EXPOSED: The Dark Truth Behind Citrix’s NetScaler Domination
In a shocking revelation, a recent benchmark study has exposed the superior performance of Citrix’s NetScaler VPX over F5 BIG-IP Virtual Edition (VE) in application delivery environments. The study, conducted by renowned analyst firm Tolly Group, tested the two platforms in an Amazon Web Services (AWS) environment, evaluating multiple critical scenarios essential for modern application delivery.
The results are nothing short of astonishing. NetScaler VPX consistently outperformed F5, demonstrating superior throughput, CPU efficiency, and latency reduction. In core load balancing scenarios, NetScaler achieved 1.56 times the throughput compared to F5, showcasing its ability to handle higher data volumes efficiently.
But that’s not all. When additional security functions were enabled, such as load balancing combined with application security, NetScaler’s advantage over F5 widened significantly, reaching up to 3.09 times higher throughput. This is a clear indication that NetScaler is better equipped to handle the complex demands of modern application delivery.
But what about CPU efficiency? NetScaler exhibited remarkable efficiency, consuming up to 64% less CPU resources compared to F5 for similar throughput levels. This efficiency is crucial for organisations looking to maximise their infrastructure investments while ensuring consistent application performance under varying workloads.
And then there’s the issue of latency. NetScaler outperformed F5 in latency reduction by up to 89%, as measured by P95 latency metrics. Lower latency translates to faster application response times and improved user experiences, highlighting NetScaler’s capability to deliver applications with minimal delay even under heavy traffic conditions.
But what about operational simplicity? NetScaler operates as a standalone solution, integrating seamlessly with the Citrix platform to provide unified orchestration, security policy implementation, and comprehensive analytics across hybrid and multicloud environments. This integrated approach enhances operational efficiency and reduces complexity for IT teams managing diverse application delivery requirements.
So, why are organisations choosing NetScaler over F5? Recent trends indicate that 31% of organisations transitioning from F5 to NetScaler cited technical challenges with F5’s architecture as a primary motivation. These organisations have found NetScaler’s intuitive interface and robust performance capabilities instrumental in meeting their evolving application delivery needs while maintaining scalability and security across their IT ecosystems.
As organisations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure to drive business growth, the choice of application delivery controller becomes critical. NetScaler’s proven performance superiority over F5, as demonstrated in the Tolly benchmark study, reaffirms Citrix’s commitment to delivering unparalleled value and innovation to its customers. It’s time to expose the truth and choose the winner in the application delivery controller market: NetScaler.
