Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• What is generic Ethernet access?

  Generic Ethernet access is a new carrier service rolling out in the United Kingdom. Is this a technology that can work for you? Continue Reading

• VMware NSX networking: What you need to know before investing

  VMware's NSX networking platform is making waves, but issues exist with physical network device support. Read more of what to know about NSX before investing. Continue Reading

• On Reddit, network pros say 'hell, no!' to SDN investment

  Let's face it: It'll be a while until we see widespread SDN investment. On this Reddit thread, network engineers demand an end to crappy marketing jargon, and tell vendors what they really need from SDN. Continue Reading

• Five reasons IT pros are not ready for SDN investment

  Vendors will tell you all the reasons you should buy SDN, but we talked to a group of IT leaders who explain why they can't yet recommend SDN investment. (Think: security!) Continue Reading

• NFV Infrastructure: What really lies beneath?

  Vendors have differing ideas on what constitutes an NFV Infrastructure, which makes it difficult to know how to invest. However, there are a few key elements every portfolio should include. Continue Reading

• 5 network performance features in VMware NSX 6.1

  VMware NSX 6.1 brings new optimization, management and security features to virtual network environments.Continue Reading

• Three ways to measure wireless network performance

  Trying to find ways to assess your wireless network performance? Here are some tools that can help.Continue Reading

• How do you benefit from MPLS provider comparison?

  An expert explains the process of choosing an MPLS provider.Continue Reading

• Mininet creates OpenFlow test networks on the cheap

  With Mininet emulation software, you can create OpenFlow test networks that let you experiment with programmable networking and flexible control planes without investing in costly switches.Continue Reading

• 25 Gigabit Ethernet: Why that, why now and what's next

  If you blinked, you may have missed it: A consortium formed this summer to develop a 25 Gigabit Ethernet specification, with plans to have 25 Gbps switches shipping in two years. Here's why the industry is in such a hurry.Continue Reading

• Network micro-segmentation brings security to NSX and ACI

  VMware and Cisco are depending on network micro-segmentation to bring a new level of virtualization security with east-west firewall capabilities.Continue Reading

• Do I need network quality of service?

  An expert discusses the importance of including quality of service across the network.Continue Reading

• The future network is software-defined: Prepare your WAN now

  In this concise podcast, John Burke of Nemertes Research covers the top dos and don'ts for implementing SDN in the WAN. His concise advice will better prepare you and your network for an SDN age.Continue Reading

• How to describe technology in business terms to win board approval

  Networking professionals have to be able to explain the value of technology in business terms to win board approval. Find out how to talk business-speak.Continue Reading

• Aggregation in IPv6 routing curbs effects of Internet growth

  IPv6 addresses are four times larger than those based on IPv4, but experts say that doesn't mean IPv6 will slow down routers. In fact, IPv6 routing makes route aggregation simpler, which leads to smaller routing tables.Continue Reading

• The bare-metal switch moves closer to mainstream

  Bare-metal switching has been considered niche, but Dell's foray into the market suggests other big vendors may soon follow. And while you might worry a bare-metal switch requires a Ph.D. to set up, early adopters say it's not that scary to use.Continue Reading

• Open Network Install Environment gives end users network OS choices

  The Open Network Install Environment's community of vendors offers an open install environment for bare-metal switches using its Linux-based OS installer.Continue Reading

• Three new takes on WAN optimization

  Once considered new technology, WAN optimization is now widespread, and enterprises are including it in their networks from the start. Now that WAN optimization is mature, what's the next step for WAN management? Application delivery optimization ...Continue Reading

• What do we need from NFV orchestration?

  NFV orchestration is about much more than just provisioning and managing virtual features, such as firewalls or load balancers. Instead, NFV orchestration must address the entire service-chaining process.Continue Reading

• DevOps or SDN? You'll need them both to work together

  There's no point in choosing between DevOps and SDN. SDN is actually the perfect toolset for DevOps, with its unified vision and control over the entire network. Meanwhile, DevOps lends itself to the hybridized IT model necessary for SDN.Continue Reading

• MPLS vs. virtual private LAN services: Same thing?

  Most IT managers tend to think of MPLS and VPLS as separate entities. Robert Sturt points out that the two products have a lot in common.Continue Reading

• Context-aware security: Big benefits for networks, but no shortcuts

  Context-aware security has the potential to make network security a lot smarter. But it also requires legwork many IT shops aren't equipped to handle.Continue Reading

• Juniper OpenContrail vs. Cisco ACI: Making an SDN decision

  Juniper and Cisco have radically different SDN strategies. Here's some crucial information about the Cisco ACI vs. Juniper OpenContrail decision.Continue Reading

• What to look for when gauging MPLS performance

  Quality of service and service-level agreements are just a few of the considerations enterprises must keep in mind when assessing global MPLS providers.Continue Reading

• GENEVE primer: The answer to network virtualization interoperability?

  The GENEVE network encapsulation protocol is more flexible than VXLAN and NVGRE. Will it bring interoperability to network virtualization overlays?Continue Reading

• GENEVE primer: A universal network encapsulation protocol?

  The GENEVE network encapsulation protocol is more flexible than VXLAN, NVGRE and STT and does everything they can do. Will it replace them entirely?Continue Reading

• What's the difference between declarative and imperative networking architecture?

  When talking about network, automation and policy solutions, it's becoming commonplace to hear about declarative and imperative networking architectures. Jason Edelman explains the differences.Continue Reading

• Pluribus reduces its top-of-rack switch price by outsourcing hardware

  Startup Pluribus outsources manufacturing of its top-of-rack switch; it may embrace the bare-metal switch approach.Continue Reading

• Riverbed APM gets more root cause analytics, mobile visibility

  The rebranded Riverbed APM portfolio now includes SteelCentral AppInternals 9.0 with expanded mobile visibility and analytics capabilities.Continue Reading

• App store-style network applications will drive SDN adoption

  IT engineers want their network services to flow as easily as the apps they buy in the app store -- and that trend may drive SDN adoption.Continue Reading

• What is a CPU-based SDN switch? Infoblox's Stu Bailey explains

  InfoBlox's Stu Bailey talks about the differences between the CPU-based LINCX SDN switch and ASIC-based switches, and how users can get involved with the development of LINCX.Continue Reading

• The simple facts behind antenna basics

  No matter how expensive your wireless system may be, its performance depends on the strength of its antennas.Continue Reading

• Network Innovation Award: ThousandEyes multiplies view

  ThousandEyes is this month's SearchNetworking Network Innovation Award winner for its network performance platform.Continue Reading

• VMware NSX price finally published as channel starts selling

  The VMware NSX price is finally publicly available, both monthly per-VM and perpetual per-CPU terms.Continue Reading

• Content distribution network outdoes traditional cloud services

  Content distribution network services facilitate content distribution at a lower cost and with higher performance than traditional cloud services.Continue Reading

• Content distribution networks: Separating fact from hype

  Content distribution networks can accelerate cloud applications and services, but only if companies know what they're looking for.Continue Reading

• Juniper, Aruba partner to unify wired and wireless network management

  Juniper, Aruba announced a partnership to converge their respective wired and wireless LAN technology for simplified network management.Continue Reading

• MPLS networks not obsolete, but Internet as WAN catches up

  MPLS networks have been the undisputed king of WAN services for years, but more enterprises are looking at supplementing them with Internet services.Continue Reading

• WLAN AP reviews: Aruba instant access points

  Aruba's series of IAP-225 access points promises quick provisioning and quick configuration, analyst Craig Mathias writes.Continue Reading

• Software-defined WAN: The old way of building branch networks is dead

  In the software-defined WAN, we'll provision virtual overlays and move network management to the cloud, limiting costly on-premises equipment.Continue Reading

• What is the difference between network orchestration and SDN control?

  Glen Kemp discusses the differences between network orchestration, similar to OpenStack, and SDN control, which is happening through OpenDaylight.Continue Reading

• Do OpenDaylight and OpenStack compete or complement?

  OpenDaylight and OpenStack combine to enable IT as a service, but first the communities must wade through the overlapping features.Continue Reading

• WLAN AP reviews: Meru access points

  This 802.11ac product review of Meru Networks AP822 WLAN access points focuses on the advantages of high-capacity and plug-and-play capabilities.Continue Reading

• How to buy: What to look for in 802.11ac access points

  If you're in the market for 802.11ac access points for your wireless LAN, find out what features are essential when it's time to buy.Continue Reading

• Building a hybrid network with SDN, network virtualization

  SDN and network virtualization are new and still largely misunderstood technologies. Here's how they can combine to build a modern hybrid network.Continue Reading

• SDN WAN startups vIPtela and CloudGenix attack hybrid WAN complexity

  CloudGenix and vIPtela emerge from stealth to fight WAN complexity with SDN technology.Continue Reading

• Motorola unveils iBeacon-based indoor positioning technology

  Motorola unveils indoor positioning technology using Bluetooth beacons retail businesses to reach customers, with or without guest Wi-Fi networks.Continue Reading

• Broadcom, Intel SDN offerings: What's the difference?

  Glen Kemp breaks down the differences between Broadcom and Intel SDN chips and reference designs.Continue Reading

• Choices in SDN wireless technology emerge

  New SDN wireless technology uses intelligent controllers in the cloud to granularly direct traffic and policy among access points on premises.Continue Reading

• VMware, Microsoft end encapsulation protocol turf war with GENEVE

  Microsoft, VMware, Intel and Red Hat have submitted the GENEVE encapsulation protocol to the IETF for network overlay standardization.Continue Reading

• Why are open APIs needed in a software-defined network?

  Open APIs are architectural components of a software-defined network that push configurations or information to routers and switches or other apps.Continue Reading

• Five software-defined data center tips to consider before investing

  The software-defined data center combines programmable networks, servers and storage. But these SDDC tips show you what to look for beyond basic flexibility.Continue Reading

• Is passive optical networking good for enterprises?

  An information systems engineer explains passive optical networking and how it can help an enterprise reduce costs.Continue Reading

• Cisco OpFlex: A southbound SDN protocol for network policy control

  Cisco proposed OpFlex as an alternative, southbound SDN control protocol that relies on distributed network intelligence.Continue Reading

• 802.11ac Wi-Fi takes the lead, but wired network has to play backup

  As adoption of the new 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard picks up, wired networks must be ready to support faster speeds and greater capacities it brings.Continue Reading

• Complex apps need network-based application performance management tools

  As more networking pros get pulled into application performance management, they need tools that speak their language. Meet network-based APM.Continue Reading

• Fortinet steps into high-end ADC market

  One year after acquiring Coyote Point Systems, Fortinet releases its first high-end application delivery controllers for enterprises and MSPs.Continue Reading

• Software-based routers on x86 servers are becoming reality

  With stronger processing power and advanced software features, software-based routers are becoming a reality -- but only in some cases.Continue Reading

• OpenFlow as a network control protocol goes deeper than data center

  OpenFlow can be transformed into a network control protocol that pushes past Layer 2 to transform the WAN and optical transport layer of the network.Continue Reading

• What separates white-box software from bare-metal switches?

  Network administrators can choose between white-box software and bare-metal hardware and receive the same performance.Continue Reading

• HP trains partners, developers and engineers for SDN app store

  HP's SDN app store needs apps, so HP is training partners, developers and engineers to build them. HP and its partner, Kemp Technologies, discuss.Continue Reading

• IEEE's 802.11ac ratification: What gigabit speed means for you

  With the ratification of the IEEE 802.11ac standard, Ethernet is all but dead. But is your organization's network ready for gigabit speeds?Continue Reading

• AT&T Domain 2.0 kicks into high gear as carrier embraces NFV and SDN

  AT&T is no longer waiting to build its next-generation network with SDN and NFV. AT&T's Domain 2.0 vision comes alive this year.Continue Reading

• OpenStack networking and orchestration: What's possible?

  OpenStack's networking service, Neutron, integrates provisioning and management of network resources into the orchestration of IT infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Q&A with Big Switch CEO: Bare-metal switches or bust

  In this Q&A, Big Switch CEO Doug Murray previews the SDN cloud fabric his company is developing with white-box switches.Continue Reading

• In SDN optical networks, centralized control and scalability

  Technology for SDN optical networks is emerging and with it comes centralized control and dynamic bandwidth provisioning in the WAN.Continue Reading

• Asian carrier offers self-service WAN via Vello Systems' OpenFlow SDN

  Pacnet built an OpenFlow-based WAN using OpenFlow software and white-box equipment from Vello Systems.Continue Reading

• Pica8 doubles flow rule capacity in its new OpenFlow 1.3 switch

  Pica8 introduced a new OpenFlow 1.3 switch that doubles the flow-table memory of its previous switches from 4,000 to 8,000 OpenFlow rules.Continue Reading

• New modular PA-7050 Palo Alto firewall scales to 120 Gbps

  With the PA-7050 chassis, Palo Alto Networks aims to sell firewalls deep into large data centers.Continue Reading

• Enhance service delivery model with WAN, application optimization

  This Essential Guide looks at today's WAN and the steps needed to ensure your WAN remains reliable, secure and scalable enough for tomorrow's needs.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V logical networks: The answer to scalability

  When it comes time to scale Microsoft virtual environments, engineers must use Hyper-V logical networks, which enable wider connectivity.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V networking: The three virtual switches that fuel connectivity

  In this Hyper-V networking primer, learn about the three virtual switches behind Microsoft virtualization connectivity.Continue Reading

• A10 Networks embraces SDN, overlays and cloud with aCloud architecture

  With VXLAN and NVGRE support, multiple partnerships and integrations, and pay as you go, A10 embraces SDN, overlays and cloud.Continue Reading

• F5 wins networking award for BIG-IP's platform intelligence

  F5 wins this month's SearchNetworking Network Innovation Award for the programmability and intelligence added to version 11.4 of its BIG-IP software.Continue Reading

• Is service agility the payoff in network functions virtualization?

  NFV may not let operators toss their routers for generic servers yet, but it could mean a new level of service agility and increased revenue.Continue Reading

• New network architectures and traditional components: Why both are key

  The next stage in network architecture's evolution is upon us. An SDN future is certain. What's less clear is how quickly it will become the norm, and what network architects should do in the meantime to keep their systems healthy and operational.Continue Reading

• SDN and NFV: Show me the business benefits

  SDN and NFV offer exciting new features, such as network automation, but are we able to prove the business benefits of this new technology?Continue Reading

• Aerohive helps manage mobile devices and Wi-Fi infrastructure together

  Aerohive adds the ability to manage mobile devices to its Wi-Fi management platform, combining mobile device management and network management.Continue Reading

• Dell offers bare-metal switches through Cumulus partnership

  Dell says yes to bare-metal networking, allowing customers to run Cumulus and other operating systems on its switches.Continue Reading

• The SDN transition: Understanding SDN vendors, concepts and challenges

  SDN expert Ethan Banks breaks down what network engineers need to know about SDN vendors, architectures, products and operational requirements.Continue Reading

• What features do providers need in cloud orchestration software?

  What capabilities should providers look for in cloud orchestration software? Expert Paul Parker-Johnson discusses different features.Continue Reading

• Brocade SDN certification: What to know about its product credentials

  Brocade now offers two SDN certification credentials focused on its virtual router product platform. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading

• Next-stage high-density switch options: What's right for you?

  All major switch vendors have rolled out new high-density, low-latency data center switches. Expert Glen Kemp looks at what makes them special.Continue Reading

• White box switches: Understanding the basics

  White box switches are finally emerging, offering a choice in network OS as well as flexibility. Are they poised to take over your network?Continue Reading

• SDN essentials: Why network orchestration and virtualization?

  The goal of SDN is dynamic networks, so it's crucial to understand the concepts of network orchestration and virtualization -- the keys to flexibility.Continue Reading

• SDN basics: Understanding centralized control and programmability

  Network engineers who want to learn about SDN basics must begin with the concepts of centralized control and network programmability.Continue Reading

• Remote access security: What is ABAC and can it protect my network?

  Expert Joerg Hirschmann illustrates the need to supplement role-based access control with attribute-based access control to boost enterprise security.Continue Reading

• 14 questions to ask SDN vendors before investing

  Considering SDN technology? SDN expert Ethan Banks breaks down 14 questions to pose to an SDN vendor before investing in their technology.Continue Reading

• Do SDN and NFV mean we don't need to buy network hardware anymore?

  Learn how the roles and requirements of traditional network hardware will change as SDN and NFV mature.Continue Reading

• 15 SDN experts to follow on Twitter

  Whether they were sharing content or chatting with peers, SDN experts had a lot to say on Twitter this year. We picked out 15 to follow.Continue Reading

• Engineer wish list: SDN companies must work together, embrace openness

  Network engineers tell SDN companies to pursue a common vision for networking, embrace OpenFlow and commit to openness.Continue Reading

• Between Cisco and VMware SDN, which will network engineers choose?

  In the Cisco vs. VMware SDN battle, Cisco ACI may win out among network engineers, who are more comfortable with the hardware-centric approach.Continue Reading

• NetCitadel automates security threat assessment and response

  NetCitadel ThreatOptics automates assessment and remediation of network security threats by correlating and analyzing third-party security data.Continue Reading

• How SDN and NFV simplify network service chain provisioning

  SDN and NFV simplify service chain provisioning, making it easier and cheaper to spin up applications in enterprise and service provider networks.Continue Reading

• Bare metal switches: Will merchant silicon take over networking?

  New vendors are pushing network architectures that decouple software from hardware and run on bare metal switches with merchant silicon. Have we reached the x86 era in networking?Continue Reading

• IPv6, SDN: When worlds collide ... in a good way

  IPv6, SDN and the cloud seem like separate initiatives, but they are interdependent. SDN and IPv6 will enable cloud agility. The good news is they are also complementary.Continue Reading

• VMware adds NSX firewall integration with Palo Alto Networks

  VMware NSX integration with Palo Alto Networks applies advanced security policies to network virtualization overlay traffic.Continue Reading

• Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic simplify OpenFlow

  OpenFlow can simplify networks, yet the protocol itself is complex. Network programming languages Frenetic and Pyretic streamline OpenFlow SDN.Continue Reading

• Wireless security options don't have to break the bank

  Security expert Michele Chubirka shares low-cost and free options available to help your company guard its wireless LANs against threats.Continue Reading

• How many devices can one 802.11n standard access point control?

  Expert Mike Jude reveals the technical and theoretical limitations of 802.11n access points as more enterprises upgrade to the new standard.Continue Reading