Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Aaron's deploys CloudGenix SD-WAN after issues with Meraki

  Before Aaron's could improve its real-time network visibility and VoIP performance with CloudGenix SD-WAN, the retailer had to transition from Cisco Meraki. Continue Reading

• Volta Networks wins NIA for cloud-based routing

  Better together? Not when it comes to routing software and hardware. Networking startup Volta Networks' disaggregated routing platform promises to increase flexibility and lowers costs. Continue Reading

• The top network security trends, threats and strategies in 2020

  Ransomware and attacks against cloud providers reflect key network security trends in 2020. To combat these threats preemptively, assess your specific network needs. Continue Reading

• Top networking trends in 2019 to resurface in 2020

  Recapping the top networking news stories of 2019 could provide a glimpse into the future and reveal some of the top networking technology trends of 2020. Continue Reading

• Why should I consider an AIOps platform for my network?

  AIOps can take various tasks -- such as data collection and analysis -- off the plates of network teams. This can provide organizations with better insight into network visibility. Continue Reading

• How do I choose the right network automation tools or platform?

  In your organization's search for the best network automation platform for business operations, compare the pros and cons of proprietary and open source tools.Continue Reading

• Assess the Wi-Fi 6 features available in Wave 1 and Wave 2

  Catch up on the different features available with the first wave of Wi-Fi 6, including OFDMA and Target Wake Time, and find out which capabilities Wave 2 will bring.Continue Reading

• Gauge some of the top SD-WAN pros and cons

  This video explains some of the major SD-WAN pros and cons, including improved application performance, security and troubleshooting.Continue Reading

• Why Secure Access Service Edge is the future of SD-WAN

  Secure Access Service Edge -- or SASE -- architecture transitions from network designs that revolve around the data center to a model based on identity and user context.Continue Reading

• Benefits of network automation software ease challenges for IT

  Network automation software comes with a compelling list of benefits, but IT teams should confirm which processes are automated and how the software integrates with existing tools.Continue Reading

• How realistic are compact SD-WAN appliances compared to VPNs?

  The battle between VPN vs. SD-WAN returns. In this clash, see how realistic SD-WAN appliances are for remote and mobile workers compared to VPN connections.Continue Reading

• How to decide on the top and best SD-WAN offerings

  If you are currently considering initial investigation into SD-WAN procurement, you'll know how many moving parts are involved. In this article, I'll discuss 17 features and benefits together with ...Continue Reading

• It's not Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G -- it's Wi-Fi 6 and 5G

  Wi-Fi 6 and 5G have similarities and differences. Enterprises want to know how the two can work together. Vendors, for their part, will need an integration strategy.Continue Reading

• Itential's network automation software wins TechTarget award

  At the ONUG Fall 2019 conference in New York, one word was on everyone's lips: automation. Itential's infrastructure-as-code platform helps turn those four syllables into action.Continue Reading

• How to compare Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches

  Organizations have much to consider when evaluating Cisco vs. HPE Aruba switches, such as device architecture, Opex, Capex and analytics capabilities.Continue Reading

• Edge computing use cases and drivers to watch

  Edge computing use cases span across multiple industry sectors, including manufacturing, retail and medical. The motives for adoption filter down to three main drivers.Continue Reading

• Network automation skills and training in demand, research finds

  Surprisingly, scripting, programming and software development are not exactly the top network automation skills desired by enterprises, according to recent research.Continue Reading

• What are SFP ports on a Gigabit switch and what are they used for?

  SFP ports enable Gigabit switches to connect to a wide variety of fiber and Ethernet cables in order to extend switching functionality throughout the network.Continue Reading

• After ransomware virus, Merck's medicine was network automation

  After a ransomware attack, Merck decided the best remedy was to deploy network automation tools designed to transform how it handled network configuration changes.Continue Reading

• How will BSS coloring boost Wi-Fi 6 performance?

  BSS coloring is a feature that will help accelerate Wi-Fi 6 performance. Find out how the new mechanism will help access points transmit more efficiently.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of SD-WAN vs. MPLS

  This video discusses the differences between SD-WAN and MPLS and explains why a hybrid WAN architecture -- that uses both technologies -- might be the best fit.Continue Reading

• 5G, edge computing and IoT poised to retool networking

  The combination of 5G and edge computing could introduce several changes for network operations. Find out why the network infrastructure -- along with fog computing -- is so important.Continue Reading

• Stateless offers software-defined interconnect platform

  The new platform, Luxon, provides software control that replaces customized hardware and offers more configuration possibilities with new switch technology.Continue Reading

• The evolution of SDN and its role in networking

  Has SDN run its course, or has the architecture simply evolved? In many current products, data centers and cloud environments, SDN may be closer than you think.Continue Reading

• Cisco author says new CCNA exam undergoes largest change ever

  Cisco said goodbye to most CCNA tracks, and hello to a consolidated exam. Here's what you need to know about the new CCNA, from the author of every official CCNA guidebook.Continue Reading

• F5 Networks updates NGINX Application Platform, other tools

  Updates include improved security and observability features, a new developer portal, API importing and improved analytics and configuration management.Continue Reading

• Legacy tools encumber modern network infrastructure monitoring

  Many IT teams still use older monitoring tools that provide limited visibility across multiple network environments. AI and machine learning can help, but they'll take some time.Continue Reading

• 5G frequency spectrum forces new look at coverage strategies

  New 5G frequency allocations will help make it an amazing technology, but it will also force a rethinking of how those signals are transmitted.Continue Reading

• How network standards and open source organizations differ

  Both open source and network standards organizations want to develop the next-generation network. Yet their methods differ, and they can benefit different types of organizations.Continue Reading

• How does 802.11ax security benefit from WPA3?

  Security methods like WPA3 and Opportunistic Wireless Encryption will give a boost to 802.11ax security, but securing the new wireless standard is still pretty complicated.Continue Reading

• 5G vs. LTE: Comparing speed, spectrum and latency

  The debate between 5G and LTE largely comes down to speed and spectrum. But latency and wired network implications are also important differentiators.Continue Reading

• How client VPN technologies will evolve with AI and automation

  With help from artificial intelligence and automation, client VPN technologies could innovate the way they handle data flows within hybrid cloud environments.Continue Reading

• Ciena's Blue Planet automation suite wins TechTarget award

  Ciena's Blue Planet software suite has won SearchNetworking's Network Innovation Award for enabling intelligent automation and network service orchestration across large, multivendor networks.Continue Reading

• Gartner report provides reality check on the 5G hype

  The next generation of cellular technology, 5G, is nearing peak hype status, according to a Gartner report. But real, widespread adoption is still several years away.Continue Reading

• Gartner Hype Cycle deems software-defined networking obsolete

  A Gartner report on enterprise networking has declared the definition of SDN and its architectural approach as deceased. Cause of death? Well, the hype didn't help.Continue Reading

• The top 5 capabilities your edge infrastructure should have

  The network edge plays a vital role in the future of networking and digital transformation. Make sure your infrastructure has these five components to help it on its way.Continue Reading

• Data center performance requirements spur 25 GbE upgrades

  Enterprises are upgrading their data centers with 25 GbE to achieve better throughput and support I/O-intensive applications. Here are some best practices for making the switch.Continue Reading

• What are the top 3 network analytics use cases?

  Network analytics use cases illustrate some of the benefits that companies are receiving from network analysis tools. Gauging network performance is just one key area.Continue Reading

• What effect will 400 GbE have on enterprise networks?

  400 Gigabit Ethernet is the next hurdle for Ethernet capabilities to surpass. But enterprises may not be prepared for this technology yet, due to its immaturity.Continue Reading

• Industry grapples with new Wi-Fi naming conventions

  What's in a name? As the industry gets accustomed to the WFA's new Wi-Fi naming conventions, networking pros discuss pros and cons -- and when to use Wi-Fi 6 vs. 802.11ax.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of buying used networking equipment on eBay

  To buy or not to buy used networking equipment on eBay, that is the question. Here are the pros and cons, as well as best practices for making a gray market purchase.Continue Reading

• What is the difference between TCP/IP model vs. OSI model?

  Use this expert advice to learn the differences between the TCP/IP model vs. the OSI model, and explore how they relate to each other in network communications.Continue Reading

• Cloud exchange provider deploys Blue Planet orchestration

  In this case study, a Denver-based colocation and cloud exchange provider explains how Ciena's Blue Planet orchestration technology has helped make over its cloud exchange.Continue Reading

• What is network automation, and what can it do for you?

  This feature explores what network automation is and its influence on organizations. It also discusses assumptions about its effect on network engineers and similarities with SDN.Continue Reading

• Which SD-WAN features truly comprise SD-WAN technology?

  How do you protect your organization and network against SD-WAN washing? Here are four key SD-WAN features that your system must have in order to be called SD-WAN.Continue Reading

• How can network security analytics detect and thwart threats?

  Network security analytics gives organizations an additional level of protection against malicious attacks. It works closely with network analytics tools.Continue Reading

• Sizing up network edge switch offerings for a campus LAN

  Learn the difference between traditional and open network switches, how to assess your organization's need for edge switches and what features leading switches offer.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN market sees continued growth, room for mobile support

  The SD-WAN market is growing, thanks to financial firms with distributed deployments. VMware and Cisco continue to lead the vendor pack, with Aryaka and Silver Peak close behind.Continue Reading

• Why did operator NFV adoption lag so much?

  NFV adoption was hampered by high costs and deployment issues, according to one industry insider. Also, learn about the latest on network security and industry hype.Continue Reading

• Why streaming telemetry tops SNMP in tracking network performance

  SNMP isn't going away anytime soon, but streaming telemetry is a much more effective way to generate critical alerts and measure network performance.Continue Reading

• The 5 network security basics you need to know

  In this compilation, learn what network security is, as well as how it differs from cybersecurity, common -- and potentially confusing -- technologies, threats and more.Continue Reading

• BGP tutorial: How the routing protocol works

  Border Gateway Protocol is the complex routing protocol that literally makes the internet work. This tutorial walks you through how BGP functions and offers troubleshooting options.Continue Reading

• How cloud network services affect transformation and security

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts dive into three facets of networking that cloud can affect: network transformation, planning and security.Continue Reading

• Why networking certifications no longer matter

  Networking certifications have consistently been an important milestone for network professionals. But diverse network infrastructure, automation and UI upgrades could change that.Continue Reading

• What does open source SD-WAN look like, and do we need it?

  Open source software has an openly available source code that users can adopt or modify. Open source combined with SD-WAN might be a perfect match or a too idealistic goal.Continue Reading

• Open networking switch market extends focus to campus edge

  Factors such as cost and flexibility, which make open switches attractive to data centers, will eventually extend to edge deployments in campus environments.Continue Reading

• How products from leading campus LAN switch vendors compare

  Before evaluating campus LAN switches, assess the organization's core needs as well as future requirements, such as capabilities for Wi-Fi 6 or high-end PoE to power IoT devices.Continue Reading

• Navigating the network analytics software buying process

  Network analytics tools can help organizations identify the root cause of network performance issues and provide insight for predicting future networking demands.Continue Reading

• What roles are included in a network engineer job description?

  What is a network engineer? The role can encompass several disciplines, especially as new technologies emerge. Software knowledge, in particular, is in high demand.Continue Reading

• 5G and SD-WAN could provide reliable, alternate connectivity

  5G and SD-WAN could develop into an alternative connectivity option that offers high speeds and low latency to geographic areas and remote workers with limited connectivity options.Continue Reading

• Explore 4 key areas of enterprise network transformation

  Organizations have made improving network performance a major priority in 2019. But moving from legacy to modern infrastructures may introduce network challenges, as well.Continue Reading

• F5 Super-NetOps initiative wins Network Innovation Award

  The F5 Super-NetOps training initiative has won TechTarget's Network Innovation Award for its efforts to help today's networking pros develop skills for tomorrow.Continue Reading

• Consider these 3 fundamentals of cloud architecture

  In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore three networking fundamentals of cloud architecture for both public and private cloud networks.Continue Reading

• Operators make multigigabit switch push in campus networks

  As applications become more bandwidth-intensive, operators are racing to install multigigabit switch foundations in their campus network architectures.Continue Reading

• How 5G deployment will affect enterprise network hardware, software

  Enterprise network architects can start thinking about 5G deployment now, focusing on mobile usage, real-time communications and 5G-capable network equipment.Continue Reading

• Managed SD-WAN providers ranked in new market report

  AT&T ranked first in Vertical Systems Group's SD-WAN report that compared more than 30 carrier-managed SD-WAN providers based on market share of installed customer sites.Continue Reading

• The 5G future will spark an evolution of telecom networks, ISPs

  Telecom networks are evolving thanks to new technologies such as 5G. This evolution will affect various types of organizations, ISPs and available services.Continue Reading

• An 802.11ax survival guide: Expectations for the Wi-Fi standard

  This 802.11ax survival guide has the information you need for the newest Wi-Fi standard, including various expectations, device advice and available features.Continue Reading

• Managed SD-WAN is a developing part of WAN transformation

  Despite SD-WAN's benefits for WAN transformation, enterprises can't avoid the shortcomings. Find out how many organizations address those challenges with managed SD-WAN.Continue Reading

• Could open switches be a game-changer for your network?

  Before selecting campus edge switches, consider evaluating open switches -- versus switches from a traditional vendor -- and learn the benefits of this open networking approach.Continue Reading

• Compare offerings from network analytics market leaders

  Learn how 10 top network analytics tools compare when it comes to vendor type, deployment mode, specific features and technical support options.Continue Reading

• Key factors to consider before evaluating campus edge switches

  Before buying a campus edge switch, it's important to understand how technologies such as IoT could affect campus traffic and how you architect your network.Continue Reading

• Test your wireless knowledge: What is 802.11ax?

  Despite global hype, some network professionals still wonder what 802.11ax is and how it will change networking. This quiz covers essential information all Wi-Fi aficionados should know.Continue Reading

• Expectations about SDN cost savings don't match reality

  While most enterprises prepare for Opex and Capex increases during the initial stages of SDN deployment, many don't expect a continued delay in SDN savings, according to IHS Markit.Continue Reading

• The benefits of open source networking for enterprise IT

  The benefits of open source are proved among large providers. But enterprises are less inclined to use open source networking, due to its limited functionality and support.Continue Reading

• Will 5G networks require new network engineer skills?

  The 5G network will likely affect network engineer skills in areas such as security, physical appliances and software. But enterprise teams won't see too much change, for now.Continue Reading

• Evaluate top network analysis tools to find the right fit

  Before selecting a network analytics tool, determine which devices and vendors make up your organization's network and what problems you hope to solve by deploying this product.Continue Reading

• How to tackle network automation risks and tasks

  Automation can make networks more efficient, but network engineers must first mitigate the risks. A good way to start is by setting up simple tasks that deliver operational value.Continue Reading

• What is network traffic analytics and how does it enhance security?

  Network traffic analysis has evolved to incorporate machine learning techniques that help identify network security threats in real time and expedite a response.Continue Reading

• Weighing the pros and cons of enterprise network subscriptions

  A centralized repository of network licenses can help enterprises visualize their IT assets and manage their purchases. But higher costs and amortization issues lurk.Continue Reading

• Assess needs before evaluating network analytics software

  Learn how to evaluate your organization's current network to determine the most appropriate way to integrate network analytics software and what differentiates the different tools.Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G networks is more about cooperation than competition

  While Wi-Fi 6 and 5G might experience some interference with each other, enterprises should focus on the handoff of connections between the two technologies.Continue Reading

• 3 critical considerations for your network management strategy

  The debate continues between the use of a single network management tool or a variety. Three considerations can help point your network management strategy in the right direction.Continue Reading

• Should you buy 802.11ax devices before the Wi-Fi standard is ratified?

  The Wi-Fi 6 standard has not been ratified yet, but enterprises are faced with a decision. Should they buy 802.11ax devices now or wait for the standard to be approved?Continue Reading

• What do you know about the history of mobile networks?

  Though it still has a long way to go, 5G is finally here. This quiz takes you through mobile networking's history -- from first-generation wireless to 5G expectations.Continue Reading

• Examine the requirements for 5G core networks

  The 5G core network will support millions of devices that need high-speed communication and data processing. Learn what other capabilities are required for 5G deployment.Continue Reading

• What is Cisco Smart Licensing and how might it benefit my business?

  Cisco Smart Licensing, the networking vendor's fairly new approach to software licensing, aims to provide customers with more visibility and control over their licenses.Continue Reading

• Network analytics tools take monitoring to the next level

  A network analytics platform augments traditional analytics with automation and AI to provide organizations with data that can help them pinpoint a specific problem.Continue Reading

• Skip the wireless site survey cost and invest in more wireless APs

  A wireless site survey simply provides a one-time snapshot of a work environment's wireless coverage. But Wi-Fi requires ongoing management based on several changing variables.Continue Reading

• What is the purpose of an SD-WAN gateway?

  Software-defined WAN architecture has adapted with the growth of cloud services, resulting in a cloud-based model that uses SD-WAN gateways to handle traffic and control.Continue Reading

• The 3 pillars of SD-WAN QoS and questions to ask your providers

  Traffic shaping, path control and forward error correction are three core components of SD-WAN QoS. Here are some crucial questions to ask your vendors regarding those areas.Continue Reading

• 802.11ax release date: Here's what has to happen first

  Members of the IEEE committee developing the new wireless LAN standard now expect the final 802.11ax release date won't arrive until mid- to late-2020. Here's what has to happen first.Continue Reading

• The campus edge switch market evolves, offers new innovations

  The campus edge LAN switching market has evolved to offer a multitude of products boasting multi-gigabit port speeds -- there are more available port speed options than ever.Continue Reading

• Which 802.11ax features support IoT adoption?

  A handful of key 802.11ax features could help accelerate widespread internet-of-things adoption, according to networking experts familiar with the new standard.Continue Reading

• Machine learning network monitoring shows AIOps' promise

  Machine learning network monitoring tools highlight the promise of artificial intelligence for IT operations, helping networking pros contextualize data and turn it into action.Continue Reading

• How modern WAN edge services can benefit your network

  Modern services could replace legacy routers at the network edge. And while individual WANs have different edge requirements, common needs include flexibility and reliability.Continue Reading

• How 5G can start a brand new era for the virtual RAN

  5G is forging the way for operators to delve into virtualized RANs. Yet, despite its benefits, vRAN lacks standards and is still in the early developmental stages.Continue Reading

• VMware-VeloCloud sees the future of SD-WAN with 5G, hybrid cloud

  A glimpse into one software-defined WAN vendor's vision shows a heavy interest in SD-WAN's integration with the network edge, 5G and hybrid cloud.Continue Reading

• Wireless LAN technology and WLAN tools buyer's guide

  Compare WLAN tools and learn the questions to ask before a buying decision. Beyond cloud and on-premises systems, WLAN vendors offer features for many deployment types.Continue Reading

• What is service chaining and where does VNF onboarding fit in?

  Service chaining and VNF onboarding aren't easy. Companies interested in these processes need to understand the challenges involved, as well as various requirements for onboarding.Continue Reading