Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• RSA security conference still relevant in today's landscape?

  The RSA conference convenes in San Francisco this week. But, asks Michele Chubirka, is the meeting really focusing on the critical issues?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

• Rob Cannistra talks OpenFlow development on the Floodlight controller

  Marist's Robert Cannistra talks SDN research and current OpenFlow development for the OpenDaylight Floodlight controller.Continue Reading

• Nexus 9000 vs. Nexus 7000: What's in your future?

  Cisco's new SDN master plan revolves around new hardware -- the Nexus 9000. Are your old Nexus switches obsolete?Continue Reading

• Your next job may be 'network programmer': What you'll need to know

  SDN brings flexibility to networking, but this will require engineers to gain new skills in order to fill the emerging role of network programmer.Continue Reading

• Competitors on Cisco SDN strategy: Is hardware really the answer?

  Cisco competitors blasted the new Cisco SDN strategy, saying it uses inflexible hardware for software-driven networks and bypasses SDN standards.Continue Reading

• User-, app-centric security key in enterprise security architecture

  Today's enterprise security architecture must become contextually aware in order to support the growth of mobile devices and cloud-based applications.Continue Reading

• Can multiple SSID Wi-Fi configurations contribute to performance woes?

  Multiple SSID network configurations can be trimmed down with dynamic policy controllers in order to boost wireless LAN performance.Continue Reading

• Bare-metal networking: Facebook shares progress of Open Compute switch

  Facebook revealed that Open Compute will likely accept contributions from Broadcom, Intel, Mellanox and Cumulus into its bare-metal switch project.Continue Reading

• As encryption standards tighten, Array retools ADC, eyes SaaS clients

  Array Networks revamps mid-level ADC as it targets Software as a Service providers for its 2,048-bit SSL-compatible appliances.Continue Reading

• Juniper Contrail's open source SDN will change the enterprise network

  Glen Kemp discusses Juniper's open source SDN controller and the impact the OpenContrail project and NFV may have on enterprise customers.Continue Reading

• Mulling enterprise SDN deployment? Not so fast

  Although SDN offers some compelling advantages, enterprises would be ill-advised to deploy the technology until it gets more mature and standardized.Continue Reading

• Cumulus Networks update: Broadcom Trident II-based bare-metal switches

  Cumulus Networks released version 2.0 of its Linux-based network OS for bare-metal switches based on Broadcom Trident II chips.Continue Reading

• Getting cloud capacity planning right in the face of oncoming growth

  Cloud capacity planning requires accurate knowledge of a cloud provider's existing infrastructure, future plans and the growth plans of its customers.Continue Reading

• NetSocket targets the branch router with network virtualization

  NetSocket has pivoted its end-to-end network virtualization product toward replacing the branch router with software.Continue Reading

• Aruba introduces reliable cloud-based network, Wi-Fi management tools

  Aruba introduces reliable cloud-based network options to the enterprise with embedded control in APs and cloud-based Wi-Fi management.Continue Reading

• SDN buyer's guide: Book chapter on what to look for in a solution

  Rajesh Kumar outlines SDN basics in his new book and includes an SDN buyer's guide with key SDN components to look for in an SDN solution.Continue Reading

• Application visibility and control tools emerge for the wireless world

  A new generation of application visibility and control (AVC) tools allows network managers to peer into applications across their WLAN infrastructures and optimize how that traffic is delivered. These new AVC tools will help network managers deliver...Continue Reading

• Bucking SDN controller interoperability will stifle innovation

  There's been lots of work on SDN southbound apps, but vendors are ignoring SDN controller interoperability and threatening progress as a result.Continue Reading

• Overcoming network functions virtualization implementation challenges

  Carriers need network functions virtualization implementation prespecification, so they'll look to TM Forum and cloud management models for help.Continue Reading

• Brocade's new Vyatta virtual router is 10x faster

  Brocade's Vyatta 5600 virtual router is 10 times faster, setting the stage for telco deployments, NFV and high-performance overlays.Continue Reading

• WAN vendor Ipanema Technologies sets cloud app performance platform

  Ipanema Technologies introduces a cloud application management platform that ensures application performance through multiple networks.Continue Reading

• Where SDN and DPI technology meet: Centralized control and automation

  When SDN and DPI technology meet, network engineers can apply monitoring and management policy to the whole network instead of individual components.Continue Reading

• Upgrading the network? Don't forget the network security tools

  Network security tools -- like firewalls-- must be upgraded when moving to a high-speed enterprise network in order to prevent bottlenecks.Continue Reading

• IETF SDN: I2RS uses traditional routing protocols in software networks

  The IETF SDN strategy relies on centralized management and distributed decision making with traditional network protocols -- departing from OpenFlow.Continue Reading

• Unified network management tools: Key features, vendor approaches

  Unified network management platform buyers should look for key product features and be aware of three different vendor approaches to the market.Continue Reading

• When network monitoring tools improve business intelligence

  As network architectures become more complex, users need network monitoring tools that provide performance data and business intelligence.Continue Reading

• The new virtualization engineer: Breaking down siloes in your skills

  As siloes break down in the IT organization, there is demand for a new job role—the virtualization engineer, who manages across converged resources.Continue Reading

• WLAN design tools prepare enterprises for optimal Wi-Fi experiences

  WLAN design tools and site surveys are prerequisites for an optimal wireless experience; Xirrus announces its cloud-based Wi-Fi design application.Continue Reading

• Virtual overlay networks: Tunneling protocols enable multi-tenancy

  Virtual overlay networks use tunneling protocols to extend isolated network segments between servers for multi-tenant data center networks.Continue Reading

• IT service-level agreements and SDN: Assuring virtualization performance

  With SDN with network virtualization, service providers can improve server virtualization performance and offer improved service-level agreements.Continue Reading

• SDN education: Universities tackle SDN course content

  Universities would like to create SDN education programs, but SDN courses are difficult to plan since the technology is rapidly evolving.Continue Reading

• IPv6 cost considerations

  Before you make the switch to the new Internet Protcol, it's important to understand these IPv6 cost considerations.Continue Reading

• SDN security strategies for network attack prevention

  With a deeper level of visibility and granular control, SDN security strategies can better prevent a wide range of network attacks.Continue Reading

• Traffic analytics in the new IT landscape: NetFlow vs. sFlow

  Traffic monitoring and analytics are imperative today for network hardware. But Is NetFlow or sFlow better for you?Continue Reading

• Understanding the relationship between SDN and NFV

  SDN and NFV are not part and parcel to each other, but when the two sets of technology meet they advance each other's capabilities.Continue Reading

• In mobile networks, SDN and NFV mean service orchestration

  In mobile networks today, it can take months to deploy infrastructure and services, but SDN and NFV allow for orchestration and dynamic provisioning.Continue Reading

• Ten essential network virtualization definitions

  SDN has sparked discussion about what network virtualization truly is. Here are 10 key network virtualization definitions that explain the basics.Continue Reading