Opengear: Zero Touch Out-Of-Band

At Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live 2024, Opengear introduced significant enhancements in out-of-band management, transitioning to a zero-touch deployment model, enhancing their previous “light touch” system. The integration of the Lighthouse Service Portal and Smart Management Fabric plays a crucial role in enabling effortless connectivity across wide geographic areas, including via cellular connections. Although the update was well-received for its practicality for network engineers, concerns about latency and compliance with governmental security standards were noted, alongside an acknowledgment of Opengear’s dedication to evolving and responsive technological advances in network management. Read more in this LinkedIn Pulse article by Eric Stewart.


Taming Architectural Complexities of DCN Fabric Technologies with Cisco Nexus One Fabric Experience

Cisco’s Nexus One Fabric technology, as presented at Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live, aims to simplify the complexities of Data Center Network (DCN) fabrics by offering a unified, automated solution. The Cisco Nexus One Fabric Experience centralizes management, allowing users to efficiently oversee diverse networking environments while reducing operational overhead. Through this approach, Cisco addresses the challenges of modern, multi-layered data center architectures, enhancing visibility, control, and scalability for network operators. The solution is designed to streamline operations and support the evolving needs of today’s data centers. Read more in this article by Sulagna Saha for Gestalt IT.


Building Quantum-Resistant Encryption Systems, with Cisco

Sulagna Saha recently wrote about Cisco’s presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live US 2024, highlighting Cisco’s pivotal role in shaping quantum-resistant technologies to fortify encryption against emerging quantum threats. Cisco’s development of quantum switches, a Quantum Network Design Kit Simulator, and a Quantum Random Number Generator underlines its commitment to pioneering quantum network infrastructure. This initiative not only secures existing encryption methods from quantum computing risks but also advances the fields of cryptography and distributed computing.


Act on the Highest Priority Cyber Incidents with Speed and Success, with Cisco XDR

Cisco XDR enhances cybersecurity operations by implementing the OODA loop decision-making framework to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Security Operations Centers (SOCs). The system streamlines the process of identifying, prioritizing, and responding to cyber threats by aggregating data from various security tools and using analytics to automate responses. By focusing on high-priority incidents and adapting swiftly to new challenges, Cisco XDR fundamentally transforms incident management in SOCs. Read more in this article by Sulagna Saha for Gestalt IT following Cisco’s presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live.


Take Daily Measurements of User Experience across the Network with New DXA Innovations from Cisco ThousandEyes

When a user wants to use an app, the request goes through many paths and networks before reaching its destination, which makes it essential for network providers to have clear visibility of all these connections. ThousandEyes introduced new solutions at Cisco Live US 2024 to give a top-notch online experience by understanding network issues, monitoring cloud services, and analyzing traffic patterns for better performance. Read more in this article by Sulagna Saha for Gestalt IT following Cisco’s presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live.


Opengear: Bringing Zero Touch to Out-Of-Band Management

Following Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live 2024, Eric Stewart discusses Opengear’s advancements towards a zero-touch deployment model in out-of-band management. He emphasized the functionality of the Lighthouse Service Portal, which facilitates device connectivity, even via cellular links, enhancing network engineer accessibility. Despite some challenges with latency and compliance, Stewart praised Opengear’s proactive approach to incorporating feedback and refining their systems for diverse operational needs.


Cisco Redefines the Scope of Automation with Crosswork Solutions

Cisco is pushing the boundaries of network management with its innovative Crosswork solutions, emphasizing a holistic and scalable approach to automation across its entire networking portfolio. The Crosswork suite is designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve network visibility, and reduce complexities through sophisticated data analytics and machine learning capabilities. This strategic shift not only responds to the growing demands for more agile and resilient networks but also aligns with modern IT infrastructures’ need for automation to handle increasingly complex tasks. Read more coverage of Cisco Live by Sulagna Saha at Gestalt IT.


Cisco Shifts Direction with SD-WAN for Industrial IoT

Cisco is making significant strides in the Industrial IoT space with its latest directional shift toward SD-WAN technologies. This new strategy enhances connectivity and security for industrial environments, aligning with modern demands for robust, scalable network infrastructure. Writing for Gestalt IT, Sulagna Saha provides an in-depth analysis of how Cisco’s SD-WAN solutions are set to transform IoT deployments in industrial settings following their presentation at Cisco Live.


Cisco Revamps Meraki MX Platform With New Features, and Enables SNOC With XDR Integration

Sulagna Saha from Gestalt IT discusses the latest updates to Cisco’s Meraki MX platform, highlighting new features that enhance its capability as a secure networking solution. The platform’s integration with Secure Network Operations Center (SNOC) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) positions it as a robust tool for tackling complex security challenges. These advancements are set to offer businesses an improved, unified approach to managing and securing their networks. Read more in this article, inspired by Cisco’s presentation at Cisco Live!


Opengear Issues Critical Updates for Its Out-Of-Band Management Solution

Sulagna Saha reports on the updates released by Opengear for its out-of-band management solutions, emphasizing the importance of keeping such infrastructure secure and up-to-date. These updates address key security vulnerabilities and enhance the overall robustness of Opengear’s system, which is essential for maintaining remote network resilience. The article serves as a timely reminder for IT professionals to ensure their out-of-band management platforms are fortified against potential threats. Read more in this Gestalt IT article following Opengear’s presentation at Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live US 2024.


Interviewing Brandon Heller of Forward Networks About Digital Twin

Tom Hollingsworth delivers key insights from his interview with Brandon Heller of Forward Networks regarding the concept and applications of Digital Twin technology. Highlighting its utility in network management, Hollingsworth discusses how Digital Twins can simulate and analyze complex networking environments, providing a valuable tool for optimization and problem-solving. The conversation delves into the ways Forward Networks is leveraging Digital Twin to revolutionize the planning and operational capabilities for IT professionals. Watch the Gestalt IT interview recorded on-site at Cisco Live!


The Legacy of Cisco Live

Tom Hollingsworth reflects on the enduring legacy of Cisco Live, painting a vivid picture of its evolution from a modest professional gathering to a pivotal industry event. His article captures the essence of the conference’s growth, highlighting how it has become a touchstone for networking professionals to learn, collaborate, and be inspired by Cisco’s innovations. Hollingworth’s retrospective underscores the pivotal role Cisco Live plays in shaping the networking community and driving the industry forward.


Tech Field Day Session: Quantum Networking Initiatives at Cisco Live

The Futurum Group analyst Paul Nashawaty considers the latest advancements in Quantum Networking as presented during a Tech Field Day session at Cisco Live. The initiative highlights Cisco’s foray into quantum technologies and their potential integration with current networking frameworks. His piece foresees how these early discussions and pioneering initiatives around Quantum Networking are signposts for the future of connectivity and data processing.


AI is the New Blockchain

AI is at the top of the hype cycle and it feels unstoppable. Once upon a time blockchain was in the same place. In this episode, Tom Hollingsworth is joined by Evan Mintzer and Jody Lemoine.


Nerdy Summer Camp With Tech Field Day Extra at Cisco Live US 2024!

Tom Hollingsworth offers a preview of Tech Field Extra at Cisco Live US, likening it to a “nerdy summer camp” for IT professionals and enthusiasts. He emphasizes the value in bringing together a diverse group of delegates and industry leaders to exchange ideas, insights, and the latest technological trends. Join Tech Field Day live from Las Vegas for deep dives from various Cisco product organizations as well as Opengear and lots more!