NetEqualizer News: August 2016

August 22, 2016 — netequalizer

We hope you enjoy this month’s NetEqualizer Newsletter. Highlights include Release 8.4 feedback, a preview of our new Quick Start Guide, an update on our 20 Gbps unit, and DDoS news.

 

August 2016

 
Release 8.4 feedback, and more!
Greetings! Enjoy another issue of NetEqualizer News.

art photo for NL

As the end of summer nears, here at APconnections we are basking in the glow of our latest 8.4 software release. Since our last newsletter, which announced that our 8.4 Release was generally available, we have been fully focused on deploying it. Our updated 8.4 GUI has been well-received, as you can read about in this month’s newsletter.

Also this month, we officially release our latest Quick Start Guide, updated for 8.4. Stay tuned for more to come on 8.4 documentation in next month’s newsletter.

Never one to rest on our laurels, we are now focused on the future – and this month you can read about our push for 20Gbps shapers. We also are enhancing our DDoS Firewall offering, to continue to bring you state-of-the-art protection.

We continue to work with you to solve some of your most pressing network problems – so if you have one that you would like to discuss with us, please call or email me anytime at 303.997.1300 x103 or art@apconnections.net.

And remember we are now on Twitter. You can follow us @NetEqualizer.

– Art Reisman (CTO)

In this Issue:

:: Release 8.4 Feedback

:: Release 8.4 Quick Start Guide

:: Is a 20Gbps NetEqualizer in Your Future?

:: More DDoS News

:: Best of Blog: Bandwidth Shaping Shake Up

Release 8.4 Feedback

Release 8.4 has been a hit!

Release 8.4 has been well received! We have had a good number of compliments so far on the new interface. Here is a sampling…

—
Thanks for chiming in early on holiday Sunday. We do know we can count on you guys! The new interface looks fantastic. Easy access to often used information. It’s clean, neat and modern. Well done!
—
Your instructions were great! The upgrade is complete… very smooth!
—
Still haven’t taken the time to thank you for the wonderful GUI upgrade – BIG IMPROVEMENT, THANK YOU!
—

The new release offers a complete overhaul of the previous user interface and enhances all of our setup and reporting screens. Here are just a few of the improvements we’ve made:

1) Bulk editing of your configuration. You can now make any number of changes to the configuration with one save!

mpxGG3D

2) New dashboard interface. The Release 8.4 dashboard offers a new real-time report, information about your NetEqualizer and running processes, as well as quick links to setup, reporting, and maintenance screens. 

78942211-3c78-4d37-9836-05ecb982e1f7

3) Perform quick edits without restarting Equalizing. If you just need to make a minor change, you can do so without impacting your busy network!

8.4 perform_quick_edits

Contact us today to update your NetEqualizer to Release 8.4! We also love hearing feedback from those of you who have been using Release 8.4!

As with all software releases, the 8.4 Release will be free to all customers with valid NetEqualizer Software and Support (NSS).
Release 8.4 Quick Start Guide

 Our new Quick Start Guide is here!

We are excited to announce that our Quick Start Guide has been updated to incorporate our recent 8.4 Release! Screenshot at Aug 22 14-27-51

This short guide contains 4 key sections to help you to set up & configure your NetEqualizer:

Step #1) Cabling the NetEqualizer into your Network
Step #2) Configuring the NetEqualizer
Step #3) Setting up Equalizing
Step #4) Validating & Backing up your Configuration

We also include three appendices, to further help with your setup:

Appendix #1) Viewing your Traffic
Appendix #2) Troubleshooting your Setup
Appendix #3) Syncing NetEqualizer to a Time Server

While used mainly to set up new equipment, this is a good reference if you want to revisit your settings. In addition, if you have not started using Real-Time Reporting (RTR), use Appendix #1 to get started.

We also recommend that you take a look at this to set your date/time and time zone (see Step #2), as well as to sync your NetEqualizer to a Time Server (see Appendix #3).

Stay tuned to our newsletter for updates on all of our 8.4 documentation releases!
Is a 20Gbps NetEqualizer in Your Future?

More Breaking News!

One of the advantages of the NetEqualizer and our underlying technology is that we do our shaping based on heuristics that can be collected quickly without requiring massive amounts of CPU resources. Traditional packet shaping technology that relies on heavy packet inspection cannot keep up with speeds over 5 Gbps without a complex set of parallel processors, which tend to drive product costs out of practical reach.

Hot on the heals of our Release 8.4, we are turning our attention toward a new class of bandwidth shaping solutions capable of handling 20 Gbps of throughput – while keeping the price tag well below anything else on the market. We will have more details in the coming months as we continue our in-house testing. Look for a formal announcement this fall, and feel free to contact us for more details before then!

airportMore DDoS News

Exciting enhancements to our DDoS Product!

More news on the DDOS front. We will be making some enhancements to our DDOS firewall this fall! Specifically, we will be adding a new feature to block/warn on external IP’s based on their total number of incoming connections. Currently our DDOS warning system triggers on the rate of data coming in from unknown external entities, however we do not have a total concurrent connection count alert specific to outside IP addresses. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks, and please email us your ideas for additional DDoS protection as you encounter any suspected issues on your network.
Best Of Blog

Bandwidth Shaping Shake Up

By Art Reisman
 
If you went to sleep in 2005 and woke up 10 years later you would likely be surprised by some dramatic changes in technology.
Smart cars that drive themselves are almost a reality
The desktop PC is no longer a consumer product
Wind farms now line the highways of rural America
Layer 7 shaping technology is now clinging to life, crashing the financials of several companies that bet the house on it
What happened to layer 7?
Photo of the Month
 

SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA

Remember those great roadside attractions?
This cheesy roadside attraction near Oakley Kansas off I-70 has come to end. I drove by it this summer and noticed the signage was down. The elderly operator had mentioned a few years ago that “times were not what they used to be” in the heyday of the 70’s. People were just not stopping anymore. Not only did it feature the world’s largest prairie dog as depicted in the photo, they also had a five-legged cow, a rattle snake pit, and a variety of North American animals in small cages. Although I felt bad for the animals and did not like to see them cooped up like that, I’ll miss the nostalgic charm of an era gone by.
APconnections, home of the NetEqualizer | (303) 997-1300 | Email | Website 
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NetEqualizer News: June 2016

June 30, 2016 — sandyapconnections

We hope you enjoy this month’s NetEqualizer Newsletter.  Highlights include our Release 8.4, an update on the ASCUE conference, a note about a possible 20Gbps NetEqualizer, and also a testimonial from one of our airport customers.

June 2016
Release 8.4 is here!
Greetings! Enjoy another issue of NetEqualizer News.

art photo for NL

Wow! It has been hot here in Denver the past few weeks. We went from May snow, to temperatures over 100 in just over 30 days. I prefer the snow, as I am not much of a hot weather person.

Speaking of heat, the pressure has been on us to get our 8.4 Release out this month. Breaking news – just in, the test team has just sent me a note that we are are ready for delivery on 8.4!

If you have feedback, ideas, or questions for me, please email me anytime at art@apconnections.net.

And remember we are now on Twitter. You can follow us @NetEqualizer.

– Art Reisman (CTO)

In this Issue:

:: NetEqualizer Release 8.4 Is Here!

:: ASCUE Update

:: Is a 20Gbps NetEqualizer in Our Future?

:: NetEqualizer at the Airport

:: Best of Blog: Virtual Internet Presence in the Netherlands Thwarts TV Blackout
NetEqualizer Release 8.4 Is Here!

8.4 is now Generally Available

We are excited to announce that Release 8.4 is now Generally Available! You can read all the details on Software Update 8.4 in our 8.4 Release Notes. And for those of you that have not heard already, here are the key updates to look forward to in 8.4:

#1) Graphical User Interface (GUI) Redesign

8.4 introduces a complete GUI redesign, finishing the GUI transition that we started with our 7.1 Real-Time Reporting (RTR) offering. Our new GUI is easier to navigate and more intuitive. Our logical groupings, such as Setup and RTR, make it easier than ever to find what you need. We now also enable you to select the units that you want to see for your entire GUI via Preferences. And now the GUI includes error checking to look for common data validation errors such as properly formed IP addresses and valid positive integers where required.  Additionally, we have expanded our warning and error messaging, to help ensure that your configuration is valid.

#2) The Updated NetEqualizer Dashboard 

The new NetEqualizer Dashboard gives you a quick view into the state of your NetEqualizer and your network, while providing access to all the key features of your NetEqualizer. From here you access our four core areas:
  • Setup – Use this to configure your NetEqualizer
  • RTR – Use this to monitor network connections and report traffic history
  • DDoS – Use this to view possible DDoS attacks
  • Maintenance – Use to view documentation and troubleshoot your NetEqualizer.

You can also utilize shortcuts to four Common Tasks (Start/Stop Equalizing, Show Configuration, View Active Connections, and Run Diagnostics). On our new Dashboard, all icons are clickable, so that you can drill into each area to view more details and edit as needed. We also think that you will enjoy seeing your current network traffic right on the dashboard via our new ticker tape type live monitor.

#3) Batch Configuration!

You now will have the ability to add, delete, and most importantly, modify, all of your Traffic Limits in a spreadsheet-type format from the GUI using Manage Traffic Limits.  This capability is a great feature to have in place when you are initially setting up your NetEqualizer, and also allows you to modify rules as your network changes. Manage Traffic Limits includes defining Hard Limits, Pools and VLAN Limits (Shared Limits), Masked Hosts, and User Quotas.

We also offer batch configuration for your P2P Limits (via Connection Limits) and Priority Traffic.
During batch configuration, we highlight all field changes to help you identify unsaved changes, and also include data validation error checking against your fields.
Please note: Batch Configuration changes require a full Equalizing Restart in order for your changes to take effect.  

#4) Perform Quick Edits

While batch mode can help you to initially configure your NetEqualizer and also support network changes, we also wanted to maintain your ability to make quick changes on the fly without bringing down your NetEqualizer process. Perform Quick Edits enables you to do just that. We have kept the ability for you to delete and add Individual Rules across all areas (Hard Limits, By Pool, By VLAN, Masked Hosts, User Quotas, P2P Traffic, and Priority Traffic), without needing to stop and restart Equalizing.

Please note: Perform Quick Edits do NOT require a full Equalizing Restart, as changes take effect upon saving.  For this reason, Perform Quick Edits does not include rule modifications – for that you use Manage Traffic Limits, Limit P2P Traffic, and Manage Priority Traffic.

8.4 perform_quick_edits

#5) Usability Enhancements

In addition to all the other great features in 8.4, we have added or enhanced the following:

  • You can now set the Date and Time, as well as the Time Zone, via the NetEqualizer GUI.
  • Run Diagnostics now offers the ability to save the generated data as a .txt file, that you can download and email to Support.
  • We have removed the information-only penalty threshold from the NetEqualizer Log, as it was confusing.
  • We have changed the Default Penalty Unit to 1, which works better with video traffic.
  • We have added DNS name resolution to all tabular reports in RTR via DHCP.
  • We have added Password Verification to the GUI.

Contact us today to update your NetEqualizer to Release 8.4!
As with all software releases, the 8.4 Release will be free to all customers with valid NetEqualizer Software and Support (NSS).
ASCUE Update

 Shaping Bandwidth – Learning to Love Netflix on Campus

As we mentioned in last month’s newsletter, one of our long-time customers, Hollis Townsend, Director of Technology Support and Operations at Young Harris College, spoke about his experience with the NetEqualizer in his talk at ASCUE.  Hollis’ presentation was titled “Shaping Bandwidth – Learning to Love Netflix on Campus”.

In case you missed Hollis’ presentation at the ASCUE Conference (June 12th-16th, 2016), I have enclosed some of the best excerpts here. Hollis presentation is a great case study into how the NetEqualizer can be used to affordably solve network congestion issues in campus environments. 

When Young Harris was looking to replace their Packeteer in 2007,
their wish list for their new solution was the following:

  •  Needed to be inexpensive to buy
  •  Inexpensive to maintain
  •  Web interface
  •  Easy to Maintain or Self Maintaining
  •  Expandable

After reviewing the market, in July 2007, Young Harris purchased a NetEqualizer to solve their network congestion issues and to replace their Packeteer. They have since upgraded their NetEQ as their network has grown over the years, and currently run an NE3000 with a 1Gbps license.  Here are their results:

They have significantly reduced costs.
  • They have spent significantly less than what they did on Packeteer.
  • They took advantage of our Lifetime Buyer Protection Policy of 50% trade-in credit towards new hardware, when they upgraded.
They find the NetEqualizer self-maintaining.
  • Virtually no time spent running the machine
  • About a 1 hour set up from the box to the rack and fully operational
  • Can view reports when desired
  • Literally months will go by with out anyone checking on it  
Students don’t complain and video can run. They had zero File Sharing notices in 2015 & 2016.
  • Students do not complain about bandwidth, just wireless coverage
  • System looks at flows, when bandwidth is over 80 percent, it starts shaping only the heavy users
  • Email, web surfing, gaming never gets shaped at all
  • Netflix, and most streaming services will adapt to low bandwidth on the fly
  • Most never see that they have been shaped, as once the peak is past bandwidth is returned to normal
  • Encrypted payloads don’t matter as it looks at the stream, not the content
  • File sharing is eliminated / reduced as it also is set to not allow a user to exceed multiple streams (over 45) from any single source.

Thank you Hollis for sharing your experiences with the NetEqualizer! 

ASCUE fitbit_winnerWe are also happy to announce that the door prize winner of the Fitbit fitness watch was Jacqueline Stephen of Mercer University in Georgia. You can see a picture of our happy winner here.

ASCUE is the Association Supporting Computer Users in Education and they have been around since 1968. Members hail from all over North America. ASCUE’s mission is to provide opportunities for resource-sharing, networking, and collaboration within an environment that fosters creativity and innovation in the use of technology within higher education.
Is a 20Gbps NetEqualizer in Our Future?

More Breaking News!

Hot on the heels of our newly-released 8.4 Software Update, we have begun testing a couple of new hardware configurations for our NetEqualizer systems. In our next generation systems, we hope to achieve a commercial version capable of shaping 50,000 subscribers at speeds at or above 20 gigabits.

Look for an update in next month’s NetEqualizer News!
airportNetEqualizer at the Airport

Airport Congestion – No Problem for the NetEqualizer!

eiaThe next time you are waiting in the terminal trying to send a few last minute e-mails over the public WiFi, please don’t blame us.
If your connection is dragging, you are probably dealing with an installation where congestion control was an afterthought.

Airports with NetEqualizers at their head tend to be very responsive. Here is what Edmonton Regional Airport Authority, one of our customers, had to say…

Their NetEqualizer Configuration

“We presently use two NE3000 units for internet traffic control and monitoring in a redundant setup. At present we have a maximum of 600Mbps internet throughput with over 300 IP addresses in use in some 120+ address Pools.

(NetEqualizer is)… A very useful tool for us for monitoring and setting speeds for the many users. Most of the feeds come straight off our Campus network, which is spread over a seven kilometer distance from one end of the airdrome to the other. We also feed a number of circuits to customers using ADSL equipment in the older areas were fiber is not yet available.

Everything runs though the “live” NE3000!”

How the NetEqualizer has helped EIA 

Controllability and monitoring is key for our customers as they pay for the speed they are asking for. With the RTR Dashboard we continually monitor overall usage peeks to make sure we provide enough bandwidth but more importantly with individual customers. Many customers are not sure of how much bandwidth they need so using the Neteq we can simply change their speed and watch the individual IP and/or Pool usage to monitor.

This becomes especially useful now as many customer including ourselves use IP telephony to remote sites, so we need to maintain critical bandwidth availability for this purpose. That way when they or we have conference calls for example, no one is getting choppy conversations. All easily monitored and adjusted with the Dashboard and Traffic Management features.

We also have used the Neteq firewall feature to stop certain attack threats and customer infected PCs or servers from spewing email or other reported outbound attacks, not a fun thing but it happens.”

“Overall a very critical tool for our success in providing internet to users and it has worked very well for the past 8 or more years!”

Willy Damgaard 
Network and Telecom Analyst 
Edmonton Regional Airport Authority, IT Department
 
Thanks for the kind review, Willy!  
Best Of Blog

Virtual Internet Presence in The Netherlands, Thwarts TV Blackout

By Anonymous Guest
 
A few months ago I got rid of my Cable TV.  Other than a few sports networks, I never watched the other 507 channels.  Once free from that expensive local bundle, I  subscribed directly to MLB.tv for 1 year for about $100 a year, less than one months cable bill. It turned out there was one small hitch in my plan. Whenever I tried to watch my local Rockies , it is blacked out on the MLB.tv service in deference to their contractual obligations with their other distributor. ( my old cable company).  It seems the MLB.tv is smart enough to know where you are watching from based on your IP address…
Photo of the Month
 
lebronLeBron James
This photo is a copy of an acrylic painted by one of our staff members, and hangs in the office here in Colorado. Although it is LeBron James with his Miami Heat colors and number, it is a nice reminder of what hard work and perseverance can accomplish.
APconnections, home of the NetEqualizer | (303) 997-1300 | Email | Website 
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NetEqualizer News: May 2016

June 1, 2016 — netequalizer

We hope you enjoy this month’s NetEqualizer Newsletter.  Highlights include updates on upcoming Release 8.4, Seven Network Troubleshooting Tips, a reminder about the upcoming ASCUE conference, and also our complimentary Tech Refresh offering.

May 2016
Release 8.4 will debut in June! 
Greetings! Enjoy another issue of NetEqualizer News.

art photo for NLSpring has sprung in Colorado (finally!).  We are being treated to sunny days, mixed with cool winds and rain.  On the nice days, I like to birdwatch.  If you ever want to read a great story about birders, check out “The Big Year“.  The book is great; unfortunately the movie was a box office bomb!

2016 feels like a Big Year for the NetEqualizer!  We think you will agree that our 8.4 Release is a game changer.  We have added many batch configuration screens, which streamline the whole set-up process. 8.4 is expected to be Generally Available (GA) in June. Read below to learn more.

This month our favorite blog article gives you Seven Network Troubleshooting Tips, useful to those that do not troubleshoot on a daily basis!

Don’t forget that there is still time to register for ASCUE! We will be represented at the ASCUE Conference June 12-16th. Join Young Harris College at their talk featuring the NetEqualizer.
 
And finally, if you have not already taken advantage of our FREE Tech Refresh, what are you waiting for?  Contact us today to schedule your session.
If you have feedback, ideas, or questions for me, please email me anytime at art@apconnections.net.

And remember we are now on Twitter. You can follow us @NetEqualizer.

– Art Reisman (CTO)

In this Issue:

:: NetEqualizer Release 8.4 Debuts in June!

:: Renew your NetEqualizer Knowledge with a Tech Refresh

:: Learn about the NetEqualizer at ASCUE June 12-16

:: Best of Blog: Seven Must Know Network Troubleshooting Tips
NetEqualizer Release 8.4 Debuts in June!

A Few of My Favorite Things about Release 8.4….

Comments by Art Reisman
Last month we detailed some of the new features coming out in our 8.4 Release. To be honest, at the time of the last newsletter, I had not actually kicked the tires on it. These past few weeks I have been using it extensively, and have been really quite impressed. Here are some of my notes on what I love about 8.4.

#1) The Updated NetEqualizer Dashboard 

The Dashboard, with a ticker tape type live monitor, finally provides a clean professional look that the NetEqualizer deserves. From here you access four core areas: 1) Setup, 2) RTR, 3) DDoS, and 4) Maintenance. One change that you will love to see – your key is now listed in Mbps or Gbps. Below you can see under “Authorized to Pass” the key is for 10Gbps. The new curb appeal certainly has had a positive effect on recent customers that have previewed 8.4.

#2) Batch Configuration!

You now will have the ability to edit and modify all of your rules in a spreadsheet-type format from the GUI.  In my opinion, this was long overdue, so I am excited that we have finally been able to incorporate this feature into our GUI.

Previously, this was only possible by directly editing our configuration file.  While certainly efficient, it used to be a risky proposition, as there was no checking for malformed rules. With the GUI front end, error checking is now in place to look for common data validation errors such as properly formed IP addresses and valid positive integers where required.  There are also warning messages to help alert you as needed.  And as you can see below, you can name your Pools to something meaningful on your network (here they are called Test Pool 1, Test 2, and Test 3).

#3) Easily Set Time and Time Zone

The new GUI also has an easy way to set the time and pick a timezone – no more logging in to the NetEqualizer terminal! (enough said)

#4) See Everything in the Units you Choose

You can now choose your units for almost the entire interface!  No longer will you have to convert your trunk up and trunk down when setting those up for Equalizing.  You will now see them in the configuration units that you choose (Mbps, Kbps, Bps).  And you can select different units for graphs and configuration, if you prefer.   

 

Check back next month to get your copy of Release 8.4! 

As with all software releases, the 8.4 Release will be free to all customers with valid NetEqualizer Software and Support (NSS).
Renew your NetEqualizer Knowledge with a Tech Refresh

If you have not already scheduled a Tech Refresh, consider it!

Our FREE* Tech Refresh sessions (*with valid NSS) are conducted via webex, so you do not even have to leave your office to renew your NetEqualizer knowledge!Please take advantage of this offering, especially if you have new staff, are upgrading to a new release, or would like to learn more about our new features.  We receive glowing feedback on these sessions – they are only 30 minutes to one (1) hour and are worth the time!

These sessions can ensure that you and your team get the most out of your NetEqualizer!

Here are just a few of the benefits:
  • Learn about new releases – We are constantly evolving and enhancing our product. Tech Refreshes can help quickly get you up-to-speed on what is new!
  • Learn about features you are not using (yet) – Maybe you would like to use DDoS or RTR but need to better understand how they work. You can use this time to get acquainted with all the NetEqualizer has to offer.
  • Quickly educate a new employee – Our Tech Refreshes make training a new staff member on NetEqualizer a breeze!
  • Ask questions and review your configuration – Use this time to make sure that your unit is optimally configured, and ask any NetEqualizer questions that you have been curious about.
Schedule your Tech Refresh today by clicking the link below!
Tech Refreshes are free to all customers with valid NetEqualizer Software and Support (NSS).  We also offer full-day Onsite Training for you and your team, contact us for availability and pricing.
Tech Refresh button
Learn about the NetEqualizer at ASCUE  June 12-16

Join Young Harris College at ASCUE! 

Learn how they use the NetEqualizer to solve network congestion

 
It is almost here!  If you work in higher education, join your colleagues at ASCUE this spring, June 12-16th in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  And if you have ever wanted to learn more about how the NetEqualizer is used in higher education to resolve network congestion, you can hear all about it at ASCUE!

One of our long-time customers, Hollis Townsend, Director of Technology Support and Operations at Young Harris College, will be talking about his experience with the NetEqualizer in his talk at ASCUE.  Hollis’ presentation is titled “Shaping Bandwidth – Learning to Love Netflix on Campus“.

Young Harris has been using NetEqualizer to solve their network congestion issues since July, 2007. They have upgraded their NetEQ as their network has grown over the years, and currently run an NE3000 with a 1Gbps license.
We are also happy to announce that APconnections, home of the NetEqualizer, will be a Silver Sponsor at the ASCUE Conference. We will be giving away a great door prize – a Fitbit fitness watch!
It is not too late to register.  Visit the ASCUE website for details!
 

ASCUE is the Association Supporting Computer Users in Education and they have been around since 1968. Members hail from all over North America. ASCUE’s mission is to provide opportunities for resource-sharing, networking, and collaboration within an environment that fosters creativity and innovation in the use of technology within higher education.
Best Of Blog

Seven Must Know Network Troubleshooting Tips

By Art Reisman – CTO
 
Editor’s Note: This article contains some great tips to troubleshoot your network. While our network administrators already know this, others may not.  We hope this helps you the next time you are staring at a “loading…” message, and wondering what is going on!  
To get started you’ll need to get a hold of two key software tools: 1) Ping Tool and 2) a Network Scan Tool, both which I describe in more detail below.  And for advanced analysis (experts only), I will then show you how you can use a bandwidth shaper/sniffer if needed.

Ping Tool

Ping is a great tool to determine what your network responsiveness is (in milliseconds), identified by trying to get a response from a typical website. If you do not already know how to use Ping on your device there are hundreds of references to Ping and how to use it.  Simply google “how to use ping ” on your favorite device or computer to learn how to use it.
For example, I found these instructions for my MAC; and there are similar instructions for Windows, iPhone, Linux, Android, etc.
  1. Open Network Utility (located inside Applications > Utilities).
  2. Click Ping.
  3. Fill out the “Enter the network that you want to ping” field. You can enter the IP address or a web URL. For example, enter http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer to test the ping with that website.
  4. Click Ping.

Network Scan Tool

There are a variety of network SCAN tools/apps available for just about any consumer device or computer.  The decent ones will cost a few dollars, but I have never regretted purchasing one.  I use mine often for very common home and business network issues as I will detail in the tips below. Be sure and use the term “network scan tool” when searching, so you do not get confusing results about unrelated document scanning tools.
Once you get your scan tool installed, test it out by selecting Network Scan. Here is the output from my MAC scan tool.  I will be referencing this output later in the article.
Photo Of The Month

Cross That River

I had no idea that there were still Ferry Crossings along the Mississippi River. I took this photo in April, 2016 while traveling through the area.  Those trees in the background are in Kentucky, and I am standing in Missouri.
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NetEqualizer News: March 2016

April 11, 2016 — netequalizer

We hope you enjoy this month’s NetEqualizer Newsletter. Highlights include features from Release 8.4, our 2016 Leasing Program, and a presentation highlighting the NetEqualizer at the 2016 ASCUE Conference.

March 2016
Release 8.4 is almost here!
Greetings! Enjoy another issue of NetEqualizer News.

I write this today in the midst of a spring blizzard in Colorado. So far it appears that I have at least 15 inches of snow and drifts up to three feet outside my house, while it continues to blow more snow in at 35 miles an hour. Just another typical March day in Colorado! I was hoping to talk about spring in this newsletter, but now it seems far away.0fad184f-5ea1-44c3-ad71-1093fd99f808

This month we are talking about our upcoming release, slated for May, which features a lot of cool Usability Enhancements. Read below to learn more. We also continue our discussion on how the NetEqualizer is Cloud-Ready, as all things Cloud continues to be top-of-mind for all of us.

We are excited to announce that we will be represented at the ASCUE Conference in June. Join Young Harris College at their talk featuring the NetEqualizer.

And finally, we share more news about our 2016 Leasing Program, and how we are keeping bandwidth shaping affordable.
twitter

And remember we are now on Twitter! You can now follow us @NetEqualizer.

We love it when we hear back from you – so if you have a story you would like to share with us of how we have helped you, let us know. Email me directly at art@apconnections.net. I would love to hear from you!

– Art Reisman (CTO)
In this issue:

:: NetEqualizer Release 8.4 – Enhanced Usability – Is Almost Ready!
:: Keeping Bandwidth Shaping Affordable
:: Join a Presentation on NetEqualizer at ASCUE in June 2016
:: Six Ways to Save with Cloud Computing
NetEqualizer Release 8.4 – Enhanced Usability – Is Almost Ready!
A Complete GUI Redesign!

We recently had the chance to kick the tires on our new 8.4 Release interface. It really has some significant wow factor type features. In hindsight, perhaps we should have called this NetEqualizer 9.0 and not just lowly 8.4. We have been talking about this release as a GUI Redesign & Pool Enhancements, but I really think 8.4 is a release full of Usability Enhancements, that will make it easier to manage and configure your NetEqualizer.The biggest changes center on the the regular NetEqualizer GUI. We have transitioned everything to share the same look and feel as RTR. Here are some of the pages and features we are most excited about!1) Edit traffic limits on the fly without having to add/remove them one at a time! The screenshot below shows the Pool/VLAN shared limit interface. You can see the Pools, their names, and their associated members.mpxGG3D2) We added a cool new dashboard that serves as the homepage for NetEqualizer management (license key information blocked out in grey):dash3) The new GUI also has an easy way to set the time and pick a timezone – no more logging in to the NetEqualizer terminal!date4) You can now choose your units for the entire interface! This includes units for the configuration and RTR.unitesCheck back next month for an update on more exciting changes planned for 8.4!Our time frame for General Acceptance of this release is May of 2016.As with all software releases, the 8.4 Release will be free to all customers with valid NetEqualizer Software and Support (NSS).
contact_us_box-1
Keeping Bandwidth Shaping Affordable
NetEqualizer Leasing Program

At APconnections, we are proud of our reputation for offering affordable bandwidth shaping solutions. In the summer of 2013, we decided that we could help our customers that need to better align costs with recurring revenue, by offering a Leasing Program.lease

We are happy to announce that we have enhanced our lease offerings in 2016. Our “Standard” lease now comes with a 1Gbps license, and leases for $500 per month. Adding 1Gbps fiber at any of our lease levels just bumps up the price by $100 per month. And for those needing maximum performance, we now also give you access to an Enterprise-class NE4000 with our 5Gbps license and 10Gbps fiber.

If leasing is of interest to you, and you would like to learn more, you can view our Leasing Program agreement here.

Please note that the NetEqualizer Leasing Program is generally available to customers in the United States and Canada. If you are outside of these countries, contact us to see if leasing is available in your area.

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Join a Presentation on NetEqualizer at ASCUE in June 2016
Association Supporting Computer Users in Education

We are excited to announce that one of our long-time customers, Hollis Townsend, Director of Technology Support and Operations at Young Harris College, will be talking about his experience with the NetEqualizer in his talk at ASCUE, June 12-16, 2016 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.yhc

Young Harris has been using NetEqualizer to solve their network congestion issues since July, 2007. They have upgraded their NetEQ as their network has grown over the years, and currently run an NE3000 with a 1Gbps license.

We are also happy to announce that APconnections, home of the NetEqualizer, will be a Silver Sponsor at the ASCUE Conference. We will be giving away a great door prize – a Fitbit fitness watch!ascue

If you use technology in higher education, you may want to consider attending ASCUE this June. And if you have ever wanted to talk to a colleague about their experience with the NetEqualizer, please join Hollis’ presentation. His presentation is tentatively titled “Shaping Bandwidth – Learning to Love Netflix on Campus”.

ASCUE is the Association Supporting Computer Users in Education and they have been around since 1968. Members hail from all over North America. ASCUE’s mission is to provide opportunities for resource-sharing, networking, and collaboration within an environment that fosters creativity and innovation in the use of technology within higher education.

Click here to learn more about ASCUE or register for the June conference.

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Six Ways to Save with Cloud Computing
NetEqualizer Looks to the Clouds

We are continuing our focus on the cloud for NetEqualizer. The NetEqualizer is now cloud ready – as we’ve written about in previous newsletters. There are a lot of benefits to using the cloud in general. Here are just a few:

1) Fully utilized hardware
2) Lower power costs
3) Lower people costs
4) Zero capital costs
5) Resilience without redundancy
6) Lower network costs

The last one, lower network costs, is interesting. Since your business services are in the cloud, you can ditch all of those expensive MPLS links that you use to privately tie your offices to your back-end systems, and replace them with lower-cost commercial Internet links. You do not really need more bandwidth, just better bandwidth performance. The commodity Internet links are likely good enough, but when you move to the Cloud, you will need a smart bandwidth shaper.

Your link to the Internet becomes even more critical when you go the Cloud. But that does not mean bigger and more expensive pipes. Cloud applications are very lean and you do not need a big pipe to support them. You just need to make sure recreational traffic does not cut into your business application traffic.

The NetEqualizer fits perfectly as the bandwidth shaping product in the above infrastructure. Let us know if you have any questions about the cloud-ready NetEqualizer!

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Best Of Blog
How to Build Your Own Speed Test Tool

By Art Reisman – CTO – APconnections

Editor’s Note: We often get asked to “prove” the NetEqualizer is making a difference regarding end user experience. The tool description and method outlined in our blog post, can be used to objectively justify the NetEqualizer value. Let us know if you need any help setting it up.

Most speed test sites measure the download speed of a large file from a server to your computer. There are two potential problems with using this metric.

1) ISPs can design their networks so these tests show best case results.
2) Humans are much more sensitive to the load time of interactive sites.

A better test of your perceived speed is how long it takes to load up a new web page…
Photo Of The Month
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Balloon
Have you ever wondered what happens to balloons when they are released into the sky? The remnants of this balloon landed right in front of a staff member on a clear day while hiking Black Star Canyon in Orange County, CA. Balloons like this are actually an environmental disaster as they often end up in oceans and are eaten by sea and wildlife.
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NetEqualizer News: February 2016

February 14, 2016 — netequalizer

We hope you enjoy this month’s NetEqualizer Newsletter. Highlights include discussions on Cloud Computing, the new VM release, and updates on Software Release 8.4.

February 2016
NetEqualizer-VM is Ready, QoS for your Cloud!
Greetings! Enjoy another issue of NetEqualizer News.

February is off to a snowy start in Colorado this year, with a major snowstorm on February 1st dumping 16+ inches of snow in Boulder! While we were snowed in, I had time to reflect and think about where bandwidth shaping is headed, and how we are well-positioned for the industry transition to Cloud Computing. In this month’s newsletter you can read how the NetEqualizer is “Cloud Ready”.0fad184f-5ea1-44c3-ad71-1093fd99f808

We are now ready with our first VM release (NetEqualizer-VM); you can read all about it below. And finally, we share more news about our 8.4 Release – Enhanced Pools & Other GUI Features.
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And remember we are now on Twitter! You can now follow us @NetEqualizer.

We love it when we hear back from you – so if you have a story you would like to share with us of how we have helped you, let us know. Email me directly at art@apconnections.net. I would love to hear from you!

– Art Reisman (CTO)
NetEqualizer-VM is Ready!
NetEqualizer-VM Release Ready for Networks <= 100 Mbps
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We are excited to announce that our VM release is now ready! If you are already running virtual machines in your data center, this may be a good fit for you.

The first release is certified for VM systems for up to 100 megabits of throughput.

Base pricing will run at $3,500 USD per year. However, for a limited time, we are running a special pre-order price of $2,500 USD per year.

Please note: The first year is due prior to delivery of the software. We offer a 30 day trial with a $500 USD non-refundable support charge.

Your VM server will need to meet a minimum specification to run the NetEqualizer shaping solution. We have detailed specifications for any VM system – contact us for details!
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Release 8.4 Update
Enhanced Pools + GUI Redesign

In previous months’ newsletters we talked about changes coming to the regular NetEqualizer GUI. Over the next couple of months, we’ll highlight those changes here.

One of the changes we are very excited about is the ability to manage Pools on the fly, and also the ability to name them! See the screenshot below:

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One of the best parts of this screen is that you can manage all Pools and all Pool Members at once. For example, see Pool 1 expanded to show the two Pool Members. You can also change the limits for the Pool, add new Pools, and delete Pools that you no longer need.

We are also enhancing the new user interface with four primary menu options:

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This will help guide first-time users through the process of using NetEqualizer, and will also help separate the functionality out into to main usage categories.

Check back next month for an update on more exciting changes planned for 8.4!

Our time frame for General Acceptance of this release is April/May of 2016.

As with all software releases, the 8.4 Release will be free to all customers with valid NetEqualizer Software and Support (NSS).

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Next Generation Bandwidth Control
NetEqualizer is Cloud Ready

We received a call today from one of the Largest Tier 1 providers in the world. The salesperson on the other end was lamenting about his inability to sell cloud services to his customers. His service offerings were hot, but the customers’ Internet connections were not. Until his customers resolve their congestion problems, they were in a holding pattern for new cloud services.

As a brief aside, here is a list of what a Next Generation Bandwidth Controller can do:
1. Next Generation Bandwidth Controllers must be able to mitigate traffic flows originating from the Internet such that important Cloud Applications get priority.
2. Next Generation Bandwidth Controllers must NOT rely on Layer 7 DPI technology to identify traffic (too much encryption and tunneling today for this to be viable).
3. Next Generation Bandwidth Controllers must hit a price range of $5k to $10k USD for medium to large businesses.
4. Next Generation Bandwidth Controllers must not require babysitting and adjustments from the IT staff to remain effective.
5. Next Generation Bandwidth Controller should adopt a Heuristics-based decision model (like the one used in the NetEqualizer).

As for those businesses mentioned by the sales representative, when they moved to the cloud, many of them had run into bottlenecks. The bottlenecks were due to their iOS updates and recreational “crap” killing the cloud application traffic on their shared Internet trunk.

Their original assumption was they could use the QoS on their routers to mitigate traffic. After all, that worked great when all they had between them and their remote business logic was a nailed-up MPLS network. Because it was a private corporate link, they had QoS devices on both ends of the link and no problems with recreational congestion.

Moving to the Cloud was a wake up call! Think about it, when you go to the cloud you only control one end of the link. This means that your router-based QoS is no longer effective, and incoming traffic will crush you if you do not do something different.BT_logo

The happy ending is that we were able to help our friend at BT telecom, by mitigating his customers’ bottlenecks. Contact us if you are interested in more details.

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Best Of Blog

Capacity Planning for Cloud Applications
By Art Reisman – CTO – APconnections

The main factors to consider when capacity planning your Internet Link for cloud applications are:

1) How much bandwidth do your cloud applications actually need?

Typical cloud applications require about 1/2 of a megabit or less. There are exceptions to this rule, but for the most part a good cloud application design does not involve large transfers of data. QuickBooks, Salesforce, Gmail, and just about any cloud-based data base will be under the 1/2 megabit guideline. The chart below really brings to light the difference between your typical, interactive Cloud Application and the types of applications that will really eat up your data link.
Photo Of The Month
grasshopper
Grasshopper
This closeup of a local grasshopper was taken by a staff member while in Kansas, a state in the central United States. We hope this picture doesn’t bug you.
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NetEqualizer News: January 2016

January 25, 2016 — netequalizer

January 2016

Greetings!

Enjoy another issue of NetEqualizer News! This month, we introduce our new virtual NetEqualizer offering, highlight our Tech Refreshes, preview a cool new 8.4 Release feature, and discuss our DDoS Firewall option. As always, feel free to pass this along to others who might be interested in NetEqualizer News.
A message from Art…
Art Reisman, CTO – APconnections

Happy New Year! I hope your 2016 is off to a good start. Here at APconnections, we are starting 2016 off with a wonderful announcement:
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We are going Virtual! This month, we discuss how we are embracing Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Read below to learn more about this exciting offering!

twitterAnd remember we are now on Twitter! You can now follow us @NetEqualizer.

We love it when we hear back from you – so if you have a story you would like to share with us of how we have helped you, let us know. Email me directly at art@apconnections.net. I would love to hear from you!

In 2016, We Are Going Virtual!

As most of you know, Network Function Virtualization (NFV) has become a viable choice for many networking components. We now believe it is time to consider VM for bandwidth shaping, and are excited to announce that we will offer a NetEqualizer solution (NetEqualizer-VM) that runs on a virtual machine in 2016!

Our first offering, planned for early Q2 2016, will be targeted and tested for 100 Megabit links with 1,000 or fewer customers.

Note: There will always be reliability risks of sharing a hardware platform with other applications, hence we are starting with a relatively small footprint.

Also, in some areas of the world shipping our NetEqualizer hardware is complicated by complex trade policies, and tariffs. Thus, a Virtual offer will shorten the delivery time and reduce the mechanical overhead of hardware shipment.

Right now we are still working out all the details on NetEqualizer-VM pricing and what VMs will be supported.

If you are interested in learning more or participating in the Beta when available, please contact us!

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Start The New Year With A Tech Refresh!

Our NetEqualizer Tech Refreshes are a great way to start off the new year! These short, 30 minute WebEx sessions can provide great value to you and your team and help you get the most out of your NetEqualizer. Here are just a few of the benefits:

1) Learn about new releases – we are constantly evolving and enhancing our product. Tech Refreshes can help quickly get you up-to-speed on what is new!

2) Quickly educate a new employee – our Tech Refreshes make training a new staff member on NetEqualizer a breeze!

3) Ask questions and review your configuration – use this time to make sure that your unit is optimally configured, and ask any questions you’ve been curious about with your NetEqualizer!

Schedule your Tech Refresh today by clicking the link below.

Tech Refreshes are free to all customers with valid NetEqualizer Software and Support (NSS).

We also offer onsite training for you and your team in full day seminars – contact us for availability and pricing.

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8.4 Release Coming Soon!
User Interface Enhancements

In last month’s newsletter, we talked about changes coming to the regular NetEqualizer GUI. Over the next couple of months, we’ll highlight some of those changes here.

One of the changes we are most excited about is the ability to edit the configuration on the fly. See a screenshot of the Configure Hard Limits Interface below:

This makes even complex configuration changes and setup quick and easy! You’ll now be able to add, edit, and remove hard limits, pools, pool members, priority hosts, and more all from one place.

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As you can see, we are also changing the look and feel to match that of RTR. Check back next month for updates on more exciting changes!

Our time frame for General Acceptance of this release is March/April of 2016.

As with all software releases, the 8.4 Release will be free to all customers with valid NetEqualizer Software and Support (NSS).

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NetEqualizer DDoS Firewall In Action873a321d-b492-4f3f-9766-1b79c2231cc7

Just a reminder that our DDoS Firewall Option (DFW) is now installed at several locations, and is making a difference by heading off incoming DDoS attacks, even as you read this!

If you suspect you are being hit with sporadic or persistent DDoS attacks, the DDoS firewall option may be well worth the $3500 installation and consulting fee.

You can read more about DDoS on our blog here.

If you have any questions or would simply like to learn more, contact us!

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Best Of The Blog

Ten Ways To Make Your Life As An Internet Provider Easier

By Art Reisman – CTO – APconnections

From ISPs and WISPs to networks in libraries, businesses, and universities, Internet use is on the rise. Yet, as the demand for Internet access continues to grow around the world, so do both the opportunities and challenges for service providers.

Just as quickly as your user-base grows, the obstacles facing providers begin to emerge.

From competition to unhappy customers, the venture that once seemed certain to succeed can quickly test the will of even the most battle-hardened and tech-savvy business owners and network administrators. However, for all types of Internet providers, there are ways to make the process smoother…
Photo Of The Month
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What is this mountain range?
Tell us and you could win a $25 gift card!
This picture was taken by a staff member during a recent trip. The first four (4) people to email sales@apconnections.net with the name of this mountain range will win a $25 gift card!
The answer for last month is: The Iowa State Court House in Des Moines, IA
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