Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
NFVi: Virtual networks drive changes in telecom infrastructure needs
Expert Lee Doyle explains why service provider networks need NFV infrastructure -- high-performance, reliable and scalable platforms to support virtual network functions. Continue Reading
Time to replace RJ-45 connectors in the data center?
Ubiquitous RJ-45 connectors reign supreme even in the wake of newer data center technologies. USB 3.1 cables are out there; can they be the next big thing? Continue Reading
What is SDN? The answer now includes automation and virtualization
What is SDN? What software-defined networking really means has evolved dramatically and now includes automation and virtualization. Continue Reading
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Minecraft paves the way to grow enterprise SDN, seriously
Insight from the Minecraft video game points to how enterprise SDN adoption could grow faster with a single interface for monitoring, confirmation and troubleshooting. Continue Reading
Cisco vs. VMware vs. BYOC: Bright-box war heats up
Big vendors like HP are jumping on the bright-box bandwagon, which could represent a new angle in the Cisco ACI-VMware NSX showdown. Continue Reading
Identify the right WAN optimization products for your company
Leading WAN optimization product vendors use a variety of techniques to get the job done. Find out who does what and if it's right for you.Continue Reading
Choosing WAN optimization techniques, more is better
When it comes to choosing WAN optimization techniques, more is definitely better. Part two of this three-part series offers up a catalog of optimization options.Continue Reading
Before you buy: Finding the right WAN optimization appliance
Picking the right WAN optimization appliance for your environment involves comparing different data reduction methods. Learn how to pinpoint the best option.Continue Reading
The WAN connection waiting game: Engineers long for faster provisioning
It can take one to three months to install a private WAN connection at a new branch office. For many enterprises, that’s just not acceptable anymore.Continue Reading
WAN 2.0: Say goodbye to network provisioning delays
Network engineers have long suffered the consequences of slow provisioning times for many traditional wide area network (WAN) connections like point-to-point T1 lines or MPLS networks. They're at the mercy of carriers that can take as long as three ...Continue Reading
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Virtual network functions, not network functions virtualization, belong in enterprise
While network functions virtualization is exclusively a service provider technology, virtual network functions are at home in the enterprise space.Continue Reading
Facebook, Google use SDN to boost data center connectivity
Internet content providers like Facebook and Google are already using SDN to improve hyperscale data center connectivity. But more could be done.Continue Reading
What's involved with global ISP Internet breakout?
An expert explains how to achieve global Internet breakout connections and gives examples of different connection options.Continue Reading
Are OpenStack and NFV MANO interchangeable?
Network functions virtualization and cloud management systems appear to overlap, but whether or not the latter can manage and orchestrate a virtual network is open to debate.Continue Reading
Advent of 2.5, 5 Gigabit Ethernet switches roiling market
Faster wireless has opened the market for a new breed of switches. Expert Craig Mathias will tell you what you need to know.Continue Reading
SDN load balancer debate: Controller or ADC?
Expert David Jacobs discusses whether software-defined networking will render application delivery controllers obsolete or complement evolving SDN.Continue Reading
SN blogs: Lenovo Superfish security breach unnerves customers
SN blogs: Analysts this week discussed why big data analytics needs to be reassessed and why Lenovo's response to Superfish spawned consumer distaste -- and distrust.Continue Reading
Virtual network function development: Ecosystem or silo?
The future of virtual network functions depends on how easily they can be deployed. Consensus is still a ways off.Continue Reading
SDN starter kits remove some do-it-yourself aspects of an SDN deployment
Not many network engineers can confidently design and launch an SDN deployment from scratch. But with SDN starter kits, there's less need to do that on their own.Continue Reading
Ten recommendations to improve your NFV network evolution
As providers move into network functions virtualization, these 10 recommendations can help guarantee a successful NFV network transition.Continue Reading
What to look for in data center switches
Enterprises continue to virtualize data centers in the name of agility and efficiency. Because of this, the data center switches they buy today need to address both data center existing needs and future requirements. DC switches must be able to work...Continue Reading
With wave 2 Wi-Fi on the horizon, is your network ready?
Wave 2 Gigabit Wi-Fi will usher in speeds of up to 7 Gbps. Expert Lisa Phifer explains what you need to do to get ready.Continue Reading
SDN blogs: Overlay networks can be scaled
In this week's SDN blogs, experts talk about the scalability of overlay networks and ask questions about SD WAN, and an open source SDN website is launched.Continue Reading
Identifying the top 10 network-cloud integration challenges
IT managers face a variety of network-cloud integration challenges. But there are steps they can take to keep those challenges at a minimum.Continue Reading
SN blogs: Vendors focusing on SD WAN, but WAN optimization still key
SN blogs: This week, an analyst urged vendors to keep focus on WAN optimization; the rise of big data analytics is forcing firms to see what's next.Continue Reading
Network management projects top list of 2015 IT initiatives
According to TechTarget’s 2015 IT Priorities Survey, 44% of enterprises are planning network management projects this year.Continue Reading
How to buy: What IT needs to look for in data center switches
IT needs to know what to look for when buying data center switches that support high speeds and lower latencies to pave the way for agile data center network consolidation.Continue Reading
Seven wireless networking trends to remember
Wireless networking is empowering, but it comes with a fair amount of complexity. Stay clear-headed and understand your own needs and constraints, even as the fog gathers around you.Continue Reading
Opportunistic encryption: The IETF's 50 shades of protection
The IETF is asking for help as it defines the opportunistic security standard. What does this mean to the enterprise?Continue Reading
Open NFV toolkit Snabb Switch offers virtual Ethernet programming
Snabb Switch, an emerging open NFV toolkit, enables Ethernet function programming in a software switch. Could it leave vendor-developed hardware in its wake?Continue Reading
SN blogs: Cybersecurity leadership needs restructuring
SN blogs: This week, why having two CISOs could benefit cybersecurity strategy; how Google's plans to become an MVNO could be a good thing.Continue Reading
Named Data Networking project wants to retire TCP/IP
TCP/IP is buckling under the demands of today's Internet, according to researchers who want to replace it with a new Internet protocol stack. Their solution: Named Data Networking.Continue Reading
Latest network security threats prompt one question: ‘Are we next?'
After the latest wave of attacks, including the most recent on Sony, network security pros are losing sleep. Can new platforms stop today's network security threats?Continue Reading
Could vendor divide on new Ethernet speeds hurt enterprise networks?
Vendor alliances are bypassing the IEEE again, this time with specs for two new Ethernet speeds, 2.5 and 5 GbE. Without common standards, could enterprise networks suffer?Continue Reading
Recent flurry of slower Ethernet speeds focuses on strategy, not acceleration
For the first time, Ethernet innovation isn't about higher speeds. The recent push for 2.5 and 5 Gigabit Ethernet show it's all about use cases.Continue Reading
NFV and SDN technology benefits drive telecom changes
NFV and SDN technology could be mainstream options for providers' cloud and network architectures within five years; time to review the benefits.Continue Reading
New Ethernet speeds, 2.5 and 5 GbE, ready campus LAN for 802.11ac
The next generation of Wi-Fi technology, 802.11ac Wave 2, will be able to push multiple gigabits of data per second, but most enterprise networks wouldn't be able to take full advantage of it with the infrastructure they have in place today. That's ...Continue Reading
Mitigating IPv6 neighbor discovery attacks
You might be vulnerable to IPv6 neighbor discovery attacks. But there are tools you can use to counter those threats.Continue Reading
Five SDN starter kit options you should know
SDN starter kits are designed to help enterprises evaluate the technology before they begin transitioning their networks to the new architecture. What should you look for?Continue Reading
SN blogs: WebRTC browser applications boost enterprise networking
SN blogs: This week, an analyst discusses why browser-based communication is enhanced with WebRTC applications.Continue Reading
How to protect your IPv6 address management
Expert Fernando Gont explains how to probe whether your IPv6 address components are vulnerable to attack.Continue Reading
Price vs. design, how do you choose MPLS service providers?
When you meet with several MPLS service providers, you need to weigh the cost vs. the design of the product. Cheaper products might not give you all the capabilities you need.Continue Reading
IT network management and SMBs: What to look for
Resource-challenged small, medium-sized businesses need special tools to help them oversee their networks. What to look for.Continue Reading
Network Innovation Award: Dell breaks mold with Dell/Cumulus partnership
Dell wins this month's Network Innovation Award from SearchNetworking for its partnership with Cumulus Networks, in which Dell became the first mainstream switch vendor to permit third-party OSes to run on its switches.Continue Reading
The journey to next-generation networks begins now
Network operators will see real change in their next-generation networks in 2015, moving SDN and NFV from science project status to serious trials, while mobile networks get the lion's share of investment, and new regulations affect all of it.Continue Reading
What is the security impact of enterprise IoT?
Software management at the device level is key to mitigating security risks in the enterprise when IoT arrives.Continue Reading
Network programmability, SDN blend into virtualization hairball
The challenge is to forget demarcation lines between networking programmability, SDN and data center virtualization. Columnist Patrick Hubbard says they're becoming something between a giant hairball and a flock of magic unicorns.Continue Reading
Managing mobility means understanding EMM
As enterprises become more mobile, enterprises need to understand the tools available to help them manage that growth.Continue Reading
SN blogs: Software infrastructure products to blossom in 2015
SN blogs: This week, an analyst gives his 2015 IT infrastructure predictions; an engineer discusses when to use a router versus a switch.Continue Reading
What buyers need from Wi-Fi access point upgrades
A recap of SearchNetworking's How to Buy series, which teaches IT professionals what to keep an eye on when buying new products for their networks.Continue Reading
VWAN threatens traditional three-tiered WAN design
With vWAN providers changing the traditional three-legged WAN structure, carriers need to develop new WAN plans and services using SDN and NFV to keep enterprises on their networks.Continue Reading
Network management, next-gen firewall tools take center stage
A recap of SearchNetworking's How to Buy series, which teaches IT professionals what to keep an eye on when buying new products for their networks.Continue Reading
As WLANs grow, so does need for secure wireless networks
Wireless LANs are growing in size and importance, making it imperative for every networking pro to ensure they have a secure wireless network.Continue Reading
New, branded open network hardware model emerges
Hyperscale data center operators have radically altered their infrastructure with open network hardware that runs a range of operating systems. As this strategy trickles down into the enterprise, vendors are unveiling branded-but-open technology.Continue Reading
How to plot SIP services to a WAN foundation
What you need to measure when evaluating SIP services from your WAN services provider.Continue Reading
Virtual network functions bring potential with some risk
Virtual network functions are the magic behind NFV. They bring software capability to routing, mobile core, security and more. But they're not without implementation challenges.Continue Reading
What is a hybrid WAN service?
When considering hybrid WAN architecture, organizations must focus on the end-user experience and security.Continue Reading
White-box switching: Three paths to network programmability
White-box switching is often pitched as a way to cut costs, but the greater value lies in its ability to make networks more programmable and automated.Continue Reading
Cloud-managed wireless: Why network engineers love it
Cloud-managed wireless is growing three times faster than the wireless LAN market as a whole. Network engineers rave about its benefits, but it's not for everyone.Continue Reading
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
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
Umpqua Bank employs NSX, micro-segmentation for enterprise security
Umpqua Bank's Sam Guidice tells how the organization deployed VMware's NSX as part of its effort to utilize micro-segmentation for enterprise security.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
How Apple iOS MAC address spoofing affects location-based services
Apple iOS 8 will add a MAC address spoofing feature to iPhones and iPads for wireless privacy. It could interfere with Wi-Fi location-based services used by many consumer-facing businesses.Continue Reading
Arista switch pioneers 100 GbE uplinks in top-of-rack
Arista announced top-of-rack 7280E with 100 GbE uplinks. It also released an optic that allows a migration from 10 to 40 GbE without a fiber upgrade.Continue Reading
Will MPLS traffic engineering technology help you?
MPLS traffic engineering can improve VPN performance to ensure data travels the most efficient path.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
How to buy: Assessing next-gen firewalls
Is there a next-gen firewall in your future? Our How to Buy guide offers advice you need to ensure you purchase the best platform to meet your needs.Continue Reading
Don't ignore this great wireless training resource
Online wireless support communities are a great resource for IT professionals who need their questions answered quickly.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
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
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