Ever wonder how large conferences such as Cisco Live! manage their on-site network operations? Today’s podcast guest, Jason Davis joins host Scott Robohn to discuss history of network operations at Cisco Live!, and the intricacies, challenges, and strategies involved in setting up and managing network operations for such a large event. Episode Guest: Jason Davis, ... Read more »

On today’s show, we recap some highlights of AutoCon2 with guest Jeremy Rossbach from sponsor Broadcom. Jeremy gives some background on his career, and then elaborates on conversations he had at AutoCon2. He also shares observations on the present and future of network automation, which include AI and robust observability solutions that integrate with the... Read more »

Traditional network monitoring was built around SNMP and logs. And while there’s still a role for these sources, network observability aims to incorporate more data to help you build a holistic picture of the network and its behavior and performance. These sources can include flows, streaming telemetry, APIs, NETCONF, the CLI, deep packet inspection, synthetic... Read more »

Phil Gervasi, Director of Technical Evangelism at Kentik, brings 15 years of network engineering expertise to the discussion. He demystifies AI in network operations, shedding light on generative AI, general AI, and large language models. Phil emphasizes the importance of distinguishing genuine AI benefits from vendor hype. He addresses the concept of AI hallucinations and the necessity of high-quality training data. Additionally, he explores leveraging AI for network configuration management and improving security, highlighting its transformative potential.

Michael Wynston, Director of Network Architecture at Fiserv, shares his expertise on AI's transformative role in network operations. He emphasizes the importance of well-documented processes and version control for successful AI implementation. Discussions include the critical nature of reliable service delivery in financial services and how AI enhances infrastructure management. Michael advocates for a culture of lifelong learning, highlighting the need for continuous adaptation in tech environments to meet evolving challenges.

Mike Bushong, an industry expert with a rich background in data center networking, joins host Scott Robohn for a deep dive into the future of Network Operations. They argue that NetOps should hold significant influence in decision-making. The discussion explores the vital role of automation paired with human collaboration and the shift from traditional architecture to innovative operational strategies. Bushong emphasizes the need for ongoing talent development and the multi-cloud approach for operational excellence in an ever-evolving landscape.

Meter CEO Anil Varanasi joins Scott Robohn on this sponsored episode of Total Network Operations to talk about Meter’s vision for networking and network operations. In this podcast, recorded the day before Meter’s first public MeterUp event, Anil and Scott discuss Meter’s approach to building new networking equipment, vertical integration of their hardware and software,... Read more »

Guest Tom McGonagle, the creator of GitNops, is back with host Scott Robohn for part two of their GitNops discussion. They continue their conversation about the principles and applications of GitNops in network operations, including automated testing, the collaborative role of GitHub, and the challenges of ensuring accurate configurations before deployment. Finally, they explore the... Read more »

Tom McGonagle, a solutions architect at SUSE and creator of the GitNops framework, dives into the intersection of DevOps and NetOps. He breaks down the seven core practices of DevOps and shares how GitNops enhances network automation. Engaging superhero analogies abound as they discuss the evolution of network management and the integration of GitOps for scalability. The conversation also touches on the challenges of network testing, the significance of Infrastructure as Code, and the tools enabling effective automation in both software and network operations.

Simplification is the theme of today’s episode. Host Scott Robohn and guest Jack Maxfield explore the operational impacts of simplification for a Managed Service Provider (MSP). They discuss the challenges of managing multi-vendor environments and how to use templating and tools to simplify the management process. Proactive client communication and the integration of network and... Read more »