SDN and other network strategies

The data center networking topic center offers expert advice and in-depth explanations of data center networks, including new architectures and management tools and technologies. With increasing traffic on data center networks, strategies such as SDN, network functions virtualization and new architectures are stepping in to prevent jams.

October 22, 2020 22 Oct'20
Dell: VMware spinoff would have 'no change for customers'

Dell CEO Michael Dell says customers aren't concerned about his company's plan to possibly spin off VMware shares; VMware's CEO says the companies will continue to 'R&D together.'
March 14, 2019 14 Mar'19
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.
March 11, 2019 11 Mar'19
Nvidia acquires Mellanox against growing AI, data competition

Nvidia acquires Mellanox for $6.9 billion, as competition increases for platforms that can handle AI and other data-intensive platforms.
January 30, 2019 30 Jan'19
Automation potential outweighs SDN deployment risks

SDN deployment varies among service providers and enterprises due to risks, costs and use cases. But, when it comes to SD-WAN, both groups appear to agree about the potential.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

maximum transmission unit (MTU)

The maximum transmission unit (MTU) is the largest size frame or packet -- in bytes or octets (eight-bit bytes) -- that can be transmitted across a data link. Continue Reading
Understand top SD-WAN advantages and disadvantages

Cost, complexity, security, training, troubleshooting and software bugs are some top SD-WAN challenges. Discover more on the advantages that SD-WAN can usher into an enterprise. Continue Reading
infrastructure (IT infrastructure)

Infrastructure is the foundation or framework that supports a system or organization. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

Microsegmentation networking: Nutanix Flow vs. VMware NSX HCI

Explore how microsegmentation improves network security and the differences in how Nutanix and VMware bring the technology to their software-defined hyper-converged infrastructures. Continue Reading
Build up your knowledge of leaf-spine network technology

As organizations deal with challenges of single tree path networks, many admins are considering leaf-spine architectures. Learn the ways its topology helps latency and data flow. Continue Reading
What are some Windows Server 2019 SDN security features?

Microsoft continued to refine the software-defined networking capabilities in its latest server operating system by developing several new security features. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Your guide to avoiding server rack setup issues

Not all data center servers are created equal. Before you attempt a server racking project, double-check size specifications and account for fastening hardware and cabling needs. Continue Reading
A look at software-defined networking upgrade guidelines

SDN brings the benefit of a mostly software-based update process. However, admins still must consider which updates are necessary and if a hardware refresh is required. Continue Reading
12 network automation ideas to incorporate in your network

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

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

What are some Microsoft SDDC integration challenges?

Microsoft added a number of new software-defined features in Windows Server 2019, but deploying a fully virtualized data center remains a challenge for several reasons. Continue Reading
VMware microsegmentation in NSX trumps going sans SDN

Software-defined networking can help plug security holes and minimize microsegmentation management tasks; it's worth a look for companies that haven't virtualized their networks yet. Continue Reading
Navigate recent changes to data center networking architecture

Thanks to hybrid cloud and containers, data center networks are tougher to crack than ever. But IT can succeed if it follows a simple path. Continue Reading