IPv6 management tools lacking

Networking Technology Update This newsletter is sponsored by SolarWinds The Shortcut Guide to Network Management for the Mid-Market This guide outlines real-world technologies and processes to implement centralized management of your network infrastructure. Using the OSI FCAPS model as a framework, this eBook explains the critical components of fault, performance, configuration and security management, as well as network troubleshooting and diagnostics. Networking Technology Update, 06/13/07 IPv6 management tools lacking By Carolyn Duffy Marsan When it comes to network management software that supports IPv6, buyers should be wary. VoIP: Lessons from Early Adopters Experts say VoIP isnt a magic wand that will solve all of an organizations communications challenges right out of the box. Learn why VoIP may not produce expected savings and productivity gains, and other lessons from early adopters. Click Here to Watch An increasing number of network monitoring and management tools support IPv6, but these products often don’t include the full set of features available in IPv4. And few commercial offerings provide the extra capabilities needed for IPv6, an upgrade to the Internet’s primary protocol that has a new addressing scheme, built-in autoconfiguration and end-to-end security, among other features. “We deployed IPv6 many years ago, and from a network-centric point of view, there are still some basic things that aren’t there yet,” says Rick Summerhill, director of network research, architecture and technologies for Internet2, a next-generation network run by a consortium of U.S. universities. “We rely on [Cisco] NetFlow to analyze what goes on in our network, and that isn’t there yet for IPv6. It’s little things, like being able to do usage on our interface,” Summerhill says, pointing out that both routers and network management software are missing key features. “The ability to analyze your network in some way — that’s what’s still missing.” Summerhill says this gap in the ability of network management software to handle IPv6 leaves networks that are moving to the new standard vulnerable to attack. With new technology like IPv6, “you’re much more vulnerable to attacks or to malicious attempts to disrupt your network, and the ability to analyze those attacks when they happen is really important,” Summerhill says. For more on this story, please click here.

TODAY'S MOST-READ STORIES: 1. Wireless networks: The burning questions 2. Top 15 USB geek gadgets 3. Juniper feels growing pains 4. Bill Gates' Harvard commencement speech 5. Marriott's converged network 'horror story' 6. Vista not playing well with IPv6 7. 10 free virtualization tools worth noting 8. Slideshow: Juniper unveils the T1600 9. Juniper unveils giant router 10. Microsoft vs. Google MOST-READ REVIEW: Clear Choice Test: Blades vs. Racks

Contact the author: Network World Senior Editor Carolyn Duffy Marsan can be reached at cmarsan@nww.com This newsletter is sponsored by SolarWinds The Shortcut Guide to Network Management for the Mid-Market This guide outlines real-world technologies and processes to implement centralized management of your network infrastructure. Using the OSI FCAPS model as a framework, this eBook explains the critical components of fault, performance, configuration and security management, as well as network troubleshooting and diagnostics. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007