Communications News articles from February 2006

Communications News archives from February 2006

A threat to Google?(Viewpoint)
February 1, 2006... Type in a keyword on Google nowadays and you are liable to find millions of matches. Most, however, are probably not relevant to our search, and poring through page after page of Google results is not practical. A recent Google search for...

Dual-mode wireless on deck.(Trends)
February 1, 2006... As IP PBXs and enterprise wireless LAN (WLAN) deployments are becoming more ubiquitous, companies are beginning to deploy voice-overwireless-LAN solutions that are integrated with the corporate IP PBX. Dual-mode (WLAN/2.5G) solutions are the...

Market pulse.(Illustration)
February 1, 2006... MARKET PULSE Q: From the following list, which vendor has the best solutions to help your organization converge its core network onto a common IP platform? Cisco 56% Alcatel 9% Nortel 8% Lucent 5%...

Outsourced IT.(SHORT TAKES)
February 1, 2006... Black & Veatch, a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company, has announced a seven-year strategic relationship with EDS, which includes a full information technology services agreement. EDS will manage the IT...

Wireless voice.(SHORT TAKES)(St. John's Hospital)(Meru Network)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... St. John's Hospital of Springfield, Ill., has deployed Meru Network's wireless LAN system for a wireless VoIP network. "Our evaluation clearly demonstrated that Meru's WLAN system was the only solution that could provide seamless roaming for...

VoIP security is a concern.
February 1, 2006... A new report from the Information Security Forum (ISF) warns that along with existing security problems associated with IP networks, voice over IP (VoIP) will present new and more sophisticated threats, such as caller ID spoofing, voice...

Windows XP Security Solutions.(PUBLICATIONS)
February 1, 2006... Windows XP Security Solutions focuses on the desktop operating system features and helps administrators build effective security strategies for passwords, alternative Web browsers, the built-in security features of XP and file encryption,...

Voice over IP First-step.(PUBLICATIONS)
February 1, 2006... Voice over IP First-step teaches how voice and data communications merge in VoIP technology. The reader-friendly guide explores the benefits and real-life applications through case studies and plain-language descriptions, www.ciscopress.com

Wireless state.(SHORT TAKES)
February 1, 2006... The State of Kansas has selected Alcatel for its wireless LAN switches and access points for use throughout the state's facilities. The contract includes products from Alcatel's OmniAccess wireless LAN (WLAN) switch family, a next-generation...

Mission critical.(SHORT TAKES)
February 1, 2006... The Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) is purchasing a $6.9 million Motorola mission-critical wireless communications system for Baltimore/ Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWl).The new system will provide MAA personnel...

New viruses expected.(Trends)
February 1, 2006... Panda Software contends that last year marked a turning point with respect to Internet threats, particularly notable for the absence of the kind of massive virus epidemics caused by malicious code such as LoveLetter, Sasser or Blaster. On the...

VoiceCon.(EVENTS)(Calendar)
February 1, 2006... VoiceCon, March 6-9, Orlando, includes tutorial sessions, thought leader presentations and exhibits focused on the migration in enterprise voice networking from traditional technologies to IP telephony solutions. www.voicecon.com

CTIA Wireless.(EVENTS)(Calendar)
February 1, 2006... CTIA Wireless, April 5-7, Las Vegas, brings in the traditional wireless audience of network providers, carriers and manufacturers, as well as enterprise end-users. www.ctiawireless.com

InfoSec World Conference and Expo.(EVENTS)(Calendar)
February 1, 2006... InfoSec World Conference and Expo, April 3-5, Orlando, features keynote addresses and learning sessions for real-world strategies and cutting-edge techniques needed to secure critical data, reduce risk and strengthen systems. www.misti.com

Feedback.(Trends)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... I would like to comment on your "Flying Blind no Longer" article in the November 2005 issue of Communications News. Stephen Fox of Cable One discusses how difficult it is to track basic statistics, such as average call time, total call volume,...

2005 Editors' choice awards: large companies and small are honored for outstanding editorial contributions in nine technology topics.
February 1, 2006... The 2005 Editors' Choice Awards recognize the outstanding editorial contributions of 19 companies, with 10 first place awards and nine honorable mentions selected this year-but choosing this year's winners among the numerous informative and...

Is your LAN performing properly? Proper, automated analysis is necessary to enhance quality of services, security and applications delivery.(Special focus: enterprise WAN)
February 1, 2006... Analyzing LAN performance is complicated because of a number of factors. One is the need to get detailed insight into the complex interaction between the LAN and the applications that use it. This helps determine whether performance problems...

AFE accelerates applications.(Special focus: enterprise WAN)(application front ends)(TriNet)
February 1, 2006... Last year, TriNet, a leading provider of human resources services, decided to evaluate its existing infrastructure and weigh possible options to optimize and accelerate its software solutions. Based in the San Francisco Bay area, TriNet...

Monitoring tool aids performance: proactive capacity analysis and planning are addressed before they get out of control.(Special Focus: Enterprises WAN)
February 1, 2006... Network reliability is an important consideration for AgriBank FCB, a wholesale lender and provider of business services for the 7th District Farm Credit Services. "For us and our clients, network reliability is critical," says Doug Anderson,...

Buyers guide: companies listed in this Enterprise WAN buyers guide can assist you in selecting the products and services that work host for your organization.(Special Focus: enterprise WAN)(Buyers Guide)
February 1, 2006... E-MAIL PRODUCTS/SERVICES BellSouth 404-249-2000 www.bellsouth.com Communigate Systems 415-383-7164 www.communigate.com Copia International 630-388-6900 www.copia.com IP Unity Corp. 408-582-1100...

SSL monitoring.(Special Focus: enterprise WAN)
February 1, 2006... The ProxySG platform brings visibility into, and granular control over, encrypted secure socket layer (SSL) communications between internal corporate employees and external Internet applications. The appliance, with SSL proxy functionality,...

Ethernet over T-3.(Special Focus: enterprise WAN)
February 1, 2006... The RICi-E3 and RICi-T3 intelligent converters connect Fast Ethernet LAN over E-3 or T-3 circuits. They enable service providers and ISPs to provide transparent Ethernet services without interfering with user traffic. Although Fast Ethernet can...

WAN analysis service.(Special Focus: enterprise WAN)(Network Analyst)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Network Analyst is a comprehensive, service-embedded wide-area network (WAN) traffic-analysis service that simplifies and tracks application performance and data streams flowing anywhere across a company's WAN. Embedded in the virtual private...

Monitoring without probes.(Special Focus: enterprise WAN)(Stealth Watch System 5.1)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Stealth Watch System 5.1 includes enhanced operational reporting, extended flow visualization and the Stealth Watch Xe for sFlow appliance, an anomaly detection solution to leverage sFlow data that is natively available in routers and switches...

Enterprise ADSL routers.(Special Focus: enterprise WAN)
February 1, 2006... The DL700 ADSL2+ Router and DL710 ADSL2+ Router represent a cost-efficient, all-in-one solution that comes with an integrated ADSL modem, full-scale routing capabilities, stateful inspection firewall, Ethernet switch, quality-of-service...

WAN security service.(Special Focus: enterprise WAN)
February 1, 2006... Managed Premises-based Security Services go beyond providing network infrastructure to provide the end-to-end security services that protect an enterprises's IT assets. The services assist enterprises with preventing, detecting and mitigating...

ITIL helps keep network fit: the health of Layer 1 will impact the performance of all other aspects of the network.(Cabling Infrastructure)(Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
February 1, 2006... While organizations invest in tools that monitor the health of applications, packet flow and dozens of other network parameters, most completely ignore the foundation layer of those networks-Layer 1-where the cables, routers, switches, wall...

PoE without the 'unwiring'.(Cabling Infrastructure)(power over Ethernet)
February 1, 2006... The emergence of power over Ethernet (POE) enables companies to leverage their existing cable infrastructure to support long distances and expanding networks. With PoE, power and data can be run over the same four-pair Category 5 cable,...

Universal cable tester.(Infrastructure Products)(Unidapt adapter kits)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Designed to detect open and short faults in coaxial cable assemblies, the RFA-4018-20 tester is constructed with the Unidapt universal connector system that allows testing virtually any connector with the attachment of the adapters from the...

PoE patch panel.(Infrastructure Products)
February 1, 2006... The PowerTrac Powered Infrastructure Panel System incorporates Category 6 transmission performance, mid-span power source functionality (per IEEE 802.3af), asset management and security functionality. The panel is totally standards compliant...

Zero-rackspace PDU.(Infrastructure Products)
February 1, 2006... The VPC2863 is a three-phase vertical power-distribution unit that includes current metering on each phase to properly balance and load the system. The unit can be configured with .30 receptacles, of either the 15-amp three-prong or 20-amp...

Voltage regulated UPS.(Infrastructure Products)
February 1, 2006... The AVRSSOU and AVR750U UPS systems protect office computers, workstations, modems, printers and other computer peripherals. Up to 750VA of battery backup, plus automatic voltage regulation and surge protection, safeguard all types of power...

Cable manager.(Infrastructure Products)
February 1, 2006... Snake Loop is a cable manager that creates a service loop to future proof a copper and fiber cable plant. The cable manager easily installs to a rack, ladder, wall or ceiling to create a service loop for extra cables. Expansions and changes to...

Patch panels.(Infrastructure Products)
February 1, 2006... Uniprise UNP500 Category 5e Patch Panels are 19-inch, rack-mounted patch panels designed for quick and repeatable configuration of Category 5e circuits. Available in 18-, 24- and 48-port versions, the panels include terminations for either...

Make WLANs more secure: here are six attributes to look for when selecting a wireless network for your organization.(Wireless)
February 1, 2006... A Properly designed and planned wireless LAN can be more secure than our wired network. Today, you an be completely sure that only authorized wireless LAN users will gain access to resources if services are provided using identity-based...

Market pulse.(Illustration)
February 1, 2006... MARKET PULSE Q: Approximately what percent of your organization's total office and other site location square footage currently has Wi-Fi access? % of respondents answering 100% 10% 91-99%...

The importance of planning.(Wireless)
February 1, 2006... Voice over Wi-Fl (VoWi-Fi) is an increasingly popular application for Wi-Fi networks. Multiple VoWi-Fi phones are available now and one recent survey shows that more than 30% of enterprises are planning to add this application in the short...

Wireless conference phone.(Wireless Products)
February 1, 2006... The Bluetooth Conference Phone (BTC) is compatible with the company's range of SIP IP phones, as well as mobile phones. Having just three buttons, the phone is paired with any Bluetooth phone. Calls can be originated on either phone with...

All-in-one access.(Wireless Products)
February 1, 2006... Designed to provide remote offices consistent QoS and security for both wireless and wired users, the Converged Access Point (CAP) features integrated 802.11 b/g wireless LAN access. The CAP offers an all-in-one package that combines a VoIP...

Wireless print server.(Wireless Products)
February 1, 2006... The EZ Connect g 2.4GHz 54-Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Print Server (SMCWPS-G) connects to any USB printer via a USB 2.0 connector, and to the LAN via a built-in Ethernet port or the device's on-board 802.11g wireless capability. The print server's...

High-speed connectivity.(Wireless Products)
February 1, 2006... The RangeMax 240 Wireless Router increases wireless speeds up to 240 Mbps, eliminating dead spots and providing fast-enough wireless speeds to support simultaneous bandwidth-intensive applications, such as high-definition video, voice-over-IP...

Threat detection and prevention.(Wireless Products)
February 1, 2006... The InCharge RF Manager, an option for the company's Intelligent MultiService System, provides a single integrated infrastructure with network access and RF security capabilities. The system ensures consistent RF performance and provides...

Control technology secures network: virus attack over its WAN links spurs Las Vegas Review-Journal to use LAN controller.(Network Security)
February 1, 2006... Nearly three years ago, the Las Vegas Review-Journal (LVRJ) got a bug. The Blaster virus had infected the company's LAN through a WAN connection, quickly propagating itself throughout the organization's infrastructure across the country. Steven...

Security appliance.(Security Products)
February 1, 2006... The EdgeForce M Series of unified threat-management platforms features integration of CA's eTrust virus and spyware protection application. The platforms run on a Linux-based, security-hardened operating system that integrates firewall, VPN,...

RF monitoring.(Security Products)
February 1, 2006... The BlueSecure Centralized Intrusion Protection System (IPS) is able to monitor an entire building with a single sensor using always-on RF protection, so a company never misses a malicious attack on its wireless network. In addition, the IPS...

SMBs can access VolP capabilities: hosted VolP solutions deliver flexibility and total cost of ownership benefits.(Voice Networks)
February 1, 2006... Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are typically left behind in the technology power curve-given their limited budgets, their lack of buying power to gain bulk cost efficiencies and the expense associated with new technologies. When it comes...

Asset management.(General Products)
February 1, 2006... Designed to be affordable for small to midsize companies, NetSupport DNA 2.5 is a tool for inventorying and managing IT assets. The dynamic network administration software includes hardware and software inventory, software distribution,...

Monitoring and logging.(General Products)
February 1, 2006... CyberGauge 6.5 bandwidth-monitoring software helps companies avoid paying over-bandwidth fees and provides detailed documentation for audits and compliance. The solution helps network administrators monitor and manage their Internet bandwidth...

PoE switch.(General Products)
February 1, 2006... The Fastlron Edge X-Series 424-Power Over Ethernet switch (FES X424-POE) combines 24 ports of 10/100/1000 Mbps with IEEE 802.3af power over Ethernet, redundant modular power supplies and 10-Gigabit Ethernet in a compact form. The switch model...

Storage enclosure.(General Products)
February 1, 2006... The Storage Tower consists of a sturdy aluminum enclosure, with two cooling fans and a 220-Watt power supply. The enclosure can accommodate up to four full-height optical drives or five 3.5" hard drives, or any combination of these devices or...

One portal, many services.(General Products)
February 1, 2006... Secure Collaboration is a full-featured collaboration solution that includes remote help desk, Web conferencing, instant messaging, secure VoIP chat and other tools, all integrated with the company's SSL VPN. The secure-access solution provides...

Mac and PC: side by side.(IT Insight)(Interview)
February 1, 2006... Steven Olsen, the infrastructure manager for the Las Vegas Review-Journal (LVRJ), has spent most of his attention over the last year and a half en updating the company's Macintosh and PC desktops and servers. In an interview with Associate...