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CRN’s 2024 list highlighted ten networking companies across multicloud, SASE, private cellular, Network-as-a-Service (NaaS), and established enterprise networking. It was an editorial watch list, not a ranked or scored evaluation—and its descriptions capture the companies and market context at that time, not a claim about which are hottest in 2026.
What CRN’s 2024 list covered
The list brought together startups and established vendors working on different parts of enterprise networking. Some focused on connecting workloads across multiple clouds; others combined networking with security, provided wired and wireless networking as a service, or extended connectivity through private LTE and 5G. Cisco and HPE Aruba Networking represented incumbent platforms facing strategic questions about competition and changing demand.
The entries are most useful to compare by solution category, target environment, and route to market—not as interchangeable products or a league table. The descriptions below reflect CRN’s 2024 coverage unless a current company statement is specifically identified.
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Alkira: multicloud networking as a service
CRN described Alkira’s Cloud Services Exchange (CSX) as an agentless platform for connecting environments across multiple clouds, offered on a consumption basis. Its Extranet-as-a-Service product was intended to connect enterprises with customers, partners, and other third parties. CRN also noted cloud and technology partnerships and a channel-led sales approach. It reported a $30 million Series B in 2022.
#1 Best Overall
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
For present-day ownership, Alkira’s homepage says, “Alkira is now part of Lumen Technologies.” The company currently describes its offer as enterprise network infrastructure-as-a-service; that is Alkira’s own positioning, not an independent evaluation. Alkira
Aviatrix Systems: visibility and control across multicloud
CRN positioned Aviatrix as a secure, cloud-first networking provider focused on visibility and control across complex multicloud environments. The article connected the growth of AI workloads with potential infrastructure changes and noted that Aviatrix sold through partners. It also reported the company’s claim that revenue had doubled annually since its 2018 start; that was a company-attributed claim, not independently verified financial data. CRN noted the appointment of former Splunk CEO Doug Merritt.
Rank #2
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Cato Networks: networking and security in a SASE platform
CRN highlighted Cato as a standalone secure access service edge (SASE) provider, combining networking and security in a cloud-based offer. The article linked interest in SASE to demand for SD-WAN and security together, and said Cato had worked on SASE since its 2015 founding. It also noted that Cato had appointed Frank Rauch as global channel chief in the year before the article. Cato’s current homepage continues to describe its business as a single-vendor SASE platform. Cato Networks
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Celona’s place on the list reflected enterprise private cellular networks: LTE or 5G connectivity for locations and use cases where conventional enterprise wireless may not suffice. CRN cited a strategic resale relationship with HPE Aruba Networking and a $60 million Series C funding round in 2022. Celona’s current homepage emphasizes private cellular connectivity for physical AI, a present-day positioning signal rather than evidence of its 2024 performance. Celona
Rank #3
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
Cisco Systems: an incumbent facing strategic questions
CRN framed Cisco as a major incumbent to watch amid slowing order patterns and the proposed HPE-Juniper combination. The article reported that Cisco described customers as more cautious about product ordering during fiscal Q2 2024 and mentioned job reductions. Its focus was the strategic picture; it did not compare Cisco’s 2024 products with competitors or establish that Cisco had lost market share.
Extreme Networks: cloud-managed networking and universal hardware
CRN described Extreme Networks as a smaller competitor with a cloud networking platform and universal hardware, and stated that Gartner considered the company a leader in networking. The article also raised the potential effects of the proposed HPE-Juniper deal and noted leadership changes in early 2024. Extreme’s current homepage presents networking solutions and cloud services; that current self-description does not independently confirm the historical comparative characterization. Extreme Networks
Rank #4
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
HPE Aruba Networking: the proposed Juniper acquisition
For HPE Aruba Networking, the central 2024 story was HPE’s proposed acquisition of Juniper Networks. CRN presented the possibility of combining Juniper’s AI networking capabilities with HPE Aruba Networking as a potential competitive challenge to Cisco and a sign of networking’s importance to HPE’s hybrid-cloud and AI strategy. The article described Aruba as HPE’s wireless business, acquired in 2015.
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Best Value
- 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: 5× 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports supporting Auto Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX.
- 𝗚𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆: Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much less power consumption and helps save money.
- 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁: IEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data transfer and Fanless design ensures quiet operation.
- 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆: Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed.
- 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: Prioritize your traffic and guarantee high quality of video or voice data transmission with Port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping.
Nile: wired and wireless networking as a service
CRN described Nile as a newer NaaS entrant offering wired and wireless networking as a service to enterprise and midmarket customers. It noted the Nile Connect partner program and reported a $175 million Series C in August 2023, bringing the company’s reported total funding at that time to $300 million. Those are historical funding figures, not current totals. Nile’s current homepage describes secure NaaS and AI networking. Nile
Prosimo: application experience across multicloud
Prosimo’s Application eXperience Infrastructure (AXI) platform was presented as a way to deliver applications and manage their experience across multicloud environments. CRN noted a newly announced AI suite for multicloud networking, a channel-only sales motion, and a $30 million Series B raised in 2022. These details describe the company as covered in 2024; current funding and product status are not established here.
Versa Networks: SD-WAN expanding into unified SASE
CRN characterized Versa as an SD-WAN provider that had expanded into unified SASE, bringing routing and security functions together in one platform. The article also cited Versa’s January 2024 announcement of gateways with claimed throughput above 100 Gbps, including Versa CSG5000 and Dell PowerEdge R7515 configurations. Those were launch-era product and throughput claims, not current benchmark results.
How the ten fit into the networking landscape
| Company | CRN’s 2024 focus | Environment or route to market noted |
|---|---|---|
| Alkira | Agentless multicloud networking and Extranet-as-a-Service | Distributed cloud environments; consumption-based offer and channel-led route |
| Aviatrix Systems | Secure multicloud visibility and control | Complex cloud environments; sold through partners |
| Cato Networks | Cloud-based SASE combining networking and security | SD-WAN and security delivered together |
| Celona | Private LTE and 5G | Enterprise sites needing private cellular; strategic resale relationship noted |
| Cisco Systems | Incumbent networking vendor facing market and competitive questions | Product-ordering caution and the proposed HPE-Juniper deal were the article’s context |
| Extreme Networks | Cloud networking platform and universal hardware | Enterprise networking; possible competitive effects of the proposed HPE-Juniper deal |
| HPE Aruba Networking | Potential integration with Juniper’s networking capabilities | HPE’s hybrid-cloud and AI strategy |
| Nile | Wired and wireless NaaS | Enterprise and midmarket; Nile Connect partner program |
| Prosimo | Application delivery and experience across multicloud | Channel-only sales motion |
| Versa Networks | SD-WAN expanded into unified SASE | Routing and security in a unified platform |
This comparison summarizes CRN’s descriptions; it is not a product ranking. The entries cover distinct architectures and use cases, so the list does not establish which vendor is best for a particular deployment.
How to read the list today
Use the list as a snapshot of CRN’s 2024 editorial priorities: multicloud connectivity, the convergence of networking and security, private cellular, NaaS, and the proposed HPE-Juniper transaction. Funding, leadership, product-launch, and deal statements belong to that historical context unless a current status is expressly identified above. Current homepages for Cato, Celona, Extreme Networks, and Nile show how those companies describe themselves now; they are not independent assessments of product quality or market position.
Quick Recap
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