Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 5 trends for SD-WAN managed services

  Enterprises interested in managed SD-WAN must evaluate essential considerations. Top trends include hybrid operations, vendor consolidation and AI-driven networking. Continue Reading

• Network modernization benefits and challenges

  The benefits of network modernization include better visibility and automated configuration. The challenges include integration with existing tools and cost concerns. Continue Reading

• Top 5 benefits of SASE to enhance network security

  A cloud-based distributed architecture, centralized management and endpoint-specific security policies are just some of the benefits of Secure Access Service Edge. Continue Reading

• Reasons to build and buy network automation tools

  Most enterprises are building and buying network automation tools, and the reasons for both approaches are abundant. Find out why your organization might want to do the same. Continue Reading

• An introduction to smartNICs and their benefits

  SmartNICs offload packet processing tasks from server CPUs, freeing up resources for application performance. They can run packet capture and load balancing, among other tasks. Continue Reading

• Network engineer vs. software engineer: What's the difference?

  Despite potential overlaps in software skills, the roles of network engineers and software engineers vary in terms of skill sets, salaries, certifications and more.Continue Reading

• Cisco's vision for Networking Cloud becomes clear

  Cisco is focused on simplifying, securing and delivering better experiences across networking, security, collaboration and apps in alignment with its vision to connect anything.Continue Reading

• What's shaping the future of wireless networking technology?

  Cloud-managed Wi-Fi, radio spectrum expansion and the hybrid workplace are some of the converging developments that are modernizing wireless networks.Continue Reading

• New Cisco tools aim to enable green networks, data centers

  At Cisco Live 2023, Cisco unveiled new products and updates to its portfolio to help organizations create sustainable data center networks as they modernize their infrastructures.Continue Reading

• The networking imperative for AI applications

  Networking is vital to support the requirements of AI applications. Technologies such as smartNICs and RDMA can improve efficiency and scalability.Continue Reading

• NetworkGPT, ChatGPT plugins show promise for NetOps

  NetworkGPT, a ChatGPT plugin revealed at Cisco Live 2023, shows the potential of how generative AI can integrate with and support network operations.Continue Reading

• Modular network design benefits and approaches

  Modular network design is a strategic way for enterprises to group network building blocks in order to streamline network maintenance, additions and troubleshooting.Continue Reading

• MLB simplifies operations with network automation platform

  Network automation enables Major League Baseball to monitor its networks across dozens of stadiums and locations, automate mundane tasks, schedule upgrades and more.Continue Reading

• AI in network management poses challenges for network pros

  Research shows that, while AI helps increase business success, network pros struggle to use it more than their peers. Find out how organizations can encourage network pros to use AI.Continue Reading

• 5 common network services and their functions

  DHCP, DNS, NTP, 802.1x, and CDP and LLDP are some of the most common services network administrators use to secure, troubleshoot and manage enterprise networks.Continue Reading

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of CLI and GUI?

  An old-fashioned command-line interface still has some advantages over its counterpart, the graphical user interface, when managing network devices. See how CLI and GUI stack up.Continue Reading

• LA County Registrar's network extends voting accessibility

  LA County Registrar's modernized network uses technologies such as 5G, SD-WAN and AI in voting centers across the county to make voting more accessible to constituents.Continue Reading

• Aruba Atmosphere '23 emphasizes agility matters

  HPE Aruba Networking positioned its Atmosphere conference as looking at what comes next, but the subtext was all about agility as the company tightens its integration.Continue Reading

• Review the components of VMware SASE Platform

  VMware SASE Platform provides many strong networking and security capabilities, but it comes in an offering that feels like many individual products packaged together.Continue Reading

• The creeping threat and challenges of multivendor SD-WAN

  Geographic considerations are often a key reason why organizations adopt multivendor SD-WAN. But these network environments have significant disadvantages.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of VPNs for enterprises

  VPNs use different protocols and encryption to protect data and prevent unauthorized users from accessing company resources. But those protocols come with their own benefits and challenges.Continue Reading

• How ChatGPT can assist with network management

  Network professionals can use ChatGPT as a tool to automate mundane processes, write code, design networks and perform other tasks related to network management.Continue Reading

• The benefits of digital twin networks

  Digital twin networks use historical and real-time data to simulate a network. That data results in benefits around network visibility, training, security and compliance.Continue Reading

• In WAN evolution, is software-defined now implied?

  Networking trends and innovations, such as automation and network as a service, have started to ingrain software-defined principles into WAN environments.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN and MPLS costs more complementary than clashing

  An SD-WAN vs. MPLS cost comparison is not always an either-or decision. Organizations often implement both technologies to enhance network traffic performance.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN vs. VPN: How do they compare?

  When comparing SD-WAN and VPN, enterprises choosing between the two technologies should consider factors like cost, management and routing intelligence.Continue Reading

• MNOs must clear 5G confusion to maximize revenue

  5G has the potential to generate billions in revenue, but MNOs must first clear up 5G applications and technologies -- such as FWA and IoT -- for customers and partners.Continue Reading

• Use cases of digital twins for networks

  Network engineers can use digital twins for design, testing, security and maintenance. But limitations with vendor specificity and a lack of standards hinder wider adoption for now.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between network reliability and availability?

  Network reliability is how long infrastructure works without disruption. Network availability is the percentage of time infrastructure operates in a given time frame.Continue Reading

• Traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN: How do they compare?

  While comparing traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN, network professionals can see the many benefits of SD-WAN, including centralized control and dynamic traffic management.Continue Reading

• Explore private wireless network vendor options

  Private wireless networks can be difficult to deploy. Networking vendors -- such as Celona, Cradlepoint and Extenet -- offer services that could simplify the process.Continue Reading

• Follow these 9 steps for SD-WAN testing before deployment

  Before an SD-WAN implementation, you'll want to run the system through a battery of tests to check for things like failover, packet delivery and traffic segregation.Continue Reading

• Top 9 SD-WAN benefits for businesses

  Make the case for an SD-WAN implementation, and explore the benefits and main use cases for SD-WAN in enterprises, beyond traditional hybrid WANs.Continue Reading

• Considerations for configuring twisted-pair cables

  In this Q&A, author Jeffrey Beasley discusses what students who plan to take the CompTIA Network+ exam should know about twisted-pair cables, from configuration to troubleshooting.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN comparison chart: 10 vendors to assess

  This SD-WAN vendor comparison chart is a useful starting point to evaluate information about deployment options, pricing, security, cloud connectivity and more.Continue Reading

• 10 important components of SDN controllers

  SDN controller features include modularity, APIs, clustering and GUIs. Read more in this chapter excerpt from 'SDN-Supported Edge-Cloud Interplay for Next Generation Internet of Things.'Continue Reading

• How hybrid access as a service supports hybrid work

  Hybrid access as a service from a startup helped a global company secure optimized connectivity over home broadband connections. Could HAaaS replace VPNs?Continue Reading

• The role of automation in SD-WAN

  API integration, machine learning and AIOps are vital to achieve the benefits of SD-WAN automation, which include better network performance and faster operations.Continue Reading

• CIOs must support multi-cloud training for network engineers

  Many enterprises are shifting to multi-cloud environments, but they must enable proper training. Here's how they can be proactive and support multi-cloud network training.Continue Reading

• Vendor SD-WAN labs offer hands-on testing and learning

  Software-defined WANs can be confusing. Fortunately, networking vendors offer SD-WAN labs to help organizations learn about the technology.Continue Reading

• The features of multi-cloud networking architecture

  Enterprises are looking for multi-cloud networking features that include programmability, security integration and end-to-end visibility in a consumption-based model.Continue Reading

• Industry outlook on MEF's new zero-trust, SASE standards

  MEF recently released new zero-trust and SASE standards. Standardizations can help with interoperability, but are they necessary for vendors and service providers to follow?Continue Reading

• Compare 6 major network certifications

  Network certifications can span networking fundamentals to product-specific knowledge. Evaluate six certifications, and weigh factors like job roles, cost, prerequisites and skills.Continue Reading

• Evaluate Wi-Fi mapping tools and best practices

  As Wi-Fi is now a critical component of enterprise network connectivity, Wi-Fi mapping helps teams evaluate their wireless coverage. Learn the basics of Wi-Fi mapping.Continue Reading

• How cloud-managed Wi-Fi simplifies policy and AP controls

  Cloud-managed Wi-Fi provides IT groups with several benefits, including policy enforcement, network management and consistent AP configuration across multiple sites.Continue Reading

• Enterprises consider NaaS adoption for business agility

  As enterprises accelerate toward digitization of their complete IT stack, NaaS -- which can lower costs, increase QoS and improve business agility -- has become a viable option.Continue Reading

• A guide to network APIs and their use cases

  An API enables communication between two applications, while a network API provides communication between the network infrastructure -- and its protocols -- and applications.Continue Reading

• Five networking trends teams should focus on in 2023

  Distributed IT and hybrid work create network complexity, which is driving adoption of AIOps, network and security convergence, multi-cloud, private 5G and digital twins in 2023.Continue Reading

• Are private wireless networks worth the investment?

  Private wireless networks enable more control over networks, but they aren't right for every organization. Here's what to evaluate for a private wireless network deployment.Continue Reading

• 5 sustainability initiatives in the telecommunications industry

  Telecom operators have committed to sustainability plans to reduce carbon emissions and energy use. But they also face challenges, like competing goals and behavioral changes.Continue Reading

• 5G expectations high, despite underwhelming adoption rates

  A new study from IEEE found 5G remains one of the most anticipated technologies for 2023. Top expectations for 5G include automation, satellite services, sustainability and more.Continue Reading

• An overview of wireless WAN

  Hybrid work, modernized cellular networks, and the convergence of 5G and software-defined networking are driving factors in the maturation of wireless WAN.Continue Reading

• 5 most valuable wireless network certifications

  Wireless networking skills are in high demand. Having a top-notch wireless network certification can help networking newbies and pros stand out among job candidates.Continue Reading

• A history of wireless for business and a look forward

  This history of enterprise wireless takes you from WLAN development inside the enterprise to cellular data services outside the walls to make wireless-first a possibility.Continue Reading

• Evaluate various SASE approaches for deployment

  Enterprises must choose between single- or multivendor SASE approaches, as well as DIY or managed service options. Experts suggest considering use cases to simplify SASE deployment.Continue Reading

• LEO satellite communications come to Earth

  Apple, T-Mobile and others are kicking off early satellite communications projects. Direct satellite communications should become available on some new midband 5G phones in 2024.Continue Reading

• The multi-cloud networking mandate

  With most organizations using more than two public clouds, new multi-cloud networking strategies are essential to enable cross-cloud traffic and visibility across multiple clouds.Continue Reading

• OSU medical center uses automation for digital transformation

  Most people think automation will take jobs away. For OSU Wexner Medical Center, network automation helps improve security, simplify tasks for staff and save lives.Continue Reading

• How Wi-Fi 6, WWAN and 5G make all-wireless offices possible

  Wireless technology has evolved extensively in recent years to support end-user demands and the possibility of wireless-first network connectivity for business offices.Continue Reading

• 5G for WWAN interest grows as enterprises go wireless-first

  As interest in wireless-first WAN connectivity increases, network pros might want to consider using 5G to enable WWAN links.Continue Reading

• Cloud, security and automation alter networking roles

  Networking pros are no longer in their own bubbles, even if they prefer it that way. The growth of cloud, security and automation is expanding traditional networking roles.Continue Reading

• Network monitoring tools must offer more insights upfront

  Vendors' network monitoring tools can require complex customization after purchase. New EMA research points to the need for tools to deliver more out of the box.Continue Reading

• The future of VPNs in the enterprise

  VPNs have been the workhorse of online connectivity. Enhancements to software and processing power in end devices will transform how companies use the technology going forward.Continue Reading

• How to choose the best ZTNA vendor for your organization

  In a sea of options, finding the best ZTNA vendor for your organization can pose a major challenge. Weed through the marketing hype with advice from the experts.Continue Reading

• Planning the journey from SD-WAN to SASE

  Enterprises need integrated security and networking frameworks to manage distributed IT environments and are looking to SD-WAN and security options like SASE to get the job done.Continue Reading

• Batfish use cases for network validation and testing

  Automated pre-change network validation with Batfish can save time in the network change management process and minimize configuration and policy errors when deploying changes.Continue Reading

• VMware goes deep into multi-cloud universe

  With its rebranded Explore conference, VMware made it clear its focus is on supporting customers' multi-cloud and edge computing environments as data is processed in new places.Continue Reading

• How energy-efficient networking supports sustainability

  In this Q&A, 'Emerging Green Technologies' author Matthew N. O. Sadiku discusses the importance of going green and how to make networks energy-efficient to achieve this goal.Continue Reading

• New data center demands reshape enterprise app delivery

  Discover how modern application delivery controllers and web application firewalls can improve network provisioning processes and help secure distributed workloads.Continue Reading

• A look inside the Cisco DevNet Professional study guide

  Learn how network automation works with software development in this chapter excerpt from 'Cisco Certified DevNet Professional DEVCOR 350-901 Official Cert Guide.'Continue Reading

• DevNet authors discuss Cisco DEVCOR book, automation

  The authors of a Cisco DevNet Professional DEVCOR study guide provide insights about the growth of network automation, CI/CD and programmability.Continue Reading

• 11 practice questions for Cisco DEVCOR 350-901 exam

  Think you know network automation? Take this practice exam from Chapter 10 of 'Cisco Certified DevNet Professional DEVCOR 350-901 Official Cert Guide' to test your expertise.Continue Reading

• Private 5G in a box simplifies deployment, mobility

  Vendors are offering private 5G in a box -- a condensed and streamlined form of standalone 5G -- to simplify the complexity of typical private 5G deployments.Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi sensing has the potential to be disruptive

  With help from AI and machine learning, Wi-Fi sensing detects movement in the Wi-Fi environment. While it sounds promising, the technology still has a long way to go.Continue Reading

• How vendors support sustainable networking initiatives

  Organizations are focusing on sustainability in all business divisions, including network operations. These tools could help organizations make their enterprise networks green.Continue Reading

• The benefits and challenges of AI network monitoring

  The benefits include simplified network monitoring and automation capabilities. The challenges include data quality questions and integration complexities.Continue Reading

• Marketing hype fuels AI predictive network troubleshooting

  Vendors are pushing heavily on the benefits of predictive analysis to automatically identify and remediate network issues. But should enterprise customers care?Continue Reading

• Customers discuss the potential of WWAN use cases

  Wireless WAN offers high network speeds and enables remote connectivity at lower costs. Find out how cellular- and broadband-enabled WWAN helps organizations meet business goals.Continue Reading

• 5 factors that form the future of Wi-Fi

  For businesses, mounting ownership costs, unrealistic performance expectations, client device chaos and competing technologies all play a role in the future of Wi-Fi.Continue Reading

• Cisco Live highlights network observability, the metaverse

  The conference was teeming with topics, including network security, infrastructure transformation, cloud-based network management and open source tools.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN, SASE markets to grow despite challenges

  SD-WAN and SASE have both seen widespread adoption throughout the networking industry, but service providers must work to address challenges that threaten to lower adoption rates.Continue Reading

• What is network virtualization? Everything you need to know

  Network virtualization is a method of combining the available resources in a network to consolidate multiple physical networks, divide a network into segments or create software networks between VMs.Continue Reading

• How zero trust unifies network virtualization

  The combination of zero trust and network virtualization creates opportunities to strengthen security policies, increase cross-domain collaboration and improve overall visibility.Continue Reading

• What software-defined LAN means for campus virtualization

  LAN virtualization has long encompassed VLANs to segment network traffic. But software-defined LAN is emerging with zero-trust strategies to provide more comprehensive security.Continue Reading

• Network virtualization benefits in the LAN, WAN and data center

  Better traffic performance, scalability and security are some of the network virtualization benefits that enterprises can realize across their network infrastructure.Continue Reading

• The role of network virtualization and SDN in data centers

  SDN, zero trust and infrastructure as code are popular forms of network virtualization within the data center, moving away from manual VLANs toward policy-driven virtualization.Continue Reading

• Carrier network virtualization leads to enterprise services

  Starting with MPLS VPNs and SD-WAN, new carrier network virtualization options, like 5G network slicing, are becoming virtual enterprise network services, and more will follow.Continue Reading

• Networks are the intersection in a multi-cloud strategy

  Enterprises interested in multi-cloud adoption should evaluate application requirements, cloud provider features and their legacy network architecture.Continue Reading

• The importance of unified, end-to-end network management

  As network environments evolve and grow more complex, enterprises are realizing their need for unified network management. But is an end-to-end strategy possible?Continue Reading

• Zero trust, wireless WAN affect the future of IoT networking

  Zero-trust security models, wireless WAN evolution and the emergence of pop-up businesses are all helping to fuel innovation in IoT networking capabilities.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of Netskope SASE

  Netskope is undoubtedly a leader in the CASB market, but its limited security capabilities and lack of SD-WAN make Netskope an incomplete SASE offering.Continue Reading

• Experts set the record straight on new networking technology

  What is the reality of new network technologies? Here, experts identify the risks -- real or perceived – and benefits that digital twins, automation and AI create for businesses.Continue Reading

• Is it time to ditch the WAN for other connectivity options?

  With the prevalence of remote work, cloud applications and internet connectivity, will enterprises ditch the WAN to save money and time? Maybe not everyone.Continue Reading

• What is NetOps? Everything you need to know

  NetOps, also referred to as NetOps 2.0 and NetDevOps, is an approach to networking operations that uses DevOps tools and techniques to make network changes more efficiently and effectively than in the past.Continue Reading

• Private 5G deployments to advance in 2022

  As commercial private 5G deployments begin to advance in 2022, private cellular networks will become a reality for many organizations in the U.S. and around the world.Continue Reading

• NetOps automation ideas and examples

  NetOps teams can hone their automation experience using these automation ideas that range from simple read/write tasks to complex automated processes.Continue Reading

• The benefits of network infrastructure as code

  Network infrastructure as code uses DevOps methodology to create structured practices for configuration changes and establish pre- and post-change testing and validation.Continue Reading

• NetOps meets DevOps concepts to tackle network problems

  NetOps and DevOps are converging, due to increased use of infrastructure as code to automate enterprise networks. Shared concepts include structured coding practices and automated testing.Continue Reading

• How does a NetOps strategy affect enterprise network teams?

  A NetOps approach uses DevOps frameworks to help network teams enable virtualization, automation and AI to create Agile networks and deploy applications faster.Continue Reading

• Explore 4 network performance monitoring tools

  The network performance monitoring market is changing to address the emergence of IoT and AI. Read more about the NPM market evolution and available vendor products.Continue Reading