Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Hardware vs. Software: The role of hardware in a software age

  In this software age, is there any role left for hardware? In our three-part guide, our experts' response is a resounding, "yes." It may feel like this is the era of  Continue Reading

• Network designs for dynamic route pacing

  The new generation of network devices means network designs based on dynamic routing. But there are pitfalls to keep in mind. Continue Reading

• Getting the best Ethernet networking for your enterprise

  Ethernet, the most widely used local area network data transmission technology, is a protocol in the TCP/IP stack. It touches both the physical layer (Layer 1) and the data-link layer (Layer 2) on the OSI network protocol model. Throughout the 33 ... Continue Reading

• Future network market vision emphasizes the edge

  Facing two network market truths, carriers must focus on metro networks with big pipes connecting cloud data centers at the edge to keep costs in line with incoming revenue. Continue Reading

• Network refresh: Look at your needs, not the name on the box

  In this Q&A, one networking pro shares why he and his team broke from their existing vendors during a network refresh and went with a new roster for their routers and switches. Continue Reading

• Jobs in networking: Enterprises vs. service providers

  It may not be the first question on your mind when evaluating job opportunities, but network engineers who have worked on both sides say there are distinct differences.Continue Reading

• As mobility grows, enterprises assess wireless-first designs

  Are you ready to kiss Ethernet cables goodbye? Find out what it takes to build and manage a network where wireless infrastructure rules the access layer.Continue Reading

• How do I choose an SDN certification or training program?

  Network engineer and SDN pro Will Murrell discusses how to choose the right SDN certification or training program, and what types of SDN courses are available.Continue Reading

• The business case for deploying network monitoring systems

  Network monitoring systems that focus on performance enhance network reliability and promote more efficient communication. What are some of the features you should be examining?Continue Reading

• 'If' and 'how' to make a WAN software-defined

  The wide area network is the latest aspect of IT to be transformed by the software-defined revolution. Do you need to make your WAN software-defined? And if the answer is "yes," how should you proceed? This three-part technical guide looks first at ...Continue Reading

• How to make your WAN architecture software-defined

  There's more than one way to make your WAN architecture software-defined. Learn three very different routes to achieving an SD-WAN.Continue Reading

• Analyzing big data in the cloud to boost business

  Google's GCP Next event highlights the growing trend of analyzing big data in the cloud to boost business.Continue Reading

• Tapping into old skills in the face of networking evolution

  Even outdated learning and skills, when adapted properly, can be important and useful for engineers adjusting to today's networking evolution.Continue Reading

• Ethernet networking: Where it is today and what's next

  Learn the latest about Ethernet -- how it works, how it's changed over the years and how Ethernet networking is evolving.Continue Reading

• SDN/NFV network standards don't address benefits of change

  Evolving SDN/NFV network standards address the technology but don't help operators understand potential operational efficiencies and increased service revenues.Continue Reading

• Shifts in application delivery management make APM crucial

  As business changes drive shifts in the process of application delivery management, understanding APM is key.Continue Reading

• Business is 'destroying' the application delivery process

  Business has changed, and so must the application delivery process. It's time for IT to go from being provider of services to a broker between clouds and end users. Here's how.Continue Reading

• How have network performance monitoring tools evolved?

  Network performance monitoring tools have evolved as networks have become more complex. What are some of the capabilities and features these tools now possess?Continue Reading

• Viptela vs. Cisco: Comparing SD-WAN vendors' platforms

  In a software-defined WAN showdown, network pro Will Murrell compares platforms from two top SD-WAN companies -- Cisco's Intelligent WAN and Viptela's Secure Extensible Network.Continue Reading

• New Wi-Fi technology that will affect your network

  New Wi-Fi technology developments are many, from the latest IEEE 802.11 standards like White Space Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi Alliance HaLow program. Get up to speed on what's new in wireless.Continue Reading

• Network analytics will play a key role for IT managers

  The enterprise network is transforming with mobility and SDN, and the additional complexity means network analytics has to become a primary tool.Continue Reading

• Cloud exchanges designed for WAN connections to public clouds

  Emerging cloud exchanges offer access to multiple cloud services via WAN links with the benefits of better security and network performance than the public Internet.Continue Reading

• Beacon technologies: Cool apps, but also network challenges

  There are countless exciting applications for beacons, but can they fulfill everything they promise? And, more important, can your backend infrastructure support them?Continue Reading

• NFV and SDN work in tandem in network infrastructure design

  NFV and SDN work at different layers of new network infrastructure designs. And together, they can drive change in creating virtual devices and flexible network connections.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN helps secure hybrid networks

  For all the gripes enterprises have about MPLS, one point of contention remains: Branches directly connected to the Internet don't feel safe. Is that still true in the age of SD-WAN?Continue Reading

• SD-WAN technology: A primer for what you need to know

  Software-defined WAN is poised to take the wide area network by storm, simplifying operations and reducing costs. Here's what you should know about the new SDN-based approach.Continue Reading

• Comparing enterprise network monitoring vendors

  Industry analyst Shamus McGillicuddy explores the leading enterprise network monitoring vendors on the market. Which ones have the features and capabilities you need?Continue Reading

• SDN analytics offers key to smarter, more adaptive networks

  SDN analytics promises to make software-defined networks smarter than ever, culling insights from vast amounts of big data and updating operations accordingly.Continue Reading

• New Ethernet standard, 25 Gigabit Ethernet, slakes server performance

  Expanded performance and throughput in 25 Gigabit Ethernet, a new Ethernet standard, reflects continued advances in server processing.Continue Reading

• SDN improves delivery of services in metropolitan area networks

  Providers have historically faced long delays in delivering new services to metropolitan networks. Analyst David Jacobs explains how SDN will change that.Continue Reading

• IT networking career lessons in a time of change

  In the high-stakes, 'us vs. them' world of modern networking, a veteran network administrator shares some fundamental IT networking career lessons.Continue Reading

• Get hands-on with the Open Network Operating System

  It's time to dive in with ONOS. Network pro Patrick Hubbard shares his recent experiences testing the open SDN operating system, and how you can try it, too.Continue Reading

• How many SDN programming languages should I know?

  When it comes to programming languages, is it better to become an expert in one or a jack-of-all-trades? Networking pro Will Murrell recommends familiarizing yourself with three.Continue Reading

• How does SDN automation work?

  Expert Lee Doyle explains how software-defined networking enables network automation -- leading to lower costs, faster provisioning and better scalability.Continue Reading

• Getting started: Why it's time to learn Python for SDN

  Not all programming languages are created equal. For networking pros ready to dive into coding, network engineer Will Murrell suggests starting with Python.Continue Reading

• Four examples of networks in unusual places

  If you think you had a weird day at the office, check out some of the crazy conditions these IT pros work in as we explore four networks off the beaten path.Continue Reading

• Container networking offers opportunity to simplify networks

  Linux containers are back in a big way, but it's not just developers who should be paying attention. Container networking will likely bring big changes to data centers.Continue Reading

• Latest types of firewalls merge NGFW and threat analysis features

  The next-generation firewall has become the focal point of an enterprise security strategy that integrates with cloud-based threat analysis and endpoint management.Continue Reading

• Tempered Networks' HIPswitch tackles IoT management

  Tempered Networks wins this month's Network Innovation Award for its HIPswitch IoT management and security platform, which its director of product management discusses in this Q&A.Continue Reading

• Dell C9010: Data center-class switch overview

  The Dell C9010 data center-class switch supports a large number of deployment scenarios, including campus networks, midsize businesses and large enterprises.Continue Reading

• Compensation flat for network pros in IT salary survey for 2015

  TechTarget's annual IT Salary and Careers Survey reveals network IT pros are satisfied with their jobs, even without big increases.Continue Reading

• Essential network monitoring system features for the enterprise

  Which network monitoring system features should you look for before buying an availability monitoring system?Continue Reading

• Comparing the best data center-class switch features

  Before you buy, check out this comparison of leading data center-class switches to understand the different features and capabilities.Continue Reading

• Deploying SDN for small business not yet worth it

  SDN for small business: Does it make sense? Networking engineer Nick Buraglio says maybe someday, but we're not there yet.Continue Reading

• The best VPNs for enterprise use

  This slideshow highlights the best VPNs used in enterprise wide-area networks (WANs) and offers principles for designing and implementing virtual private network (VPN) clients in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• Looking at the future of wireless technology at CES 2016

  The CES 2016 consumer electronics show offers insight into the future of enterprise wireless technology. Here's what IT should expect.Continue Reading

• NFV at the wireless edge: Cloud RAN opportunities and challenges

  Cloud RAN, a new architecture based on network functions virtualization concepts, promises to help the wireless network meet the demands of tomorrow.Continue Reading

• DNS co-founder discusses need for a more secure DNS

  Thirty years after creating the Internet's domain name system, co-creator Paul Mockapetris talks about addressing Internet challenges with a more secure DNS.Continue Reading

• Predictions for SDN development in 2016

  This promises to be an exciting year for software-defined networking enthusiasts, with SDN development poised for explosive growth. Analyst John Burke shares his predictions.Continue Reading

• Understanding your wireless LAN controllers

  WLAN is often described with three planes: data, control and management. The role of the control plane, and the wireless LAN controllers, is the most difficult of these to understand.Continue Reading

• Merlin Project conjuring up a new network management tool

  The Merlin Project, part of the Frenetic Project, hopes to help IT managers oversee complex networks with a new network management tool.Continue Reading

• WLAN 2016 technology trends

  As we look ahead in the new year, wireless LAN 2016 technology trends include 802.11ac Wave 2, analytics, 2.5/5/10 Gbps, LTE conflicts and the Internet of Things.Continue Reading

• Is it time for enterprises to use SDN in the data center?

  Software-defined networking (SDN) gained early traction in companies like cloud providers with the resources to launch it and a need for its benefits. Quick to use SDN to make networks programmable, scalable and more flexible, they were up for ...Continue Reading

• How does Open Network Operating System's 'Emu' update CORD?

  ONOS' latest release, called "Emu," includes updates to the Central Office Re-architected as Datacenter. Analyst Dan Conde explains what they entail.Continue Reading

• Container networking: SDN systems designed for developers

  New SDN projects like Flannel and Weave Net are developer-friendly and Docker-compatible. Analyst Dan Conde explains why you might want to consider the new kids on the SDN block.Continue Reading

• EMC-Dell merger good for open SDN?

  The EMC-Dell merger has plenty of people wondering what will become of VMware NSX. But could the deal, counterintuitively, actually be good for open SDN?Continue Reading

• How to work successfully with WLAN controllers

  Today, WLAN controllers are among the most important systems for modern users, but they do present challenges. Watch this webcast and learn how to overcome them.Continue Reading

• My MPLS service contract expires soon -- should I renew?

  The rise of SD-WAN has many asking: Do we really need MPLS connectivity? Expert John Burke explains what factors to consider before renewing your existing contract.Continue Reading

• 2016 telecom trends: As NFV goes, so goes carrier cloud

  In 2016, evolving trends in telecom will reveal whether the cloud, NFV and SDN can be effective business-level options for operators that need operations and management automation.Continue Reading

• What does 'open network' really mean today?

  One of the Open Networking User Group's most important conclusions of 2015: "Open networking" now means user choice, not a particular protocol or open source project.Continue Reading

• Has the time for wireless enterprise networks arrived?

  Is it time for Wi-Fi to become the primary access method for enterprise users?Continue Reading

• Should a Wi-Fi Internet service become your primary access?

  The notion of access from anywhere and the advent of higher-speed Wi-Fi service standards have fueled the development of wireless networking. Increasingly, employees are working from everywhere and often use Wi-Fi Internet even when in the corporate...Continue Reading

• Network security basics: A Buyer's Guide

  Getting network security basics right is critical. This SearchNetworking Buyer's Guide helps you purchase the best products for your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Harnessing wireless controllers to reduce costs

  Wireless controllers can help meet a rising demand for WLAN services in the era of post-recession budgets.Continue Reading

• NIA awards: A look back at innovative technology products

  As 2015 draws to a close, we look at the innovative technology products that garnered a SearchNetworking Network Innovation Award.Continue Reading

• Cisco Identity Services Engine: Security product overview

  The Cisco Identity Services Engine network access control system can be deployed as an appliance or virtual machine in a private cloud and offers compatibility for BYOD devices.Continue Reading

• ForeScout NAC: Network security product overview

  ForeScout NAC products can be deployed as hardware appliances or virtual machines. Designed for both small and large enterprises, they can support up to 10,000 end devices.Continue Reading

• Bradford NAC: Network security product overview

  Bradford Network Sentry products can be deployed as on-premises hardware appliances, virtual machines or cloud-based services, and they support connection of BYOD devices.Continue Reading

• Opportunity for SDN deployments in developing IT economies

  The relatively young IT systems found in developing economies could prove the perfect stage for SDN growth, with major opportunities for forward-thinking network engineers.Continue Reading

• IO Visor challenges Open vSwitch

  An alternative to Open vSwitch aims to execute software upgrades without disrupting network services. Expert Keith Townsend explains how the technology works.Continue Reading

• Zscaler gateway product overview

  Equipped with advanced security features such as cloud intelligence, botnet detection, sandboxing and more, the Zscaler Web gateway is deployed solely through the cloud.Continue Reading

• Cisco ASA firewall: Network security product overview

  Cisco ASA firewall products are Cisco's offering in the growing NGFW market. With FirePower intrusion prevention, they support deployments in small, medium and large businesses.Continue Reading

• How to meet the challenges of NFV orchestration

  Orchestration challenges are slowing NFV adoption, with a number of factors hindering deployments. Expert Lee Doyle explains and offers advice for service providers.Continue Reading

• Palo Alto firewall: Network security product overview

  Equipped with mobile security and endpoint protection solutions, Palo Alto firewall products are suitable for a range of deployments, including large and small enterprises.Continue Reading

• Next-gen firewalls: Check Point NGFW product overview

  The Check Point NGFW comes with firewall throughput of up to 70 Gbps and support for up to 3 million connections per second. It can be deployed in SMBs and large enterprises.Continue Reading

• Advent of IoT cloud services to fuel embrace of HTTP

  The evolution of IoT means the birth of IoT cloud services, and that means IT administrators will have to view their networks in new ways.Continue Reading

• Blue Coat ProxySG: Secure Web gateway overview

  With features like authentication and Web filtering, the Blue Coat ProxySG secure Web gateway can be deployed as a physical appliance, a virtual machine or a cloud-based service.Continue Reading

• Websense Triton: Secure Web gateway overview

  Available as an appliance, a VM and a cloud service, the Websense Triton Web gateway offers a number of features, including integration with other Websense security products.Continue Reading

• Searching for the right WAN connection type

  WAN connection types have evolved from T-1s and ISDN links to dynamic pipes capable of supporting bandwidth-intensive applications. What's next?Continue Reading

• Open Networking User Group debate: The pro-hardware transcript

  Check out the pro-hardware side of the Open Networking User Group debate at its Fall 2015 conference where hardware squared off against software.Continue Reading

• ONUG 'Great Debate': The pro-software transcript

  Check out the pro-software side of ONUG's debate at its Fall 2015 conference in a hardware versus software faceoff.Continue Reading

• Triton AP: Websense sandbox product overview

  Websense sandbox products come as physical appliances, software virtual machines, and cloud services. They also integrate with Websense's Web gateways and email security tools.Continue Reading

• Palo Alto WildFire: Malware sandbox product overview

  Tightly integrated with existing Palo Alto next-generation firewalls, the Palo Alto WildFire cloud-based malware sandbox service supports both public and private cloud deployments.Continue Reading

• FireEye AX series: Sandbox product overview

  The FireEye AX series sandbox products are capable of up to 16,000 analyses per day, are available for multiple OSes and come with 24/7 support for mission-critical deployments.Continue Reading

• Filtering IPv6 extension headers is sometimes necessary

  IPv6 extension headers cause public Internet servers to drop packets, but such filtering is sometimes necessary for security purposes.Continue Reading

• Network engineer qualifications trump coding hype

  Is the network engineer job as we know it at a crossroads as the need for developers accelerates? Not a chance. Network engineer qualifications embrace coding -- and have for a long time.Continue Reading

• Why SDN is gaining traction in the enterprise

  Software-defined networking isn't just for carriers, cloud providers and hyper-scale Web companies. Instead of asking "Why SDN?", some mainstream enterprises are asking "Why not?"Continue Reading

• What are the WLAN benefits of 802.11ac vs. 802.11n?

  In analyzing wireless 802.11ac versus 802.11n, our expert says the advantages of 802.11ac are many, but the engineering has to be spot on.Continue Reading

• New WAN tools, techniques and methods you need to know

  Today's WAN is a new sort of wide area network, and is quickly evolving. Learn why and in what ways -- and how -- networking pros should respond.Continue Reading

• Google's Ubernetes assists with software container management

  Ubernetes -- part of Google's evolving container management project -- uses network virtualization to unite container clusters across virtual and physical locations.Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi Aware and its impact on the enterprise

  Wi-Fi Aware offers application-driven, personalized, proximity-based services that detect local capabilities. What does the new face of Wi-Fi innovation look like?Continue Reading

• AT&T's NetBond offers secure transit via network cloud

  AT&T's NetBond service, geared toward providing secure data transfer through multiple cloud providers, offers some compelling benefits.Continue Reading

• SDN orchestration with Anuta Networks' NCX platform

  Anuta Networks' NCX allows for orchestration in a multivendor environment. Expert Keith Townsend says that makes it one of the more interesting SDN products on the market.Continue Reading

• SDN and OpenFlow improve broadband deployment

  Broadband deployment is time-consuming and complicated, but SDN and OpenFlow could change that. Networking expert Nick Buraglio explains.Continue Reading

• Is 25 Gigabit Ethernet the cure for data center oversubscription?

  With reduced hardware costs and more flexible lanes in the physical architecture, 25 Gigabit Ethernet may offer answers in oversubscribed data centers.Continue Reading

• Is it time to 'software define' your wide area network?

  Software-defined WAN aims to make WANs simpler and less expensive to design, build and operate. But is it right for your network? This technical guide defines SD-WAN, explains its pros and cons, and helps networking professionals decide if it's ...Continue Reading

• DLP tools essential to sensitive data protection strategy

  Data loss prevention tools that guard sensitive data are a security administrator's friend. But what exactly do they do?Continue Reading

• SDN monitoring can help meet new network visibility demands

  To keep pace with the demands of next-generation networks, management systems must be scalable, dynamic and intelligent. Expert Lee Doyle says SDN monitoring tools can help.Continue Reading

• Do wide area networks need to get software-defined?

  Should you upgrade your wide area network to SD-WAN? Learn what factors you should consider before making the leap.Continue Reading

• Wireless LAN technology: A buyer's guide

  This SearchNetworking buyer's guide explores wireless LAN technology to help you buy the right wireless LAN equipment for your enterprise.Continue Reading