Evaluate

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

• 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

• 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