Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• 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

• Origin authentication a small step toward resolving BGP security issues

  Although content verification, origin authentication and shared information can address aspects of BGP security, it's unlikely we'll be able to resolve the issues completely.Continue Reading

• Social concept points to an SDN model with two control planes

  It might not seem like control planes and SDN models have a lot in common with a social concept, but together, they could highlight how business intent and operations inform network design.Continue Reading

• Compare leading on-premises and cloud-managed WLAN products

  In order for your organization to select the WLAN architecture that will best meet its needs, you must compare product types, deployment options and capabilities.Continue Reading

• Midyear 2018 telecom trends: Operators broaden their focus

  Midyear 2018 telecom trends show operators looking to increase profits on a number of fronts ranging from new investments, network automation and rethinking the 5G transition.Continue Reading

• New details released on Huawei's intent-based network

  ZK Research offers details on Huawei's new Intent-Driven Network and what its hardware and the software can do to smooth network glitches and even raise security.Continue Reading

• Options for DNS in networking address growing challenges

  A need for modern DNS in networking has grown out of increased cloud use and distributed applications. Now, vendors are offering these services for internal enterprise use.Continue Reading

• Cato Networks adds 'identity awareness' to SD-WAN as a service

  Cato Networks SD-WAN as a service was updated this week with identity-aware routing. The vendor claims identity awareness can simplify network operations and better meet business goals.Continue Reading

• Can hyper-converged systems benefit from SDN architecture?

  Hyper-convergence combined with software-defined networking architecture might seem like hyper-hype, but SDN offers many network capabilities required of hyper-converged systems.Continue Reading

• Understanding the exploit market: How data breaches happen

  When you understand how data breaches happen, applying software patches quickly is crucial to minimize your chances of being on the wrong end of the ever-faster exploit market.Continue Reading

• Leading SD-WAN providers offer varying capabilities

  By examining how leading SD-WAN providers address technology, market reach, partnerships and long-term viability, you can select an SD-WAN product to fit your organization's needs.Continue Reading

• Vendors vie for a piece of the SD-WAN market share pie

  The SD-WAN vendor market is showing some signs of consolidation. But it will remain volatile in the near term, and that should prove beneficial to customers.Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud strategies should be reimagined as multi-cloud

  The tech industry needs to change the way it defines hybrid cloud. A multi-cloud environment is often a more accurate description and worthwhile goal.Continue Reading

• MU-MIMO technology boosts system capacity for WLANs

  MU-MIMO technology might not be magic, but it upgrades WLAN performance and system capacity so well that some network engineers might call it magical.Continue Reading

• Four misconceptions regarding the benefits of SD-WAN

  It's all too easy to get sucked into the buzz and misconceptions around software-defined WAN technology. Here are four points to be aware of about the touted benefits of SD-WAN.Continue Reading

• Business IoT applications benefit from SD-WAN prioritization

  Business IoT applications require prioritized traffic flows and low-cost connectivity. SD-WAN lets IT teams assign policies to prioritize traffic and use cheaper connectivity links.Continue Reading

• Address network scalability requirements when selecting SD-WAN

  Selecting an SD-WAN option that suits business needs can be daunting, but diving into network scalability requirements, like bandwidth needs and the number of sites, is a good start.Continue Reading

• What is cloud networking up to now? It's complicated

  Maybe cloud networking's goals haven't changed, but cloud-based networks have. Pros must now securely manage multi-cloud migrations and complex cloud environments.Continue Reading

• Options for dedicated cloud interconnects and their benefits

  There are clear benefits to replacing existing VPN tunnels now. Discover the advantages to dedicating cloud interconnects to improve your enterprise traffic flows.Continue Reading

• Carrier cloud needs 5G wireless networks, other drivers for success

  While 5G wireless networks appear to be the biggest driver in building the necessary carrier cloud, two other short-term drivers can help complete the carrier network transformation.Continue Reading

• SDN, machine learning could lead to intelligent networks

  The next step for SDN is to integrate network analytics and machine learning to result in automated, intelligent networks. But first, humans need to trust the technology.Continue Reading

• DevOps in networking begins to gain ground

  Software development has benefited from a DevOps framework, which brings together software engineers and operating teams to collaborate in a continuous integration/continuous delivery model that helps automate and deploy code faster. DevOps in ...Continue Reading

• Cloud-based network monitoring creates management flexibility

  Cloud-based network monitoring offers Broward Center's theater campus more flexible and efficient network management so IT can keep performing arts center stage.Continue Reading

• Choosing the right software-driven network technology

  The software-driven network can drive efficiency and flexibility, but network pros first need to identify the problems they're trying to fix to choose the right technology options.Continue Reading

• Enterprises use network security in the cloud to combat threats

  The market for network security in the cloud is growing as enterprises shift workloads to the cloud to combat potential data breaches and system threats.Continue Reading

• DevOps for networking evolves with software

  Enterprises have yet to fully integrate a collaborative approach to DevOps for networking, but that's changing as networks become more automated and software-driven.Continue Reading

• ADC, the networking management tool, acquires new abilities

  Networking pros should take a new look at what application delivery controllers now offer. ADCs now have some cutting-edge features making the networking workhorse exciting.Continue Reading

• New, micro-ADC features can aid enterprise security

  The ADC is no hot, new networking tool, but it's evolved dramatically, adding some features in its latest iterations that promise to increase its already important role.Continue Reading

• The growing ties between networking roles and automation

  Network automation is here, bringing with it new demands for network professionals. But these changes should go beyond shifting networking roles, responsibilities and skills.Continue Reading

• Key considerations before evaluating SD-WAN vendors

  Before selecting an SD-WAN technology, organizations must understand what problems they need to solve and assess which implementation option is best suited to their WAN and business requirements.Continue Reading

• CDN providers comparison: Highlighting vendors' focus

  Get to know the top content delivery networks with the help of this CDN providers comparison infographic, breaking down vendors' network capacity, services offered and more.Continue Reading

• Growing CDN services market changes to meet cloud needs

  Enterprises looking for greater network performance and scalability turn to traditional CDN services providers for nontraditional help to improve security and offer access to APIs.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN technology eases network operational challenges

  Services from SD-WAN vendors provide numerous benefits to organizations worldwide that rely on communications to their branch or remote offices.Continue Reading

• How do the benefits of SDN improve network automation?

  The ability to automate networks isn't new, and while the benefits of SDN reach out to encompass aspects of automation, SDN and network automation don't mean the same thing.Continue Reading

• How do I choose between open source and commercial SDN?

  Commercial SDN offers vendor-backed support, while open source platforms can be upgraded more quickly. Whether an enterprise chooses one over the other depends on its preferences.Continue Reading

• Navigating the network ADC buying process

  Learn how to assess your organization's needs for an ADC device and to evaluate the different application delivery controllers in the market to find the right fit.Continue Reading

• Software-based networking: The engine for a dynamic network

  Vendors are responding to demand for more interoperable networking products, which lets software-based tools enhance networking flexibility and responsiveness.Continue Reading

• The role of SDN in 5G technology and the WAN: Can it scale?

  Network operators have a narrow window to figure out if SDN in 5G technology can scale well enough to move it beyond the data center and into the WAN.Continue Reading

• How can I prevent a DDoS attack program?

  DDoS programs overwhelm networks with a torrent of requests. How can you prevent a DDoS attack, and what are the steps you can take to keep your networking environment secure?Continue Reading

• Top application delivery controllers offer range of options

  The leading vendors in the application delivery controller market offer a broad range of physical and virtual appliances, with varying throughput levels and diverse function sets. Which product is right for you?Continue Reading

• New CDN services give providers an edge in WAN marketplace

  With enterprises moving workloads to public cloud, the CDN services market could see growth in security and performance services, as providers exploit their network-edge locations.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN benefits the changing network connectivity landscape

  In the latest networking advance, SD-WAN benefits the evolving network connectivity landscape by allowing customers to use less expensive internet links and keep MPLS for important traffic.Continue Reading

• Network-as-a-service market blossoms as demands grow

  The network-as-a-service market is attracting more attention, as enterprises look for ways to outsource some of their infrastructure needs to providers.Continue Reading

• Cisco advances Network Assurance Engine, network verification tech

  The Cisco Network Assurance Engine, a network verification tool, will add support for more third-party devices and platforms. Cisco's Sundar Iyer shares plans.Continue Reading

• Gordon: Trends driving network access control systems

  Pulse Secure executive Scott Gordon cites industry trends driving the vendor's new product launch and how endpoint security is driving shifts in network access control systems.Continue Reading

• Edge computing, cloud data centers drive decentralized IT

  This week, bloggers explore the growth of decentralized IT, thanks to edge computing; Infoblox DNS security updates; and how machine learning is becoming a feature, rather than a product.Continue Reading

• Despite WLAN speed growth, do we really need mGig?

  Networking vendors introduced mGig to support 802.11ac Wave 2 devices within enterprise networks. But do you really need to upgrade to accommodate the new WLAN speed?Continue Reading

• Networking elements of a digital transformation framework

  Establishing a digital transformation framework includes adopting advanced technologies. Networking pros play a crucial role in managing this new wave of innovation.Continue Reading

• Enterprise network management in the wake of vendor consolidation

  Consolidation is a driving force among networking vendors, but network professionals have to actively consider how those changes affect enterprise network management.Continue Reading

• Wireless networking technology helps craft IT modernization

  A long-term care business looks to wireless network technology and Active Directory to kick off its IT modernization plan and business growth.Continue Reading

• Big data network analytics: The next big thing

  Networking managers are trying to keep track of an ever-increasing number of moving pieces. To do so, they are turning to a new class of big data network analytics that applies machine learning and artificial intelligence to help improve performance...Continue Reading

• Network data analytics must work alongside human ingenuity

  Network data analytics offer a key tool in the arsenal of monitoring and understanding network behavior. But network professionals can't forget another crucial element -- themselves.Continue Reading

• Network analytics tools deepen with machine learning and AI

  Network analytics tools that utilize machine learning and AI can help IT pros with monitoring and performance evaluation, and provide business insight. But a holistic view of the network using analytics is still on the horizon.Continue Reading

• Improvements and features of the new POE standard, IEEE 802.3bt

  The new IEEE 802.3bt standard focuses on Power over Ethernet to improve efficiency and support the proliferation of edge devices, from lighting systems to point-of-sale.Continue Reading

• Examine CORD architecture's benefits and challenges

  CORD architecture offers service providers a compelling way to combine open hardware and software in the central office, boost service delivery and enable NFV capabilities.Continue Reading

• The on-premises vs. cloud-managed WLAN architecture debate

  Although on-premises WLANs and cloud WLANs both offer significant advantages, determining which approach will provide the best return depends on several factors.Continue Reading