Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Best practices for secure network automation workflows

  It's not enough to build network automation workflows. It's important to secure those workflows, as well. Access control, encryption and collaboration all play important roles. Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 7 development grows but adoption interest lags

  Despite early discussions about the potential of Wi-Fi 7, many enterprises are still catching up with the rapid pace of Wi-Fi development for new standards. Continue Reading

• Top 5G limitations and challenges for businesses

  While 5G has advanced in recent years, the fifth generation of cellular technology still presents some challenges, such as wavelength limitations and cost considerations. Continue Reading

• What 5G skills are most in demand?

  In the evolving 5G job market, service providers, systems integrators and enterprises are looking for applicants who have experience and aspirations in five broad areas. Continue Reading

• Enterprise 5G: Guide to planning, architecture and benefits

  An enterprise 5G deployment requires extensive planning. Prepare for advances in wireless technology using this 5G guide that covers use cases, architecture integration and more. Continue Reading

• Top 5 use cases for 5G augmented and virtual reality

  By integrating augmented and virtual reality technologies with 5G, several industries could reap significant benefits. But beware of some important limitations.Continue Reading

• Palo Alto Networks SASE Converge updates boost security, UX

  With the announcement of its latest SASE portfolio updates and the acquisition of Talon, Palo Alto Networks connects the dots between security and performance.Continue Reading

• The status of the US 5G fixed wireless access market

  FWA's ability to deliver high-speed connectivity to rural areas has high revenue potential and has prompted U.S. MNOs AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile to expand national deployment.Continue Reading

• What are the pros and cons of 5G?

  Enterprises are evaluating 5G and its effect on their operations. Before they can reap the benefits, they have to consider these 5G pros and cons.Continue Reading

• Red Hat Analyst Day vision focuses on AI and automation

  Organizations are embracing modern distributed cloud environments. At its analyst day, Red Hat advised taking a platform approach to simplify operations and speed innovation.Continue Reading

• 5G and SD-WAN bring benefits to branch locations and beyond

  Individually, 5G and SD-WAN promise many benefits for businesses. As a pair, 5G and SD-WAN could specifically enhance network connectivity for remote employees.Continue Reading

• Enterprise 5G deployment options and how to procure them

  The two main types of 5G deployment options are standalone and non-standalone. Find out how they're different, how to procure them and some helpful 5G tips.Continue Reading

• GSK unifies networking and security for cloud migration

  Sessions at ONUG Fall 2023 emphasized the value of a unified networking and security approach. GSK integrated the two to begin its digital transformation journey to the cloud.Continue Reading

• NaaS use cases include hardware refreshes, pop-up sites

  NaaS is an Opex-based consumption model that simplifies deployment, policy configuration and purchasing. The model is beneficial for small and large enterprises alike.Continue Reading

• Private 5G, NaaS, automation among top networking trends

  Presentations at ONUG Fall 2023 focused on private 5G, network as a service and network automation, which have all become more important as network complexity intensifies.Continue Reading

• Indoor 5G gets a boost as small cells come to rescue

  Indoor small cells are becoming more common in consumer and enterprise markets. Along with distributed antenna systems and Wi-Fi networks, small cells increasingly enable RF coverage.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of quantum networking

  Quantum networking, which is based on quantum physics, offers secure, high-speed communication. Challenges of quantum networking include fragility, costs and integration.Continue Reading

• Open RAN revenue falls but 5G remains on track

  New research showed the market for Open RAN, a once-promising 5G enabler, has slowed down. Challenges persist, but experts expect 5G to continue to grow with Open RAN involvement.Continue Reading

• 7 top 5G enterprise use cases and business opportunities

  As 5G cellular networking continues to roll out, some key business use cases have emerged. Fixed wireless access, for example, could improve office connectivity.Continue Reading

• How a DDI platform supports IP-based network management

  A DDI platform simplifies IP network management in the cloud networking era. But collaboration among networking and other IT teams is crucial amid ongoing challenges.Continue Reading

• How low Earth orbit satellite networks improve internet access

  Compared to traditional satellite setups, LEO satellite internet provides several benefits, such as low latency, reduced costs and better support for remote sites.Continue Reading

• Cisco makes big splash with Splunk

  The integration of Cisco and Splunk could result in a full-stack offering that provides comprehensive visibility across enterprise locations and AI-driven insights.Continue Reading

• Cut through 5G hype with the latest insights

  Network complexity has made 5G difficult for telecom providers to enable, which has delayed global development. These insights examine the status of 5G.Continue Reading

• Hybrid work drives changes to on-premises networks

  Remote and hybrid work are forcing changes to on-premises networks, such as increased bandwidth, upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity and unified network access controls.Continue Reading

• What are 5G's killer applications?

  5G's killer applications have yet to be fully realized -- or defined -- but some potentials include higher capacity, improved connectivity, private 5G and more.Continue Reading

• Empower intelligence at the edge with AI deployment

  AI deployment at the edge has the potential to unleash powerful real-time analysis and processing. Use cases include industrial automation, remote monitoring and healthcare.Continue Reading

• FWA use cases for next-generation connectivity

  Fixed wireless access provides broadband connectivity for subscribers at fixed locations. FWA use cases include locations with geographical constraints, temporary setups and more.Continue Reading

• Are wireless networks more energy-efficient than wired LANs?

  The quick, complicated answer is yes and no. Wireless can be more energy-efficient than wired, but businesses need to weigh several variables to reap energy savings.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN consumption to change as NaaS market matures

  NaaS is a cloud model that could provide a compelling way for enterprises to consume SD-WAN and other network services. Despite its potential, though, growth projections are slow.Continue Reading

• AI, automation promise bright future for network operations

  A closed-loop system can help network operations teams build trust with AI and automation tools that identify network problems, send alerts and recommend repairs.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between Wi-Fi and the internet?

  The internet connects users to the outside world. Wi-Fi connects devices within a business, which then connect to other network devices and out to the internet.Continue Reading

• 5 trends for SD-WAN managed services

  Enterprises interested in managed SD-WAN must evaluate essential considerations. Top trends include hybrid operations, vendor consolidation and AI-driven networking.Continue Reading

• Network modernization benefits and challenges

  The benefits of network modernization include better visibility and automated configuration. The challenges include integration with existing tools and cost concerns.Continue Reading

• Top 5 benefits of SASE to enhance network security

  A cloud-based distributed architecture, centralized management and endpoint-specific security policies are just some of the benefits of Secure Access Service Edge.Continue Reading

• Reasons to build and buy network automation tools

  Most enterprises are building and buying network automation tools, and the reasons for both approaches are abundant. Find out why your organization might want to do the same.Continue Reading

• An introduction to smartNICs and their benefits

  SmartNICs offload packet processing tasks from server CPUs, freeing up resources for application performance. They can run packet capture and load balancing, among other tasks.Continue Reading

• Network engineer vs. software engineer: What's the difference?

  Despite potential overlaps in software skills, the roles of network engineers and software engineers vary in terms of skill sets, salaries, certifications and more.Continue Reading

• Cisco's vision for Networking Cloud becomes clear

  Cisco is focused on simplifying, securing and delivering better experiences across networking, security, collaboration and apps in alignment with its vision to connect anything.Continue Reading

• What's shaping the future of wireless networking technology?

  Cloud-managed Wi-Fi, radio spectrum expansion and the hybrid workplace are some of the converging developments that are modernizing wireless networks.Continue Reading

• Compare network management vs. network monitoring

  Network management and monitoring relate to NetOps. Network management helps NetOps teams maintain network performance, while network monitoring is a subset of network management.Continue Reading

• New Cisco tools aim to enable green networks, data centers

  At Cisco Live 2023, Cisco unveiled new products and updates to its portfolio to help organizations create sustainable data center networks as they modernize their infrastructures.Continue Reading

• The networking imperative for AI applications

  Networking is vital to support the requirements of AI applications. Technologies such as smartNICs and RDMA can improve efficiency and scalability.Continue Reading

• NetworkGPT, ChatGPT plugins show promise for NetOps

  NetworkGPT, a ChatGPT plugin revealed at Cisco Live 2023, shows the potential of how generative AI can integrate with and support network operations.Continue Reading

• Modular network design benefits and approaches

  Modular network design is a strategic way for enterprises to group network building blocks in order to streamline network maintenance, additions and troubleshooting.Continue Reading

• MLB simplifies operations with network automation platform

  Network automation enables Major League Baseball to monitor its networks across dozens of stadiums and locations, automate mundane tasks, schedule upgrades and more.Continue Reading

• AI in network management poses challenges for network pros

  Research shows that, while AI helps increase business success, network pros struggle to use it more than their peers. Find out how organizations can encourage network pros to use AI.Continue Reading

• 5 common network services and their functions

  DHCP, DNS, NTP, 802.1x, and CDP and LLDP are some of the most common services network administrators use to secure, troubleshoot and manage enterprise networks.Continue Reading

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of CLI and GUI?

  An old-fashioned command-line interface still has some advantages over its counterpart, the graphical user interface, when managing network devices. See how CLI and GUI stack up.Continue Reading

• LA County Registrar's network extends voting accessibility

  LA County Registrar's modernized network uses technologies such as 5G, SD-WAN and AI in voting centers across the county to make voting more accessible to constituents.Continue Reading

• Aruba Atmosphere '23 emphasizes agility matters

  HPE Aruba Networking positioned its Atmosphere conference as looking at what comes next, but the subtext was all about agility as the company tightens its integration.Continue Reading

• Review the components of VMware SASE Platform

  VMware SASE Platform provides many strong networking and security capabilities, but it comes in an offering that feels like many individual products packaged together.Continue Reading

• The creeping threat and challenges of multivendor SD-WAN

  Geographic considerations are often a key reason why organizations adopt multivendor SD-WAN. But these network environments have significant disadvantages.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of VPNs for enterprises

  VPNs use different protocols and encryption to protect data and prevent unauthorized users from accessing company resources. But those protocols come with their own benefits and challenges.Continue Reading

• How ChatGPT can assist with network management

  Network professionals can use ChatGPT as a tool to automate mundane processes, write code, design networks and perform other tasks related to network management.Continue Reading

• The benefits of digital twin networks

  Digital twin networks use historical and real-time data to simulate a network. That data results in benefits around network visibility, training, security and compliance.Continue Reading

• In WAN evolution, is software-defined now implied?

  Networking trends and innovations, such as automation and network as a service, have started to ingrain software-defined principles into WAN environments.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN and MPLS costs more complementary than clashing

  An SD-WAN vs. MPLS cost comparison is not always an either-or decision. Organizations often implement both technologies to enhance network traffic performance.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN vs. VPN: How do they compare?

  When comparing SD-WAN and VPN, enterprises choosing between the two technologies should consider factors like cost, management and routing intelligence.Continue Reading

• Is cloud-based network management right for your business?

  Many enterprises use on-premises network management, but moving network management to the cloud might make more sense for some. Compare pros, cons and features of both options.Continue Reading

• MNOs must clear 5G confusion to maximize revenue

  5G has the potential to generate billions in revenue, but MNOs must first clear up 5G applications and technologies -- such as FWA and IoT -- for customers and partners.Continue Reading

• Use cases of digital twins for networks

  Network engineers can use digital twins for design, testing, security and maintenance. But limitations with vendor specificity and a lack of standards hinder wider adoption for now.Continue Reading

• What's the difference between network reliability and availability?

  Network reliability is how long infrastructure works without disruption. Network availability is the percentage of time infrastructure operates in a given time frame.Continue Reading

• Traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN: How do they compare?

  While comparing traditional WAN vs. SD-WAN, network professionals can see the many benefits of SD-WAN, including centralized control and dynamic traffic management.Continue Reading

• What is SD-WAN? Software-defined WAN explained

  Software-defined WAN is a technology that uses software-defined networking concepts to distribute network traffic across a wide area network, or WAN.Continue Reading

• Explore private wireless network vendor options

  Private wireless networks can be difficult to deploy. Networking vendors -- such as Celona, Cradlepoint and Extenet -- offer services that could simplify the process.Continue Reading

• Follow these 9 steps for SD-WAN testing before deployment

  Before an SD-WAN implementation, you'll want to run the system through a battery of tests to check for things like failover, packet delivery and traffic segregation.Continue Reading

• Top 9 SD-WAN benefits for businesses

  Make the case for an SD-WAN implementation, and explore the benefits and main use cases for SD-WAN in enterprises, beyond traditional hybrid WANs.Continue Reading

• Considerations for configuring twisted-pair cables

  In this Q&A, author Jeffrey Beasley discusses what students who plan to take the CompTIA Network+ exam should know about twisted-pair cables, from configuration to troubleshooting.Continue Reading

• SD-WAN comparison chart: 10 vendors to assess

  This SD-WAN vendor comparison chart is a useful starting point to evaluate information about deployment options, pricing, security, cloud connectivity and more.Continue Reading

• 4 key SD-WAN trends to watch in 2023

  The challenges of managing networks during a pandemic prompted many organizations to delay SD-WAN rollouts. Four trends, however, could spark an SD-WAN resurgence in 2023.Continue Reading

• 10 important components of SDN controllers

  SDN controller features include modularity, APIs, clustering and GUIs. Read more in this chapter excerpt from 'SDN-Supported Edge-Cloud Interplay for Next Generation Internet of Things.'Continue Reading

• How hybrid access as a service supports hybrid work

  Hybrid access as a service from a startup helped a global company secure optimized connectivity over home broadband connections. Could HAaaS replace VPNs?Continue Reading

• The role of automation in SD-WAN

  API integration, machine learning and AIOps are vital to achieve the benefits of SD-WAN automation, which include better network performance and faster operations.Continue Reading

• CIOs must support multi-cloud training for network engineers

  Many enterprises are shifting to multi-cloud environments, but they must enable proper training. Here's how they can be proactive and support multi-cloud network training.Continue Reading

• Vendor SD-WAN labs offer hands-on testing and learning

  Software-defined WANs can be confusing. Fortunately, networking vendors offer SD-WAN labs to help organizations learn about the technology.Continue Reading

• The features of multi-cloud networking architecture

  Enterprises are looking for multi-cloud networking features that include programmability, security integration and end-to-end visibility in a consumption-based model.Continue Reading

• Industry outlook on MEF's new zero-trust, SASE standards

  MEF recently released new zero-trust and SASE standards. Standardizations can help with interoperability, but are they necessary for vendors and service providers to follow?Continue Reading

• Compare 6 major network certifications for 2023

  Network certifications can span networking fundamentals to product-specific knowledge. Evaluate six certifications, and weigh factors like job roles, cost, prerequisites and skills.Continue Reading

• Evaluate Wi-Fi mapping tools and best practices

  As Wi-Fi is now a critical component of enterprise network connectivity, Wi-Fi mapping helps teams evaluate their wireless coverage. Learn the basics of Wi-Fi mapping.Continue Reading

• How cloud-managed Wi-Fi simplifies policy and AP controls

  Cloud-managed Wi-Fi provides IT groups with several benefits, including policy enforcement, network management and consistent AP configuration across multiple sites.Continue Reading

• Enterprises consider NaaS adoption for business agility

  As enterprises accelerate toward digitization of their complete IT stack, NaaS -- which can lower costs, increase QoS and improve business agility -- has become a viable option.Continue Reading

• A guide to network APIs and their use cases

  An API enables communication between two applications, while a network API provides communication between the network infrastructure -- and its protocols -- and applications.Continue Reading

• Five networking trends teams should focus on in 2023

  Distributed IT and hybrid work create network complexity, which is driving adoption of AIOps, network and security convergence, multi-cloud, private 5G and digital twins in 2023.Continue Reading

• Networking pros face strong 2023 job market, greater demands

  Despite the volatile economy and tech industry, networking pros should see a strong job market in 2023, with opportunities for better salaries and increased skill sets.Continue Reading

• Are private wireless networks worth the investment?

  Private wireless networks enable more control over networks, but they aren't right for every organization. Here's what to evaluate for a private wireless network deployment.Continue Reading

• 5 sustainability initiatives in the telecommunications industry

  Telecom operators have committed to sustainability plans to reduce carbon emissions and energy use. But they also face challenges, like competing goals and behavioral changes.Continue Reading

• 5G expectations high, despite underwhelming adoption rates

  A new study from IEEE found 5G remains one of the most anticipated technologies for 2023. Top expectations for 5G include automation, satellite services, sustainability and more.Continue Reading

• An overview of wireless WAN

  Hybrid work, modernized cellular networks, and the convergence of 5G and software-defined networking are driving factors in the maturation of wireless WAN.Continue Reading

• 5 most valuable wireless network certifications

  Wireless networking skills are in high demand. Having a top-notch wireless network certification can help networking newbies and pros stand out among job candidates.Continue Reading

• A history of wireless for business and a look forward

  This history of enterprise wireless takes you from WLAN development inside the enterprise to cellular data services outside the walls to make wireless-first a possibility.Continue Reading

• Evaluate various SASE approaches for deployment

  Enterprises must choose between single- or multivendor SASE approaches, as well as DIY or managed service options. Experts suggest considering use cases to simplify SASE deployment.Continue Reading

• LEO satellite communications come to Earth

  Apple, T-Mobile and others are kicking off early satellite communications projects. Direct satellite communications should become available on some new midband 5G phones in 2024.Continue Reading

• The multi-cloud networking mandate

  With most organizations using more than two public clouds, new multi-cloud networking strategies are essential to enable cross-cloud traffic and visibility across multiple clouds.Continue Reading

• OSU medical center uses automation for digital transformation

  Most people think automation will take jobs away. For OSU Wexner Medical Center, network automation helps improve security, simplify tasks for staff and save lives.Continue Reading

• How Wi-Fi 6, WWAN and 5G make all-wireless offices possible

  Wireless technology has evolved extensively in recent years to support end-user demands and the possibility of wireless-first network connectivity for business offices.Continue Reading

• 5G for WWAN interest grows as enterprises go wireless-first

  As interest in wireless-first WAN connectivity increases, network pros might want to consider using 5G to enable WWAN links.Continue Reading

• Cloud, security and automation alter networking roles

  Networking pros are no longer in their own bubbles, even if they prefer it that way. The growth of cloud, security and automation is expanding traditional networking roles.Continue Reading

• Network monitoring tools must offer more insights upfront

  Vendors' network monitoring tools can require complex customization after purchase. New EMA research points to the need for tools to deliver more out of the box.Continue Reading

• The 4 different types of wireless networks

  The four types of wireless networks -- wireless LAN, wireless MAN, wireless PAN and wireless WAN -- differ when it comes to size, range and connectivity requirements.Continue Reading

• VPN use prevails despite interest in VPN alternatives

  Despite claims that VPNs are on their way out of enterprise networks, to be replaced by alternative technologies, research suggests VPNs are, in fact, here to stay.Continue Reading