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.
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
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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
Is cloud-based network management right for your business?
Many enterprises use on-premises network management, but moving network management to the cloud might make more sense for some. Compare pros, cons and features of both options.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
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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 4 different types of wireless networks
The four types of wireless networks -- wireless LAN, wireless MAN, wireless PAN and wireless WAN -- differ when it comes to size, range and connectivity requirements.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
What is the difference between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7?
With its low latency, high throughput and multi-link operation capability, Wi-Fi 7 sounds promising. But will theoretical performance match the real-world experience?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
Next-gen network management difficult without AIOps
Complicated networks mean complicated network management. AIOps can help manage next-generation networks by monitoring, adding visibility and fixing errors within the network.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
Compare 8 network automation tools
The right network automation platform can help admins build and oversee company networks. Discover some of the top choices in the market and the benefits they provide.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
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
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
The rise of the NetOps engineer
The need for NetOps engineers with network automation and software development skills is rising with the continued drive to create more flexible networks. Find out what it takes.Continue Reading
Businesses building data center network automation internally
Companies develop their own data center network automation software for security compliance, and they need tools closely aligned with their specific networks.Continue Reading
Strategies, benefits of data center network automation
Data center networks aren't new, but ways of managing them are -- such as with data center network automation. Strategies include cloud automation, DevOps automation and more.Continue Reading
Demand for effective telecom service assurance to increase
As the markets for 5G, IoT and other emerging technologies continue to grow, the service assurance market that ensures the quality of these services will also increase.Continue Reading
Ultimate guide to network management in the enterprise
This guide to network management explains the challenges of enterprise network monitoring and maintenance, best practices and next-generation automation using AI and ML.Continue Reading
Automation brings NetOps to the next level
Automation and AI can help enterprise NetOps teams attain the data insights they need to deliver services more efficiently and create a more agile, proactive network.Continue Reading
A review of Zscaler SASE architecture
Zscaler has a strong cloud-native architecture for secure internet access. But it doesn't deliver SD-WAN or converge internet access and WAN security, leaving it with only part of a SASE platform.Continue Reading
Compare smartNIC products and use cases
Not all smartNIC use cases are the same, and not all products offer the same functionality and features. Compare offerings from three of the main smartNIC market segments.Continue Reading
What's the status of AI in networking?
The use cases for AI are expanding, but despite the advantages, network pros have yet to implement AI fully. Three analysts explain the status of AI in enterprise networks.Continue Reading
Edge, public cloud, security drive network transformation
Networking is starting to reflect innovations in compute and public cloud. A notable change will be how network teams view networking and security as a holistic platform.Continue Reading
Pairing SD-WAN, UCaaS together has benefits and challenges
Organizations may combine SD-WAN and UCaaS to gain synergies and avoid multivendor complexities. But the combination of the two technologies can create challenges.Continue Reading
Will 5G replace Wi-Fi? No, but maybe in some use cases
Geographically remote locations, large public venues and manufacturing sites are a few of the key areas in which business 5G technology could provide real benefits.Continue Reading
Review the major networking acquisitions of 2021
When a networking vendor announces plans to acquire another company, most people take notice. Explore which vendors made moves in 2021 and what those purchases mean.Continue Reading
5 trends in enterprise networking that defined 2021
In 2020, enterprises shifted to remote work due to the pandemic. The trend continued in 2021, along with four other networking trends that defined the year and will extend into 2022.Continue Reading