption continue to rise

VoIP and unified communications adoption continue to rise steadily in the enterprise, according to Infonetics Research's latest report. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart, Associate Editor

ISCSI TCP/IP TOE card specifications

Key specifications for a cross-section of popular iSCSI TOE cards. Continue Reading

4 Gbit Fibre Channel switch purchase considerations

As SANs scale up, data centres often upgrade and expand the SAN switch infrastructure. Here's what to look for when scaling Continue Reading

VoIP security -- Free IP telephony fuzzing tools

Protect your organization's VoIP security with free VoIP security tools designed to test IP telephony vulnerability. Continue Reading

By

• Gary Audin, Delphi Inc.

Network waste to reach $100 billion

Network overspending will cost enterprises more than $100 billion over the next five years, according to recent predictions by Gartner Inc. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey

OSI: Securing the Stack, Layer 8 -- Social engineering and security policy

Network security is essential at every layer of the OSI model, including the mythical eighth layer, where users interact with technology. Since hackers can use social engineering to exploit people, it is important to train your users and implement good security policy. Continue Reading

By

• Michael Gregg, Superior Solutions, Inc.

WEP: Wireless security's broken skeleton in the closet

WEP for wireless security was cracked again recently. Though many will say WEP is obsolete, many companies still use it. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey

Scaling storage networks demands careful consideration

In the Fibre Channel world, scaling often means adding more and faster switch ports to extend the fabric's bandwidth and connectivity. But IP storage (mainly iSCSI) is a growing area of SAN expansion, using ubiquitous Ethernet network technology to pass storage data between storage devices. This requires the use of IP switches and routers, and can involve the deployment of iSCSI TOE host adapters to offload iSCSI traffic from the local server's CPU. This Buying Guide is intended to help clarify the principle considerations involved scaling storage networks and each chapter offers a set of buying points and product specifications that can help readers identify prospective new scaling products. Continue Reading

Storage consolidation: WAN acceleration and WAFS technology overview

One important avenue of storage consolidation is the consolidation of remote office storage; this is where WAN acceleration and WAFS technology comes into play. Continue Reading

Storage consolidation: SRM tools overview

SRM tools are an important part of storage consolidation. They allow admins to monitor the storage environment, allocate and organise available storage, and offer insights into future trends. Continue Reading

IP storage switch and router purchase considerations

The choice of an IP switch or router demands careful consideration of issues including port speed, segmentation, interoperability and security Continue Reading

What can we do to connect our wireless router to our wireless client?

Experiencing a persistent inability to connect a wireless router from your wireless client? Lisa Phifer details how to fix this problem. Continue Reading

By

• Lisa Phifer, Core Competence

Weekly compilation of storage news:Dell LTO-4 drive, new Sun array

Dell is first out of the gate with the new LTO-4 drive, which offers native encryption; Sun unveils new array and deepens its relationship with FalconStor. Continue Reading

By

• SearchStorage.com Staff

Convergence certification provides evaluation standard

CompTIA has developed a convergence certification, designed to validate qualified convergence professionals. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart, Associate Editor

VLANs -- Controlling wired and wireless traffic

Today, most business networks rely on virtual LANs (VLANs) to partition Ethernets and control the destinations reached by each worker. As users begin to shift between Ethernet and Wi-Fi throughout the work day, it makes sense to apply VLANs to both wired and wireless network access. This tip describes common methods for mapping Wi-Fi stations onto corporate VLANs and suggests when you might want to do so. Continue Reading

By

• Lisa Phifer, Core Competence

Skype to the desk phone saves company a bundle

Skype on the desk phone has helped a Chicago-based furniture maker save a considerable amount of money on long-distance voice charges. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey, Senior News Writer

How do I calculate the time taken for a file to be transferred over a WAN link?

Calculate the time it will take for a file to transfer over a WAN link with the help of Dr. Hughes in this expert response. Continue Reading

By

• SearchNetworking Staff

Convergence certification provides evaluation standard

Voice and data convergence are more prevalent and enterprises are looking for certified professionals to administer the combined networks -- leading CompTIA to develop its Convergence+ certification, designed to validate qualified convergence professionals. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart

Storage consolidation: Disks and disk subsystems overview

Any storage consolidation effort must involve a serious consideration of disk subsystems and the specific disk types that those systems will contain Continue Reading

How is SIP winning favor over H.323?

What are the similarities, differences and major reasons between SIP and H.323. And why is one winning? Continue Reading

By

• Christian Stegh

Capacity planning software specifications

Gauging storage needs over time is one of the biggest challenges faced by IT administrators, and a new generation of capacity planning tools is emerging to help forecast growth and utilisation of storage resources. Continue Reading

HP renews SMB storage campaign

With the launch of the new All-in-One 1200 and the shifting of executives to a new SMB business unit, HP is focused on its low-end products in an effort to boost growth. Continue Reading

By

• Beth Pariseau, Senior News Writer

Goldman Sachs: Interest in NetApp SAN products wanes

A survey by the investment firm shows enterprise storage buyers had a declining interest in NetApp SAN products over the last year. Continue Reading

By

• Beth Pariseau, Senior News Writer

Storage vendors propose FC over Ethernet standard

A group of nine storage vendors led by Emulex is proposing a Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) standard . Continue Reading

By

• Beth Pariseau, Senior News Writer

Wireless VoIP market to grow rapidly

VoIP and Voice over Wi-Fi markets are expected to be strong in 2007 and remain so through 2012. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart, Associate Editor

News Wrap 2.0

TechTarget ANZ's slightly skewed look at this weeks news. Continue Reading

By

• Simon Sharwood

Network security, content security markets to grow in 2007

The network security appliance and software markets are expected to continue growing steadily in 2007, while content security sales will begin to affect most enterprises' networking budgets. Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart

VoIP network monitoring improves VoIP deployment

VoIP network monitoring and pre-deployment analysis are becoming more important as VoIP application overlay becomes denser Continue Reading

By

• Kate Dostart, Associate Editor

How do I get my LAN computers to reach the Internet?

Get your LAN computers to reach the Internet in this response from wireless expert Lisa Phifer. Continue Reading

By

• Lisa Phifer, Core Competence

What are the criteria for evaluating an indoor wireless network?

In this Q&A., learn how to evaluate an indoor wireless network with criteria provided by expert Lisa Phifer. Continue Reading

By

• Lisa Phifer, Core Competence

VoIP's inherited data security problems

VoIP security problems present a challenge for voice and network staff. This article explains how to secure both your call servers and endpoints, and how best to divide this work between voice and data personnel. Continue Reading

By

• Gary Audin, Delphi Inc.

Basic VoIP network setup

Basic VoIP network setup advice. Continue Reading

By

• SearchVoIP Staff

Why is VoIP authentication essential?

VoIP authentication advice. Continue Reading

By

• SearchVoIP Staff

VoIP protocols

VoIP protocols -- the strengths and weaknesses of each. Continue Reading

By

• SearchVoIP Staff

VoiceCon Spring: A transition show for the VoIP industry

VoiceCon Spring was all about unified communications. Zeus Kerravala provides highlights of the more interesting points from the show. Continue Reading

Midrange storage array specifications

Product snapshots highlighting key specifications for a cross section of midrange storage array products. Continue Reading

11n will boost speed, prompt upgrades

802.11n's speed will be a welcome boost for end-users, but will create headaches as admins face network upgrades to deal with the demand for bandwidth it unleashes. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey

NAC panel says technology may not add up

A panel discussing the potential of using network access control (NAC) says the technology may not be worth the price of deploying and maintaining it. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Westervelt, TechTarget

Network summarization -- Supernetting and wildcard masks

Supernetting allows one routing table entry to represent an aggregation of networks. Network engineers need to understand supernetting, how to read routes received from other providers and how to create an access list that references these multiple networks in a single summarized statement. In this tip, you'll learn more about the IP addressing-related topics of network summarization, supernetting and wildcard masks. Continue Reading

By

• David Davis

Power over Ethernet power consumption: The hidden costs

Power over Ethernet (PoE) has many advantages in a VoIP migration, but some companies overlook the amount of power needed to run PoE for VoIP and the costs and cooling requirements that come with it. Continue Reading

By

• Andrew R. Hickey

Mobile data services development trends in 2007

Darrell Jordan-Smith takes a look at new data services architectures and development tools emerging in 2007 and the ongoing development efforts of the Java Community and others. Continue Reading

By

• Darrell Jordan-Smith

Cisco stamps on Brocade in Q4, Dell'Oro says

For the second quarter in a row Cisco is gaining SAN switch market share on Brocade, according to the latest report by the Dell'Oro Group. But the numbers are causing a firestorm. Continue Reading

By

• Jo Maitland, TechTarget

VoIP security worries are plentiful, potent

VoIP creates a new set of security issues for your network, as expert Ed Skoudis explains. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Skoudis, SANS Technology Institute

New gigabit standard: How fast is fast enough?

Last June, the 10GBASE-T standard was published promising 10 Gbit operations on copper cabling. This standard was originally targeted toward data centers, but the Ethernet Alliance and IEEE are working on increasing this standard to potentially 40 or 100 more gigabits -- so what speed is fast enough? Continue Reading

By

• TechTarget Staff

Open source IP telephony on hold?

Is open source telephony ready for your business? Read on to learn if it's the real deal. Continue Reading

By

• Amy Kucharik, TechTarget