Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• SDN components transform the LAN

  Full software-defined networking is elusive in the local area network, but SDN components can help create a LAN that is more flexible and programmable. Users are beginning to explore what SDN elements like centralized management of policies and ... Continue Reading

• Local area network design gets boost from SDN

  Network pros improve LAN design, especially in automating policies, with software-defined network functions, or 'SDN-lite,' even if true full-featured SDN is still out of reach. Continue Reading

• First responders rely on improved Wi-Fi to fight fires and save lives

  First responders implement improved Wi-Fi to enhance how they share critical information in times of medical emergencies and natural disasters. Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking technology makes inroads in the LAN

  While software-defined networking technology still isn't mainstream, network pros are looking at how 'SDN-lite' principles can improve LAN automation and flexibility. Continue Reading

• Dredge manufacturer utilizes LTE connectivity for distributed network

  DSC Dredge improved its distributed network design using 4G LTE connectivity and Cradlepoint software-defined technology. Now, it can turn its attention to other issues -- like pirates. Continue Reading

• How should IT manage connected devices?

  As IT teams become tasked to manage connected devices more often, what steps need to be taken to avoid performance and security-related problems?Continue Reading

• Mist wireless analytics service captures NIA

  Mist makes plans to diversify its innovative wireless analytics service, as the company grows its customer base to more than 200 users.Continue Reading

• The far-reaching benefits of SD-WAN improve network edge to inner layers

  The benefits of SD-WAN could work inward from the network edge to improve network infrastructure efficiency, anticipate network service needs and maybe emerge as NFV's killer app.Continue Reading

• Sorting the hype from the truth with intent-based networking systems

  Intent-based networking systems could redefine how enterprise networks are managed. But to be successful, these systems must deliver, and not just promise.Continue Reading

• What are the differences between SDN open source and vendor products?

  Choosing between SDN open source and vendor-provided options is easier when you know some of the available choices. Industry analyst Lee Doyle lists some of the options.Continue Reading

• Buying the right network security tool for your organization

  The key to selecting the network security product that will work best for your organization is choosing tools that will work together as a unified security strategy.Continue Reading

• Data center fabrics using link-state protocols over BGP

  Data center operators are beginning to use modified link-state protocols on their large-scale data center fabrics, according to the IETF. What's behind the switch?Continue Reading

• SD-WAN configuration options: Is active-active configuration best?

  Highly distributed organizations might not benefit from an active-active SD-WAN configuration. Learn how to assess which option is best for your company.Continue Reading

• Criteria for vetting tools from network security vendors

  Before purchasing a network security system, consider where your data is located, who has access, where security tools will be deployed and if they're part of a unified strategy.Continue Reading

• Open source network tools compete with shrinking vendor equipment

  Vendor equipment consolidation could limit network operator service automation efforts, but new open source network tools offer options and prevent lock-in.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN providers: Consider the small with the big

  SD-WAN providers extend far beyond the most well-known names in networking. Consider the smaller or niche players when checking out good options.Continue Reading

• Free Range Routing ready to take root as viable option

  The Linux Foundation, Cumulus and others ramp up their support for Free Range Routing, as open source routing gains traction.Continue Reading

• The API industry drives enterprise collaboration

  Enterprises aiming to improve their bottom line face a new API industry to help them achieve their goals. While in the past APIs were a nice thing to have, today they reach beyond technology and have become an integral business component.

  In ...Continue Reading

• The API economy goals should include more collaboration

  IT pros addressing business needs in the API economy must be sure they're collaborating with the right teams and building technology that attracts developers.Continue Reading

• Odessa Medical moves to the dark (fiber network) side

  A goal of 100% network availability and uptime is hard to meet. Odessa Medical moved to a dark fiber network to meet that need, IT director Brad Shook explains.Continue Reading

• Enterprises mirror hyperscale data centers to build new infrastructure

  IT pros offer tips to help enterprises emulate hyperscale data centers like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and the Google Cloud Platform in their own organizations.Continue Reading

• API tools create a new networking economy

  As enterprises and vendors increasingly collaborate to strengthen networks, both sides recognize the need for flexible, robust API tools that help enable development.Continue Reading

• Managing network services with new software-based offerings

  As more managed networking services derived from virtual, software-based technologies hit the market from providers large and small, enterprises need to weigh new considerations.Continue Reading

• Who's doing what with NFV orchestration platforms?

  It might come as little surprise, but the two primary options for NFV orchestration platforms are open source or vendor-supplied options. See who's doing what in these areas.Continue Reading

• How to move to a network hybrid cloud architecture

  Learn how to avoid network hybrid cloud architecture problems before a migration, and why uniformity and consistent performance are essential for success.Continue Reading

• Making a business case for purchasing a network security system

  A unified network security platform can offer organizations significant savings by helping them to reduce outages and the number of security components being managed.Continue Reading

• Arista Universal Spine lands Network Innovation Award

  This month's Network Innovation Award goes to Arista Universal Spine and the technology behind the architecture.Continue Reading

• How the basics of network security systems have evolved

  Today's sophisticated network security technologies work together to provide a tighter net and block malicious behavior both within and at the edge of the network.Continue Reading

• Is your organization ready for automation deployment?

  Adopting new forms of advanced network configuration requires a culture change. Is your organization ready?Continue Reading

• Adopting virtualized IT is about building decision support

  Why do companies adopt big data, cloud and other forms of virtualized IT? They do it to support a growing decision support model.Continue Reading

• Gas producer gets boost from SolarWinds network monitoring software

  In a bid to improve its network infrastructure monitoring, industrial gas producer Chart Industries deploys SolarWinds network monitoring software to reduce downtime and increase productivity.Continue Reading

• Software-based networking broadens automation approaches

  Networking is shifting away from proprietary hardware toward a broader software-based networking initiative, focused on automation and virtualization.Continue Reading

• Future internet infrastructure to utilize fiber, edge hosting, CDNs

  The future internet infrastructure for network operators will rely on vastly increased amounts of fiber, edge hosting and content delivery networks to match users' needs.Continue Reading

• Networking management tools: Keeping pace with change?

  If the only constant is change, that's never been more true in the network industry than it is today. Networking management tools -- and network managers -- have to keep pace.

  New technologies like cloud and virtualization services are emerging ...Continue Reading

• New network visibility tools create legacy and clarity issues

  Clarity is crucial to all enterprises. As networks undergo technology shifts, managers are finding new network visibility tools to gain a clear look across the organization.Continue Reading

• Cisco ACI architecture deployment options point to network evolution

  Cisco ACI architecture users recommend embracing the model's software-based capabilities instead of going the traditional networking route to meet automation needs.Continue Reading

• Intent-based networking is focus of Cisco network analysis tools

  As intent-based networking emerges, network managers have good reason to embrace the changes as manual tasks are automated and new network analysis tools hit the market.Continue Reading

• 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