Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• Networkers on Cisco SDN: Far superior, if you're into rip-and-replace

  Network pros say the Cisco SDN strategy beats the competition in programmability, but they question what happens to their existing Nexus investment. Continue Reading

• With SDN, IPv6 transition may not be so hard

  With SDN, IPv6 transition might be easier, since physical addresses will be managed through a controller and be part of a larger automated system. 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

• Plexxi SDN enhanced with ToR switch and easier application affinity

  Plexxi introduced a new ToR switch with Ethernet-based interconnections for data center pods and a data services engine for DIY application affinity.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

• DB Networks addresses SQL security with IDS-6300

  Database security specialist DB Networks introduces SQL security appliance to detect obfuscated malicious traffic.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

• New head of OpenDaylight Project: Openness trumps vendor interests

  New OpenDaylight executive director Neela Jacques explains why the open source project will advance the interests of SDN.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

• Red Hat CloudForms promises management, federation for OpenStack clouds

  Red Hat unveils Red Hat CloudForms 3.0 and welcomes cloud providers to its OpenStack Cloud Infrastructure Partner Program.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

• Nick Feamster: OpenFlow SDN for access control is just the beginning

  Georgia Tech's Nick Feamster talks creating a basic SDN controller inspired by routing, and using OpenFlow SDN for access-based control.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

• New F5 application delivery architecture pushes fabrics over boxes

  F5 Networks introduces Synthesis, a new way to think about application delivery controllers that emphasizes a fabric over individual appliances.Continue Reading

• Midokura adds Layer 2 gateways to network overlay; joins OpenDaylight

  Midokura added a Layer 2 software gateway to its network overlay and will add hardware gateways soon. It also joined the OpenDaylight Project.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

• Energy-efficient data centers: Tap local, sustainable resources

  A microgrid approach using local power sources can help providers build out more self-sustaining, energy-efficient data centers.Continue Reading

• What to consider for hybrid network virtualization technology

  There are ways to use network virtualization technology in your existing network that let traditional and virtual architectures complement each other.Continue Reading

• What network virtualization technology can do for your network today

  Network virtualization technology is now generally available, and it won't require a rip-and-replace. A hybrid approach may be the best way to begin.Continue Reading

• Pertino Networks adds services and security app store to cloud WAN

  Cloud WAN provider Pertino Networks adds app store, enabling the deployment of network services and security with just a few clicks.Continue Reading

• Network Innovation Award: Polycom CloudAXIS extends video to browsers

  Polycom CloudAXIS, winner of SearchNetworking's Network Innovation Award, enables internal and external users to join video calls with just a browser.Continue Reading

• Specialty cloud storage providers die out; can backup and DR save them?

  With standalone cloud storage providers like Nirvanix failing, storage providers must expand their services to include backup, disaster recovery.Continue Reading

• IBM selects Juniper QFabric for big data networking

  IBM chose Juniper Networks' QFabric as the network fabric for its big data-focused Accelerated Discovery Lab.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

• ONF launches SDN northbound interface working group

  The Open Networking Foundation forms a northbound interface working group to model and prototype technology, but not to necessarily pursue a standard.Continue Reading

• ForeScout adds publish-and-subscribe security integration to NAC

  ForeScout ControlFabric offers open publish-and-subscribe integration with network access control to third-party security platforms.Continue Reading

• What role will SDN play in public cloud infrastructure?

  The transition from hardware- to software-defined networks will affect the design of public clouds as firms extend their physical data centers.Continue Reading

• NSX available, but price of VMware network virtualization stays secret

  VMware announced general availability of its NSX network virtualization software, but it won't tell us how much it will cost.Continue Reading

• SDN WAN optimization and security applications emerge

  Managing remote offices is tough, but SDN WAN optimization and security bring centralized management that simplifies pushing policy to the branches.Continue Reading

• The notion of intelligent networks shifts as Cisco addresses SDN

  Cisco's application-centric infrastructure strategy is Intelligent Network version 2.0 in every sense of the word, writes Keith Townsend.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

• Silver Peak gives admins clearer view of storage replication

  Silver Peak updated its VXOA architecture with storage replication for DR, backup and data migration projects for storage managers.Continue Reading

• NEC unveils first OpenFlow 1.3 controller: Scalability at last

  NEC released an OpenFlow 1.3 controller and switches that will boost scalability for enterprise networks will and bring carrier-grade availability to SDN.Continue Reading

• Providers see revenue opportunity with cloud load balancer technology

  Providers are interested in cloud load balancers -- and partnering with vendors can lead to recurring revenue opportunities.Continue Reading

• IBM exec explains Big Blue's approach to cloud professional services

  In a market defined by self-service, the notion of cloud professional services seems almost like an oxymoron. But IBM has found lots of room to grow.Continue Reading

• Will Facebook open source switch mean 'CLI is dead'?

  The open source network switch specs coming from Facebook's Open Compute Project will lead to the rise of Linux-based networking and programmability.Continue Reading

• Broadcom will ship Trident II chips to switch makers this quarter

  After a six-month delay, Broadcom's StrataXGS Trident II chip is shipping at volumes high enough for switch manufacturers to start building product.Continue Reading

• Goodbye, guest Wi-Fi passwords: Cisco taps Facebook for authentication

  Tired of guest Wi-Fi users complaining about passwords? Cisco has partnered with Facebook to ease authentication and personalize wireless services.Continue Reading

• Arista 7050X: High-density ToR switch based on Broadcom Trident II

  The Arista 7050X, based on Broadcom's Trident II silicon, is a high-density, low-latency 10/40 GbE switch that supports VXLAN.Continue Reading

• Network configuration management: Old tools, new tricks

  With a few lines of your favorite scripting language, you could touch every machine in your environment without building anything new.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

• The programmable WAN: Applications are boss and networks bend

  In the new programmable WAN, network hypervisors can provision virtual network segments on demand to support specific applications or sets of data.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

• Application visibility and control tools emerge for the wireless world

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• The programmable WAN: Applications are boss and networks bend

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• Aerohive Wi-Fi: New dual 802.11ac/n APs enable phased upgrade

  Aerohive announces two 802.11ac-ready access points that support incremental network upgrades from 802.11n, decentralized network intelligence.Continue Reading

• Cisco Nexus 3100: Next-gen merchant silicon-based ToR switch series

  Cisco announced the Nexus 3100 series of top-of-rack, low-latency, merchant silicon data center switches with promise of VXLAN and OpenFlow support.Continue Reading

• Intelligent networks to support app economy, says Cisco's Chambers

  Cisco CEO John Chambers hammers on new app economy and Internet of Things fueled by intelligent networks, but stresses infrastructure is still key.Continue Reading

• ONF to standardize northbound API for SDN applications?

  Sources say the ONF is at the early stages of developing northbound API standards. Standardized SDN app interfaces could boost adoption.Continue Reading

• Magic Quadrant for IaaS providers explores why Amazon is so dominant

  Amazon is the market leader, but other providers can stand out with ecosystems that prepare future customer requirements.Continue Reading

• Cloud & ADCs: Enterprises need cloud load balancer technology

  The ADC market is changing as enterprises adopt cloud services. IT wants common on-premises and cloud load balancer technology.Continue Reading

• Nuage builds gateway appliance for network virtualization overlay

  Nuage builds its own services gateway to integrate bare-metal servers into its overlay network.Continue Reading

• New SDN book looks beyond OpenFlow and central control: Author Q&A

  A new SDN book posits that OpenFlow and central control are important, but open source software networking and programmability are just as crucial.Continue Reading

• Multi-layer SDN: Programmability across packet and optical layers

  Multi-layer SDN lets engineers use controllers for centralized programmability across both packet and optical layers for a more efficient WAN.Continue Reading

• Cisco NCS enables programmable network functions virtualization

  With the Network Convergence System, Cisco is delivering programmable routers for service provider networks with a path toward NFV.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

• Brocade adds multi-tenancy to VCS Ethernet fabric, new ToR switches

  With TRILL extension, Brocade adds native multi-tenancy to its Ethernet fabric. It also rolls out new ToR switches and auto-QoS for storage traffic.Continue Reading

• Open cloud: Just a buzzword or the future of infrastructure?

  Embracing an open cloud means there is no technology lock-in, no contractual lock-in and no services lock-in.Continue Reading

• Software defined data center networking: Think bare metal

  In software-defined data center networking, routing and load balancing will live on a server, changing the cost and flexibility of infrastructure.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

• HP launches Tipping Point firewall with next-generation app control

  With new Tipping Point firewall, HP takes on the crowded next-generation firewall market with an established IPS brand.Continue Reading

• $180 million Extreme-Enterasys merger combines complementary vendors

  Extreme Networks' acquisition of Enterasys Networks combines an end-to-end vendor with data center and campus-networking assets.Continue Reading

• Assessing your options for increasing wireless LAN capacity

  Enterprises most often assess new wireless specifications in terms of speed, but capacity should also be at the top of the list due to the increased use of wireless LAN for functions that include file transfers and high-bandwidth video. Network ...Continue Reading

• Network Innovation Award: ExtraHop EH8000 for operational intelligence

  ExtraHop Networks is September's winner of SearchNetworking's Network Innovation Award for its operational intelligence platform, the EH8000.Continue Reading

• Network configuration tools: It's not your father's backup solution

  Network configuration management was once basic and straightforward. But as networks become more complex, NCM has evolved.Continue Reading

• Networking blogs: Are all VM backup solutions created equal?

  In this week's blog roundup, learn about VM backup solutions and whether a Separate or Unified protection solution is right for you.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

• Video: Cloud networking solutions and bridging gaps between clouds

  In this video, Kris Bliesner, CEO of 2nd Watch, discusses cloud networking solutions, including tools that bridge the gaps in a hybrid-cloud scenario.Continue Reading

• Application-defined networking grows with variety of vendor approaches

  New application-defined networking techniques for efficient app delivery emerge, as a variety of networking and SDN vendors take different approaches.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

• How SDN will enable automated network security

  SDN promises centralized control and traffic management, which will result in automated network security that is more adaptive and scalable.Continue Reading

• Plexxi contributes application affinity networking to OpenDaylight

  SDN startup Plexxi has contributed its application affinity networking metadata service to the OpenDaylight controller.Continue Reading

• CIOs are laying SDN plans, but slowly

  CIOs are taking SDN plans seriously, especially for virtualization and the cloud, but they’re waiting for the technology to mature.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

• Can you miss the emerging network technology investment boat?

  New technologies like SDN and gigabit wireless are exciting, but how do you know when they’re mature enough for a network technology investment?Continue Reading

• Harvesting business intelligence with network monitoring tools

  Network technologies and architectures are rapidly changing due to a wide range of innovations from software-defined networking to gigabit wireless. It can be difficult for IT managers to know when to invest. The first step is to investigate the ...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

• Network Innovation competition: Plexxi Inc.

  Plexxi Inc. is this month's recipient of SearchNetworking's Network Innovation Award for creating its innovative networking framework.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

• WildPackets enhances network monitoring tools with big data analytics

  Enterprises need network monitoring tools that deliver real-time, actionable data. WildPackets delivers with big data analytics in WatchPoint 3.0.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

• Where SDN and DevOps tools meet

  Combining SDN and DevOps tools will mean the network can play a key role in creating an application-aware, responsive infrastructure.Continue Reading

• When network monitoring tools improve business intelligence

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• Vendor SDN certification programs emerge

  Experts and vendors maintain SDN certification programs are necessary for professionals looking to stay relevant in the networking space.Continue Reading

• The network is key as cloud drives converged infrastructure solutions

  The cloud drives true converged infrastructure solutions for network, storage and compute resources, but virtualization and the network make it work.Continue Reading

• SDN: Decision time

  Learn how to evaluate your potential vendor’s SDN solution and its ability to meet your specific business requirements.Continue Reading

• SDN: RFP technology decisions

  To properly evaluate software-defined networking solutions, you must understand what each vendor offers and how well it fits with your organization.Continue Reading

• SDN: From business problem to technical solution

  Learn how software-defined networking (SDN) technology strategies can help in reducing the complexity and management of your network.Continue Reading