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Our basic network configuration for testing involved three network spaces: the ISP-provided network outside the firewall, the LAN inside the firewall and the corporate network available through a VPN (see "How We Tested Branch-Office Firewalls," for specifics).
Similarities and Differences
The invitations we issue for comparative reviews spell out our minimum requirements, grading criteria and basic test scenario. The vendors decide which products to submit. Although we aim for apples-to-apples comparisons, there's room for variability. Some go toward the top end and take a hit on price, banking on better features and performance. Others meet the bare-bones requirements and hope a low price will give them a boost. Most try to find the middle ground. This self-selection exercise can be a fascinating window into how a vendor will spec out bids for real customers.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
Maintaining existing network infrastructures often incurs huge technical debt before newer technologies are adopted over time.
Amid ongoing regional uncertainties, telecom infrastructure in the Middle East has expand to include terrestrial low-latency network infrastructure, which offers resilience and agility in navigating political complexities without relying solely on undersea networks.
