Computers have become a part of our daily lives. It seems that no matter what we see and touch, there is some sort of computer that works within it. Imagine getting a bunch of computers, and connecting them all together; that’s where computer networking comes in. This has become very useful and there are different types of networks that are available. Computer networking has become related to other bodies of knowledge such as telecommunications, computer engineering, and information technology.
Personal Area Network
This type of network connects devices that are close to a person. These devices may include printers, fax machines, scanners, webcams, and even PDAs. There was a time when your computer would be filled with wires and such because of these devices, but the great thing is that there have been so many developments with wireless technology. Nowadays, you can use utilize wireless devices that incorporate infrared and Bluetooth wireless technology. Imagine not having to deal with a mess of wires, while having a number of devices interconnected through your personal area network
Local Area Network
A local area network allows computers in the same area to exchange information. They are usually connected using a LAN cable, and this is often used in offices and computer shops. People that are into video games have also enjoyed this type of computer networking. There are a lot of games where you can use a local area network, and interact with other players in your area.
The Internet
What started out as a means of exchanging information by the military and universities has become a widespread global phenomenon. Most of our activities are now intertwined with the Internet and it has become quite difficult to function in society without it. Nowadays, we send emails, chat, shop, and even have food delivered through the magic of the World Wide Web. It has made the world shrink, and businesses can now do transactions with clients from the other side of the globe. You can even get a college degree from online courses offered by reputable university. The Net has mostly brought convenience to the households of its users and this is one of the reasons why it has become so popular.
Internet tips
There are countless websites that can be found on the Net and it’s important that you double-check the site if you are to purchase an item. You never know if a site is a scam, and may only need your email to fill it with spam email. If you are unsure about a product or service, the Net is also a worthy companion. There are a lot of forums that allow users to discuss certain topics such as politics, shopping, music, and auction websites.
There are a few more types of computer networking such as a wide area network (includes the Internet and Public Switched Telephone Network), Metropolitan Area Network, and wireless networks (such as WLAN and WWLAN). All these networks help us with our daily lives through connecting different devices and making everything more convenient. With all the developments in technology, there’s a chance that every device we own would soon be connected.
From: www.BharatBhasha.com
Thursday, January 28, 2010
How to Choose a Computer for your Business
You get the most out of your technology. You have been using your latest computer for about 4 years. And now you are noticing just how slow that computer has become. Needs change and you need something that keeps pace with your business. But what should you be looking for? Let's sit down and do a consultation. This is the same advice that I would give my clients if asked this question.
Mobile or Desk Bound
The first question you need to be asking is a basic one. Does your business dictate a laptop or a desktop computer? If you make frequent presentations on the road, a laptop is a must. If you want something that is on the highest end of processor power, you should consider a desktop computer. Desktop computers always run higher on processing power than laptops. Laptops require miniaturization and, as such, take longer to develop. Hence, they are always behind the power curve. Will this computer be acting as a server? Will it "serve" up files to other computers on your network. If that's the case, you won't be wanting to take that out of the office. That would disconnect users from their data. And that's a no-no.
The Price Point
Never ever go after a computer based on an initial price. Most brand name computer manufacturers have learned a marketing trick. They put a computer sticker price at the lowest possible price. But this price will not be the price you will pay. Unless you want the barest bones computer you can imagine. You will almost always end up paying hundreds more than the initially quoted price once you're done. It's just a sneaky way to get you "in the door." But there are other reasons you should never go on price alone.
It's All About Support
Probably the single most important factor for choosing a computer these days is support. What kind of support will you have once this company has made a sale? A while ago, computers differed tremendously in their configuration and components. But things have changed. Now, computers are incredibly modular. Most of the major manufacturers use very similar, or identical, components. There are many reasons for this change, but all you need to know is that the main issue isn't components anymore. It really is about the post sale support. Research your manufacturer and get the "skinny" on their class of support. If you are going after a local cheapy beware. Sure, you may get an excellent deal, but will they be around if the computer breaks?
The Middle Road is Golden
People tend to make one of two mistakes when they buy a computer. They either tend to buy too little computer or too much. Don't go after a super cheap computer. It's almost always a bad idea, unless you happen across a great deal. In my experience, this rarely happens. Also, don't get top of the line components in your computer. You will pay a premium for these items. And in six months, you will be kicking yourself as those components have depreciated tremendously. A good rule of thumb is to look at the low and high ends and pick something in between. You will get a great deal for your money and it will last you many years.
Essential Software
A lot of computer vendors are in the habit of stuffing software onto systems. They will give you everything you don't need. This gives the illusion of value. But really that software will just bloat your system. You only need a few pieces of software really. Obviously, there is the operating system, or OS. This will most likely be Windows. Then you need an office suite. Again, this will most likely be a Windows based product like Office. As a sidenote, you may want to look at Openoffice(openoffice.org). It's free and is compatible with Microsoft Office. Just make sure you get the right version of Office. This is especially true of Powerpoint, Microsoft's presentation software. Not all versions have Powerpoint included.
From: 88db.com
Mobile or Desk Bound
The first question you need to be asking is a basic one. Does your business dictate a laptop or a desktop computer? If you make frequent presentations on the road, a laptop is a must. If you want something that is on the highest end of processor power, you should consider a desktop computer. Desktop computers always run higher on processing power than laptops. Laptops require miniaturization and, as such, take longer to develop. Hence, they are always behind the power curve. Will this computer be acting as a server? Will it "serve" up files to other computers on your network. If that's the case, you won't be wanting to take that out of the office. That would disconnect users from their data. And that's a no-no.
The Price Point
Never ever go after a computer based on an initial price. Most brand name computer manufacturers have learned a marketing trick. They put a computer sticker price at the lowest possible price. But this price will not be the price you will pay. Unless you want the barest bones computer you can imagine. You will almost always end up paying hundreds more than the initially quoted price once you're done. It's just a sneaky way to get you "in the door." But there are other reasons you should never go on price alone.
It's All About Support
Probably the single most important factor for choosing a computer these days is support. What kind of support will you have once this company has made a sale? A while ago, computers differed tremendously in their configuration and components. But things have changed. Now, computers are incredibly modular. Most of the major manufacturers use very similar, or identical, components. There are many reasons for this change, but all you need to know is that the main issue isn't components anymore. It really is about the post sale support. Research your manufacturer and get the "skinny" on their class of support. If you are going after a local cheapy beware. Sure, you may get an excellent deal, but will they be around if the computer breaks?
The Middle Road is Golden
People tend to make one of two mistakes when they buy a computer. They either tend to buy too little computer or too much. Don't go after a super cheap computer. It's almost always a bad idea, unless you happen across a great deal. In my experience, this rarely happens. Also, don't get top of the line components in your computer. You will pay a premium for these items. And in six months, you will be kicking yourself as those components have depreciated tremendously. A good rule of thumb is to look at the low and high ends and pick something in between. You will get a great deal for your money and it will last you many years.
Essential Software
A lot of computer vendors are in the habit of stuffing software onto systems. They will give you everything you don't need. This gives the illusion of value. But really that software will just bloat your system. You only need a few pieces of software really. Obviously, there is the operating system, or OS. This will most likely be Windows. Then you need an office suite. Again, this will most likely be a Windows based product like Office. As a sidenote, you may want to look at Openoffice(openoffice.org). It's free and is compatible with Microsoft Office. Just make sure you get the right version of Office. This is especially true of Powerpoint, Microsoft's presentation software. Not all versions have Powerpoint included.
From: 88db.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
100G network processor available
EZchip Semiconductor has finally started making available a network processor that is capable of a whopping 100Gbps in throughput.
EZchip first began talking about the NP-4 processor back in May 2007. At the time, EZchip said it would start making samples available to switch makers in 2008. However, those samples are only being made available now.
The chip can be used to make Carrier Ethernet switch/router line cards or “pizza boxes” that pack in more ports. EZchip says the NP-4 would allow vendors to create line cards that have up to 400Gbps in throughput and up to 40 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Line cards with lots of Gigabit Ethernet ports or few 100G Ethernet ports would also be possible. At the lower end, there is a “light” version, the NP-4L, which has 50Gbps of throughput.
Network processors have the flexibility of being software-programmable, while getting speed benefits by being tailored to networking applications. The flexibility means it is easier for vendors to roll out upgrades or new functions as they are developed.
EZchip says the new processor could be used in modular chassis, such as metro switches, edge and core routers, wireless backhaul switch/routers, and enterprise backbone switches. In the standalone “pizza box” format, the chip could be used in Ethernet aggregation nodes, server load-balancing switches and other applications.
The NP-4 features integrated traffic management, allowing customers to manage the bandwidth at a granular level. It supports video streams and IPTV. And it can offload packet processing.
The processor will be on display at the Linley Tech Carrier Ethernet Design Seminar this week in San Jose.
EZchip first began talking about the NP-4 processor back in May 2007. At the time, EZchip said it would start making samples available to switch makers in 2008. However, those samples are only being made available now.
The chip can be used to make Carrier Ethernet switch/router line cards or “pizza boxes” that pack in more ports. EZchip says the NP-4 would allow vendors to create line cards that have up to 400Gbps in throughput and up to 40 ports of 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Line cards with lots of Gigabit Ethernet ports or few 100G Ethernet ports would also be possible. At the lower end, there is a “light” version, the NP-4L, which has 50Gbps of throughput.
Network processors have the flexibility of being software-programmable, while getting speed benefits by being tailored to networking applications. The flexibility means it is easier for vendors to roll out upgrades or new functions as they are developed.
EZchip says the new processor could be used in modular chassis, such as metro switches, edge and core routers, wireless backhaul switch/routers, and enterprise backbone switches. In the standalone “pizza box” format, the chip could be used in Ethernet aggregation nodes, server load-balancing switches and other applications.
The NP-4 features integrated traffic management, allowing customers to manage the bandwidth at a granular level. It supports video streams and IPTV. And it can offload packet processing.
The processor will be on display at the Linley Tech Carrier Ethernet Design Seminar this week in San Jose.
Cisco vs. Huawei Technologies
Point 1:
Private Chinese companies such as Huawei, by contrast, represent the new digital-triangle model, whereby the military, other state actors, and their numbered research institutes help fund and staff commercially oriented firms that are designated national champions, receive lines of credit from state banks, supplement their R&D funding with directed 863 money, and actively seek to build global market share.
Point 2:
In analyzing the dynamics of the IT sector, it is first necessary to divide the defense portion of the IT sector into two related but distinct categories.
The first includes those subsectors providing the PLA (People's Liberation Army) with commercial-off-the-shelf IT systems, such as routers, switches, and computers, which have become increasingly central to the digitization of the U.S. military.
Key companies in this category include such red chips (the Chinese equivalent of U.S. blue-chip companies) as Huawei, Zhongxing, Datang, Julong, and the Wuhan Research Institute, all of which are private companies spun off from state research institutes that enjoy national champion preferences within the system.
They are marked by new facilities in dynamic locales, such as southern and eastern China, a high-tech workforce, and infusions of foreign technology.
These firms are not obligated to provide a social safety net for thousands of unemployable workers and their families in rural areas.
Instead, they hire and fire staff using market-based incentives and stock options.
Point 3:
The two most important categories of Chinese IT firms, particularly in dealings with foreign multinationals, are telecommunications equipment and electronics.
Publicly, the major players in telecommunications; Huawei, Datang, Zhongxing, and Great Dragon (Julong) appear to be independent, private-sector actors.
By contrast, many of the electronics firms are grouped under ostensibly commercially oriented conglomerates, such as China Electronics Corporation.
However, one does not need to dig too deeply to discover that many of these electronics companies are the public face for, sprang from, or are significantly engaged in joint research with state research institutes under the Ministry of Information Industry, defense-industrial corporations, or the military.
Indeed, each of the four tigers of the Chinese telecommunications equipment market (Huawei, Zhongxing, Datang, and Julong) originated from a different part of the existing state telecommunications research and development infrastructure, often from the internal telecommunications apparatus of different ministries or the military.
These connections provide channels for personnel transfers, commercialization of state-sponsored R&D (spin off), and militarization of commercial R&D (spin-on).
Point 4:
Huawei maintains deep ties with the Chinese military, which serves a multi-faceted role as an important customer, as well as Huawei’s political patron and research and development partner.
Both the government and the military tout Huawei as a national champion, and the company is currently China’s largest, fastest-growing, and most impressive telecommunications equipment manufacturer.
From: Network World
Private Chinese companies such as Huawei, by contrast, represent the new digital-triangle model, whereby the military, other state actors, and their numbered research institutes help fund and staff commercially oriented firms that are designated national champions, receive lines of credit from state banks, supplement their R&D funding with directed 863 money, and actively seek to build global market share.
Point 2:
In analyzing the dynamics of the IT sector, it is first necessary to divide the defense portion of the IT sector into two related but distinct categories.
The first includes those subsectors providing the PLA (People's Liberation Army) with commercial-off-the-shelf IT systems, such as routers, switches, and computers, which have become increasingly central to the digitization of the U.S. military.
Key companies in this category include such red chips (the Chinese equivalent of U.S. blue-chip companies) as Huawei, Zhongxing, Datang, Julong, and the Wuhan Research Institute, all of which are private companies spun off from state research institutes that enjoy national champion preferences within the system.
They are marked by new facilities in dynamic locales, such as southern and eastern China, a high-tech workforce, and infusions of foreign technology.
These firms are not obligated to provide a social safety net for thousands of unemployable workers and their families in rural areas.
Instead, they hire and fire staff using market-based incentives and stock options.
Point 3:
The two most important categories of Chinese IT firms, particularly in dealings with foreign multinationals, are telecommunications equipment and electronics.
Publicly, the major players in telecommunications; Huawei, Datang, Zhongxing, and Great Dragon (Julong) appear to be independent, private-sector actors.
By contrast, many of the electronics firms are grouped under ostensibly commercially oriented conglomerates, such as China Electronics Corporation.
However, one does not need to dig too deeply to discover that many of these electronics companies are the public face for, sprang from, or are significantly engaged in joint research with state research institutes under the Ministry of Information Industry, defense-industrial corporations, or the military.
Indeed, each of the four tigers of the Chinese telecommunications equipment market (Huawei, Zhongxing, Datang, and Julong) originated from a different part of the existing state telecommunications research and development infrastructure, often from the internal telecommunications apparatus of different ministries or the military.
These connections provide channels for personnel transfers, commercialization of state-sponsored R&D (spin off), and militarization of commercial R&D (spin-on).
Point 4:
Huawei maintains deep ties with the Chinese military, which serves a multi-faceted role as an important customer, as well as Huawei’s political patron and research and development partner.
Both the government and the military tout Huawei as a national champion, and the company is currently China’s largest, fastest-growing, and most impressive telecommunications equipment manufacturer.
From: Network World
How to Selecting Cisco Products
You must understand the business requirements of the network before buying a product. Based on the requirements, you can select the appropriate Cisco products.
Today, WAN technologies most often take advantage of high-speed connections, such as T-1 and E-1. Additional WAN technologies exist, including Frame Relay, ISDN, and dial-up asynchronous connections. ISDN or dial-up is used if infrequent connection is made. If a connection is used for more than two to four hours, you should use a Frame Relay or a leased line.Based on the different services available through the service provider, you can select Cisco products that can fulfill your office requirements.
Selecting Hubs
Cisco has various hub products. You can select hubs according to the type of connection required. Higher-end hubs offer network management port and console connections, middle-end hubs offer both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps auto-sensing connections, and the lower-end hubs offer only 10 Mbps connections. Examples of fast hub series of Cisco are Cisco Fh100, Cisco Fh200, Cisco Fh300, and Cisco Fh400. Examples of micro hub series are Cisco MH1500 and Cisco MH1528.
Selecting Routers
Routers are the most popular Cisco products. To select a router, you must first know the port density and the interface speed required based on the LAN or WAN technologies used. In addition, you must identify the capacity and performance requirements of your business. The cost of the router varies according to the features you select.
Selecting Switches
A switch can be used instead of a hub in newer networks. Most switches are configured to limit collision domains, which often provides a limited security feature because users will not be able to sniff traffic as easily as in a standard hub-based network. This feature can cause confusion when using a network sniffer to analyze traffic. It is possible, however, to analyze packets on a switched network by enabling mirroring on the switch, or by using a dedicated port that allows authorized users to view all network traffic. It is important to consider whether you need 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps for each desktop or to connect between switches. To select a switch, you must consider various issues, such as business requirements, requirements for inter-switch links and trunking, port density, and type of user interface.
From: SemSim
Today, WAN technologies most often take advantage of high-speed connections, such as T-1 and E-1. Additional WAN technologies exist, including Frame Relay, ISDN, and dial-up asynchronous connections. ISDN or dial-up is used if infrequent connection is made. If a connection is used for more than two to four hours, you should use a Frame Relay or a leased line.Based on the different services available through the service provider, you can select Cisco products that can fulfill your office requirements.
Selecting Hubs
Cisco has various hub products. You can select hubs according to the type of connection required. Higher-end hubs offer network management port and console connections, middle-end hubs offer both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps auto-sensing connections, and the lower-end hubs offer only 10 Mbps connections. Examples of fast hub series of Cisco are Cisco Fh100, Cisco Fh200, Cisco Fh300, and Cisco Fh400. Examples of micro hub series are Cisco MH1500 and Cisco MH1528.
Selecting Routers
Routers are the most popular Cisco products. To select a router, you must first know the port density and the interface speed required based on the LAN or WAN technologies used. In addition, you must identify the capacity and performance requirements of your business. The cost of the router varies according to the features you select.
Selecting Switches
A switch can be used instead of a hub in newer networks. Most switches are configured to limit collision domains, which often provides a limited security feature because users will not be able to sniff traffic as easily as in a standard hub-based network. This feature can cause confusion when using a network sniffer to analyze traffic. It is possible, however, to analyze packets on a switched network by enabling mirroring on the switch, or by using a dedicated port that allows authorized users to view all network traffic. It is important to consider whether you need 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps for each desktop or to connect between switches. To select a switch, you must consider various issues, such as business requirements, requirements for inter-switch links and trunking, port density, and type of user interface.
From: SemSim
Why buy used network
Whether you call it used, pre-owned or refurbished, buying IT hardware in the secondary IT market can provide significant benefits. If your organization hasn’t considered Second User equipment, then now is the best time to consider the value of what many say is ”equally reliable” equipment. Second User equipment has been a vital option for State and Federal governments as well as private and public organizations around the world. These organizations are stretching budget dollars by capitalizing on this non-traditional IT planning and in the acquisition process.
Second User equipment and new overstock is a result of terminated leasing contracts, OEM overstock, purchasing mistakes, company closures and discontinued programs, which supply the secondary market with a surfeit of current and end-of-life equipment. This surplus is comprised of primarily used equipment, although a significant portion is new, manufacturers’ surplus, open-boxed or unused (out–of-the-box) equipment. This fully functional hardware, including routers, switches, network modules, servers, server options, telephony and much more is available and priced at fifty to ninety per cent off list price. With savings in that range, IT budgets are extended significantly, while limited IT budgets can achieve superior technology through the acquisition of IT surplus that would not be possible through traditional channels.
A flourishing secondary market does raise the question “Is used as good as new?” To answer this, let’s agree that the average refresh cycle is three years for established brands such as Cisco, Foundry, HP, Juniper, IBM and tier one brands. This top of the line equipment has an extensive life span due to superior engineering, which is why it is priced higher than lower end equipment. Most high-end equipment is built to last and when it does fail it is usually due to human error as in mis-handling the hardware. The consensus is that it’s a safe to say that off-lease equipment is “as good as new.” (Consider that it is not uncommon for new equipment that is randomly tested to fail immediately or within a short time frame.)
It is also important to know that a surplus market is based on supply and demand, and it’s impossible to guarantee pricing and availability. Large orders can deplete the supply of a particular part (especially “hard to find” and “end of life”) and can also drive up prices. For instance, if there is an open order for a large order of a discontinued Cisco router or an IBM server, this order can deplete surplus inventory for several months and raise the price for a period. Unlike, traditional distribution of new, current-- future availability on surplus is very rarely guaranteed as another purchase order can directly impact supply. Timing is everything and like any other commodity markets there are many variables involved. If you have interest on a large qty, especially “hard to find” hardware that is priced right and available, a prompt decision is imperative to avoid losing out to another buyer. The wait for the inventory to reappear on the market could adversely affect your IT planning. On the other hand, an over abundance of inventory is also good for the buyer as the pricing will be even more competitive.
Recognizing the value and capitalizing on some if not all aspects of the secondary market can only benefit your organization. Whether it’s buying a particular component, a portion or all of your IT equipment you’ll save money from buying at reduced pricing and eliminating maintenance contracts by having in house spares. Selling your surplus and decommissioned IT assets correctly will provide ROI dollars that can be used for additional IT equipment or spent on other areas of your organization.
Second User equipment and new overstock is a result of terminated leasing contracts, OEM overstock, purchasing mistakes, company closures and discontinued programs, which supply the secondary market with a surfeit of current and end-of-life equipment. This surplus is comprised of primarily used equipment, although a significant portion is new, manufacturers’ surplus, open-boxed or unused (out–of-the-box) equipment. This fully functional hardware, including routers, switches, network modules, servers, server options, telephony and much more is available and priced at fifty to ninety per cent off list price. With savings in that range, IT budgets are extended significantly, while limited IT budgets can achieve superior technology through the acquisition of IT surplus that would not be possible through traditional channels.
A flourishing secondary market does raise the question “Is used as good as new?” To answer this, let’s agree that the average refresh cycle is three years for established brands such as Cisco, Foundry, HP, Juniper, IBM and tier one brands. This top of the line equipment has an extensive life span due to superior engineering, which is why it is priced higher than lower end equipment. Most high-end equipment is built to last and when it does fail it is usually due to human error as in mis-handling the hardware. The consensus is that it’s a safe to say that off-lease equipment is “as good as new.” (Consider that it is not uncommon for new equipment that is randomly tested to fail immediately or within a short time frame.)
It is also important to know that a surplus market is based on supply and demand, and it’s impossible to guarantee pricing and availability. Large orders can deplete the supply of a particular part (especially “hard to find” and “end of life”) and can also drive up prices. For instance, if there is an open order for a large order of a discontinued Cisco router or an IBM server, this order can deplete surplus inventory for several months and raise the price for a period. Unlike, traditional distribution of new, current-- future availability on surplus is very rarely guaranteed as another purchase order can directly impact supply. Timing is everything and like any other commodity markets there are many variables involved. If you have interest on a large qty, especially “hard to find” hardware that is priced right and available, a prompt decision is imperative to avoid losing out to another buyer. The wait for the inventory to reappear on the market could adversely affect your IT planning. On the other hand, an over abundance of inventory is also good for the buyer as the pricing will be even more competitive.
Recognizing the value and capitalizing on some if not all aspects of the secondary market can only benefit your organization. Whether it’s buying a particular component, a portion or all of your IT equipment you’ll save money from buying at reduced pricing and eliminating maintenance contracts by having in house spares. Selling your surplus and decommissioned IT assets correctly will provide ROI dollars that can be used for additional IT equipment or spent on other areas of your organization.
BLUE COAT Equipment
BLUE COAT REAP REWARDS FROM DEMAND OF WAN APPLICATION DELIVERY SOLUTIONS IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION
MALAYSIA, September 26, 2007 – Blue Coat Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCSI), a leader in WAN Application Delivery and Secure Web Gateway, has experienced the market demands and growth potential of WAN Application Delivery solutions across the Asia Pacific region.
Over the past year, Blue Coat’s Asia Pacific offices have seen continued growth. In the past quarter, Asia Pacific accounted for 14 percent of Blue Coat net revenue. In the Asia Pacific region, the company intends to continue focusing on sales to the education, manufacturing, financial and government sectors where there is a heightened need for WAN Application Delivery solutions. The company expects to increase its Asia Pacific staff strength to support the prospective growth and to provide quality customer care throughout the region.
The market research firm IDC predicts the total worldwide market for WAN Application Delivery will reach US$920 million in 2011. Emerging Asian trends suggest that WAN Application Delivery will revolutionize the way businesses maintain competitiveness while protecting the company from both internal and external threats.
“Malaysian businesses are beginning to understand that their WAN woes cannot be solved by merely increasing bandwidth. There are also latency issues to consider,” said Jason Ng, Country Sales Manager (Malaysia), Blue Coat Systems. “If bandwidth is the width of the road, than latency is the speed. The wide area network remains a unique challenge for enterprise network managers.”
He explained that many applications designed to be deployed in a LAN environment are not suited for the latency, congestion, and bandwidth available to remote and mobile users.
“Blue Coat offers companies an ideal solution through application acceleration. Coupled with security, our solution enables companies to ‘stop the bad and accelerate the good’,” Ng added.
It is important to accelerate the business critical applications across the WAN and not speed the risk of security threats for the organization. Security must not impede the performance of critical applications and vice versa.
Blue Coat’s customers in Asia include Nottingham University in Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Perlis – UniMAP (previously known as Universiti Kejuruteraan Utara Malaysia – KUKUM), PT. Yutaka Manufacturing in Indonesia, Korea Stock Exchange, Philips Electronics China Group and Kagoshima University in Japan.
Blue Coat has what is considered to be the largest "public" WAN Optimization project in the world to date for the US Air National Guard, with over 200 locations throughout the United States and its territories. Other Blue Coat global customers include some of the world’s largest financial institutions, manufacturing organizations and governmental agencies. About 93 of the Fortune Global 100 companies are Blue Coat customers.
On 23 August, the company reported its financial results for its first quarter of fiscal 2008 ended July 31, 2007. Net revenue for the first fiscal quarter of 2008 was US$62.4 million, an increase of 71% compared to net revenue of US$36.4 million for the same quarter last year and a 15% increase compared to net revenue of US$54.5 million in the prior quarter.
MALAYSIA, September 26, 2007 – Blue Coat Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCSI), a leader in WAN Application Delivery and Secure Web Gateway, has experienced the market demands and growth potential of WAN Application Delivery solutions across the Asia Pacific region.
Over the past year, Blue Coat’s Asia Pacific offices have seen continued growth. In the past quarter, Asia Pacific accounted for 14 percent of Blue Coat net revenue. In the Asia Pacific region, the company intends to continue focusing on sales to the education, manufacturing, financial and government sectors where there is a heightened need for WAN Application Delivery solutions. The company expects to increase its Asia Pacific staff strength to support the prospective growth and to provide quality customer care throughout the region.
The market research firm IDC predicts the total worldwide market for WAN Application Delivery will reach US$920 million in 2011. Emerging Asian trends suggest that WAN Application Delivery will revolutionize the way businesses maintain competitiveness while protecting the company from both internal and external threats.
“Malaysian businesses are beginning to understand that their WAN woes cannot be solved by merely increasing bandwidth. There are also latency issues to consider,” said Jason Ng, Country Sales Manager (Malaysia), Blue Coat Systems. “If bandwidth is the width of the road, than latency is the speed. The wide area network remains a unique challenge for enterprise network managers.”
He explained that many applications designed to be deployed in a LAN environment are not suited for the latency, congestion, and bandwidth available to remote and mobile users.
“Blue Coat offers companies an ideal solution through application acceleration. Coupled with security, our solution enables companies to ‘stop the bad and accelerate the good’,” Ng added.
It is important to accelerate the business critical applications across the WAN and not speed the risk of security threats for the organization. Security must not impede the performance of critical applications and vice versa.
Blue Coat’s customers in Asia include Nottingham University in Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Perlis – UniMAP (previously known as Universiti Kejuruteraan Utara Malaysia – KUKUM), PT. Yutaka Manufacturing in Indonesia, Korea Stock Exchange, Philips Electronics China Group and Kagoshima University in Japan.
Blue Coat has what is considered to be the largest "public" WAN Optimization project in the world to date for the US Air National Guard, with over 200 locations throughout the United States and its territories. Other Blue Coat global customers include some of the world’s largest financial institutions, manufacturing organizations and governmental agencies. About 93 of the Fortune Global 100 companies are Blue Coat customers.
On 23 August, the company reported its financial results for its first quarter of fiscal 2008 ended July 31, 2007. Net revenue for the first fiscal quarter of 2008 was US$62.4 million, an increase of 71% compared to net revenue of US$36.4 million for the same quarter last year and a 15% increase compared to net revenue of US$54.5 million in the prior quarter.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
CCNP Update: Changes in a Nutshell
CCNP will now be three exams, ROUTE, SWITCH, and TSHOOT
Exam price will increase from $150.00 to $200.00 per exam
ROUTE and TSHOOT courses (typically 1 week Cisco official courses) are now supplemented with e-learning material (nearly 8 hours for ROUTE and 9 hours for TSHOOT) which is exam material
Classes / Exams are becoming even MORE real-world (TSHOOT class is 92% hands-on)
New ROUTE and SWITCH exam is available in March, TSHOOT is available in April.
BSCI exam can substitute for ROUTE or vice versa
BCMSN exam can substitute for SWITCH or vice versa
ONT and ISCW exams can substitute for TSHOOT until end of July (ONT/ICSW exams expire then...BSCI and BCMSN are no longer offered after July 31, however can substitute for ROUTE / SWITCH for their entire 3 year expiration period).
New CCNP exams now prepare you more for the CCIE R&S
Exam price will increase from $150.00 to $200.00 per exam
ROUTE and TSHOOT courses (typically 1 week Cisco official courses) are now supplemented with e-learning material (nearly 8 hours for ROUTE and 9 hours for TSHOOT) which is exam material
Classes / Exams are becoming even MORE real-world (TSHOOT class is 92% hands-on)
New ROUTE and SWITCH exam is available in March, TSHOOT is available in April.
BSCI exam can substitute for ROUTE or vice versa
BCMSN exam can substitute for SWITCH or vice versa
ONT and ISCW exams can substitute for TSHOOT until end of July (ONT/ICSW exams expire then...BSCI and BCMSN are no longer offered after July 31, however can substitute for ROUTE / SWITCH for their entire 3 year expiration period).
New CCNP exams now prepare you more for the CCIE R&S
Why Huawei Wants a Part of 3Com
When it comes to big overseas acquisitions, the Chinese track record is pretty spotty. There have been some big flops – TCL’s deals with Thomson and Alcatel, for instance. Some, like Haier plan for Maytag and CNOOC’s for Unocal, never got off the ground. The best of the lot has been Lenovo’s purchase of IBM’s PC division, and the verdict is still out on that. So what to make of the news that Huawei Technologies is teaming up with Bain Capital in a $2.2 billion deal to take 3Com Corp. private? At first, this seems like a classic case of the Chinese getting suckered into buying something that nobody else wants.
Once, back in the 1990s, 3Com was important in the network equipment business and for a while the company broke out of the business page and into the sports section thanks to its naming rights for the stadium where the San Francisco 49ers played. But the glory days are long gone for 3Com, which has fallen far behind Cisco and hasn’t managed to make money this century.
So why bother? Maybe Huawei execs think that their engineers can learn something from the Americans at 3Com. The two companies did work together in a joint venture that lasted for three years, so the two sides do go back a while together. Last year, 3Com bought out Huawei’s share of the joint venture, for $886 million, and that business in China is today probably the most valuable part of 3Com.
Moreover, Huawei can certainly need the help on the other side of the Pacific. It hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for the Chinese company as it has tried to make its way into the U.S. Huawei is privately held and its reclusive CEO, Ren Zhengfei, is a former officer in the People’s Liberation Army. In response to questions about ties with the PLA, Huawei officials say repeatedly that there is no connection between the company and the Chinese military, but the company does have an image problem that makes expansion in the U.S. difficult.
That’s one reason that Huawei has been focusing on expanding sales in developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the former Soviet Union. Huawei has also managed to make some inroads in Western Europe. Last year, for instance, Huawei formed a partnership with Vodafone to supply the British cellular operator with Chinese-made 3G phones. (More on that in this BW story from September a year ago.)
The problem is, ZTE, the Huawei rival that also is based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, has making some impressive moves in the U.S., including a deal that it announced a few months ago to sell equipment to Sprint Nextel. ZTE also signed a deal last year to cooperate with Cisco, the company that embarrassed Huawei by taking it to court for alleged intellectual property rights violations. It’s no secret that the Chinese government wants its top companies to be expanding globally, and that includes the U.S. As the top Chinese communication equipment company, Huawei couldn’t sit back and let its next-door neighbor steal a march on it in the U.S.
In a press release from last Friday, Huawei’s CEO emphasized that this deal was about business, not politics. “This is a commercial investment for Huawei. We believe the new ownership structure will help 3Com to improve its business operations, provide better products and services and bring more value to its customer,” the press release quoted Ren saying.
The big question now is whether opposition to the deal builds in the U.S. because of Huawei’s involvement - and what Ren and other Huawei execs are willing to do in order to address those concerns.
From: BusinessWeek
Once, back in the 1990s, 3Com was important in the network equipment business and for a while the company broke out of the business page and into the sports section thanks to its naming rights for the stadium where the San Francisco 49ers played. But the glory days are long gone for 3Com, which has fallen far behind Cisco and hasn’t managed to make money this century.
So why bother? Maybe Huawei execs think that their engineers can learn something from the Americans at 3Com. The two companies did work together in a joint venture that lasted for three years, so the two sides do go back a while together. Last year, 3Com bought out Huawei’s share of the joint venture, for $886 million, and that business in China is today probably the most valuable part of 3Com.
Moreover, Huawei can certainly need the help on the other side of the Pacific. It hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for the Chinese company as it has tried to make its way into the U.S. Huawei is privately held and its reclusive CEO, Ren Zhengfei, is a former officer in the People’s Liberation Army. In response to questions about ties with the PLA, Huawei officials say repeatedly that there is no connection between the company and the Chinese military, but the company does have an image problem that makes expansion in the U.S. difficult.
That’s one reason that Huawei has been focusing on expanding sales in developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the former Soviet Union. Huawei has also managed to make some inroads in Western Europe. Last year, for instance, Huawei formed a partnership with Vodafone to supply the British cellular operator with Chinese-made 3G phones. (More on that in this BW story from September a year ago.)
The problem is, ZTE, the Huawei rival that also is based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, has making some impressive moves in the U.S., including a deal that it announced a few months ago to sell equipment to Sprint Nextel. ZTE also signed a deal last year to cooperate with Cisco, the company that embarrassed Huawei by taking it to court for alleged intellectual property rights violations. It’s no secret that the Chinese government wants its top companies to be expanding globally, and that includes the U.S. As the top Chinese communication equipment company, Huawei couldn’t sit back and let its next-door neighbor steal a march on it in the U.S.
In a press release from last Friday, Huawei’s CEO emphasized that this deal was about business, not politics. “This is a commercial investment for Huawei. We believe the new ownership structure will help 3Com to improve its business operations, provide better products and services and bring more value to its customer,” the press release quoted Ren saying.
The big question now is whether opposition to the deal builds in the U.S. because of Huawei’s involvement - and what Ren and other Huawei execs are willing to do in order to address those concerns.
From: BusinessWeek
Why Choose Cisco Router
A systems approach begins with a single, resilient platform such as the Cisco integrated services routers. A systems approach combines packaging with intelligent services within and between services, and weaves voice, security, routing, and application services together, so that processes become more automated and more intelligent. The results are pervasive security in the network and applications; higher QoS for data, voice, and video traffic; increased time to productivity; and better use of network resources.
With the integrated services router, Cisco offers a comprehensive, future-proofed solution that minimizes network outages and ensures access to the most business-critical applications. Cisco's focus on integrating new infrastructure services with performance enables companies to create networks that are more intelligent, resilient, and reliable. For organizations of all sizes that need fast, secure access to today's mission-critical applications as well as a foundation for future growth, Cisco routers:
Provide the industry’s first portfolio engineered for secure, wire-speed delivery of concurrent data, voice, and video services
Embed security and voice services into a single routing system
Use an integrated systems approach to embedded services that speeds application deployment and reduces operating costs and complexity
Provide unparalleled services performance and investment protection
Unlike specialized niche products, Cisco Integrated Services Routers embed security and voice services as a single resilient system for ease of deployment, simplified management, and lower operating costs. Cisco routers provide the secure communications solutions you need today, while laying the foundation for tomorrow's Intelligent Information Networks.
In addition, Cisco Integrated Services Routers:
Provide fast, secure access to mission-critical business applications and unmatched investment protection for future growth, enabling organizations to easily deploy and manage converged communications solutions with end-to-end security for maximum end user productivity
Feature industry-leading services densities, bandwidth, availability, and performance options for maximum configuration flexibility and scalability for the most demanding networking environments
Provide a broad range of voice densities and services, allowing customers to easily enable end-to-end, best-in-class IP Communications solutions, while providing a foundation for future growth and investment protection
Are the only routers that allow organizations to build a foundation for an intelligent, self-defending network, featuring best-in-class security services and routing technologies for the lowest total cost of ownership and highest return on investment.
With the integrated services router, Cisco offers a comprehensive, future-proofed solution that minimizes network outages and ensures access to the most business-critical applications. Cisco's focus on integrating new infrastructure services with performance enables companies to create networks that are more intelligent, resilient, and reliable. For organizations of all sizes that need fast, secure access to today's mission-critical applications as well as a foundation for future growth, Cisco routers:
Unlike specialized niche products, Cisco Integrated Services Routers embed security and voice services as a single resilient system for ease of deployment, simplified management, and lower operating costs. Cisco routers provide the secure communications solutions you need today, while laying the foundation for tomorrow's Intelligent Information Networks.
In addition, Cisco Integrated Services Routers:
Monday, January 25, 2010
Network security risks multiply when enterprises begin outsourcing
The network security risks of outsourcing technology jobs offshore are weighing heavily on the minds of IT executives, according to a survey -- and with good reason. Opening network access to overseas firms without the right protections in place could leave an enterprise vulnerable to a network security breach.
"People don't put in the same controls they would have for a remote employee," said Rob Ayoub, global program director of network security at Frost & Sullivan. "The challenge becomes that those are added costs, and when you're outsourcing to save money [while] you have to put in these compensating controls … it's no longer such a savings."
Organizations outsourcing technology jobs offshore in 2009 were "significantly" more likely to report an unauthorized network intrusion than those that didn't, according to the 5th Annual Security Survey of IT Executives / Network Administrators by Amplitude Research Inc., commissioned by VanDyke Software.
Sixty-nine percent of 350 respondents said they generally felt outsourcing put network security at risk. Even many of the IT professionals within organizations that actually do outsource IT functions believe that outsourcing carries a network security risk. Of the 29% of respondents who said their companies outsource, half said this practice has a negative impact on network security.
"Certainly, when you outsource your work -- say, outsourcing software development to somewhere like India -- that does add a risk," Ayoub said. "You have to implement protections around that to make sure your codes are not being stolen and limit access directly into your network controls."
Applications can be targets for a network security breach
Hacks or unauthorized intrusions afflicted 42% of organizations in the past year, down from 48% the year before. When the survey began in 2005, 44% reported intrusions.
"Everyone is really good at patching Windows, and everyone's pretty good at patching Office," Ayoub said, but often they leave openings in other applications, thinking they won't be targets. "I'm not looking to get into Adobe to get your PDF. I exploit a vulnerability in Adobe to get a good foothold into your network."
Network security risks afflict even those who don't outsource IT
But even organizations that keep their entire IT shop in-house can become vulnerable to the risks of outsourcing. Luis Wiedemann, a network manager for Florida-based law firm Broad and Cassel, has dodged any push to outsource his department, but he still faces pressure from vendors to expose his network to ordinarily unauthorized users.
"All of our application vendors insist on setting up a WebEx or GoToAssist session so they can take control and fix the issue themselves," Wiedemann said.
"They also give me an attitude when I, depending on my mood, refuse access to our servers. They're also putting these remote access demands in contracts as well, indicating they can't guarantee support if they don't have unhindered access to the servers their applications reside on," he added. "This is a tough pill to swallow for any security or network admin and brings a tremendous amount of fear for the integrity of security, should something go awry from leaving RDP [remote desktop protocol] opened to the Internet."
Network administrators presented with those ultimatums ought to look for different vendors. Vendors that outsource support have to be upfront with customers about their security best practices if customers are to trust them, Ayoub said.
"Customers have to vote with their dollars," he said. "We do need a shift in mindset and willingness to stand up to some of the vendors on some of these issues. It's a really, really tough challenge, but hopefully, if you're a large enough institution, you could say, 'I'm not going to do business with you without some kind of local support,' [or ask] 'What kind of compensating control do you put on that?'"
From: Jessica Scarpati, News Writer
"People don't put in the same controls they would have for a remote employee," said Rob Ayoub, global program director of network security at Frost & Sullivan. "The challenge becomes that those are added costs, and when you're outsourcing to save money [while] you have to put in these compensating controls … it's no longer such a savings."
Organizations outsourcing technology jobs offshore in 2009 were "significantly" more likely to report an unauthorized network intrusion than those that didn't, according to the 5th Annual Security Survey of IT Executives / Network Administrators by Amplitude Research Inc., commissioned by VanDyke Software.
Sixty-nine percent of 350 respondents said they generally felt outsourcing put network security at risk. Even many of the IT professionals within organizations that actually do outsource IT functions believe that outsourcing carries a network security risk. Of the 29% of respondents who said their companies outsource, half said this practice has a negative impact on network security.
"Certainly, when you outsource your work -- say, outsourcing software development to somewhere like India -- that does add a risk," Ayoub said. "You have to implement protections around that to make sure your codes are not being stolen and limit access directly into your network controls."
Applications can be targets for a network security breach
Hacks or unauthorized intrusions afflicted 42% of organizations in the past year, down from 48% the year before. When the survey began in 2005, 44% reported intrusions.
"Everyone is really good at patching Windows, and everyone's pretty good at patching Office," Ayoub said, but often they leave openings in other applications, thinking they won't be targets. "I'm not looking to get into Adobe to get your PDF. I exploit a vulnerability in Adobe to get a good foothold into your network."
Network security risks afflict even those who don't outsource IT
But even organizations that keep their entire IT shop in-house can become vulnerable to the risks of outsourcing. Luis Wiedemann, a network manager for Florida-based law firm Broad and Cassel, has dodged any push to outsource his department, but he still faces pressure from vendors to expose his network to ordinarily unauthorized users.
"All of our application vendors insist on setting up a WebEx or GoToAssist session so they can take control and fix the issue themselves," Wiedemann said.
"They also give me an attitude when I, depending on my mood, refuse access to our servers. They're also putting these remote access demands in contracts as well, indicating they can't guarantee support if they don't have unhindered access to the servers their applications reside on," he added. "This is a tough pill to swallow for any security or network admin and brings a tremendous amount of fear for the integrity of security, should something go awry from leaving RDP [remote desktop protocol] opened to the Internet."
Network administrators presented with those ultimatums ought to look for different vendors. Vendors that outsource support have to be upfront with customers about their security best practices if customers are to trust them, Ayoub said.
"Customers have to vote with their dollars," he said. "We do need a shift in mindset and willingness to stand up to some of the vendors on some of these issues. It's a really, really tough challenge, but hopefully, if you're a large enough institution, you could say, 'I'm not going to do business with you without some kind of local support,' [or ask] 'What kind of compensating control do you put on that?'"
From: Jessica Scarpati, News Writer
CCNA Test Tips
Relax before exam: In order to avoid last minute stress, make sure that you arrive 10to 15 minutes early and relax before exam.
Familiarize yourself with exam: Before taking the CCNA exam, you are given an option of to familiarize yourself with the way the exam is carried out (the exam interface). You must make sure to take advantage of this.
Time Management Tips:
Manage Time Spent On Each Question: The duration for the exam is 90 minutes. You must determine how much time you will spend on each question. While determining this take into consideration that simulations take more time to answer. Also keep in mind that some other questions are weighed more heavily and may take more time to answer (e.g. difficult subnetting problems).
Be Sure Of Exam Interface: Clear your doubts, in case if you have any, regarding the rules for the CCNA exam or using the testing computer/software with the supervisor after he sets up your machine and before you start the exam. Remember that the exam is timed and you may loose your valuable test time for such questions, which you could have asked earlier.
Jot Down Important Points Before Exam: Before you start the exam, ask for scratch paper and jot down points that you may require to recall when taking your exam. This is always allowed and proves to be very helpful while taking the exam. These may include:
OSI Model layers
Access lists
Important tables such as powers of 2 (2^1 = 2; 2^2 = 4…2^8 = 256)
Class A,B,C address range and properties e.g.
Class A: Denoted by network.host.host.host; first octet is between 1 to 126;
Important formulae such as 2^x-2 gives the number of hosts per subnet where x is the number of "off" bits in the subnet mask
Binary to decimal conversion table & tips
All Answers Are Final: Remember that you cannot return to a question once you have answered it. So, be very careful while answering to the questions and don't rush as it might cost you valuable marks.
Don't Panic. There Is No Negative Marking: Although the exam software does not allow you to review questions you've answered, there is no negative marks for a wrong answer. The CCNA exam does not penalize you for wrong answer, so never leave any question unanswered. If you are not able to find out the correct answers to some questions, eliminate the possible answers that cannot be correct and narrow down your guess.
From : techtarget.com
Buy : Cisco Study Kits
Familiarize yourself with exam: Before taking the CCNA exam, you are given an option of to familiarize yourself with the way the exam is carried out (the exam interface). You must make sure to take advantage of this.
Time Management Tips:
Manage Time Spent On Each Question: The duration for the exam is 90 minutes. You must determine how much time you will spend on each question. While determining this take into consideration that simulations take more time to answer. Also keep in mind that some other questions are weighed more heavily and may take more time to answer (e.g. difficult subnetting problems).
Be Sure Of Exam Interface: Clear your doubts, in case if you have any, regarding the rules for the CCNA exam or using the testing computer/software with the supervisor after he sets up your machine and before you start the exam. Remember that the exam is timed and you may loose your valuable test time for such questions, which you could have asked earlier.
Jot Down Important Points Before Exam: Before you start the exam, ask for scratch paper and jot down points that you may require to recall when taking your exam. This is always allowed and proves to be very helpful while taking the exam. These may include:
OSI Model layers
Access lists
Important tables such as powers of 2 (2^1 = 2; 2^2 = 4…2^8 = 256)
Class A,B,C address range and properties e.g.
Class A: Denoted by network.host.host.host; first octet is between 1 to 126;
Important formulae such as 2^x-2 gives the number of hosts per subnet where x is the number of "off" bits in the subnet mask
Binary to decimal conversion table & tips
All Answers Are Final: Remember that you cannot return to a question once you have answered it. So, be very careful while answering to the questions and don't rush as it might cost you valuable marks.
Don't Panic. There Is No Negative Marking: Although the exam software does not allow you to review questions you've answered, there is no negative marks for a wrong answer. The CCNA exam does not penalize you for wrong answer, so never leave any question unanswered. If you are not able to find out the correct answers to some questions, eliminate the possible answers that cannot be correct and narrow down your guess.
From : techtarget.com
Buy : Cisco Study Kits
CCNA - CCIE Course
Currently the corresponding exam numbers from Cisco for the CCNA are:
640-802 CCNA Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2
640-822 ICND1 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
640-816 ICND2 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2
Currently the corresponding exam numbers from Cisco for the CCNP Program are :
642-901 BSCI Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
642-812 BCMSN Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)
642-825 ISCW Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)
642-845 ONT Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)
OR
642-892 Composite Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)
642-825 ISCW Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)
642-845 ONT Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)
Currently the corresponding exam numbers from Cisco for the CCSP Program are:
642-504 SNRS Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SNRS)
642-524 SNAF Securing Networks with ASA Foundation (SNAF)
642-533 IPS Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Elective Exam(s) Elective Training
642-591 CANAC Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance (CANAC)
OR
642-545 MARS Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (MARS)
OR
642-515 SNAA Securing Networks with ASA Advanced (SNAA)
CCVP
642-436 CVOICE Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0)
Cisco Voice over IP fundamentals (CVF v1.0)
642-446 CIPT1(CIPT1 v6.0) Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager Part 1
642-642 QoS Quality of Service (QoS)
642-456 CIPT2 Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager
642-426 TUC(TUC v1.0) Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications Systems
From : knowledge computers > cisco study kits
640-802 CCNA Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2
640-822 ICND1 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
640-816 ICND2 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2
Currently the corresponding exam numbers from Cisco for the CCNP Program are :
642-901 BSCI Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
642-812 BCMSN Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)
642-825 ISCW Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)
642-845 ONT Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)
OR
642-892 Composite Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)
642-825 ISCW Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)
642-845 ONT Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)
Currently the corresponding exam numbers from Cisco for the CCSP Program are:
642-504 SNRS Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SNRS)
642-524 SNAF Securing Networks with ASA Foundation (SNAF)
642-533 IPS Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Elective Exam(s) Elective Training
642-591 CANAC Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance (CANAC)
OR
642-545 MARS Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (MARS)
OR
642-515 SNAA Securing Networks with ASA Advanced (SNAA)
CCVP
642-436 CVOICE Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0)
Cisco Voice over IP fundamentals (CVF v1.0)
642-446 CIPT1(CIPT1 v6.0) Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager Part 1
642-642 QoS Quality of Service (QoS)
642-456 CIPT2 Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager
642-426 TUC(TUC v1.0) Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications Systems
From : knowledge computers > cisco study kits
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Why use a network
Connecting computers in a local area network lets people increase their inefficiency by sharing files, resources, and more. Local area networking has attained much popularity in recent years--so much that it seems networking was just invented. In reality, local area networks (LANs) appeared more than ten years ago, when the arrival of the microcomputer gave multiple users access to the same computer.
These are three of the most common benefits of using a LAN.
* Increased efficiency
* Improved communications
* Lowered costs.
LANs increase the efficiency of workers by letting them exchange data and by eliminating redundant effort. The most common means of sharing information on a LAN is the corporate database. Corporations commonly have several departments performing very differeent tasks, but the departments are generally working with the same type of information. A mail-order company, for example, works with customer name and address data, product numbers and pricing data, and shipping and inventory information. It make the company far more efficient and organized to keep the data in one database, letting each user access the data that he or she needs.
LANs improve communications by offering a way of sending messages electronically. Many networks have full-fledged mail systems, called elctronic mail (E-mail), through which users can send each other everything from corporate memos to informal hellos.
LANs saved money by letting corporations license network versions of software to share among users. Likewise, there can be major savings in hardware purchasing because each network may need only one of each device. Rather than equipping each user with his or her own set of office equipment, a company can create a network consisting of a group of microcomputers with, for example, one laser printer, one tape backup unit, one CD-ROM drive, one fax machine, and one hard drive. By saving money in this way, it's often possible to purchase higher-quality equipment for the group than would have been possible for each individual.
Kinds of Networks
LANs are divided into two types: client-server and peer-to-peer. a client-server network has one or more central computers, called file servers, to which are connected all the other workstations. A workstation is a personal computer connected to a file server. The file server controls all network activity, such as who can use the system and what data users have access to. The advantages of client-server networks include control, security, and speed. Drawbacks can include high cost, difficult installation, and overdependence on a single system (the server). When the server goes down, the whole network goes down.
A peer-to-peer network is a group of microcomputers in which no single system is in charge and all workstations operate as equals. Each workstation can share its files and applications with any other workstations connected to the network. The benefits of peer-to-peer networking include simplicity, lower cost, ease of installation, and ease of maintenance. The drawbacks can include insufficient security, inadequate control, and lack of speed.
With the two basic types of LANs defined, it's important to understand that there are several varieties within each category, just as there's a range of uses for each type. What type of LAN you need depends on your intended use for it.
NetWare: A Client-Server Approach
Novell NetWare is an example of a client-server network. What sets the client-server network apart from the peer-to-peer network is the function of the file server. It, too, is a personal computer, but it runs an operating system such as NetWare to control the network. The file server controls all the workstations on the network in terms of how they access network resources. A network administrator manages the file server by overseeing network security, troubleshooting problems, and more.
The workstations connected to a NetWare network can still function as separate computers with their own operating systems. In fact, even when your computer is connected to a network, what you see on the screen may look the same as when you're not on a network. But when you access the file server, the work you send back and forth is subject to the rights and restrictions imposed by the network administrator. Often, the network administrator takes care of setting users up on the network, which entails physically connecting the workstation to the file server, as well as adding the user name and assigning a password. Users generally know just enough to get their jobs done on the network, but knowing a bit more of the way the network works can sometimes help guide you to some shortcuts and quick fixes that may simplify your networking tasks.
To begin, it's important to understand how a workstation communicates with the file server. First, there's the hardware connection, which consists of a networking card installed in the workstation with a cable that connects to the file server. The second piece of the puzzle is the software. The shell is the software needed for the workstation to communicate with the file server. The network administrator loads the shell onto each workstation. The shell directs your commands either to your own workstation or to the file server, depending on what kind of command it is.
To understand how the file server stores the information you send it, think of a file cabinet as an analogy. The file server is the cabinet. Within it are the drawers, or volumes (Within the drawers (volumes) are folders, or directories. Within those folders (directories) are pieces of paper, or files.
These are three of the most common benefits of using a LAN.
* Increased efficiency
* Improved communications
* Lowered costs.
LANs increase the efficiency of workers by letting them exchange data and by eliminating redundant effort. The most common means of sharing information on a LAN is the corporate database. Corporations commonly have several departments performing very differeent tasks, but the departments are generally working with the same type of information. A mail-order company, for example, works with customer name and address data, product numbers and pricing data, and shipping and inventory information. It make the company far more efficient and organized to keep the data in one database, letting each user access the data that he or she needs.
LANs improve communications by offering a way of sending messages electronically. Many networks have full-fledged mail systems, called elctronic mail (E-mail), through which users can send each other everything from corporate memos to informal hellos.
LANs saved money by letting corporations license network versions of software to share among users. Likewise, there can be major savings in hardware purchasing because each network may need only one of each device. Rather than equipping each user with his or her own set of office equipment, a company can create a network consisting of a group of microcomputers with, for example, one laser printer, one tape backup unit, one CD-ROM drive, one fax machine, and one hard drive. By saving money in this way, it's often possible to purchase higher-quality equipment for the group than would have been possible for each individual.
Kinds of Networks
LANs are divided into two types: client-server and peer-to-peer. a client-server network has one or more central computers, called file servers, to which are connected all the other workstations. A workstation is a personal computer connected to a file server. The file server controls all network activity, such as who can use the system and what data users have access to. The advantages of client-server networks include control, security, and speed. Drawbacks can include high cost, difficult installation, and overdependence on a single system (the server). When the server goes down, the whole network goes down.
A peer-to-peer network is a group of microcomputers in which no single system is in charge and all workstations operate as equals. Each workstation can share its files and applications with any other workstations connected to the network. The benefits of peer-to-peer networking include simplicity, lower cost, ease of installation, and ease of maintenance. The drawbacks can include insufficient security, inadequate control, and lack of speed.
With the two basic types of LANs defined, it's important to understand that there are several varieties within each category, just as there's a range of uses for each type. What type of LAN you need depends on your intended use for it.
NetWare: A Client-Server Approach
Novell NetWare is an example of a client-server network. What sets the client-server network apart from the peer-to-peer network is the function of the file server. It, too, is a personal computer, but it runs an operating system such as NetWare to control the network. The file server controls all the workstations on the network in terms of how they access network resources. A network administrator manages the file server by overseeing network security, troubleshooting problems, and more.
The workstations connected to a NetWare network can still function as separate computers with their own operating systems. In fact, even when your computer is connected to a network, what you see on the screen may look the same as when you're not on a network. But when you access the file server, the work you send back and forth is subject to the rights and restrictions imposed by the network administrator. Often, the network administrator takes care of setting users up on the network, which entails physically connecting the workstation to the file server, as well as adding the user name and assigning a password. Users generally know just enough to get their jobs done on the network, but knowing a bit more of the way the network works can sometimes help guide you to some shortcuts and quick fixes that may simplify your networking tasks.
To begin, it's important to understand how a workstation communicates with the file server. First, there's the hardware connection, which consists of a networking card installed in the workstation with a cable that connects to the file server. The second piece of the puzzle is the software. The shell is the software needed for the workstation to communicate with the file server. The network administrator loads the shell onto each workstation. The shell directs your commands either to your own workstation or to the file server, depending on what kind of command it is.
To understand how the file server stores the information you send it, think of a file cabinet as an analogy. The file server is the cabinet. Within it are the drawers, or volumes (Within the drawers (volumes) are folders, or directories. Within those folders (directories) are pieces of paper, or files.
Used Cisco Equipment Q&A
If you take heed of the above advice, and find yourself in the right circumstance, eBay buying experiences can save you money - as long as you’re willing to take the steps needed to safeguard the transaction.
Here is some more background on used Cisco products:
(the following is excerpted from a post I wrote for Network World)
How soon do Cisco Routers and Switches become available Used?
2-3 Months after a product has been released new, you can typically find it used. This may come as a surprise to some who assume you can only find 2nd or 3rd generation hardware used. Due to bankruptcies, mistaken purchases, or demo units, it is possible to find the latest and greatest as well as EOL equipment.
Is Used Cisco the same as Gray Market Cisco?
No, Gray Market product is equipment that has been purchased new from another country in order to be sold in a region where the manufacturer charges more for it. Used Cisco hardware is just previously used equipment given a second life.
What condition of equipment should I expect from Used Cisco hardware?
Just because you're purchasing used equipment, you shouldn't have to settle for low quality. Cisco reman and used Cisco gear from legitimate brokers is typically in similar condition to what is currently in your datacenter. Occasionally dealers will offer further discounts on "ugly-duckling" equipment that functions but has some scratches or dings. You should be informed of this upfront though.
How are prices set on the used market?
The used Cisco market is an open market where equipment is traded as a second-hand commodity. Prices rise and fall based on perceived availability and demand in the marketplace. The best way to compare prices is to do so against other resellers because comparing against list is completely arbitrary. Depending on the model or feature, discounts can range from 30 to 90% off list.
When is the best time to buy?
Give yourself time to check out all of your options, but also know that used resellers can typically ship overnight if you're in a pinch. End of month, end of quarter and end of year are great times to buy as sales reps aim to meet their quotas.
Who buys Used Cisco?
Fortune 500s and SMBs alike. Individuals, resellers, government agencies and manufacturers, too.
Should you consider used Cisco?
You have to decide for yourself, but it is definitely worth getting a quote or two so that you can make an informed decision. Some users start with training or demo hardware and then move to development or production units if their confidence gets to that level.
Here is some more background on used Cisco products:
(the following is excerpted from a post I wrote for Network World)
How soon do Cisco Routers and Switches become available Used?
2-3 Months after a product has been released new, you can typically find it used. This may come as a surprise to some who assume you can only find 2nd or 3rd generation hardware used. Due to bankruptcies, mistaken purchases, or demo units, it is possible to find the latest and greatest as well as EOL equipment.
Is Used Cisco the same as Gray Market Cisco?
No, Gray Market product is equipment that has been purchased new from another country in order to be sold in a region where the manufacturer charges more for it. Used Cisco hardware is just previously used equipment given a second life.
What condition of equipment should I expect from Used Cisco hardware?
Just because you're purchasing used equipment, you shouldn't have to settle for low quality. Cisco reman and used Cisco gear from legitimate brokers is typically in similar condition to what is currently in your datacenter. Occasionally dealers will offer further discounts on "ugly-duckling" equipment that functions but has some scratches or dings. You should be informed of this upfront though.
How are prices set on the used market?
The used Cisco market is an open market where equipment is traded as a second-hand commodity. Prices rise and fall based on perceived availability and demand in the marketplace. The best way to compare prices is to do so against other resellers because comparing against list is completely arbitrary. Depending on the model or feature, discounts can range from 30 to 90% off list.
When is the best time to buy?
Give yourself time to check out all of your options, but also know that used resellers can typically ship overnight if you're in a pinch. End of month, end of quarter and end of year are great times to buy as sales reps aim to meet their quotas.
Who buys Used Cisco?
Fortune 500s and SMBs alike. Individuals, resellers, government agencies and manufacturers, too.
Should you consider used Cisco?
You have to decide for yourself, but it is definitely worth getting a quote or two so that you can make an informed decision. Some users start with training or demo hardware and then move to development or production units if their confidence gets to that level.
Seven Tips to buying Used Cisco on eBay
1) Communicate with the seller before the auction closes.
The “ask seller a question” button is your friend. It allows you to get answers to any questions that you might have about an item before you buy. Even if no burning questions come to mind, I still like to use this feature to make sure I’m dealing with a real person, and to gain some insight into how helpful of a seller they’ll be.
2) Check the freight cost.
Sure, a big Cisco Switch might look like a killer deal at $150 on eBay. But don’t get stuck buying it before you find out it is shipping from Australia and freight will be four times the purchase price. IT systems can be hefty, and accordingly, so can the freight. If there isn’t a flat fee listed or a way to calculate freight, then ask the seller for assistance.
3) Do a background check.
A surface level check can be done by looking at the number of previous sales and reading buyers’ feedback. I’m usually not comfortable unless I see at least 15 to 20 previous transactions with genuine feedback - not generically created. If the dollar amount is over $1000, I’ll look for a history of closer to 100 transactions or more.
4) Background Check 2.0: Go Deeper.
Trusting the seller is so important, that sometimes we have to look even further. If I don’t feel comfortable after examining the seller’s eBay history, then I might get a little bit more creative. I will contact them and ask them for some information about their business. If they happily submit information and give legitimate information to back it up (non-P.O. Box addresses, references, etc…) then I’m much more confident. Also, check to see if they mention their business in the listing and look it up on your favorite search engine.
5) Make comparisons off eBay.
Find something listed on eBay, but you’re not sure if it’s the best deal? Google it and you’ll find respected businesses that carry it. You’ll often find similar pricing, with warranties and customer service built-in that you wouldn’t get at auction.
6) Ask for a better deal.
Viewed an auction that didn’t sell? Ask the seller if they would lower their price for you and re-list it as a “buy-it-now” auction at your agreed upon price. You can also barter on shipping costs, or ask them to use your shipping account and not charge a fee. Some don’t go for it, but asking never hurts.
7) Buy-it-Now is not get-it-now.
Always check to make sure the lister still has the hardware, and what the lead time will be. I’ve found that sometimes companies or individuals post renewable listings, then forget about them. In the meantime, they’ve sold the item and no longer have it. If they do agree to fulfill the order, it can take weeks or months to receive the delivery - due to their need to source it. I used to think “Buy-it-now” was automatic, but now I always double check.
The “ask seller a question” button is your friend. It allows you to get answers to any questions that you might have about an item before you buy. Even if no burning questions come to mind, I still like to use this feature to make sure I’m dealing with a real person, and to gain some insight into how helpful of a seller they’ll be.
2) Check the freight cost.
Sure, a big Cisco Switch might look like a killer deal at $150 on eBay. But don’t get stuck buying it before you find out it is shipping from Australia and freight will be four times the purchase price. IT systems can be hefty, and accordingly, so can the freight. If there isn’t a flat fee listed or a way to calculate freight, then ask the seller for assistance.
3) Do a background check.
A surface level check can be done by looking at the number of previous sales and reading buyers’ feedback. I’m usually not comfortable unless I see at least 15 to 20 previous transactions with genuine feedback - not generically created. If the dollar amount is over $1000, I’ll look for a history of closer to 100 transactions or more.
4) Background Check 2.0: Go Deeper.
Trusting the seller is so important, that sometimes we have to look even further. If I don’t feel comfortable after examining the seller’s eBay history, then I might get a little bit more creative. I will contact them and ask them for some information about their business. If they happily submit information and give legitimate information to back it up (non-P.O. Box addresses, references, etc…) then I’m much more confident. Also, check to see if they mention their business in the listing and look it up on your favorite search engine.
5) Make comparisons off eBay.
Find something listed on eBay, but you’re not sure if it’s the best deal? Google it and you’ll find respected businesses that carry it. You’ll often find similar pricing, with warranties and customer service built-in that you wouldn’t get at auction.
6) Ask for a better deal.
Viewed an auction that didn’t sell? Ask the seller if they would lower their price for you and re-list it as a “buy-it-now” auction at your agreed upon price. You can also barter on shipping costs, or ask them to use your shipping account and not charge a fee. Some don’t go for it, but asking never hurts.
7) Buy-it-Now is not get-it-now.
Always check to make sure the lister still has the hardware, and what the lead time will be. I’ve found that sometimes companies or individuals post renewable listings, then forget about them. In the meantime, they’ve sold the item and no longer have it. If they do agree to fulfill the order, it can take weeks or months to receive the delivery - due to their need to source it. I used to think “Buy-it-now” was automatic, but now I always double check.
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