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.
How does a WAN-cloud exchange work?
WAN-cloud exchanges provide private and secure connectivity to cloud environments, making them beneficial for software-defined WAN and SaaS platforms. Continue Reading
How much do you really know about intent-based networks?
Break through the intent-based networking hype and take the time to evaluate what you know about the architecture. This quiz covers IBN basics, the benefits of IBN and beyond. Continue Reading
Spokane venues up their game with new guest Wi-Fi network
The Spokane Public Facilities District refreshed its Wi-Fi infrastructure with equipment from Aruba Networks for improved device support, coverage and IT management. Continue Reading
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5G expansion is coming, but where will operators reap profits?
In this recap of industry blogs, networking pundits examine the profit potential of 5G expansion, responsible use of AI and some top network security developments. Continue Reading
Forward Networks' software enables intent-based networking
TechTarget has named Forward Networks a winner of its Network Innovation Award. Learn how the company's visibility and verification software supports intent-based networking. Continue Reading
3 developing 5G trends that differentiate it from 4G LTE
Operators may be more cautious about initial 5G deployments than originally expected. But three key elements differentiate 5G from 4G LTE, which could make it a better investment.Continue Reading
Wi-Fi 6: How does OFDMA work?
The new Wi-Fi 6 standard works harder but also smarter, thanks to a game-changing feature called orthogonal frequency-division multiple access.Continue Reading
How does security for intent-based networking work?
Monitoring plays an essential role when it comes to security in intent-based networking environments, as it ensures policies are met and detects network anomalies.Continue Reading
NetOps by design: How data center pods enable network agility
To bring a DevOps approach to the network, one expert suggests enterprises take a page from the cloud-provider playbook. Here's how data center pods can support a NetOps evolution.Continue Reading
What you need to know about intent-based networks
This compilation explores five pertinent questions about intent-based networking, including those about its benefits, why organizations move to it and where it stands in 2019.Continue Reading
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SD-WAN cost savings hinge on underlying WAN technologies
SD-WAN marketing almost always mentions the benefit of cost savings. Cut through the hype and discover how SD-WAN works with MPLS and internet connectivity to drive savings.Continue Reading
Latest SD-WAN features offer better management, security
Enterprises looking to buy software-defined WAN products should evaluate the SD-WAN features that vendors offer. But the market still has room for vendor differentiation.Continue Reading
How to assess an SD-WAN product and determine which you need
Two main differentiators have emerged in SD-WAN products. Learn how they work and how an IT manager can use them to assess network performance and diagnose problems.Continue Reading
The pros and cons of network slicing in 5G
Although network slicing is useful for certain applications, like IoT and mobile networks, it might not be necessary at this point, especially when considering its cost.Continue Reading
SD-WAN vendor lock-in is unavoidable, but not necessarily bad
It's practically impossible to avoid SD-WAN vendor lock-in. But, instead of being deterred by lock-in, companies should focus on wisely locking in the vendor with which they want to partner.Continue Reading
How SD-WAN architectures improve network flexibility and efficiency
The key benefits of SD-WAN architectures include better network redundancy, efficient MPLS connections and added flexibility to deploy new services remotely.Continue Reading
What are the pros and cons of machine learning in network security?
The predictive nature of machine learning can benefit network security strategies. But it can also benefit those looking to break through secure network barriers.Continue Reading
What 4 questions can help prepare your network for IoT?
Increasingly, organizations are seeing a marriage of IoT and networking for more efficiency and enhanced services. Here's what you need to know to prepare your networks for IoT.Continue Reading
Intent-based networking reality check for 2019
The transition to intent-based networking won't happen overnight. But organizations can study up on different IBN approaches now to plan for future intelligent deployments.Continue Reading
Have newer security methods made NAC systems obsolete?
While newer security methods, like microsegmentation and software-defined perimeter, diminish the role of network access control, NAC systems can still help secure the network edge.Continue Reading
What are the pros and cons of open source network monitoring tools?
They're usually free and customizable, but can lack customer support. Take a look at the best and worst features of open source network monitoring tools.Continue Reading
8 common questions about the new Wi-Fi 6 standard
Industry excitement around the next-generation Wi-Fi standard continues to grow, with good reason -- many experts say Wi-Fi 6 is a game-changer. Here's what you need to know.Continue Reading
Fiber expansion paves way for V2X technology in Colorado
Colorado wants to enable highway automation by building smart, connected infrastructure it says can save lives. But to get roadside devices online throughout the state, it's going to need a bigger fiber optic network.Continue Reading
Mist's smart WLAN gets rave reviews from Ohio schools
A school district's dissatisfaction with its legacy Wi-Fi system led to a rip and replace of its entire network. This case study explores the deployment of Mist's smart WLAN.Continue Reading
Enterprises iffy on telecom services beyond network connectivity
Enterprises look to telecom carriers for network connectivity services, but providers need to win them over to sell cloud and productivity options, according to network pros.Continue Reading
SD-branch begins to prove itself with growing deployments
Enterprises are beginning to deploy SD-branch and are seeing positive results, pointing to the possibility that the software-defined branch will become the norm for branch networking.Continue Reading
How Dartmouth College improved its campus-wide Wi-Fi
Dartmouth College brought 21st-century wireless infrastructure from Mist Systems to its 18th-century architecture in a highly anticipated update to its campus Wi-Fi.Continue Reading
NetInsight enables proactive network performance monitoring
With NetInsight, network performance monitoring and analytics get smart. The cloud-based subscription service tells customers how their Wi-Fi stacks up and exactly how to improve.Continue Reading
Network management and monitoring top of mind for IT teams
Network management and monitoring will take center stage in 2019, as IT professionals feel the pressure to monitor network devices, traffic and performance.Continue Reading
Intent-based networking vs. SDN: How do they differ?
When it comes to the primary differentiators between intent-based networking and SDN, abstraction and administrator commands are at the top of the list.Continue Reading
5G, cloud embolden network outsourcing and ultimate virtualization
Could the cloud, 5G, small cell technology, BYOD and carrier-provisioned networks completely virtualize network infrastructure? Well, maybe not today.Continue Reading
Consider these 5 factors of DCI technology
This feature showcases five pieces of advice that detail what you need to know about data center interconnect, its pros and cons, and its relationship with other networking areas.Continue Reading
What's the difference between multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud strategies?
When comparing multi-cloud vs. hybrid cloud deployments, you'll want to pay particular attention to the management concepts and tools for each cloud strategy.Continue Reading
Get into the nitty-gritty of SD-WAN technology
Discover SD-WAN outside of the fundamentals. Learn how it plays with management tools, get steps on how to transition from MPLS and read best practices for SD-WAN issues.Continue Reading
SD-WAN features lacking, but offer differentiation opportunity
Most available SD-WAN products focus on a few main features, which risks making SD-WAN a commodity offering. But vendors are starting to combat that with feature differentiation.Continue Reading
Network security, SD-WAN suppliers revamp branch security
Branch network security is getting a face-lift, as network security and SD-WAN suppliers look at new ways to integrate their platforms and upgrade products.Continue Reading
What roles do vCPE and uCPE have at the network edge?
As service providers look to virtualize the edge and deliver network services faster, they're turning to vCPE and uCPE that run services as software on generic hardware.Continue Reading
What are the top benefits of CDN services for enterprises?
You might be asking yourself, 'Do I need a CDN?' According to one network analyst, the answer is most likely yes, as CDNs provide faster access to internet content.Continue Reading
Which KPIs should I measure for security in SDN?
KPIs provide useful guidelines to measure how network performance and security align with business objectives. Here are some KPIs to help keep track of an SDN environment.Continue Reading
Final 802.11ax release date now slated for late 2019
When it comes to the hotly anticipated new wireless standard, are we there yet? This 802.11ax timeline notes key milestones in the draft's development and explains what's next.Continue Reading
6 emerging trends in wireless networking technology for 2019
In 2019, expect to see some interesting trends in wireless networking technology, including a surge in millimeter waves, the budding potential for end-to-end network analytics and, of course, the ongoing development of 5G services.Continue Reading
What to consider when integrating SD-WAN and ITSM tools
We haven't really heard a lot about SD-WAN integration with IT service management. But getting SD-WAN to work with existing ITSM tools is a big priority for enterprises.Continue Reading
How might NFV in IoT enhance network edge security?
The emergence of IoT devices has considerable network security implications. An NFV architecture, however, could add another layer of network defense.Continue Reading
The top 9 trends in network technology for 2019
In the new year, expect SDN and SD-WAN to come back down to earth. Meanwhile, multi-cloud, edge computing and intent-based networking will ramp up. Plus, data centers are not dead.Continue Reading
Seneca College brings its campus Wi-Fi back to school
Wi-Fi has gone back to school. Seneca College deployed a new Wi-Fi system from Aruba Networks to support its tens of thousands of students, faculty and plentiful devices.Continue Reading
Providers widen telecom cloud services for the enterprise
Some traditional service providers are reinventing telecom cloud services enabled by new networking partnerships and technologies to offer enterprise customers a number of benefits.Continue Reading
What are the top 3 benefits of NFV technology?
The use of standard hardware, consolidation of network functions and machines, and flexible system upgrades are some of the key benefits of NFV technology.Continue Reading
The future of SD-WAN moves away from stand-alone product
'Tis the season for a look at the future of SD-WAN. In 2019, one networking expert expects more managed SD-WAN, further market consolidation and a shift away from individual SD-WAN devices.Continue Reading
Gauge your platform purchasing options before SD-WAN deployment
Finalizing how an organization deploys SD-WAN can be a complex process, especially with the range of available purchasing options. But studying the options is always a good start.Continue Reading
What are the differences between network security vs. cybersecurity?
IT groups need to consider varying layers of security. For instance, the similarities and differences between cybersecurity and network security are closely entwined.Continue Reading
How to choose the right CDN service for your organization
Organizations that distribute web content to users worldwide are turning to CDN services to provide fast, secure delivery of their content.Continue Reading
Colorado believes autonomous vehicles technology can save lives
Edge computing, take the wheel. The Colorado Department of Transportation is deploying roadside network devices to support connected and autonomous vehicles technology.Continue Reading
Reality check: How has data center SDN evolved?
Considering the twists and turns in SDN technology and adoption, it's easy to wonder about future development. Learn what three industry analysts think about the evolution of SDN and its drawbacks.Continue Reading
What you need to know about network analytics software
Reality check: Are network analytics tools overhyped? This guide explores the key features of these tools, how they can help and their effect on networking's future.Continue Reading
What are the pros and cons of blockchain in networking?
While blockchain could be a valuable network management tool, enterprises don't exactly have a driving need for the ledger technology in the networking arena.Continue Reading
What are today's top 3 network security challenges?
A significant shortage of cybersecurity staff, poorly configured firewalls and unmanaged end-user mobile devices are some of the top network security threats.Continue Reading
How NFV and SDN could shape the future of telecom
Looking to the future of telecom, NFV and SDN can help generate new services revenue and lower operating costs using cloud principles, rather a traditional network standards approach.Continue Reading
How 3 benefits of SDN can help small businesses
As SDN matures and evolves from its original definition, it's getting harder for small businesses to ignore the benefits of SDN, like better visibility, security and efficiency.Continue Reading
Adobe adopts Versa SD-WAN architecture for cloud performance
After moving its business to the cloud, Adobe chose to deploy Versa SD-WAN architecture when it needed four-nines availability for critical services -- all on a smaller budget.Continue Reading
How to get network data analytics that really helps your team
Data analytics promises essential information that can improve network performance. A solid strategy that asks the right questions is the critical first step.Continue Reading
5 types of network diagnostics tools and what they can do
Vendors of network analytics tools are improving older products and introducing new ones to bring network managers the information a smooth-running network now requires.Continue Reading
Using AI, machine learning in networking to improve analytics
The barrage of alerts modern network analytics tools create is problematic, but the capabilities advanced tech like AI provides can help ease the burden to network operations.Continue Reading
5 questions to ask about open data centers
Editor's note: In this opinion piece, industry analyst Zeus Kerravala shares his thoughts on open data centers and Extreme Networks' approach. Extreme Networks is a client of Kerravala's ZK ...Continue Reading
What is SD-WAN? Future, challenges, benefits of SD-WAN technology
What is SD-WAN and how can it change the way networks operate? Discover its advantages, challenges, important key terms and where the future of SD-WAN could take you.Continue Reading
How to select a CDN provider that addresses your specialized needs
Leading CDN services offer a wide range of traffic management functionality, including application load balancing, and provide a variety of network security services.Continue Reading
802.11ax Wi-Fi and training act as paths to better security
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet -- and whether you call it 802.11ax Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi 6, the new wireless standard promises to bring unprecedented change.Continue Reading
Edge computing in IoT: Increasing network efficiency to ease traffic
Edge computing in IoT is tied to IoT's growth in a number of vertical markets due to the benefits of processing data close to the data source, which relieves network overload.Continue Reading
Comparing content delivery offerings from 10 leading CDN providers
It may seem that all CDN services have similar functionality for optimizing traditional apps and video. But before you select a CDN, learn how the offerings compare and differ.Continue Reading
Expect slow adoption of 400 Gigabit Ethernet, for now
Editor's note: In this opinion piece, industry analyst Zeus Kerravala shares his thoughts on 400 Gigabit Ethernet adoption and Arista Networks' 400 GbE approach. Arista is a client of Kerravala's ...Continue Reading
SD-WAN connectivity options hinge on latency, app performance
Users debating MPLS vs. internet for SD-WAN connectivity should take the time to extensively research latency and quality-of-service requirements in terms of application performance.Continue Reading
4 switch ASIC interfaces to drive SDN and machine learning growth
Learn how four interfaces that are designed to control switch ASICs and packet forwarding can help accelerate developments in SDN and machine learning.Continue Reading
Networks of the future: What automation and IBN can do for you
Learn all you need to know about how automated network management and intent-based networking can benefit your network's future, along with useful tools and vendor plays.Continue Reading
802.11ax standard promises tectonic shift in wireless
It's shiny, bright and new -- and, like 'Anchorman' Ron Burgundy, kind of a big deal. Here's why networking experts say high-efficiency 802.11ax Wi-Fi actually lives up to the hype.Continue Reading
Merging wired and wireless networks spawns valuable analytics
Editor's note: Industry analyst Zeus Kerravala provides his thoughts on Arista Networks' effort to unify wired and wireless networks. Arista is a client of Kerravala's ZK Research, a consulting ...Continue Reading
What you need to know about SD-branch before diving in
The branch office is getting software-defined, and that is a good thing. But first, explore the benefits, and drawbacks, before taking the plunge.Continue Reading
How to get your branch network up and running
Setting up the branch office network can feel overwhelming, but you need only to ask the right questions to be able to evaluate the available technology and provider services.Continue Reading
How do virtual ADCs benefit enterprise data centers?
Virtual ADCs bring another level of flexibility, authentication and performance monitoring, moving application delivery controllers beyond load balancing and application acceleration.Continue Reading
Palo Alto Networks adds cloud analytics with RedLock acquisition
It's fair to say the cloud has become a core component of most organizations' IT strategies. The growth of public cloud services -- such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google ...Continue Reading
Aerohive's Atom, 802.11ax access points win innovation award
The winner of this month's Network Innovation Award, Aerohive Networks, has already begun shipping its new 802.11ax wireless APs and its plug-and-play 802.11ac Atom AP.Continue Reading
Software-defined access networks pose promise and pitfalls
By implementing software-defined controls on the access layer, IT can centralize and unify network policies. However, any new technology is still rife with risk.Continue Reading
How three new telecom services can compete with OTT services
Network operators should embrace three new types of telecom services -- hosting, information processing and experiences -- to increase revenue and compete with OTT services providers.Continue Reading
Access networking layer ready for software-defined reboot
After years of stagnation, the access-layer network is in need of a makeover. Implementing software-defined configurations is perhaps a good place to start.Continue Reading
What is carrier cloud's role in 5G and IoT transformation?
Carrier cloud deployment is helping network operators respond to opportunities that will drive transformation, like 5G and IoT. The question is, where can carrier cloud help?Continue Reading
Market for network performance tools enters vendor consolidation phase
Recent acquisitions of network performance monitoring and diagnostic tool vendors signal market consolidation.Continue Reading
What's VMware's goal with its Virtual Cloud Network release?
Attendees saw a noteworthy turnabout at VMworld 2018. With its Virtual Cloud Network announcement, VMware signaled its new vision of cloud, and the network is the center of its strategy.Continue Reading
Ensuring P2P apps don't cause network performance issues with IPv6
Peer-to-peer applications can cause performance issues with IPv6 branch-office networks. Universal Plug and Play might be an effective way to overcome access issues.Continue Reading
Does software networking fit modern data center requirements?
Software networking can support modern data center requirements, private clouds and accompanying applications. But IT teams need to wade through components and suppliers to get there.Continue Reading
Nyansa's Voyance uses machine learning to improve Wi-Fi troubleshooting
Wi-Fi woes trip up company business, but a tool that uses machine learning can help. Read this review that covers one company's experience with Nyansa's Voyance tool.Continue Reading
Consider SD-WAN products to help simplify network management
Learn how to determine your organization's need for SD-WAN technology and how to evaluate offerings from the top SD-WAN providers in the market to find the right fit.Continue Reading
How has software-defined networking security evolved?
Software-defined networking security means more than just microsegmentation. Enterprises can also use SDN to assign security zones, improve monitoring and help with automation.Continue Reading
Wireless-first networks verge on wireless-only, but concerns remain
A wireless-first strategy could spread among enterprises and proceed toward wireless-only. IT staff, however, should heed concerns around capacity, management and cost.Continue Reading
How network operators can differentiate SD-WAN services
Providers' SD-WAN services currently compete largely on cost, but network operators hope to gain market share with network-based SD-WAN feature differentiation.Continue Reading
What IPv6 features can be found in the latest specification?
The IPv6 specification is now becoming a full-fledged internet standard. New IPv6 features focus on enterprise reliability and operational and security considerations.Continue Reading
How Cisco's Viptela buy affects branch routers, IT customers
Zeus Kerravala says Cisco's ISR isn't going anywhere and discusses what its use of Viptela's software-defined WAN means for the IT giant's future, its product line and its customers.Continue Reading
Active-active data centers key to high-availability application resilience
Enterprises dependent upon a high-availability application should investigate active-active data center designs to ensure reliability and resiliency.Continue Reading
Which SD-WAN security concerns should I tackle first?
IT teams thinking about software-defined WAN technology should assess a few SD-WAN security concerns before deployment to make sure it's worth the investment.Continue Reading
Assess technology and products from top SD-WAN vendors
SD-WAN products and services offer a variety of features and deployment options. Learn how top SD-WAN vendors stack up when it comes to addressing your key considerations.Continue Reading
Software networking supports campus network convergence
Software networking, along with intent-based capabilities, can help improve campus network visibility and authentication, while also supporting Ethernet and Wi-Fi convergence.Continue Reading
Benefits of wireless networks extend to disaster recovery plans
In a business continuity and disaster recovery plan, IT resilience is key. Find out how the benefits of wireless networks can help keep businesses running.Continue Reading
How micro modular data centers simplify complex network routes
The deployment of prefabricated micro modular data centers could ease network traffic to customer premises and multiple clouds by processing data locally at the network edge.Continue Reading