Cisco and Redline Team at ENTELEC 2019

5G

Article | September 28, 2023

Blockchain technology has the potential to transform the way businessesoperate.As a result, it has gained tremendous momentum and is no longer the utopian dream of a few crypto enthusiasts. According to a Deloitte report that surveyed more than 1300 senior executives worldwide, 53% said blockchainin businessis a priority. Also, PwC highlights thatblockchain alone can add $407 billion to the GDP of the USA by 2030. Blockchain is cementing its position in the market and is expected to be worth $163 billion by 2027, according to Statista. The time has come for digital businesses to harness the power of decentralization and incorporate it into their everyday processes. You simplycan’t lose out on the business opportunities that this technology has tooffer simply because you are living under a rock. In this article, we will discuss how using blockchain for business can make a huge difference in your business process. Let’s first begin by looking at the challenges faced by traditional business models. Challenges Traditional Business Models Face A growing business encounters several challenges, and different problems demand different solutions. Mentioned below are some of the challenges that traditional business models often encounter. Time-Consuming Processes In a business operation, all processes function as separate entities. Teams often find themselves looking for, gathering, and analyzing the same data to make decisions. As a result, the teams must rely on a lot of third-party intermediaries to runtheir business processes smoothly. This adds to the time and complexity of the processes.Use of blockchain technology can help to effectively do away with this challenge. Lack of Security Data security is another area of concern that can be taken care ofby storing data on the blockchain. Data that is storedin the cloud or a centralized storage facility, is vulnerable to security breaches. The traditional business ecosystem, data, and stakeholders are unprepared for the considerably more intelligent and ever-changing hackingtechniques. As a result, important and confidential data can get breached and compromised. Payment Barriers Payment transactions are often more complicated, time-consuming, and costly due to the diversity of currencies and parties involved. Blockchain technology promises to make processing payments and other transactions around the world faster, safer, and cheaper by getting rid of the need for mediators like correspondent banks and clearing institutions. Payment barriers are another problem that the adoption of blockchain business models can ease. Shoot-up Your Business Growth with Blockchain Technology Blockchain in business is aiding the transformation of business across industries all around the globe. Blockchain is transforming supply chains, banking and financial services, healthcare, government, retail, and other industries. Here are some statistics that demonstrate blockchain's significance in strengthening industries: The financial sector contributes to around 30% of the market value of blockchain. (Statista) By 2028, the value of blockchain in healthcare will be $1189.8 million. (Vantage Market Research) By 2026, the value of blockchain in agriculture and food will be $1.48 billion. (BIS Research) In 2022, the blockchain market in the manufacturing industry will be worth $85.64 billion. (Globe Newswire) Accelerates Your Business Processes Blockchain is taking a central role in the ongoing digital transformation process. In digital transformation, time is one of the most critical factors that keeps you ahead of the curve. Moreover, business operations that use a blockchain to store and transfer data provide high levels of security. On this basis, you can create completely automated transactions in various business domains. This method is not only dependable and safe, but it is also exceedingly fast. Improves Your Online Security Encryption and validation are two significant advantages of mainstreaming blockchain technology. Every operation and communication that happens online will be encrypted. It protects against data alteration. Due to its distributed nature, you can verify that no one has altered even a bit by checking signatures across all nodes. Blockchain in business will be helpful for storage, private messaging (between companies/clients or friends on social media), safer DNS, and IoT security. Blockchain use in business will enhance cybersecurity, but this transformation won’t happen overnight, it will take years before it impacts the ways in which we use the internet. Eases Online Payments While online transactions are safer than ever, users' data is still at risk. However, this decentralized platform can make payments transparent and tamper-proof in the financial ecosystem. Decentralized blockchain technology protects data. Simply put, it allows you to make payments without a payment processor. Blockchain technology protects financial transactions by removing central points of failure and minimizing errors. This helps in saving time and money. In addition, blockchain technology ensures that transactions remain unaltered and only those involvedcan see the history. A Game-Changer in the Supply Chain & Logistics Anything that can conceive of as a supply chain, blockchain can vastly improve its efficiency - it doesn’t matter if it’s people, numbers, data, money.” - GinniRometty, CEO of IBM. The integration of blockchain simplifies supply chain and logistics work. The blockchain's decentralized nature ensures maximum transparency in every transaction in the supply chain, from raw material purchase and manufacture to distribution and sale of the finished product. At a minimal cost, each transaction can be promptly and readily documented on the blockchain. There are very few risks this way, because the final buyer can track a product's origin along the whole supply chain. Reduces Operational Cost Blockchain-based smart contracts are a boon. Businesses can make and receive online payments through some set guidelines. Brokers, escrow agents, and other intermediaries are excluded through smart contracts. Smart contracts are self-executing programs that safeguard the interests ofall parties. These contracts use unbreakable cryptographic code and automatically implement contract terms. Lastly, smart contracts keep track of all consumer, worker, and stakeholder activities. Many global corporations use smart contracts to perform essential HR and administrative tasks. What Does Blockchain Mean for Entrepreneurs? Blockchain technology is so much more than just a technology used for cryptocurrencies. For a commoner, whenever we talk about blockchain, the first thing they think of is bitcoin or cryptocurrency. However, for businesses and entrepreneurs, blockchain is more than just a cryptocurrency. Let's take a look at the ways in which blockchain technology can empower business leaders. Case Study Blockchaintechnology is being rapidly usedin the logistics industry.The main advantages include higher confidence in the system due to greater transparency, improved product traceability, and cost savings by eliminating manual and paper-based administration. One such example Tradelens, a blockchain-powered open and neutral supply chain network, is one example. It was founded by IBM and Maersk and has expanded to 150 members, including some of the world's largest logistics companies, including CMA CGM, MSC, ONE, and Hapag-Lloyd. In 2020, it claims to have made businesses 15% more efficient by letting them get rid of legacy data systems, manual document processing, and limited visibility. By 2050, it claims to have made them 15% more efficient. Final Thought Blockchain technology is theinevitable future, and its use is no longer restricted to crypto transactions. In the coming years, blockchain development solutions will be used ineCommerce marketplace, peer-to-peer financial transactions, content distribution, healthcare data exchanges, supply chain, and customer services. Blockchain applications are no more the pie-in-the-sky dreams of early adopters. This technology has the potential to revolutionize practically every sector and solve your company's greatest challenges. Smart and strategic use of new technologies, can make your company more secure, transparent, and ready for whatever comes next. FAQ What Is the Impact of BlockchainTechnology on Business Models? Blockchain implementations can minimize transaction costs such as negotiation and search expenses and eliminate intermediary costs. This means that by 2022, blockchain technology is expectedto cut costs in the financial sector by$15–$20. What Is the Size of theBlockchainMarket? The global blockchain market was valued at $1.57 billion in 2018 and is expected to more than triple to 163 billion USD by 2027. What Does BlockchainMean for Business? A blockchain is a digital record of who owns what, and it is constantly updated. The time, date, dollar amount, and participants in a transaction are encrypted into a "block" that is connected to other blocks to create a chain.

Network Infrastructure, Network Management

Article | July 10, 2023

Discover key network performance metrics to enhance user experience. Explore in-depth latency, throughput, jitter, packet loss, VOIP quality, and MOS score to optimize network performance analysis. Contents 1. Importance of Network Performance Metrics for Performance Analysis 2. Critical Key Network Performance Metrics to Monitor 2.1 Latency 2.2 Throughput 2.3 Jitter 2.4 Packet Loss 2.5 VOIP Qualiy 2.6 MOS Score 3. Steps to Monitor and Measure Network Performance 4. Significance of Monitoring Metrics in Network Troubleshooting 4.1 Provides Network Visibility 4.2 Prevents Network Downtime 4.3 Observe Bandwidth Usage 5. Overcome Monitoring Challenges in Network Performance Metrics 6. Key Takeaway 1. Importance of Network Performance Metrics for Performance Analysis Network performance involves analyzing and evaluating network statistics to determine the quality of services provided by the underlying computer network. Considering various key network metrics, it is primarily measured from the end-users’ perspective. Measuring these metrics, analyzing performance data over time, and understanding the impact on the end-user experience is essential to assess network performance. Measuring network performance requires considering factors such as the location and timing of measurements. For instance, network performance may differ when comparing paths between cities or during periods of varying user demands throughout the day. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to monitoring network performance involves identifying these variables and identifying areas for improvement. Network performance metrics offer valuable insights into any network infrastructure and services. These metrics provide real-time information on potential issues, outages, and errors, allowing one to allocate IT resources efficiently. Understanding end-user demands can create an adaptive network to meet future business needs. However, comprehensive monitoring requires an advanced network monitoring tool to gather, analyze, and interpret data effectively, optimizing network performance. Leveraging relevant metrics can improve network performance, help make informed decisions, enhance network reliability, and deliver a superior user experience. 2. Critical Key Network Performance Metrics to Monitor 2.1 Latency Latency, or network delay, is a crucial performance metric in network monitoring and management. It quantifies the time required to transmit data between destinations. Factors like packet queuing and fiber optic cabling affect network latency. Consistent delays or sudden spikes in latency indicate significant network performance issues. Monitoring and minimizing latency are essential for ensuring optimal network performance. By actively tracking latency, organizations identify and address issues that may cause delays in data transmission, thereby improving overall network responsiveness and minimizing disruptions for end-users. 2.2 Throughput Throughput metrics for network monitoring enable measurement of the data transmission rate across various network segments. Unlike bandwidth, which represents the theoretical data transfer limit, throughput reflects the successful delivery of data packets to their destination. Variations in throughput can occur across different network areas. A low throughput indicates the presence of dropped packets requiring retransmission, and highlights potential performance issues that need attention. Monitoring throughput is crucial for effective network management. By monitoring this performance metric, organizations can gain insights into the actual data transmission rate, ensuring that it aligns with expected levels. 2.3 Jitter Jitter, a key performance metric in network monitoring, refers to the variation in delay between packets, measured as the difference between expected and actual arrival times. It results due to network congestion, routing issues, or other factors, leading to packet loss and degraded application performance. Jitter disrupts the standard sequencing of data packets and can arise due to network congestion or route changes. Monitoring jitter is crucial for identifying and addressing network stability issues and ensuring reliable data transmission. By actively monitoring this performance metric, organizations can address variations in packet delay, mitigating issues that leads to packet loss and enabling proactive troubleshooting. 2.4 Packet Loss Packet loss, a performance management network monitoring metric, represents the number of data packets lost during transmission. It directly affects end-user services, leading to unfulfilled data requests and potential disruptions. Packet loss can arise from various factors, including software problems, network congestion, or router performance issues. Monitoring the entire process precisely to detect and address packet loss, ensures reliable data transmission and optimal network performance. Monitoring packet loss with the right network monitoring software enables timely troubleshooting and optimization of network infrastructure, ultimately enhancing overall network reliability and performance. 2.5 VOIP Quality VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) quality is a crucial network performance metric. It refers to the overall performance of a VoIP system in delivering clear and reliable voice communications over the Internet, replacing traditional phone lines. Factors influencing VoIP quality include network bandwidth, latency, packet loss, jitter, and the quality of end-user devices. Monitoring VoIP quality ensures optimal system functionality and high-quality voice communications. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as mean opinion score (MOS), jitter, latency, packet loss, and call completion rates are utilized to assess and optimize VoIP quality. 2.6 MOS Score Mean opinion score (MOS) is a vital performance metric in network monitoring, rating the perceived quality of a voice call on a scale of 1 to 5. It is a standardized measurement developed by the ITU, an international agency focused on enhancing communication networks. Initially designed for traditional voice calls, the MOS has been adapted to evaluate Voice over IP (VoIP) calls. The MOS score considers various factors, including the specific codec employed for the VoIP call, providing a comprehensive assessment of voice calls quality in network monitoring. 3. Steps to Monitor and Measure Network Performance Step 1: Deploy a Software for Network Monitoring To effectively measure network performance, deploying dedicated network monitoring software is crucial. While temporary tools like traceroutes and pings can provide insights into ongoing problems, they are insufficient for troubleshooting intermittent network issues. Relying on periodic tools for intermittent issues is reliant on chance, as it may only detect problems when they occur during tool usage. By implementing comprehensive network monitoring software, one can proactively monitor and analyze network metrics, historical data, and performance, allowing for timely detection and resolution of both ongoing and intermittent network issues. Step 2: Distribute Monitoring Agents For comprehensive network performance measurement, businesses must distribute monitoring agents strategically across key network locations. These specialized software agents continuously monitor network performance using synthetic traffic, simulating and assessing the end-user perspective. By distributing Monitoring Agents, organizations can: • Measure key network metrics, including jitter, packet loss, and throughput. • Identify and troubleshoot intermittent network issues that are challenging to pinpoint. • Receive alerts regarding any performance degradation, ensuring a timely response. • Collect valuable data for in-depth troubleshooting and analysis, facilitating proactive network management and optimization. Step 3: Measure Network Metrics After deploying the monitoring agents, they continuously exchange synthetic User Datagram Protocol (UDP) traffic, forming a network monitoring session. During this session, the agents measure network performance by evaluating key metrics and conducting network traffic analysis. The metrics used in the analysis include specific parameters, and the results of these measurements are presented in a network response time graph, providing a visual representation of the network's performance characteristics. Monitoring and analyzing these metrics enable organizations to gain valuable insights into network performance, facilitating informed decision-making and convenient network performance troubleshooting. 4. Significance of Monitoring Metrics in Network Troubleshooting 4.1 Provide Network Visibility Monitoring metrics plays a vital role in network troubleshooting by offering network visibility. They enable the identification of performance bottlenecks, configuration problems, and security vulnerabilities that detrimentally affects network performance. These issues can be addressed through targeted troubleshooting efforts, resulting in improved network performance and enhanced end-user experience. Organizations identify and resolve network issues by monitoring metrics, ensuring optimal network functionality and overall business productivity. 4.2 Prevent Network Downtime Effective monitoring metrics are instrumental in preventing network downtime, a costly concern for businesses. Swift identification and resolution of network issues through proactive network performance troubleshooting help minimize downtime, ensuring uninterrupted business operations. By promptly addressing potential problems, network troubleshooting safeguards against lost productivity, revenue, and customer dissatisfaction. Maintaining a proactive approach to monitoring and resolving network issues to enhance network reliability and business continuity. 4.3 Observe Bandwidth Usage Monitoring metrics are essential in network troubleshooting as they enable the observation of bandwidth usage. This allows organizations to detect abnormal or excessive utilization, pinpoint key performance issues and ensure optimal resource allocation. It allows for identifying critical bandwidth-hogging applications or network intrusions, helping experts take immediate action to mitigate risks, safeguard data, and protect the overall network integrity. Additionally, experts can optimize network performance and ensure a seamless user experience for organizations relying on efficient network infrastructure. 5. Overcome Monitoring Challenges in Network Performance Metrics Enterprises seeking to ensure optimal network performance and improve overall business operations must overcome network monitoring obstacles. Effectively monitoring, tracking, and improving network performance requires a strategic combination of skilled personnel, advanced technologies, and well-defined strategies. Failing to address these requirements results in various challenges that hinder the ability to enhance network performance effectively. The challenges that businesses often encounter include managing scalability, handling massive data volumes, achieving real-time monitoring, dealing with multi-vendor environments, addressing network security and privacy concerns, and adapting to evolving network demands. Each obstacle presents unique complexities that require tailored approaches and expert insights. To overcome these challenges, enterprises must invest in comprehensive monitoring tools capable of handling the scalability demands of growing networks. These tools should provide real-time network visibility, robust analytics capabilities, and intelligent data filtering mechanisms to extract meaningful insights from vast network data. Establishing clear monitoring objectives aligned with business goals and defining key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential in effectively addressing network performance challenges. 6. Key Takeaway Monitoring network performance metrics is crucial for assessing the quality of services a computer network provides from an end-user perspective. It involves continuously tracking and analyzing key metrics such as latency, throughput, jitter, packet loss, VOIP quality, and MOS score. Organizations can actively monitor and assess performance, proactively identify intermittent issues, and collect valuable data for in-depth analysis by implementing dedicated network monitoring software and strategically deploying monitoring agents across the network. In addition, it is imperative to emphasize the significance of monitoring metrics in mitigating the potential financial impact of network downtime, enhancing the utilization of available bandwidth resources, and efficiently tackling the complexities inherent in scaling operations, real-time monitoring, diverse vendor ecosystems, security concerns, and the ever-evolving requirements of modern networks.

Network Infrastructure, Network Management

Article | July 27, 2023

Enhance network performance, strengthen security, and minimize downtime with the curated network monitoring companies list. Ensure proactive problem detection for business success with top solutions. In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business operations, effectively monitoring network components is paramount. network monitoring is a vital process that involves overseeing crucial elements like routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and more. To ensure seamless network management and control, organizations rely on specialized network monitoring tools that gather valuable insights. Adopting a proactive approach, network monitoring empowers businesses to identify and address potential issues early, preventing costly downtime and failures. By leveraging the power of network monitoring, organizations can safeguard their operations, optimize network performance, and drive overall success. This article will explore the top 10 network monitoring companies that excel in providing advanced solutions for network security, analytics, and performance management. These companies have established themselves as industry leaders, delivering comprehensive network monitoring tools that empower businesses to achieve optimal network functionality, bolster cybersecurity defenses, and ensure continuous operational excellence. 1. Arete Arete is a renowned global cyber risk company for network security and analytics. With a focus on transforming how organizations prepare for, respond to, and prevent cybercrime, Arete is a leader in cyber incident response. Its expertise lies in providing rapid access to world-class cybersecurity professionals worldwide, enabling organizations to mitigate cyber threats within hours. In collaboration with insurance carriers and legal counsel, the company's data-driven approach helps businesses recover from cyberattacks and strengthen their systems for future resilience. Its commitment to collective defense and sharing best practices reinforces its position as a trusted provider of the best network monitoring software. 2. Nuspire Nuspire, a prominent network monitoring company, emerged as a visionary managed security services provider (MSSP) is driven by a commitment to bridging security gaps and inspiring positive change in the industry. It helps recognize the unique cybersecurity needs of each business. Using a partnership approach, the company works closely with clients to deliver tailored solutions beyond expectations. Nuspire's global reach is impressive, with two offices in the United States and 12 global processing centers and security operations centers (SOCs). Nuspire is trusted by many brands to manage their cybersecurity programs daily. With one of the highest client retention rates in the industry, standing at an impressive 99%, Nuspire has built enduring relationships based on trust and exceptional service. 3. cPacket Networks With Network-Aware application performance and security assurance solutions, cPacket Network empowers enterprises, governments, and service providers to effectively manage and secure its distributed hybrid environments. Its AIOps-ready analytics platform offers deep network visibility, enabling proactive identification of performance issues before it impacts business applications or end-user experience. It provides reliable, integrated, and user-friendly solutions. cPacket helps organizations reduce complexity, increase security, and enhance operational efficiency. Whether monitoring physical or virtual networks, handling north-south or east-west traffic, or managing hybrid environments, cPacket's cutting-edge technology and AI-enabled predictive monitoring capabilities make them a reliable partner for businesses pursuing digital transformation. 4. CSPi Technology Solutions CSPi Technology Solutions is an exceptional network monitoring company that sets itself apart with its extensive IT expertise, proven track record of delivering results, flexible approach, and comprehensive service scope. By partnering with leading technology providers and adopting a vendor-agnostic approach, the company ensures the right solutions for its client's unique requirements. Its team of experienced engineers, with specialized certifications in networking, wireless and mobility, unified communications and collaboration, data centers, and advanced security, enables it to deliver superior services across major industries. With a comprehensive portfolio covering the entire IT lifecycle, including vital managed IT services, professional IT services and cloud services, CSPi Technology Solutions is well-equipped to provide proactive network monitoring and address businesses' evolving security and analytics needs. 5. IR IR is an exceptional network monitoring company at the forefront of the industry, offering innovative solutions in predictive and prescriptive analytics, along with cutting-edge automation capabilities. Its solutions simplify the management of modern communications, payments, and infrastructure environments, ensuring real-time performance issue identification and resolution for seamless user experiences. Used by over 1,000 organizations across 60 countries, including major banks, airlines, and telcos, IR's solutions provide critical insights and ensure high availability and performance for millions of customers worldwide. With a global presence and corporate headquarters in Sydney, Australia, IR continues to create excellence when it matters most, making them a top choice among network monitoring companies. 6. Witbe Witbe, a leading network monitoring company focusing on innovation in the quality of experience (QoE) industry, offers an acclaimed solution to monitor and ensure seamless user experiences across various interactive services, devices, and networks. Over 300 clients in 50 countries, including broadcasters, operators, content providers, and app developers, rely on Witbe's Robots to guarantee flawless services. As a public company listed on Euronext Growth (ALTWIT.PA) and with a global presence in major cities worldwide, Witbe is renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional network monitoring solutions for optimal QoE. 7. Radiflow Radiflow is one of the top network monitoring companies to go to for network security and analytics in 2023. With a focus on uncompromising ICS (Industrial Control Systems) and OT (Operational Technology) security, Radiflow emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity from the beginning. Providing industrial threat detection and risk management solutions empowers customers to make informed decisions and take proactive actions based on data. Known for their cybersecurity expertise and reputation in the OT world, Radiflow's team combines extensive research with innovative approaches to meet industry-specific needs. Additionally, the network monitoring solution provider is a trusted partner by prioritizing visibility and effective management of critical systems. 8. Virtual1 Virtual1 stands out as the UK's most advanced network. Its software-defined infrastructure ensures scalability to meet evolving customer demands while providing exceptional control and empowerment to its partners. Virtual1's team of passionate experts, spread across various locations, consistently pushing industry boundaries to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, it offers high-capacity connectivity with top-notch security, and the networking provider's solutions guarantee fast, secure, and reliable internet access, which is crucial for business-critical operations. With real-time control, customizable service propositions, and value-added capabilities like firewalls and cloud, Virtual1 is a trusted provider of network monitoring software that seamlessly integrates with critical business systems. 9. Doherty Associates Doherty Associates stands out for its intelligent IT solutions and services, offering a unique combination of cutting-edge tools and expert skills. Its proactive approach to cybersecurity, coupled with 24/7 support from its London and Kuala Lumpur teams, ensures reliable network monitoring. With a strong focus on sectors prioritizing risk management, such as financial services, law, insurance, and mining, Doherty Associates has offers exceptional customer satisfaction with top solutions to secure and monitor network seamlessly. This network monitoring company’s long-standing client relationship are a testament to its ability to unlock business potential through secure and efficient network monitoring, making them a leading choice in the network monitoring companies list. 10. Wifi SPARK WiFi SPARK stands out for its SPARK Solution, which caters to over 80 National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in the UK. This comprehensive solution offers secure WiFi for patients, visitors, and staff while integrating tailored patient engagement and analytics solutions with clinical and administrative systems. Significant features include access to entertainment, educational content, dementia support, surveys, and a wide range of applications. With exceptional 24/7 support, WiFi SPARK ensures seamless network monitoring, making it an essential choice among other network monitoring companies. Key Takeaway Network monitoring is essential in ensuring the smooth functioning of modern business networks. Organizations utilizing specialized network traffic analysis tools can effectively manage and control network components, detect performance issues, identify faults, and monitor user accounts. Proactive monitoring helps in early problem detection, reducing downtime and preventing failures. To empower business success, partnering with top network monitoring companies that offer advanced solutions for network security, analytics, and performance management is essential. These companies provide comprehensive tools enabling businesses to optimize network functionality, enhancing cybersecurity, and maintaining uninterrupted operations.

Article | May 26, 2021

If we’ve learned anything in the past year, it’s how much our progress hinges on the ability to share and collaborate around data.During the pandemic, we watched as scientists from around the world raced to develop COVID-19 vaccines in record time. A process that typically takes 10 to 15 years took less than a year—due in part to global collaboration and data sharing. As we transition to the post-COVID-19 era, the “need for speed has never been greater,” says McKinsey. The organizations that will thrive in this new economy will facilitate collaboration, empower individuals and teams, and build impactful partnerships. That success requires shifting from the traditional “don’t share data unless” mindset to a data-sharing mindset grounded in a solid foundation of technology, data-driven culture, and processes.