Modern applications have transformed how the world conducts business — driving unprecedented agility and innovation that push the boundaries of what’s possible. However, as applications continue to extend beyond private data centers and spread across multiple cloud service providers and in edge devices, organizations have lost critical visibility into these distributed environments. This observability gap has made it increasingly difficult — if not impossible — for network teams to diagnose application availability issues across multicloud, hybrid environments. In words familiar to the CCIE, “How does one plug a packet sniffer into the cloud?”.

At Cisco, we believe that innovation doesn’t have to come at the expense of a resilient network, and we’re teaming up with like-minded technology partners who share this core value. I’m excited to announce new integrations between Cisco and Amazon Web Services (AWS) that give network teams the visibility they need to quickly and accurately troubleshoot application availability issues across today’s dynamic multicloud networks.

Kernel-level visibility delivers true network observability

Multicloud visibility starts with deep workload observability applied at the kernel level. Isovalent (recently acquired by Cisco) are the co-creators of eBPF, Cilium and Tetragon — technologies that are already the de facto standard for cloud-native networking and security. For Kubernetes users, including those running on AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service (Amazon EKS), eBPF-based Cilium delivers networking, security and observability natively within Kubernetes environments. Every time a process reads a file, spawns another process or opens a network connection, eBPF code embedded in Cilium executes in the kernel, allowing it to gather detailed telemetries — such as TCP and UDP protocol data, packet loss and latency. Cilium is an open-source community project supported by Cisco. In addition, Isovalent Enterprise is offered as a step-up with additional capabilities in networking, observability and security.

The new integration between Isovalent Enterprise and AWS pushes networking telemetry directly to Amazon CloudWatch Network Monitoring where workload data can be correlated to actual network performance metrics in AWS environments. These insights can also flow into Splunk, where network teams can create unified dashboards that combine metrics from on-premises networks, cloud networks and application performance, and security teams can leverage this data for threat detection and policy enforcement.  Enriching workload visibility data with AWS network performance and making it available to Splunk enables real-time visibility into the entire AWS network fabric, giving network teams the level of observability and control they need to build and optimize truly agile environments that run today’s modern applications.

The deep integration in practice

Let’s see how the Cisco and AWS integration would work in the real world. One of our financial services customers recently migrated a critical trading application to AWS. The application was written so that certain workloads run in the cloud for scalability while keeping sensitive data on-premises for compliance. Their network team had sophisticated tools for monitoring on-premises performance but found that they had gaps in their network visibility when traffic moved to the cloud. It became difficult to distinguish between application issues and underlying network problems. When users complained about performance, the network team couldn’t tell if the problem was their application, the AWS network or somewhere in between.  The new, deep integrations between Cisco and AWS give our customer’s networking team detailed insights into process-level activity within all workloads. This allows them to monitor network performance metrics, visualize the entire application path and correlate all the data for rapid troubleshooting — all in one central management plane. What used to take days of finger-pointing between teams now takes minutes to resolve.

Providing a breadth of assurance and security capabilities

In addition to the integration covered above, Cisco ThousandEyes is also announcing general availability of Cloud Insights, a new multicloud product aimed at extending cloud infrastructure discovery and configuration changes to application performance. This new solution extends ThousandEyes’ well known path visualization capabilities into the AWS network and also correlates how traffic flow impacts application performance. By combining this with ThousandEyes’ existing network and application synthetics, you get true end-to-end assurance — from your data center, across the internet or Direct Connect and deep into the AWS infrastructure.

Finally, Cisco Hypershield builds on top of Isovalent technology, delivers the visibility above, and provides security controls at the workload and network level across multi-cloud and hybrid environments. Hypershield uses enhanced telemetry, AI analysis and recommendations to simplify security via its first use cases: Autonomous Segmentation and Distributed Exploit Protection.

Our new approach

The Cisco and AWS integration is a radically new approach to ensuring the availability of modern applications in today’s multicloud, hybrid environments. Today’s announcement brings together deep workload visibility, network performance monitoring, and security in a way that’s never been possible before.

Are you at AWS re:Invent Dec 2–6,2024, Las Vegas, NV?  Please visit us at Cisco booth #1332 and Splunk booth #1342.

For more information:

• Website — Isovalent
• AWS Feature — Network Monitoring
• Website — Cisco Hypershield
• ThousandEyes Solution — AWS Cloud Monitoring

Wi-Fi 8 prioritizes connection reliability over increasing headline speeds, aiming to make more effective use of the same tri-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) spectrum. It also introduces enhancements for popular mesh networking (multiple access points), more reliable connections in congested airspace, improved power efficiency for IoT devices, and greater signal reach—all of which enhance the user experience.

We’ve created a TL;DR alternative of our white paper in a new infographic that simplifies and guides you through the technologies expected to power the next Wi-Fi standard.

How we use computers has transformed dramatically. Today, they’re our primary tools for staying connected, managing finances, making payments, attending meetings, purchasing tickets, and researching complex issues. Given that some computers hold a lifetime of data, securing these powerful devices is essential. After all, identity theft, fraud, ransomware, and viruses are constant threats.

In honor of National Computer Security Day, we want to remind you to safeguard your network with advanced, evolving security measures.

Protecting Your Network from Emerging Threats:

AI & Sandboxing

Sandboxing enables rapid responses to newly identified threats, isolating them with the help of AI and cloud technologies.

Application Security & Control

Protects applications while offering detailed control over traffic optimization, including the ability to block undesirable applications.

Web Security & Reputation Filter

Features DNS Content Filtering and Reputation Filtering, with IP checking and categories synced to a constantly updated cloud database. This ensures even encrypted traffic remains visible and secure.

Malware & Ransomware Protection

Our anti-malware provides swift and effective protection against the latest malware threats, keeping your network safe from evolving risks.

What Zyxel Offers: A Comprehensive Network Security Solutions

Multi-Layered Network Security

Our network security solutions offer robust, multi-layered protection against internal and external threats. Utilizing industry-leading technologies, we eliminate blind spots—even in encrypted traffic—creating a safer access layer for every user.

Centralized Cloud Management with Nebula

Simplify and accelerate your network security deployment with Zyxel Nebula, our centralized cloud management platform. From synchronizing security profiles to managing user access, Nebula scales effortlessly to support your growing network needs.

Collaborative Detection & Response (CDR)

Contain compromised devices at the network edge before they can disrupt operations. Our CDR service enables Zyxel security firewalls to work in tandem with wireless access points, blocking or quarantining compromised client devices to prevent potential issues.

Protection Against Malware & Unauthorized Applications

Protect your business from external threats and unauthorized applications, ensuring smooth operations without costly downtime. Our unified management platform takes a collaborative approach to tackle complex security threats efficiently.

Zero Trust Security for Secure Remote Access

Built with Zero Trust principles, Zyxel Security Services provide secure remote access with a streamlined, user-centric management platform. This approach allows for flexible yet secure access control, safeguarding your network wherever users are—at headquarters, branch offices, on the go, or working from home.

Seamless Network Continuity Across Wired & Wireless Infrastructures

Operating with Zero Trust across wired and wireless networks is essential for modern business continuity. With Zyxel’s expanded network access services, your data remains safeguarded no matter where you are, ensuring safety and operational stability.

What we suggest:

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Equip your network with Zyxel’s powerful, scalable security solutions to protect your data from evolving threats. For more info about Zyxel’s secure network connectivity, click here.

A traditional WiFi router connects to your modem and delivers internet to your devices by producing WiFi and is limited to its WiFi range. On the other hand, Mesh Systems use a combination of a Mesh Router that connects to one or more satellites or nodes to produce WiFi from each unit. This allows the system to expand WiFi coverage throughout your home, without negatively impacting WiFi performance. For more on this topic consider visiting Orbi Mesh Systems vs. Nighthawk Routers.

This guide will help you decide which option suits your needs best, ensuring you stay connected everywhere in your home.

A trip to any major cybersecurity conference reveals vendors promoting the latest, cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, and many people willing to pay top dollar for them. But a closer look shows that the average user, and even some small businesses, are being left behind.

The majority of cybersecurity tools are created for the industry itself, which only exacerbates the cybersecurity skills shortage that’s been going on for years. Many of these solutions are so complex that a cybersecurity staff needs years of experience and expertise to operate them. Small businesses are at a significant disadvantage here, which only increases their security risk. The expertise required also creates a higher barrier to entry for cybersecurity jobs. It’s similar to a drugstore offering only prescription medications when most customers need over-the-counter (OTC) options.

From the devices we carry and the buildings where we work to the millions of terabytes transmitted around the world every day, our world runs on wireless technology. With the arrival of Wi-Fi 7, a new era of connectivity is upon us, promising unprecedented speed, reliability, and innovation. Choosing the right partner to navigate this new chapter is crucial. Here is where Cisco stands out as your ideal choice.

Key features of Wi-Fi 7 and solutions from Cisco

1. Increased speed and capacity

Cisco Wi-Fi 7 solutions deliver speeds up to 46 Gbps, nearly four times faster than Wi-Fi 6, ensuring seamless performance for bandwidth-heavy applications like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This capacity allows for rich, lag-free user experiences.

2. Smart, immersive spaces with Cisco Spaces

Included with every wireless license, Cisco Spaces turns Wi-Fi 7 into the foundation of intelligent, connected spaces. With AI-powered 3D mapping, IoT services, and real-time asset tracking, businesses can create immersive experiences—think hospitals tracking critical equipment or offices guiding employees to available meeting rooms.

3. A reimagined, simplified licensing model

Cisco Networking Subscription introduces a streamlined approach to deploying and managing Wi-Fi 7 networks. This new model unifies network management, simplifying operations and allowing organizations to adapt seamlessly as their network needs evolve.

4. Multi-link operation (MLO)

A standout feature of Wi-Fi 7, MLO allows devices to use multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This capability enhances reliability and reduces latency, providing a consistent, high-performance experience. Cisco Wi-Fi 7 solutions leverage MLO to set a new standard for wireless networks.

5. Enhanced security across all bands

Cisco Wi-Fi 7 enforces advanced security protocols, moving beyond outdated encryption standards to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure your network remains secure and resilient.

Unique innovations for Wi-Fi 7

Cisco Wi-Fi 7 access points are engineered with the future in mind, ensuring that your network infrastructure meets current demands while being adaptable for the coming years. Our unified subscription and hardware provide unmatched flexibility, enabling a seamless wireless management experience across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.

Moreover, the integration of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology allows Cisco Wi-Fi 7 access points to offer high-speed data transfer and centimeter-level location precision. This feature supports critical applications in logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing, enabling precise asset tracking and advanced location analytics.

Transformative potential spanning industries

Cisco Wi-Fi 7 solutions can unlock myriad new possibilities, with potential for:

• Enhanced social and meta experiences: Supporting immersive and interactive digital spaces.
• Revolutionized gaming and entertainment: Enabling high-quality, lag-free virtual reality and cloud-based gameplay.
• Empowered cloud computing: Providing greater efficiency for data-intensive processes.
• Industrial IoT advancements: Facilitating smart factory operations and real-time monitoring.
• Improved video conferencing: Elevating high-definition video quality and reliability to deliver seamless communication.

A vision for a more connected world

These innovations and features contribute to a larger vision that Wi-Fi 7 will help bring to life: a world that is more connected, secure, and capable of delivering enhanced digital experiences. Cisco’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve with advanced technology, simplified operations, and robust security makes it the trusted partner for businesses looking to embrace the future of wireless connectivity.