Networking

Connecting the distributed enterprise

With users, workloads and devices now everywhere, networking leaders must find new ways to enforce security, encourage productivity and enhance user experience. We help organizations create global connectivity architectures that meet the needs of the distributed enterprise.

Apply consistent networking and security policies across cloud, SaaS and private data center workloads

Optimize traffic flows for remote and hybrid work

Boost employee satisfaction by enabling flexible, collaborative workspaces

Gain greater visibility into network performance for faster root-cause analysis

Train staff on the tools and skills they need to efficiently manage complex networks

Prioritize device connectivity to further innovative business initiatives

What's new in networking?

Check out the latest perspective from our experts in the field.

Networking

Thinking Beyond Wi-Fi to Empower a Mobile Workforce | Research

For years, organizations' wireless strategies have been centered around when to upgrade to the latest version of Wi-Fi. But new technologies and use cases are forcing networking directors to think bigger about wireless networking in order to meet the needs of a dynamic and mobile workforce. Join WWT Mobility and IoT Practice Manager Bob Hrbek as he discusses these changes — from the role of private LTE in the enterprise to the wireless network becoming a launchpad for business innovation. Bob also talks about how advances in access points, controllers and more are lowering the barrier of entry to deploy different options for connectivity and why now is the right time to plan for the future.

Webinar

• Feb 2, 2023 • 9am

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

Next Steps After Deploying SD-WAN

As SD-WAN adoption becomes more prevalent, you might be wondering how to get even more from your investment. Here are some ways you can use SD-WAN to further connectivity and security across your organization.

Article

• Mar 31, 2023

Networking

More Than Just Plumbing: How the Next Generation of SD-WAN Can Enable the Business | WWT Experts

Major changes in workplace dynamics are pushing enterprise networks to new frontiers, which is forcing leaders to think of SD-WAN as more than just plumbing. In today's hybrid landscape, SD-WAN is quickly turning into a platform IT leaders can use to onboard and offload new solutions and features that enable the business. Join WWT Networking Solutions Architect Ryan Makelky — a self-described SD-WAN sherpa — as he talks about how SD-WAN can serve as an ideal launchpad for larger architectural shifts, such as moving toward secure access service edge (SASE), secure service edge (SSE) and connecting to the public cloud.

Webinar

Feb 28, 2023 • 9am

Networking

Transforming the Bank Branch with Next-Gen Networking

The way we do banking has shifted, but our need for personalized, proactive financial services has not. See how WWT is helping big banks stay competitive by modernizing the branch office with next-gen networking.

Article

• Aug 21, 2022

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

How to Use the Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) Labs in the ATC

Our Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) labs are designed to help IT professionals build, maintain and evolve an SD-WAN fabric. Discover the learning path that's right for you.

Article

• Jun 3, 2023

Featured WWT Research

We've identified four priorities networking leaders can make tangible gains by the end of 2023. Access the report below.

Networking

Networking Priorities for 2023

A roadmap for delivering organization-wide connectivity.

WWT Research

• Dec 13, 2022

Empower users everywhere

With some employees returning to the office, others remaining at home and still others opting for hybrid work, networking leaders must figure out new ways of empowering employees. Secure access service edge (SASE) and software-defined networking (SD-WAN) allow network administrators to apply consistent policies that deliver performance and security to users, regardless of their location.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

An architecture that delivers performance and security.

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

SD-WAN is a critical part of organizations' journey to the cloud. Specifically, it is the foundation of a WAN services edge, the networking side of secure access service edge (SASE).

Capitalize on the latest waves in Wi-Fi

Many on-site employees no longer have permanent workstations, increasingly move around the office throughout the day and rely on bandwidth-intensive applications to connect with remote peers. The dense capacity architectures of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E provide superior experiences for today's on-site employees.

Wi-Fi Networking

Fuel a new way to work with a fresh approach to Wi-Fi.

Campus & LAN Switching

Evolve the campus network.

Achieve global connectivity

The number of software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications needed to support large enterprises has risen dramatically during the past few years. While these applications quickly enable new business capabilities, they also introduce network complexity. A global connectivity fabric cleanly connects services and applications, enhancing performance and security across an organization's global footprint.

Cloud Networking

Cloud networks are paving the way for connectivity across multiple cloud environments.

Data Center Networking

Data center networking provides the connectivity between servers and data for applications critical to the business.

Supercharge mission critical services

As data is being consumed faster than ever, robust optical networks provide the ideal foundation for mission-critical services. But it's no longer just about throughput. Organizations also need routing capabilities to support new digital experiences. Advances in optical networking give teams the best of both worlds.

Optical Networking

Increase bandwidth with a more efficient, flexible, reliable and scalable network.

MPLS and Segment Routing

Benefit from the highly-reliable connections and improved bandwidth capacity of simpler, more robust networks.

Experts

Neil Anderson

AVP, Cloud & Infrastructure Solutions

Christine Fierro

Practice Director - Edge and Core Solutions

Chuck Johnson

Practice Manager Core Networking

Bob Hrbek

Practice Manager - Mobility and IoT Solutions

Thomas Schepers

Sr. Practice Mgr

What's popular

Data Center Networking

Comparing Two-Tier and Three-Tier Data Center Networks

Modern applications require a modern data center infrastructure, and two-tier, spine-leaf architectures offer many advantages over traditional three-tier designs.

Article

• Feb 16, 2022

Data Center Networking

6 Steps to Understanding Cisco ACI

When understood, these six concepts will help anyone new to ACI to understand a more detailed technical discussion.

Article

• Jun 28, 2023

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) Sandbox (20.9)

This sandbox lab features a preconfigured network topology designed to demonstrate the various capabilities of the Cisco SD-WAN solution and to provide an environment to gain hands-on experience with the latest features. The included SD-WAN Controllers, Viptela OS vEdges (vEdge Cloud), and IOS-XE WAN cEdges (Catalyst 8000V) are all running on 20.9.1/17.9.1a code.

Sandbox Lab

310 launches

Cisco ACI Fundamentals Lab Part 1

This lab is the Cisco ACI Fundamentals Lab Part 1, and after completion, the student can launch Cisco ACI Fundamentals Lab Part 2 to complete the entire lab. The lab uses the ACI virtual simulator based on ACI Version 6, emulating an APIC, 2 leafs, and a spine. Part 2 uses a shared physical ACI fabric to complete the policy and verify data plane connectivity. The ACI Virtual Simulator was needed to demo the building of the ACI fabric from scratch, bootstrapping the APIC, adding the spine and leafs, fabric discovery, and completing VMM integration. Since the Cisco ACI Fundamentals Lab, Part 2 is a shared on-demand environment, to decouple the APIC build process from the APIC policy creation. Due to limitations, the virtual ACI fabric is a control plane-only simulator, and no data plane testing (Ping, SSH) can get done for validation. Cisco ACI Fundamentals Lab Part 2 uses a Tenant inside of a physical ACI, and data plane functionality can get tested ( Ping, SSH)

Foundations Lab

2248 launches

Optical Networking

CWDM or DWDM: Which Should You Use and When?

While the two types of wavelength division multiplexing —CWDM and DWDM — are both effective methods to solve increasing bandwidth capacity needs, they are designed to tackle different network challenges.

Article

• Aug 28, 2023

What's new

Data Center Networking

Build a Secure, Scalable, Flexible Data Center with Cisco Nexus 9000

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series gives you a secure, scalable on-premises infrastructure at a lower cost and with more flexibility.

Video

• 2:18

Dec 7, 2023

How Does WDM Technology Work?

WDM technologies allow organizations to place equipment at either end of a fiber pair and combine multiple wavelength channels on a single fiber pair instead of using multiple separate fibers pairs for every separate service.

Article

• Dec 5, 2023

Optical Networking

Should You Implement Optical Open Line Systems and Disaggregation?

Open line systems and disaggregation allow network operators to prevent vendor lock-in, upgrade technology cycles at a rapid pace, increase network capacity/speed and reduce CapEx and OpEx. This empowers operators to deploy the most cost-effective, highly adaptive and scalable network possible.

White Paper

• Dec 5, 2023

Data Center Networking

Distributed Network Cards, SmartNICs and Functional Acceleration Cards

Moving policy and network function into the server at the NIC is an exciting transition in Data Center Networking.

Video

• 6:33

Dec 5, 2023

Campus & LAN Switching

Cisco Wireless and Access Switching

This Learning Series is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the various practical use cases, features and technologies, embedded within Cisco switches and wireless technologies for developing end-to-end solutions.

Learning Series

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

Cisco Catalyst (Viptela) SD-WAN

This Learning Series is designed to Discover and Experience Cisco Catalyst (Viptela) SD-WAN. Cisco Catalyst (Viptela) SD-WAN is a solution that provides secure and scalable connectivity for enterprises by optimizing and simplifying the management of their wide area networks.

Learning Series

Optical Networking

Nokia Altiplano Access Controller Lab

This lab provides users access to Nokia's Altiplano Access Controller for managing Passive Optical Networks (PON). It gives users access to a live network while providing an overview of Altiplano Access Controller and its applications.

Foundations Lab

65 launches

Networking

The Important Role of Optical Networking in Today's Business Landscape | Experts

The massive growth of over-the-top applications, cloud computing, mobile devices and the need for always-on access to data and applications, optical networking solutions are quickly becoming mission-critical to driving business growth. Join WWT Core Networking Expert John Chiarini as he addresses challenges to blending optical and routing solutions, gives practical advice on how to manage these networks and ways network managers can stay ahead of what the future holds.

Webinar

Nov 21, 2023 • 9am

MPLS and Segment Routing

MPLS and Segment Routing Briefing

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Segment Routing (SR) technologies are critical to Carrier Networks today, and will continue to become more and more critical into the future. These technologies provide organizations with the ability to transport various types and classifications of traffic across an IP network and to do it with future-facing automation & orchestration. In addition, Segment Routing makes the network far more robust through fast reroute and enhanced traffic engineering capabilities. As new paradigms such as 5G and the Internet-of-Things (IoT) rapidly change the landscape, the importance of MPLS and SR will continue to expand within many industry verticals.

Briefing

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

Partner POV | What do music and SD-WAN have in common?

Let's explore the guitar, an instrument which will symbolize SD-WAN, an important foundation for building a modern enterprise WAN network that supports secure connectivity and high performance for business applications.

Partner Contribution

• Nov 17, 2023

MPLS and Segment Routing

Core Routing Fundamentals

Before a core network can provide route services and traffic engineering, it must first establish basic transport connectivity between its nodes. In this course, you will learn how interior routing protocols are used to establish dynamic routing within the core, how MPLS technology is used to enhance packet transport across the underlay, and how Segment Routing is changing the way we think about transport paths. In each module you will watch a brief video describing the underlying technology and then walk through a hands-on lab to dive deeper into the relevant protocols and configurations that make underlay routing work.

Learning Path

Wi-Fi Networking

Navigating the Wireless Revolution in Higher Education | Wi-Fi 6/6e and Beyond

In today's digital age, students view pervasive wireless access not as a luxury, but as a utility. The quality of a campus's wireless network can significantly influence a student's decision on where to pursue their education. Recognizing this, WWT aims to equip higher education institutions with the knowledge to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of wireless technology. Join WWT Mobility and Digital experts for an in-depth, round-table discussion as we delve into the world of wireless networking technologies, the state of Wi-Fi 6/6e, and the emergence of Wi-Fi 7. This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving this technological shift and the implications it has on various aspects of your infrastructure.

Webinar

Jan 17, 2024 • 1pm

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

Cisco Catalyst (Viptela) SD-WAN With SD-Routing

Released in ver 20.12/17.12 of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, SD-Routing is a new capability designed to simplify the way we manage legacy devices or devices that are not actively participating in the SD-WAN fabric. Onboarding devices using SD-Routing allows you to manage, monitor, and troubleshoot non-fabric devices from the Catalyst Manager.

Learning Path

Data Center Networking

Partner POV | Run Your Private Data Center as Easy as Cloud with Expanded Juniper Apstra Automation

When it comes to data center networks, new solutions are released every year, but the biggest challenges remain unsolved: nonstop complexity as new technologies get layered on top of the old, making the data center fabric more difficult to control.

Partner Contribution

• Nov 8, 2023

Networking

How to Converge Optical and Packet Networks to Simplify Operations | Briefing

A converged optical and packet architecture is compelling for multiple reasons, including network cost reductions, network architecture simplification, and operational efficiency.  Join WWT Technical Solutions Architect Tyler Tappy as he discusses the benefits and potential drawbacks of a converged architecture. Tyler also provides a detailed look at the available platforms and the optical and routing technologies involved, reviews reference architectures and explores ways this architecture can support your company's technical and business goals.

Webinar

Nov 7, 2023 • 9am

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

Partner POV | The Power of a Full Stack Solution: Exploring the Juniper Mist AI-Driven Enterprise

Explore Juniper's Mist AI-Driven Enterprise. From wireless access to location services, wired access, SD-WAN, cloud NAC and security service edge, Juniper's full stack solution delivers a comprehensive, secure and holistic experience.

Partner Contribution

• Nov 5, 2023

Application Delivery Controllers

How to Secure Your Apps and APIs in the Cloud Without Compromising Speed

WWT + F5 can help you protect your organization while providing greater flexibility, agility, and scalability

Article

• Nov 2, 2023

Server Infrastructure

SDDC Workshop

This workshop gives your organization the opportunity to better understand the considerations for building an SDDC architecture. SDDC can help pave the way for your company to transform IT into a true services delivery organization.

Workshop

Data Center Networking

Cisco ACI: Tenant & Fabric Connectivity

The Cisco ACI: Tenant & Fabric Connectivity learning path is the second part of our ACI fundamentals training, following the "Cisco ACI Fabric Initialization and Hypervisor Connectivity" path. This path covers two key areas: 1) Fabric Infrastructure configurations, which involve physical fabric setup, including vPCs, VLANs, loop prevention, underlay BGP protocol, etc. 2) Tenant Configurations, defining logical constructs like application profiles, bridge domains, and EPGs. In this Learning Path, students will learn to create Tenants, Application Profiles, Bridge domains, and EPGs, by using objects for connectivity within a physical ACI fabric. They will also discover how to connect Layers 2 and 3 to external networks and explore methods for segmentation using contracts and filters to support both Inter-EPG and Intra-EPG segmentation.

Learning Path

SASE

SASE Architecture: Cisco Viptela SD-WAN With Palo Alto Prisma (SSE) Lab

First coined in 2019, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is the convergence of network and security frameworks. SASE aims to reduce the operational complexity that comes with a cloud-first delivery model. Application assurance and service optimization are achieved via global Point-of-Presence (POPs) and peering with carriers providing high-performance backbones. The combination of all these factors gives the user a consistent and secure experience no matter where they are located.

Advanced Configuration Lab

253 launches