Year in review: Networking gets secure
Juniper Networks got the ball rolling in February with the $4 billion acquisition of NetScreen Technologies, which specialized in virtual private network and firewall technology.
In July, Microsoft and Cisco Systems began butting heads on security. Each announced plans to develop a comprehensive security architecture that would not only scan for viruses but also police networks to deny connections to machines that don't conform with security policies.
Cisco had introduced Network Admission Control (NAC) in 2003, but began delivering the first element of the architecture in its routers in early summer. Then in July, Microsoft launched its architecture, Network Access Protection (NAP). Initially, the two solutions weren't interoperable. By October, the two said they would team up to make sure their solutions were interoperable. More announcements are expected on this in 2005.
Juniper's acquisition of NetScreen expanded the company's business into the enterprise market for the first time, putting it in even closer competition with Cisco. During the summer, both companies launched new routers for the enterprise, each claiming to pack more security features.
Things also heated up in the core IP router market. In May, Cisco announced its next-generation router, the CRS-1, which uses new software. Juniper, which has been shipping its next-generation core router for more than two years, had taken advantage of its head start and gained significant market share over the past year.
The networking industry was also full of new technology advancements in 2004. In February, a standard was adopted to run 10gbps over copper cable. Prices fell dramatically on new 10-gigabit-per-second interfaces. As a result, the technology is starting to move from the academic and research communities to mainstream corporate networks. Ethernet also hit its stride among telephone operators and Internet service providers, which are now using it to provide broadband services to corporate customers in cities.
In March, Moonv6, the network used to test the Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6), completed its second phase. Since then, the virtual network has been open to companies and researchers who want to continue testing IPv6 applications. Researchers demonstrated voice transmission over the protocol in November using the Moonv6 network. While IPv6 is already being used in production networks in parts of Asia, full deployment in the United States is still years away.
Internet2, the research IP network developed by a consortium of universities and technology companies in 1996, finished upgrading its links to 10gbps. The network known as Abilene continues to serve universities and secondary schools all over the country.
Universities also banded together in 2004 to build the first research-based nationwide fiber network, National LambdaRail. The consortium, which consists of Internet2 and several universities and research groups, owns the fiber and plans to use the network to conduct experiments that require very high bandwidth. They also plan to conduct experiments on the network itself.
Juniper aims to secure Cisco rivalry
The company's $3.4 billion purchase of NetScreen gives it much-needed security clout and the ability to go where it swore it wouldn't: the low-end corporate market.February 9, 2004
10-Gigabit Ethernet comes alive
Price cuts are helping the two-year-old technology pick up steam in business networks.March 15, 2004
Next Net moves forward
The second phase of testing for the next generation of the Internet, known as IPv6, is complete--as it gets closer to a commercial launch in the United States.March 22, 2004
Cisco plans network software overhaul
A major overhaul of the Internetwork operating system is expected to bring long overdue improvements--and possible complications--to software that runs most of the world's routers.April 21, 2004
Cisco delivers high-end telecom router
The networking gear giant introduces a new high-end router for large telecommunications carriers that was code-named HFR for "huge fast router."May 25, 2004
Metro Ethernet cruises toward mainstream
New standards should help phone carriers and ISPs offer Ethernet services over existing networks.June 16, 2004
From Cisco, self-defense weapons for networks
Cisco upgrades to help networks defend themselvesJune 18, 2004
Faster Ethernet for the masses
Equipment makers introduce their highest-capacity 10-gigabit switches on lower-cost gear.June 21, 2004
Cisco preps new enterprise routers
Security and voice features top enhancements aimed at fending off market grab from rivals; Juniper at the gates.June 10, 2004
Internet2: 2004 and beyond
Experimental network excels at long-distance collaboration; researchers hope to up ante with hybrid optical packet infrastructure.August 24, 2004
Cisco, Microsoft in security showdown
"End to end" systems seen as next evolution in network defense, but incompatible products could hurt customers.September 17, 2004
Optical networking: The next generation
Forget Internet2. The National LambdaRail is the most ambitious network research project going.October 11, 2004
Cisco, Microsoft pledge security interoperability
The companies will share security features to help customers protect their networks from worms and viruses.October 18, 2004
Cisco's core router lead hangs on new product
It's crunch time for Cisco Systems' next-generation core router--the company wants to recover ground lost to rival Juniper Networks.December 1, 2004
Behind the headlines
Has telecom's 'next big thing' arrived?
Nortel fires CEO, other top execs
Juniper to invite Cisco to 'Pepsi' challenge
Eroding E-rate
Hyped start-up Procket for sale
Cisco offers justification for Procket deal
From Cisco, self-defense weapons for networks
Microsoft spearheads latest security partnership
Schools lose Net over E-rate freeze
Defense Dept. tests Net phone calls on IPv6