Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Why SD-WAN doesn't mean the end of MPLS connections

  Many organizations are opting to keep their MPLS connections, even after deploying SD-WAN, defying predictions of the death of MPLS with SD-WAN's rise -- at least for some circuits. Continue Reading

• How to find the best network switches for your enterprise

  Need to buy network switches? Evaluate vendor products by considering both your current and future network needs and getting up to speed on the latest features available. Continue Reading

• How well is ARM NFV positioned for NFV deployments?

  It's ARM vs. Intel again, as the two competitors each look to become the leading silicon microprocessor chip provider for NFV applications. ARM NFV could prove to be a challenger to Intel. Continue Reading

• An edge router buying guide for your next network upgrade

  Read this edge router review to learn what capabilities current product lines now offer, which are essential for your particular network and what questions to ask vendors. Continue Reading

• SDN application examples emerge as SDN continues to mature

  SDN can benefit more than data centers and cloud. SDN application examples show service providers, hospitals and IoT networks are using the technology as it continues to mature. Continue Reading

• Aryaka rolls out remote access as a service on its private network

  Aryaka introduced SmartACCESS, a software-defined remote access-as-a-service product that merges its CDN and private network to speed remote and mobile users' connections.Continue Reading

• What are the top NFV platforms?

  Networking expert Lee Doyle details the requirements for NFV infrastructure and the leading NFV platform options -- OpenStack and VMware's vCloud NFV.Continue Reading

• Service providers rushing in to provide container networking

  The notion of using container networking within enterprise organizations is gaining momentum from a surprising source.Continue Reading

• Telecom vendors feel the pressure of operator transformation plans

  Changes in network operators' buying trends have rocked the status quo for telecom vendors, with pricing pressure, software and chants of 'no more lock-in' driving it home.Continue Reading

• Will vCPE and SD-WAN functionalities converge?

  Service providers face a tradeoff when it comes to distinct vCPE and SD-WAN services. But networking expert Lee Doyle says those services could merge into one functionality.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN explained: Getting your questions answered

  Our SearchSDN networking experts aim for SD-WAN explained in this Q&A compilation, with topics ranging from vertical markets it can benefit to the merits of WAN optimization vs. SD-WAN.Continue Reading

• Networking development takes on voice quality, SD-WAN security

  The old telephone systems set a high bar for engineering its network for call quality. Then came the internet, and with it, new technologies like VoIP and other applications that need to always operate with high reliability and quality standards. In...Continue Reading

• F5 targets application consistency for enterprise multi-cloud strategy

  With a multi-cloud strategy growing within enterprises, F5 cloud efforts focus in on application services delivery for more than 80% planning to deploy multiple cloud architectures.Continue Reading

• Buying routers? Read this review on the latest in edge routers first

  Buying routers is more complicated than ever. This handbook on edge routers includes an overview of the latest capabilities to help you decide which you need.Continue Reading

• Choosing the best campus switches for your network environment

  Learn how to select the campus LAN switch vendor and switch models that will best meet your organization's needs in terms of performance, integration and configurations.Continue Reading

• Versa's SD-Branch could create simplified 'thin branch' management

  Networking expert Zeus Kerravala weighs in on Versa Networks' SD-WAN extension, SD-Branch, which could simplify branch management while creating a thin branch.Continue Reading

• Exploring the features and functions of HPE and Aruba campus switches

  HPE offers its traditional line of high-end campus switches, as well as Aruba switches, such as the 3180 series, for high-speed connectivity to SMBs and large enterprises.Continue Reading

• What is the future of networking for enterprises?

  What will be the future of networking at enterprises and organizations operating in 2025?Continue Reading

• An overview of Huawei switches for campus LAN environments

  Huawei S series campus LAN switches provide a range of low-end and advanced device options that address large network environments that need high-bandwidth access.Continue Reading

• A10's Harmony brings app delivery services to a multicloud deployment

  As use of cloud services explodes, A10 Networks is working to add application delivery services to the multicloud deployment process.Continue Reading

• Exploring the Juniper EX switch series for campus LAN environments

  Juniper Networks offers a variety of campus LAN switch products, including switches that provide advanced, high-availability features for high-performance network deployments.Continue Reading

• Why SDN, DevOps don't share automated network missions

  SDN and DevOps may both have a role in automated network device management, but compared to SDN, DevOps has a completely different mission, our expert explains.Continue Reading

• Network security basics for building better corporate systems

  Here's your one-stop guide to network security basics, including the latest on the current threat environment, advanced security technology and everything else you need to build a smart and secure network.Continue Reading

• How has VPN evolution changed remote access?

  VPN evolution has seen a shift in connectivity -- from point-to-point to sophisticated, multipoint connectivity systems.Continue Reading

• Using NFV and SDN for detailed network microsegmentation

  Detailed network microsegmentation using SDN and NFV gives service providers opportunities to create and provide more flexible and effective security services to their customers.Continue Reading

• EarthLink SD-WAN helps Dunn-Edwards Paints connect with customers

  When Dunn-Edwards Paints decided to explore software-defined WAN, they looked to their service provider, EarthLink. The latter's new managed SD-WAN service was a hit.Continue Reading

• Future networks jettison traditional networking thinking

  Software-defined networking gets all the headlines, but there's another trend gaining traction in future networks: software-based networking. Enterprises are increasing their reliance on software -- rather than manual coding -- to automate tasks ...Continue Reading

• Software-based networks ease staff manual labor, increase efficiency

  Find out how three enterprises are experiencing the benefits of software-based networks as their staffs are freed up from manually tweaking network components.Continue Reading

• Time for software-based networking to free up network managers

  Software-based networking and network automation may finally be taking center stage. The test of success will be whether network managers are freed up from manual tasks to keep things running.Continue Reading

• An inside look at Extreme Networks' switches for campus environments

  Extreme Networks provides a variety of campus LAN switches, including those with just a few fixed ports and modular switches that can accommodate gigabit and multi-gigabit ports.Continue Reading

• A look at Dell switches that can support networks of all sizes

  The low-end Dell N1500, N3000 and N4000 series, as well as the advanced Dell Z-Series, provide a range of switch products for smaller enterprises and large campus networks.Continue Reading

• Arista Networks' ultralow-latency switches offer high performance

  Arista network switches offer ultralow-latency performance for large data centers, cloud and high-performance computing, and high-frequency trading environments.Continue Reading

• Brave new WAN: Technologies emerge to transform wide area networks

  In the blink of an eye, the formerly staid wide area network has become a brave new world, defined by rapid change and innovation, and the subject of plenty of industry buzz. Emerging WAN technologies -- from software-defined networking to cloud -- ...Continue Reading

• Vive la revolution! New wide area network technologies usher in change

  In today's wide area network, emerging technologies disrupt the status quo ... and that's a good thing. Enterprises now have more options than ever when it comes to WAN design.Continue Reading

• The WAN revolution: Wide area network design marches forward

  Vive la wide area network revolution! In the new WAN, emerging cloud, software-defined networking and virtualization technologies save time and money while improving performance.Continue Reading

• Data center SDN transition can help with DCI, SD-WAN and 5G

  Most SDN connections run less than 100 feet within one data center. The mission now is to move data center SDN into broader network uses, like DCI, SD-WAN, 5G wireless and CDNs.Continue Reading

• Market trends will push Cisco to make an open NOS

  Cisco remains committed to selling a network operating system tightly integrated with hardware. But market trends will likely force the vendor to release an open NOS soon.Continue Reading

• NBASE-T Ethernet gives LANs a needed performance boost

  NBASE-T Ethernet provides for LAN transmission speeds of up to 5 Gbps over most existing copper cable, redefining networks.Continue Reading

• White box switching, SDN and NFV prompt carrier networking gear revolution

  For service providers considering a networking gear upgrade, white box switching plus SDN in the data center and NFV in the core offer scalability, lower cost and better margins.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN providers enable high-speed access to cloud-based apps

  With users increasingly moving to SaaS and cloud-based apps, some SD-WAN providers have partnered with cloud providers to allow customers easier access to those apps.Continue Reading

• Exploring the features and deployment options of Cisco campus switches

  Cisco offers several campus LAN switch models that provide UPoE, as well as redundant power supplies, built-in security, and network management and visibility capabilities.Continue Reading

• A look at the Alcatel-Lucent campus LAN switch products

  Alcatel-Lucent OmniVista provides a network management system for converged campus networks and a full line of campus LAN switches that address the access and distribution layer.Continue Reading

• Cloud visibility goal of Ixia CloudLens software update

  Ixia takes aim at cloud visibility with its new CloudLens Public for tracking cloud performance.Continue Reading

• Using DevOps for networking testing gains traction

  Using DevOps for networking means using the tools IT teams employ for testing and applying those principles to networking.Continue Reading

• After using both NSX and ACI, engineer says VMware wins his vote

  Sugar Creek Packing Co. sidestepped the NSX vs. ACI debate and deployed both. Now, a senior network engineer shares which technology he would recommend to enterprises.Continue Reading

• So long command line? Automated networking quietly takes over

  You might not always see it, but that doesn't mean network automation isn't there ... and as its footprint grows, the command line interface could disappear.Continue Reading

• Layer 3 switches explained

  Layer 3 switches are important in enterprise networks -- particularly in designs with many subnets and virtual LANs. What is a Layer 3 switch, what can it do for you, and how does it differ from a regular switch or router?Continue Reading

• Your guide to embedding SDN in data centers, from start to finish

  Wondering if it's time for your enterprise to transition to an SDN data center? Expert help is available to help answer that question and plan your next steps.Continue Reading

• Why you need network monitoring systems and what they can do for you

  Learn how a network availability monitor could help your organization manage its network health and provide the first line of defense when application performance deteriorates.Continue Reading

• How will virtual router software benefit the networking industry?

  Although virtual router software has been around for more than a decade, 2017 could be the year vRouting experiences greater adoption due to its available use cases.Continue Reading

• The changing role of hardware used in networks in this virtual era

  Even in this software-defined world, expect a networking hardware evolution. The role of hardware will expand, and you will have to adapt to some significant changes.Continue Reading

• Deal with cloud network infrastructure challenges and reap rewards

  Cloud-based networking is the norm now. Learn which technologies allow companies to reap the benefits of the cloud for their company network.Continue Reading

• Managing apps essential in realizing their business value

  Apps have taken center stage, but in order to exploit their value, enterprises have to find a way of managing apps that works best for them.Continue Reading

• Status report 2017: NFV deployments grow; standards issues remain

  Large service providers are continuing their NFV deployments, which will enable 5G wireless and IoT. But management, orchestration and standards questions remain.Continue Reading

• Improved application performance possible with right approach

  Improved application performance and delivery is essential but complex. Learn what tools, platforms and monitoring options help even in today’s distributed network environments.Continue Reading

• Are SD-WAN and WAN optimization techniques merging?

  WAN optimization techniques have helped maximize network throughput for years, while SD-WAN is relatively new. While the two concepts are separate, they can complement each other.Continue Reading

• IT Priorities 2017 survey: Virtualization gains in networking plans

  TechTarget's ninth annual IT Priorities Survey reveals a growing number of network pros are focused on virtualization in their networking plans, while not forgetting legacy issues.Continue Reading

• Automated service lifecycle management needed for SDN success

  To seriously jump-start SDN, automated service lifecycle management is needed for operations efficiency and service agility for legacy and SDN networks.Continue Reading

• Enterprise network monitoring tools address companies of all sizes

  Network availability monitoring tools are designed to analyze infrastructure problems for networks of all sizes and specialty products, including managed service providers.Continue Reading

• Customer-focused strategy more key than digital transformation hype

  The tech industry's chatter about digital transformation and disruption are scare tactics that shouldn't distract companies from making purchases based on a customer-focused strategy.Continue Reading

• SDN service for sale ... from a healthcare provider?

  Early NSX adopter BayState Health is weighing the possibility of a future as an SDN service provider -- using multi-tenancy to run other organizations' networks parallel to its own.Continue Reading

• The connected stadium: If you build it, they will come

  In the next-generation sports venue, the home team's stadium network can serve as a strategic resource, driving fan engagement, concession sales and more.Continue Reading

• Managed enterprise network services gain traction

  As network demands become increasingly complex, many enterprises are turning to managed network services, outsourcing maintenance to third-party providers.Continue Reading

• With new IEEE Ethernet standard, old cables learn new tricks

  The new IEEE Ethernet standard offers some much-needed flexibility for network managers trying to keep up with skyrocketing bandwidth demand while working under long refresh cycles that prevent frequent rip-and-replace upgrades. With 802.3bz, or ...Continue Reading

• NBASE-T switches help organizations 'futureproof' networks

  Early adopters are turning to the new IEEE Ethernet standard, 802.3bz, to help ensure their wireless networks can meet the bandwidth demands of tomorrow.Continue Reading

• With NBASE-T Ethernet switches, repurpose the cabling you already have

  As the demand for bandwidth continues to mushroom, new NBASE-T Ethernet switches help network managers get higher data speeds out of their existing cables.Continue Reading

• The good, bad and the ugly of software-defined networking security

  Software-defined networking security has both good and bad potential. It can benefit route connectivity, but it also presents risk linked to improper SDN controller implementation.Continue Reading

• How to leverage UDP port scanning as a security scanning tool

  UDP port scanning isn't as robust as TCP port scanning, but there are steps you can take to include the technique as a security scanning tool.Continue Reading

• Network trends include new hardware role in a virtual era

  Network trends that enterprise IT pros must consider include rethinking the role of hardware in today's virtualized, software-defined services architecture.Continue Reading

• Will edge routers be replaced as SD-WAN growth continues?

  SD-WAN growth is affecting the edge router market, according to Gartner forecasts. Network expert Andrew Froehlich discusses whether or not SD-WAN will replace edge routers.Continue Reading

• Network management platforms address big enterprises, ISPs

  The leading network availability monitoring tools troubleshoot networks deployed in big enterprises, as well as within service-provider environments that manage multiple domains.Continue Reading

• Net neutrality explained: The idea is simple, but appearances deceive

  Net neutrality explained: The concept is back in play. And although its goals seem simple, reality is more complicated.Continue Reading

• Software networking supports wide range of deployment use cases

  Software networking includes elements of SDN, NFV and network virtualization, which have taken the industry by storm; it also supports advances like 5G wireless and hybrid cloud.Continue Reading

• Exploring availability monitoring tools for larger networks

  The leading enterprise network monitoring tools offer a variety of features, licensing, support and maintenance options designed for medium and larger network environments.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between NFV automation and NFV orchestration?

  NFV automation is the ability to transfer manual network configuration to technology; NFV orchestration creates the deployment and automation blueprint.Continue Reading

• New year, new WAN: SD-WAN adoption takes off

  More and more enterprises are using software-defined networking principles in the wide area network, with industry experts predicting that SD-WAN adoption will skyrocket in 2017. In fact, some top analysts expect the market to grow as much as 90% ...Continue Reading

• From consultant to enterprise network engineer: How to make the switch

  Learn how one former network design consultant made a major career change, leaving her position at a vendor and landing her dream job in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 networking embraces SDN

  Microsoft's new Windows Server 2016 networking capabilities have grown to support SDN, virtual network functions and hybrid cloud.Continue Reading

• Open source network software promises major industry shifts

  Let the disruption commence! Observers say it's high time the networking sector accepts and sorts out open source, arguing it's not a question of if enterprises use it, but how.Continue Reading

• Viptela SD-WAN technology transforms major healthcare network

  In this software-defined WAN case study, Kindred Healthcare says Viptela SD-WAN technology has made its network more agile and less expensive to deploy and manage.Continue Reading

• Cisco IWAN architecture case study: Manufacturer embraces SD-WAN

  MTD Products credits the Cisco IWAN architecture with cutting costs and improving performance in the wide area network, ultimately leading to an increase in employee productivity.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN adoption: Exxon Mobil deploys Cybera technology

  In this case study, learn how SD-WAN adoption dramatically simplified a major oil company's wide area network while improving security and increasing flexibility.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN vendors enjoy rave reviews from happy users

  Compared to data center SDN companies, SD-WAN vendors seem to have it easy, with a relative slew of satisfied customers eager to share their deployment stories.Continue Reading

• Assessing network availability monitoring tools for SMBs, larger networks

  Learn what features, licensing, support and maintenance options the leading performance and availability monitoring tools offer to SMBs and larger networks.Continue Reading

• Why OSPF isn't your best option when using DMVPN Phase 3

  Cisco's DMVPN Phase 3 protocol offers many benefits, but make sure you evaluate options before using Open Shortest Path First.Continue Reading

• Virtual wire network transport mission could increase SDN usage

  SDN's use as virtual wire to provide network transport could get the technology out of the data center to underlay SD-WAN better than Ethernet or IP and benefit optical networks.Continue Reading

• API growth forcing vendors to take notice or risk losing out

  The API is fast becoming a must-have in modern networking. But API growth is forcing vendors to rethink how they want their devices to be configured and managed.Continue Reading

• The best path to a hybrid cloud network architecture

  There are a variety of paths that lead to a hybrid cloud network architecture. Learn whether SD-WAN, WAN cloud exchange or some other option is best for your enterprise network.Continue Reading

• SDN can help unify wired and wireless campus networks

  Campus networks can be difficult to manage, especially with the continuing need to unify Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks. But SDN's centralized approach can improve security and QoS.Continue Reading

• Chit chat: The new team collaboration apps go mainstream

  Gone are the days of dial-up internet and ubiquitous AOL accounts, when Meg Ryan had mail and no one owned a smartphone. Yet, many years and seven iPhone generations later, email -- for all its frustrations and shortcomings -- still reigns as the ...Continue Reading

• Two factors affecting the deployment pace of SDN and NFV technologies

  Service providers deploy SDN and NFV technologies at different paces for two main reasons: issues with the organization's business case and slow-going standards progress.Continue Reading

• Will NFV standards address orchestration in the near future?

  NFV standards for orchestration are affected by the number of standards groups and service providers' individual approaches, says SDN expert Lee Doyle.Continue Reading

• Advanced network monitoring aids SDN deployments

  IT professionals can reach their advanced network monitoring goals with the aid of SDN deployments.Continue Reading

• Four infrastructure technologies to watch in 2017

  Enterprises have a lot to consider when evaluating the infrastructure technologies to deploy in the next 12 months. Which ones will make the grade?Continue Reading

• SDN poised to play major role in 5G networks

  Fifth-generation, or 5G, networks promise increased wireless capacity and speed with reduced latency. SDN architecture can help improve performance and scalability.Continue Reading

• Is it hybrid WAN vs. SD-WAN, or does SD-WAN help implement hybrid WAN?

  Expert Lee Doyle tackles the issue of hybrid WAN vs. SD-WAN. Although the technologies are separate, SD-WAN can make hybrid WAN deployment and operation easier.Continue Reading

• The ups and downs, ins and outs, of cloud application delivery

  Cloud application delivery is a pressing concern in IT operations today.

  Whether enterprise applications live in a private or public cloud, enterprise IT is still responsible for making sure employees can access the apps they need -- end of ...Continue Reading

• Carriers meet need for scalable, secure cloud network services

  As hyperscale providers like AWS dominate the cloud, carriers find their role in secure cloud network services for organizations in need of cloud connections.Continue Reading

• All about the evolution of Ethernet: How we got to GbE speeds

  The evolution of Ethernet continues and is offering up new tricks. Ethernet serves as an essential networking protocol, addressing each new set of networking challenges that comes along. Whether it's next-generation gigabit Wi-Fi or modern data ...Continue Reading

• MPLS routing undergoes change, as SD-WAN gains traction

  Enterprises are seeing cost-efficiencies as they transition their wide area networks to SD-WAN. What does this mean to MPLS routing?Continue Reading