As more and more IT shops deploy multitier middleware platforms and frameworks for the delivery of business-critical application services, they are expecting to garner the benefits of the service-oriented architecture (SOA) or composite application development approach: agility, flexibility, productivity, and extensibility. 

The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) was developed to solve the problems caused by loops in a bridged, or switched, topology. Read this paper for useful knowledge of the Spanning Tree Protocol - knowledge that will be useful for the CCNA exam. 

ECI's 1Net architecture helps service providers converge core Ethernet and DWDM networks for increased service flexibility while lowering operating and capital expenses. ECI's converged network not only addresses the needs of operators, but also sets a new standard for network efficiency and service quality. Read this whitepaper to find out more. 

As services shift to IP protocols and bandwidth demands grow, Wireline Telcos and Cable MSOs alike must evolve their infrastructures to become IP centric. Read this whitepaper to learn more about the two paths service providers are taking to get to this new infrastructure and how they both end up in the same place. 

The way a switch learns Ethernet (MAC) addresses is by inspecting the Ethernet frame and recording the source MAC address in a dynamic table. The switch will also associate a learned MAC address with a port. It can then make intelligent forwarding decisions based on the destination MAC address. This white paper illustrates the process. 

In this white paper, we'll take a look at access control lists, often referred to as access lists or ACLs (sometimes pronounced "ackels"). 

Customers are confronting the confusing number of options and configurations when it comes to backing up and restoring their network attached storage servers. This paper addresses this by describing the best practices for protecting and recovering NAS devices utilizing the Network Data Management Protocol. 

The purpose of this white paper is to describe the benefits of a clustered architecture in comparison with traditional controller-based architectures, and to discuss the technology that makes HP LeftHand SANs better by design. 

Affordable data infrastructure solutions based on open standards that are inherently secure are now available to midsize organizations. Not only are they quick and easy to deploy, use and maintain, they are designed to meet the constraints of limited IT resources and budgets in the face of the current economic downturn. 

Data--Protect critical information anywhere it goes. Implementing data protection products and processes can be daunting. Make the right decisions by exploring what is available and what makes sense for your organization. Use this simple guide to evaluate different vendor offerings. 

Enterprise job scheduling is a mature and mission-critical IT capability that supports some of the most important business processes throughout a modern enterprise. This EMA whitepaper will review the implementation and benefits of agentless job scheduling. 

Read this E-Guide to learn some valuable information about WAN optimization. Topics include server consolidation, application acceleration, architectural challenges, accelerator placement, and more.