Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Aligning IT with business still a struggle for enterprises

  The idea of aligning IT with business needs has been around as long as tech itself. But enterprises still struggle with siloed hardware, security and cloud applications. Continue Reading

• Network specialist career development includes business knowledge

  A network specialist needs to have knowledge of SD-WAN, Cisco's NX-OS and other technologies, but they also must study the business side of the job, one IT pro says. Continue Reading

• Network hardware components scrutinized as apps move to cloud

  Networking pros make business-critical decisions about where to house their network hardware components -- on-premises or managed in a service provider's cloud. Continue Reading

• Intent-based networking and network automation: A primer

  Intent-based networking offers engineers intriguing network automation benefits, if it can deliver on promises and separate itself from the hype. Continue Reading

• Comparing virtual routing software with physical routers

  Virtual routing software offers enterprises a lot of advantages, but they have to be weighed against potential security and connection challenges. Are physical routers the way to go? Find out in this virtual router vs. physical router comparison. Continue Reading

• SD-WAN 2.0: What SD-WAN trends to look for in 2018

  As 2018 draws closer, analyst Lee Doyle looks into future SD-WAN trends. On the radar: The continued growth of SD-WAN managed services and support for IoT, Wi-Fi and mobility.Continue Reading

• Network validation a first step to intent-based architecture

  Network validation is an important first step for enterprises evaluating intent-based networking. Unless you know how things really work, you won't succeed.Continue Reading

• Current networking trends increasingly shape the enterprise

  Current networking trends like software-defined technology, cloud and virtualization are shaping the direction of the enterprise. Companies are provisioning more workloads to the cloud as they assess costs associated with replacing expensive ...Continue Reading

• Cloud-based networking becomes a reality

  Cloud-based networking trends continue to push enterprises toward software-defined technologies and virtualization, while skill sets and networking education shift.Continue Reading

• Networking trends 2017: Cloud, wireless, pace change

  Networking trends like cloud computing, virtualization and SDN continue to shape enterprise strategy while managers eye potential for IoT and data analytics.Continue Reading

• It's not an 'either-or': MPLS network design has room for SD-WAN

  If your current MPLS network design is working great, you may be struggling with the question of where SD-WAN technology fits in. The answer may be simpler than you expect.Continue Reading

• Carrier cloud could create bigger roles in future for SDN and NFV

  Increasing carrier cloud deployment could be the key that drives SDN and NFV technologies forward in the future of virtual networking -- not the other way around.Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud networking plays big role in development

  Multicloud and hybrid cloud networking are complex, but users prefer that complexity remain invisible. In this issue of Network Evolution, read how, now more than ever, network professionals need to understand their options when it comes to ...Continue Reading

• Adobe multicloud strategy transforms network engineering

  Adobe created a multicloud strategy to connect to public clouds like AWS and Azure. One Adobe networking pro talks about how the new approach changed its definition of networking.Continue Reading

• IT pros seek better methods to manage application performance

  IT pros have to manage application performance across complex networks connecting more devices and locations, as mobility changes how granular performance needs to get.Continue Reading

• Multi-cloud architecture takes hybrid cloud to new heights

  As hybrid cloud use takes hold, enterprises need to create a multi-cloud architecture that integrates different cloud platforms to seamlessly route data from one cloud environment to another.Continue Reading

• Machine learning in networking: What’s the next step?

  The networking industry today is poised to reap the benefits of machine learning, but all too often, networks themselves stand in the way.Continue Reading

• Ixia CloudLens Public gets Network Innovation Award

  Cloud visibility challenges force many enterprises to pull back on their cloud migration strategies. But Ixia CloudLens Public might be one way to assuage those fears.Continue Reading

• Comparison of popular technical SD-WAN service models

  Two main SD-WAN service model options exist for users to choose from, but more could be on the way due to regulatory and industry development efforts. Find out what works for you in this comparison.Continue Reading

• Visions of software-defined branch begin to take hold

  Software-based technologies can apply to the vision of a software-defined branch that converges network elements and centralizes management. But getting there will take time.Continue Reading

• What a network microsegmentation strategy means for you

  As network administrators move beyond traditional network segmentation, creating a good network microsegmentation strategy across the enterprise is essential.Continue Reading

• The story of SDN: Control planes, OpenFlow protocol and disaggregation

  When discussing SDN, control planes and programmability are often lumped into the conversation -- along with a dose of OpenFlow protocol and disaggregation.Continue Reading

• 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