Name: The Good, the Bad, and the Naughty - A Year-End Guide to Networking Best Practices
Start: 2024-12-11T17:00:00Z
End: 2024-12-11T17:01:18.000Z
Location: BrightTALK
Rating: 4.9

NetAlly helps network engineers and technicians better deploy, manage, maintain and secure complex wired and wireless networks. We simplify network testing, provide instant visibility, and enable seamless collaboration between site and remote personnel.

For more information check out www.netally.com


Operational Technology (OT) environments are the backbone of modern manufacturing, energy, and industrial operations—making their security mission-critical. As factory floors become more connected, blending IT and OT systems, they also become prime targets for cyber threats.

Unlike traditional IT networks, OT systems face distinct challenges: legacy equipment, limited visibility, rigid uptime requirements, and costly downtime risks.

In this joint webcast, experts from NetAlly, BlastWave, and OT Cyber Direct will explore the evolving threat landscape for industrial operations, highlight the critical differences between IT and OT cybersecurity, and demonstrate practical, cost-effective tools that enhance visibility, enforce segmentation, and enable secure remote access—without disrupting production.

Attendees will learn actionable strategies to strengthen their OT security posture and discover how purpose-built solutions can bridge the IT/OT gap efficiently and affordably.

What You’ll Learn
1. The Unique Challenges of OT Cybersecurity
• Why control systems are harder to secure than IT networks
• How legacy devices and limited visibility increase risk
• Balancing strong security with uptime and operational continuity

2. The Evolving OT Threat Landscape
• Latest attack trends on industrial control systems (ICS)
• Real-world breaches and their operational impact
• Key compliance and regulatory drivers for OT protection

3. Bridging the IT/OT Security Divide
• Aligning IT security policies with OT requirements
• Strengthening collaboration across IT, OT, and security teams
• Achieving visibility and control without adding risk

4. Practical, Budget-Friendly OT Security Strategies
• How to prioritize your protection efforts
• Using pre-tested, validated tools that work in live OT environments
• Strengthening your network — not just monitoring it

Securing the OT Factory Floor: Practical Cybersecurity Strategies and Tools

Feat. Julio Petrovitch, Daniel Klimke, Kjetil Teigen Hansen, Peter Mackenzie and Keith Parsons

Let’s face it: Modern AI-driven networks are really good at dealing with interference automatically. But, at times, for the geekiest of us, there’s a need to see EVERYTHING WI-FI.  

That’s when spectrum analysis comes in.

We’ll cover (with a BOATLOAD OF DEMOS):
- What’s Wi-Fi spectrum in general, and how’s it evolving?
- How modern Wi-Fi systems handle Wi-Fi channeling and interference avoidance?
- What tools are available for visualizing the Wi-Fi spectrum?
- Wi-Fi adapter-based tools, spectrum analyzers, combinations of both…
… ahem, especially Hamina Onsite that features NetAlly NXT-2000 spectrum analyzer integration for site survey spectrum capture & detailed analysis.
- What kind of challenges are there typically with Wi-Fi interference
- And how those problems are efficiently discovered and solved.

Hamina & NetAlly - Wi-Fi Spectrum Analysis: Essentials for Every Network Engineer

Not all copper cable tests are created equal. Whether you’re installing new infrastructure or troubleshooting existing networks, understanding the difference between qualification, certification, and bit rate testing is critical to validating your copper network’s performance and ensuring it meets both technical and application requirements.

In this one-hour webcast, we’ll demystify these three distinct testing approaches, explaining what each does, when to use them, and how they fit into your validation workflow. Real-world examples and demonstrations will highlight how using the right test at the right time saves you time, money, and frustration.

Who Should Attend:
Network administrators, installers, service providers, video surveillance integrators, and IT professionals responsible for maintaining or verifying copper network infrastructure.

Key Topics Covered:
⦁ The three levels of network testing: verification, qualification, and certification
⦁ What qualification testing reveals about real-world application support (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet over Cat 5e)
⦁ How certification testing ensures compliance with industry standards such as TIA and ISO
⦁ Understanding bit rate testing and when to use it to validate throughput and performance
⦁ Typical test tools and equipment for each method
⦁ How test results translate into network reliability, warranty coverage, and customer confidence
⦁ Common pitfalls and misinterpretations (what happens when the wrong test is used)
⦁ Practical examples of when to choose qualification vs certification vs bit rate testing

Takeaway:
You’ll leave this session with a clear understanding of which testing method fits your specific needs—whether you’re building new networks, certifying installations, or troubleshooting data rate performance problems.

I LOVE Network Testing Ep 8 - Beyond Wire Map Testing. Understanding Qual, Cert, & Bit Rate Testing for Copper Networks

AI-driven threats are evolving fast—and your network can’t afford to lag behind. This session cuts through the hype and shows why Zero Trust is no longer just for the datacenter or cloud. It’s mission-critical at the LAN edge, where users, devices, and attackers first connect. 

In under 60 minutes, we’ll walk through the top 6 things every security-savvy network needs to stop lateral movement, validate assets, and enforce segmentation—without relying on outdated NAC. You’ll leave with practical strategies and tools to boost resilience across your wired and wireless infrastructure.

In this webinar, you’ll learn: 
1. Zero Trust at the LAN Edge
How evolving threats and AI-driven attacks exploit the edge.
Why datacenter/cloud Zero Trust models miss critical LAN-layer risks.

2. Applying the 5-step Zero Trust Roadmap 
How to apply the 5 step zero trust roadmap to the LAN

3. Comprehensive Asset Discovery & Classification
Role of discovery, asset inventory, and classification in zero trust policy planning 
Note on CyberScope discovery

4. Dynamic Segmentation Without Legacy NAC
New and emerging technologies for micro segmentation on the LAN

5. Traditional Network Segmentation (Wired & Wi-Fi)
For those without shiny new options, how to best make use of traditional segmentation 

6. Testing and Validation of Zero Trust Controls
Importance of testing and validation of controls, especially at the LAN edge

Zero Trust Cybersecurity: Tools and Techniques for Network Geeks

You’ve heard the chilling whispers… of cursed switches and haunted routers that drive even the bravest engineer to madness. Of decayed, cobwebbed infrastructure that drags throughput into the abyss or a possessed AP that won't relent. Many WLAN pros have already fallen victim to the Dark-Fi spirits… will you be their next target?

Beware—and don't cross the spatial streams!

On this chilling and spooky 7th episode of the I LOVE Network Testing series from NetAlly, Father Ferney Muñoz (WLAN Pro) and the enigmatic Dr. J (Julio Petrovitch) return from the shadows to arm you with supernatural guidance against the most terrifying poltergeists of Wi-Fi:
- Connectivity Curses
- Eerie Slow Speeds
- Restless Roaming
- Phantom Interference
- Wicked Wiring

Join us... if you dare... before your network becomes the next haunted relic.

I LOVE Network Testing Ep 7 - Tales from the Dark-Fi

You can’t protect what you can’t see—and in most environments, critical assets are hiding in plain sight. This webinar dives into how network visibility is the foundation for stronger control, smarter security decisions, and better collaboration between NetOps and SecOps. 

We’ll show you how infrastructure asset awareness plays a key role in Zero Trust, compliance, and incident response—and share real-world tips to reduce blind spots using tools you already have. Whether you’re locking down your environment or just trying to get a handle on what’s out there, this session will help you move from guesswork to clarity.

In this webinar, you’ll learn: 

1. Why Visibility Comes First
How asset awareness underpins Zero Trust, compliance, and incident response.
Common visibility gaps in hybrid, multi-vendor, and IoT-heavy environments.

2. Bridging NetOps and SecOps Through Shared Visibility
Speaking a common “asset language” to align priorities.
Using visibility to reduce friction between operational stability and security posture.

3. Finding Assets Hiding in Plain Sight
Discovering unmanaged, rogue, and misconfigured assets.
Common asset “hiding places” (IoT, shadow IT, OT/ICS, rogue endpoints).
How unmanaged, unknown, and unmonitored devices create attack paths.
 
4. Turning Inventory into Action
Prioritizing assets for Zero Trust segmentation, patching, and policy enforcement.
Leveraging asset intelligence for incident response and threat hunting.
Feeding asset data into segmentation, access control, and monitoring systems.

Cybersecurity. Seeing is Securing: Building Network Asset Awareness

You must be dreaming...... 
You just found out it is now possible to attach your favorite Wi-Fi tester to a drone and perform a site survey while up in the air! Then you wake up... Dohhh!!! It was actually a dream.... Many have tried, but Wi-Fi testing from a drone still eludes us. Why is that? What are the challenges involved with mounting your favorite Wi-Fi tester on a drone and using it to perform a site survey or access heights that normally would require you to climb a ladder?

On this sixth episode of the "I LOVE Network Testing" series, Mike Wade - Drone Pilot Extraordinaire, shares with us how he became a drone pilot!
Learn:
- How you can become a certified drone pilot
- For what scenarios using a drone for Wi-Fi testing could be useful
- Pros and Cons of using a drone for Wi-Fi testing
- Challenges involved with mounting your Wi-Fi tester to a drone
- Why is it still a dream?

I LOVE Network Testing - Episode 6, Up in the Air

Mission Never Ending? 
You may be more like Ethan Hunt and his IMF team than you think. And we're not just talking about traveling to exotic places and executing spectacular, death defying stunts. Rather, they never seem to get a break and are constantly in a state of battling yet another arch-nemesis which they must defeat. 

Help (for you) is on the Way! 
You, on the other hand, as a network or security professional, likely have your own ongoing issues for which there is a constant struggle and yet never seem to be completely vanquished. NetAlly customers call them “Nagging Network Security Problems” and in this webinar the aim is to put an end—once and for all—to the “Top 3”! 
• Sporadic PoE delivery resulting in errant device performance and potential security gaps
• New unknown device appearing on the network – Houston, we have a (security) problem!
• Suspect hacker is trying to impersonate a legitimate Wi-Fi access point
• If time permits, a “bonus +1 problem” will be accepted—and then solved!

All these will be addressed in real-world settings using CyberScope® and Link-Live™. 

WIN TICKETS to the latest Mission: Impossible Movie – The Final Reckoning 
We’re looking for additional “Mission: Network Security Problems” we can solve in the future. Take the in-webinar survey for your “problem candidates” and you may win movie tickets the see Ethan Hunt in action! 

What you’ll learn: 
• Feet on the street techniques to quickly address edge performance and security challenges from an industry expert
• Tactics to eliminate problems that impact network health and weaken security posture

Mission: Network Security Problems – Locate, Isolate, Eliminate

Not all fiber optic cabling is created equal—and choosing the right type can make or break your network’s performance. In this engaging and interactive webcast, we’ll cut through the confusion surrounding single mode and multimode fiber, plus explore how fiber type and connectors impact everything from speed to distance to application compatibility.

What You'll Learn:
- The key differences between single mode and multimode fiber
- How to distinguish between OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5 multimode fiber types
- The characteristics of OS1 and OS2 singlemode fiber
- How fiber selection impacts application compatibility and transmission distance
- Why UPC connectors might be preferred over APC connectors — and why the polish matters
- The difference between LC and SC connectors and where each is typically used
- When to use each fiber and connector type for optimal performance
- How the LANBERT test from NetAlly can be used to verify a fiber’s ability to transport data

Join Mike on this fifth episode of the I LOVE Network Testing series to build a solid foundation in fiber types and connectors.

Whether you're involved in designing, installing, or maintaining fiber optic networks, this session will give you the knowledge you need to plan and support fiber networks with confidence.

I LOVE Network Testing, Ep 5. Demystifying Multimode, Singlemode, and the Connectors that Make Fiber Networks Work

Blake Krone, Mobility Consultant at mobiadroit, is plucked from his office by Dr. J (Julio Petrovitch, Product Manager at NetAlly) just seconds before his Wi-Fi network connection was demolished by a non-Wi-Fi interferer. Together the happy twosome begins an intergalactic journey through the basics of Wi-Fi spectrum analysis and interferer location. 

Some of the questions they will answer during this adventurous webcast include:
- What is spectrum analysis, what is it used for, and how can it help you improve network performance?
- What are the most common non-Wi-Fi interferers on the 2.4/5/6 GHz bands?
- When should you use a spectrum analyzer?
- How can spectrum analyzers be used to quickly identify the source of non-Wi-Fi interferers?
- What are the best ways to use a spectrum analyzer and directional antenna for faster interferer location?
- After I find an interferer, what should I do with it?

See NetAlly tools in action and gain insights on reducing downtime, improving Wi-Fi network performance, and accelerating time to resolution. Plus, find out about a brand-new spectrum analysis offering from NetAlly. Don't forget to bring your spectrum analyzer!

For more information check out www.netally.com

I LOVE Network Testing, Ep 4. The Network Engineers Guide to Wi-Fi Spectrum Analysis

Due to the overwhelming number of questions we had in episode 4 --> https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/18719/639889  , we've recorded a Q&A video. Below are the timestamps and questions asked during the webinar.

00:36 -  Can I use my LinkRunner AT 2000 to test fiber? 
01:49 - what is the model number of the Ubiquiti SFP Mike showed us?
02:41 - FS.com just released a document that states they will "AUTO" attenuate if they see too much power aka short cable on long distance units. What is your opinion on this?
03:51 - Can the EtherScope nXG run these tests as well?
05:16 - What languages does the tester support?
07:42 - Does NetAlly provide certified reports for testing?
09:44 - Does this still only calculate the TX power of the SFP switch? And do I need to swap the fibers to test the other fiber?
10:34 - Do you need a mandrel to wrap the jumper fiber around it before you test it?
15:27 - Does the LinkRunner only test multimode or also singlemode?
16:13 - Is it possible to have reports about the losses you are showing?
17:14 - Most SFPs give a rang of TX Power. Based on what parameters/ settings do they regulate their output power?
18:51 - The fiber in my building is 30 years old. Is there any limit to the usable life of fiber? We both have singlemode and multimode fiber throughout the building.

Q&A Video: I LOVE Network Testing, Ep 3. Understanding and Measuring Optical Loss in Fiber Networks

Cybersecurity teams have powerful tools, but they also know they're not the networking experts. When gaps appear in vulnerability assessments or visibility into edge devices, it's the network team that often steps in with the expertise and tools to fill them.

Today, 86% of enterprises are seeing increased collaboration between network and security teams, according to Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) research, and with good reason. Strong partnerships lead to stronger defenses.

In this webinar, EMA Vice President of Research, Shamus McGillicuddy, and NetAlly Senior Product Manager, Brad Reinboldt, will reveal how network teams are becoming vital contributors to cybersecurity initiatives and how the right tools can amplify that impact.

What you’ll learn:
- Proven strategies for improving collaboration between network and security teams
- How network tools enhance vulnerability assessments and provide critical visibility into IoT and unmanaged devices
- The role of NetAlly's CyberScope® Edge Network Analyzer & Vulnerability Scanner in strengthening your security posture

How Network Teams are Powering Stronger Cybersecurity: Closing Gaps in Vulnerability Assessments and Device Visibility

Fiber optic networks are critical to modern infrastructure, but ensuring optimal performance depends on understanding and managing signal loss. In this webcast, we’ll guide you through the fundamentals of optical loss, how to measure it accurately, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

What You’ll Learn:
- The two key considerations when measuring optical loss:
    How to calculate the expected loss of a link
    How to interpret the measured loss and compare it to expectations
- Step-by-step instructions on:
   Calculating estimated loss based on fiber length, splices, and connectors
   Setting an optical power reference using NetAlly tools
   Measuring and interpreting actual optical loss across a link
- Common causes of excess optical loss and how to identify them
- Best practices to prevent and resolve issues causing high loss in fiber networks

Join Mike on this third episode of the I LOVE Network Testing series! Whether you're a technician, engineer, or IT pro, this session will strengthen your ability to maintain reliable, high-performance fiber optic connections.

I LOVE Network Testing, Ep 3. Understanding and Measuring Optical Loss in Fiber Networks

As networks become more complex and IT teams are increasingly distributed, efficient remote troubleshooting and collaboration have never been more critical. Join our webinar where we’ll explore best practices for seamless network issue resolution—no matter where your team or tools are located.

What You’ll Learn:
• Deploy with Ease – Pre-configure and send your NetAlly tool to a remote site before it even arrives.
• Guide Local Staff – Direct on-site personnel to the problem area with precision.
• Remote Control in Action – Use Link-Live to connect to NetAlly tools from anywhere.
• Data-Driven Troubleshooting – Quickly analyze network connectivity and performance and identify root causes.

See NetAlly tools in action and gain insights on reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and enhancing collaboration in your IT operations.

I LOVE Network Testing, Ep 2 - Cut Downtime, Boost Team Efficiency: The Value of Remote Troubleshooting

We love our fiber networks and the transmission speeds they can provide! Still, have you ever found yourself troubleshooting fiber connectivity issues just to find out that your SFP output was the cause of the problem?

On this first episode of the "I LOVE Network Testing" series Mike Pennacchi (Network Protocol Specialist) will talk about:
• SFP types and their differences
• How to test the output of SFPs that will be used in production
• Plus, more!

I LOVE Network Testing, EP 1 - Testing the SFP of my Heart

Hosted by: Nigel Tozer, independent technologist and security specialist 

Register today for this informative NetAlly webinar on helping your organization satisfy several of the NIS2 Directive minimal obligations at the network edge. The focus will be on why securing edge networks for NIS2 is problematic, where the gaps are, why they occur, and what can be done about it. 

Though important and essential organizations within the European Union have known about NIS2 for some time, with the change from a directive to law across the member states in 2025, the urgency to complete preparations to avoid non-compliance and the resulting penalties is rapidly growing. There is some concern that many entities to whom the law now applies will have put a big focus on their network core and on updating processes and training but may have underestimated the risk at the network edge. Even those that believe they have the edge secured are likely to unknowingly have significant gaps, left by insufficient security management tools and unclear delineation between IT/cybersecurity roles.

The live session will include a panel of experts on both edge networking and NIS2, with the emphasis on viewer value and actionable ideas. During the session we will debate the “top five big questions” in this area and provide our point of view on what you can do to best meet the network edge and NIS2 compliance challenges.

Mission: Possible - Securing the Edge for NIS2

As we move into the holiday season, NetAlly wanted to give to those tasked with maintaining peak network performance the gift that keeps giving.  We’ve got industry expert Mike Pennacchi ready to impart his 25-plus years of hands-on networking experience to quickly find problems and troubleshoot issues that are negatively impacting users.

Via demonstration using EtherScope® nXG, Mike will show how easy finding the root cause of issues can be when you combine the packet capture and in-depth analysis of many NetAlly handheld tools with Wireshark.

Agenda: 
• Use of Discovery app to locate devices on the network
• Use of Path Analysis app to identify the path between the analyzer and the device
• Getting in the path of the packets using both span and taps
• Use of the Capture app to capture the traffic to and from the device
• Use of Link-Live to create a network map and provide easy access to the capture packets
• Use of Wireshark to analyze the capture packets

You don’t want to miss this event, so register today!

Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, and Wireshark Packet Analysis - A Recipe to Network Troubleshooting

It's time to start thinking about your New Year resolutions! After all, 2024 is almost gone and 2025 is just ahead. So, how about striving to achieve the best network performance possible? During this year-end webcast from NetAlly we will talk about good and bad network installation, validation, and maintenance practices that could add you to the naughty list or make some of your new year wishes come true.

Plus...
• Network Performance Testing
• Cable Testing
• Wi-Fi Connectivity and Speed Testing
• Wi-Fi and BT/BLE Site Surveys
• Network Topology Mapping

Join Dr. J (Julio Petrovitch, Product Manager at NetAlly), and Blake Krone, Mobility Consultant, on this very festive webcast to find out more about the Good, the Bad, and the Naughty of network testing. And... Have the opportunity to win a special holiday present!*

The Good, the Bad, and the Naughty - A Year-End Guide to Networking Best Practices

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The Good, the Bad, and the Naughty - A Year-End Guide to Networking Best Practices

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