Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
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
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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
Switch software plays bigger role in data center networks
Hardware still matters, but it isn't just about speeds and feeds anymore. Switch software is an increasingly important factor in data center networks.Continue Reading
What role does the end-to-end principle play in SDN?
The end-to-end principle was a core tenet of the early Internet, but where does it fit in the software-defined network? Analyst John Burke explains.Continue Reading
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Why you shouldn't overlook Microsoft SDN
Microsoft SDN may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of software-defined networking, but don't write it off quite yet.Continue Reading
Can the NETCONF protocol give OpenFlow a run for its money?
OpenFlow is no longer the undisputed king of the SDN castle, with alternative standards like the NETCONF protocol challenging its hegemony.Continue Reading
VMware's NSX use cases are missing in action
Ask network admins why they think NSX use cases are few and far between and this is what you'll find.Continue Reading
The role of ARM in NFV platform development
Semiconductor manufacturer ARM wants to be one of the top two sources for NFV platform silicon. Networking analyst Lee Doyle says the company and its partners will likely succeed.Continue Reading
Ruckus SmartZone wireless access points: Product overview
Ruckus SmartZone wireless access points and controllers are designed for a wide range of environments, including indoor and outdoor AP deployments.Continue Reading
Meraki wireless access points: Product overview
Meraki wireless access points support management from the cloud and are suitable for indoor and outdoor deployments, including environments with physical obstructions.Continue Reading
Aruba wireless access points: Product overview
Aruba wireless access points consist of three product lines designed for small, midsize and large businesses.Continue Reading
Aruba wireless controller: Product overview
The Aruba wireless controller product line is designed for small, midsize and large enterprise deployments.Continue Reading
Cisco Aironet wireless access point: Product overview
Cisco wireless access points target a wide range of deployments, including small and midsized businesses, large enterprises, and warehouse or manufacturing environments.Continue Reading
Cisco wireless controllers: Product overview
Cisco wireless LAN controllers are designed for a wide range of environments, including small and midsize businesses and large enterprises.Continue Reading
Aerohive HiveManager: Access point product overview
To support cloud-controlled wireless LAN architectures, Aerohive access points can be managed both from the cloud and from an on-location controller.Continue Reading
IPv6 filtering threatens impact of new protocol
IPv6 extension headers give the protocol additional versatility, but widespread IPv6 filtering is threating the new protocol's ability to survive in the public Internet.Continue Reading
Virtual routers find evolving carrier network uses
Virtual routers work well in some parts of carrier networks, but not everywhere. Now, mobile, cloud and SDN offer evolving uses for virtual routing.Continue Reading
Which SDN protocol should I use?
At the dawn of software-defined networking, there was one SDN protocol: OpenFlow. Today, users can select from a growing number of options.Continue Reading
How to make yours a cloud-ready network
Network managers today must get ready, fast, for the cloud. This technical guide reviews what networking professionals must consider in their move to the cloud: security, availability, software-defined networking and more. Networking pros must get ...Continue Reading
Using quality of experience to boost mobile user experience
Quality of experience is a handy way to measure mobile users' experience with application performance. But understanding all of the components that comprise QoE is another task entirely.Continue Reading
How to find the best network management tools today
Finding the best network management tools today can be a challenge. Here's guidance on how to proceed.Continue Reading
Is a hybrid WAN architecture right for you?
Hybrid WANs have a lot of benefits, but make sure you understand how they can work in your organization.Continue Reading
Do managed software-defined WAN services make sense?
By offering managed software-defined WAN services -- and potentially hastening MPLS' demise -- are providers sabotaging themselves? Our expert says no.Continue Reading
How will software-defined WANs impact the enterprise?
SD-WAN has a lot of potential for enterprises, especially as developers cobble together custom services and capabilities.Continue Reading
Choose your own network operating systems? IT pros weigh bare metal
Enterprise networking pros tend to favor uptime over innovation. Many see bare-metal switches with third-party network operating systems as risky. Can they be swayed?Continue Reading
Cisco CCNA quiz: Take Part 2 of the advanced practice exam
In this CCNA quiz, we present you with 10 questions on a variety of advanced CCNA topics, including IPv6, OSPF, router security, NAT, GLBP and more. Make sure you answer all 10 questions and assess your readiness to take the CCNA exam.Continue Reading
Container networking: How does Docker relate to SDN?
Networking expert John Burke tackles container networking in this edition of Ask the Expert, explaining how a Docker container relates to SDN.Continue Reading
What's the status of SDN deployments in the enterprise?
When it comes to widespread SDN deployments in the enterprise, are we there yet? Networking expert Lee Doyle says not quite… but we're on the way.Continue Reading
The case against SDN implementation
Networking expert and SDN enthusiast Patrick Hubbard plays devil's advocate, arguing against SDN implementation and exploring why it may be a bad idea.Continue Reading
Data center-class switches: A buyer's guide
This SearchNetworking buyer's guide explores the evolution and need for data center-class switches, and lays out how to procure and buy the right products for your organization.Continue Reading
SDN monitoring means new transitions for engineers
SDN network management means tools are transforming from listening mode to active mode.Continue Reading
Do software containers spell trouble for SDN?
In the brave new world of software containers, you might not notice SDN, but that doesn't mean it isn't there.Continue Reading
SDN business case: How software-defined WANs save money
Build a strong SDN business case in the wide area network, with potential for significant return on investment in both savings and performance.Continue Reading
How can SDN and NFV change the telecom central office?
SDN engineer Darien Hirotsu discusses the benefits of the Central Office Re-architected as Datacenter concept for the telecom central office.Continue Reading
Big data impact on network operations probed in study
Big data is big news, but it's also influencing networking pros' capacity planning, according to an Enterprise Management Associates study.Continue Reading
When will software-driven networks become the new normal?
SDN engineer Darien Hirotsu explains what it will take for SDN to become the industry standard, with software-driven networks outnumbering their traditional counterparts.Continue Reading
ALU, HP and Juniper virtual router review
How do virtual routers from Alcatel-Lucent, HP and Juniper stack up? See where they might fit in your organization.Continue Reading
The tools that network cloud managers need now
If the trend continues, enterprises could have more than half of their applications in the cloud by 2020. Increased cloud adoption introduces the issue of how to manage the network for high-quality performance across a variety of access links. This ...Continue Reading
SDN and Openflow: Is the protocol dead?
SDN and OpenFlow were once practically synonymous, but today the protocol is conspicuously absent. Its evolution offers an important lesson for networking pros.Continue Reading
The improbable rise of Cisco UCS servers
Small and medium-sized businesses appear to love Cisco UCS, said Patrick Hubbard. So does this mean convergence is finally succeeding?Continue Reading
SN blogs: Cybersecurity vendors the new Pets.com?
Analysts say the addition of Cisco and Accenture will help efforts to standardize IoT wireless efforts, but hurdles remain.Continue Reading
Masergy's NFV platform: An app store for virtual network functions
Masergy's new NFV platform acts like an app store for virtual network functions. One possible hurdle: Convincing enterprises the software is secure.Continue Reading
Successful NFV platforms hinge on middleware selection
When selecting NFV platforms, communication service providers should look for highly reliable middleware that allows them to adapt their networks over time.Continue Reading
What is the relationship between east-west traffic and SDN?
SDN engineer Darien Hirotsu explains how SDN can help solve the challenges presented by east-west traffic flow in the data center.Continue Reading
SN blogs: Ensuring access point security remains puzzle
Industry analysts discuss steps to protect WLANs against honeypot APs and how Juniper's alliance with Ruckus could shake up the market.Continue Reading
SDN blogs: Arista SDN cloud release could work
This week, analysts discuss Arista's new SDN controller for cloud networks as well as SD-WAN's effectiveness in computing best path.Continue Reading
Juniper introduces peering router for content providers
Juniper Networks has introduced a compact peering router aimed at service providers looking to speed up content delivery.Continue Reading
ICYMI: Dynatrace APM tools bolstered with Keynote combo
Dynatrace expands while Extreme adds role-based policy management to its Summit line of enterprise and data center switches.Continue Reading
What's the difference between hybrid, virtual and SD-WAN?
An expert explains the differences between hybrid, virtual and software-defined WANs and tells how they are each related.Continue Reading
Cisco, Brocade virtual router review
Virtual routers can be measured by platforms, features and price. Kevin Tolly reviews VRs from Brocade and Cisco.Continue Reading
SN blogs: New Cisco CEO Robbins' strategy praised, panned
An analyst says incoming Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins' move to prioritize strategies will help the vendor. But there are areas that still need attention.Continue Reading
Arista launches network automation tools for enterprises
Arista introduces network automation tools with enterprise features like network-wide rollback.Continue Reading
OpenStack Heat jumpstarts SDN learning, but still needs work
OpenStack Heat -- an orchestration project -- uses SDN to launch applications in the cloud. It's one step closer to mainstream SDN, but we're not there yet.Continue Reading
Next-generation Wi-Fi: How SDN changes the wireless landscape
The future is now. SDN technologies are quickly becoming central to vendors' next-generation Wi-Fi products and services -- and their role will only increase.Continue Reading
BYOD, MDM streamlined with Xirrus Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vendor Xirrus introduces EasyPass, a set of cloud-based Wi-Fi security services for enterprise customers.Continue Reading
Brocade VDX 8770: Data center switch overview
The Brocade VDX 8770 is a data center switch tailored for complex enterprise IT environments, such as data centers with extensive virtualization.Continue Reading
Cisco Nexus 9500 series: Data center switch overview
In this overview, learn more about the Cisco Nexus 9500 series, a family of data center switches designed for enterprises and highly virtualized data centers.Continue Reading
Dell E1200i and E600i series: Data center-class switch overview
Find out more about the Dell E-series family of data center-class switches, which is tailored for complex enterprise IT environments like highly virtualized data centers.Continue Reading
HP FlexFabric 12500 series: Data center-class switch overview
The HP FlexFabric 12500 series is designed for enterprise IT environments, including highly virtualized data centers. Learn more about the series' features and capabilities in this overview.Continue Reading
HP FlexFabric 12900 series: Data center-class switch fabric overview
In this data center-class switch product overview, learn more about the HP FlexFabric 12900 series, including its capabilities, features, and pricing and support information.Continue Reading
Juniper EX9200 series: Data center-class switch overview
The Juniper EX9200 series is a family of data center-class switches for enterprises and service providers with large data centers and campuses with highly virtualized and cloud environments.Continue Reading
Cisco Nexus 7700 series: Data center switch overview
The Cisco Nexus 7700 series is a family of data center-class switches designed for enterprises and highly virtualized environments. Learn about the features of this series in this product overview.Continue Reading
Silver Peak launches gear to boost hybrid WAN performance
Silver Peak has released an appliance that lowers networking costs by providing more traffic control in a hybrid WAN.Continue Reading
The new cloud network: More than an Internet link
Learn about the virtual WAN, the software-defined WAN and other new cloud network possibilities.Continue Reading
ICYMI: Group issues open source NFV app to spur expansion
In this week's SDN news, the OPNFV Project releases its open source NFV platform to help companies add virtual functions while NEC releases two new switches to help build large software-defined data centers.Continue Reading
Cisco broadens SDN on Nexus switches
Cisco is using open SDN technology to make its Nexus switches more appealing to services providers, enterprises.Continue Reading
Data warehousing projects benefit from cloud and Hadoop
SN blogs: This week, analysts discuss a new way to network a campus LAN and if ACI and NSX can work well together.Continue Reading
How software-defined WAN architecture is changing the market
SDN principles are transforming the wide area network, with a number of networking companies -- both startups and established players -- offering software-defined WAN technologies to enterprises.Continue Reading
Brocade app ups performance of OpenDaylight SDN
Brocade makes generally available an OpenDaylight SDN app that improves network performance through more efficient traffic flow.Continue Reading
Buying data center-class switches: What you need to know
Choosing the right switches for your data center can be difficult in an increasingly virtual environment. In this article, we explore the purchasing criteria for data center-class switches.Continue Reading
Making the business case for data center-class switches
Choosing the right data center-class switch depends on your needs. This article breaks down the benefits and uses for data center-class switches in emerging data center architectures.Continue Reading
What are data center-class switches?
Choosing the right switch for your data center can be a difficult task. This article looks at how data center-class switches are evolving in the enterprise to offer flexibility and speed for new traffic flows.Continue Reading
Understanding the basics of a hybrid VPN
In part two of a three-part series, an expert looks at how hybrid VPNs are impacted by the shift from private services to the public Internet.Continue Reading
Will IT generalists replace network engineering jobs?
Network engineering jobs have moved from crimping cable to managing traffic between VMs. Software-everything means another seismic shift. Is the network engineer still relevant?Continue Reading
The science behind virtual routers and their emerging roles
The evolution of virtualization has now hit the router market. Here's what you need to know to make virtual routers work for you.Continue Reading
Could SDN network virtualization change everything?
Jim Metzler explains the need for network virtualization, explores SDN in the WAN and discusses bringing SDN into the data center.Continue Reading
NFV basics: Hold the specialized hardware
John Burke writes that network functions virtualization goes way beyond merely deploying a physical appliance.Continue Reading
What to consider when choosing the best Ethernet switch
IT pros need to consider new developments in technology like software-defined networking and the Internet of Things when choosing the best Ethernet switch for their current and future network.Continue Reading
IT managers should focus on capacity, not wireless throughput
Wireless throughput is getting faster, but capacity is the measure you should really be studying.Continue Reading
Service providers take cautious approach to NFV implementation
Service providers' strategies for NFV implementation are designed to minimize disruption while transitioning legacy architectures to a virtualized world.Continue Reading
The evolution of Carrier Ethernet service chaining offers new options
Operators looking to service chaining for Carrier Ethernet must assess both the issues and opportunities for use via NFV or as hosted network edge services.Continue Reading
Shattering the 'single pane of glass' myth of network management
Vendors claim that their network management systems can do it all, but in a world of virtualization and cloud, is that still true?Continue Reading
802.11ac speed gains may drive WLAN architecture changes in Wave 2
How much your network needs to adapt to the jump in 802.11ac speed from Wave 1 -- or even from 802.11n -- to the standard's next phase, Wave 2, depends on where you are in the upgrade cycle.Continue Reading
Will 802.11ac speeds redefine network architectures?
After months of anticipation, the first 802.11ac Wave 2 access points are hitting the market, ushering in the era of multi-gigabit speeds on wireless LANs.
This second and final phase of the latest Wi-Fi standard boasts a theoretical maximum ...Continue Reading
MPLS fabric is natural fit for ISP backbone overlays
While data centers typically use an IP fabric under their network overlays, ISPs may find that MPLS fabric makes more sense as backbone underlays.Continue Reading
How network overlays could benefit provider backbones
ISPs are weighing potential benefits of network overlays in the backbone, including increased agility, faster service provisioning and lower Opex.Continue Reading
Overlay networks could revolutionize ISP backbone
Overlay networks have already taken the data center by storm, but they also offer advantages to the ISP backbone network, including more agility and reduced Opex.Continue Reading
What you need to know about application performance monitoring tools
The use of application performance monitoring tools in any organization arms network engineers with key performance metrics.Continue Reading
SN blogs: OpenStack deployments still lacking
SN blogs: This week, a research director explains that even though OpenStack is a popular open source framework, it's not seeing as many deployments as one might expect.Continue Reading
NFVi: Virtual networks drive changes in telecom infrastructure needs
Expert Lee Doyle explains why service provider networks need NFV infrastructure -- high-performance, reliable and scalable platforms to support virtual network functions.Continue Reading
Time to replace RJ-45 connectors in the data center?
Ubiquitous RJ-45 connectors reign supreme even in the wake of newer data center technologies. USB 3.1 cables are out there; can they be the next big thing?Continue Reading
What is SDN? The answer now includes automation and virtualization
What is SDN? What software-defined networking really means has evolved dramatically and now includes automation and virtualization.Continue Reading
Minecraft paves the way to grow enterprise SDN, seriously
Insight from the Minecraft video game points to how enterprise SDN adoption could grow faster with a single interface for monitoring, confirmation and troubleshooting.Continue Reading
Network virtualization now, and the overlay network future
In this presentation, our expert reviews traditional approaches to network virtualization and considers its future.Continue Reading