I read with great interest a recent article by InfoWorld contributing editor Matt Prigge titled, “When WAN optimization really boosts network performance.” In general, I agree with the bulk of Matt’s comments — storage vendors are getting better at replication over long distance, some WAN optimization products don’t benefit from every type of replication — [...]
Demystifying Deduplication
Jan 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment
If deduplication is not only a great way to cut your storage costs but also a good way to save on WAN costs, is that reduplication? Either way, deduplication has been around for a while and is pretty mature now, yet there have been a couple of reminders recently that it is still not as [...]
When “East-West” is More than Pacific to Atlantic
Oct 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
When discussing cloud computing, the term “East-West latency” often comes up as users on one coast of the US have found themselves using data centres on the opposite coast – and find that the user experience was not quite as they would wish. The direct distance between San Diego, California on the western seaboard to [...]
No WAN is an Island
Sep 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment
“No man is an island, entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” The timeless metaphor by English poet John Donne provides many applications for reflection. Far from being islands, Wide-area-networks (WANs) actually interconnect islands of technology, such as data centers, branch offices and islands of individual mobile [...]
When You Expect Fast But You Get Slow
Aug 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Most of us have pummeled the bottom of a reluctant ketchup bottle; waiting impatiently for the tangy, red condiment to flow onto our plate or burger. That’s similar to the frustration users feel when they try to download an application or web page, but have to wait, and wait, and wait! They might tap on [...]
Make Sure You Get the Right Fit
Jul 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Have you ever gone into your garage to build or repair something, but were unable to find the tools to do the job. I’ve experienced this more often than I care to remember. But, when I’m able to quickly find the tools I need, it’s not only very satisfying, it makes the project easier to [...]
Danger! Overload!
Jul 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
“I have a theory about the human mind. A brain is a lot like a computer. It will only take so many facts, and then it will go on overload and blow up.” – Erma Bombeck. Actually, the same thing holds true for the communication pipelines that drive today’s electronic commerce and business-to-business communications. Virtually [...]
The Best Remedy for Latency
Jun 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
“Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal.” – Mario Andretti I’m sure you’ve been in situations where you’re crunched for time; dashing to make an important meeting. But the simple three-minute walk to the meeting room takes 15 minutes as co-workers snag you along the way with questions, requests [...]
Caution: Merging Traffic Ahead
Mar 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment
I dread merging traffic signs. We all know what happens when the road we’re merging with another road: traffic congestion. It’s logical, right? When 30 cars on one road converge with 50 cars from another, a backup is eminent. (The 101 and 280 interchange in the Bay Area is a perfect example.) Network traffic experiences [...]
March Doesn’t Need to Make WAN Admins Go Mad
Mar 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Before I begin this post, full disclosure: I graduated from Duke University. So, when it came to writing about March Madness, I was the first to volunteer. I am also one of the biggest culprits that Colin Neagle (@colinneagle) refers to in his recent Network World article, “Controlling your March Madness Traffic Outbreak.” While I [...]
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