The Art of Network Engineering

Send us a textConsulting Engineers (CEs) at networking vendors blend deep technical expertise with customer-facing skills to bridge the gap between account managers and specialized solution design. They operate as specialists who support Sales Engineers when customer requirements demand deeper technical knowledge.• CEs often join from traditional network engineering backgrounds or increasingly through vendor graduate programs• The role provides higher impact by influencing entire industries rather than just one company• CE positions typically offer better compensation than operational networking roles• Computer science education rarely covers networking fundamentals, creating an industry knowledge gap• The autonomy of the CE role allows for continuous learning and specialization while maintaining customer contact• Working at a vendor provides exposure to bleeding-edge technology and broader industry perspectives• Soft skills are equally important as technical skills for success in consulting engineeringIf you're interested in transitioning to a Consulting Engineer role, develop your soft skills and build relationships in the networking community, as these connections are invaluable. Reach Colin Doyle and Jared Cordova on LinkedIn to learn more about consulting engineering opportunities.This episode has been sponsored by Meter. Go to meter.com/aone to book a demo now!  You can support the show at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2127872/support or from the "Support The Show" link at https://linktr.ee/artofneteng. Thanks for listening and for your continued support :)Support the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Send us a textThe divide between network engineers and developers has long been a source of frustration, misunderstanding, and blame in the tech world. When applications fail, the classic refrain "it's the network" often echoes through organizations, leaving network engineers scrambling to prove their innocence while developers remain convinced of their code's perfection.In this enlightening conversation, former Cisco developer advocate Erika Dietrick joins hosts Andy Lapteff and Jeff Clark to unpack the root causes of this technological rift. Erika offers a rare dual perspective, having worked both as a software engineer and in Cisco's Technical Assistance Center (TAC). She explains how educational paths create fundamentally different mindsets: "Developers learn to code, period. We do not learn how our computer works. We do not learn how the network works."Andy shares his personal struggles with learning automation, admitting to starting and quitting "every Python class on planet Earth." This prompts Erika's most valuable insight – that learning to "think like a developer" matters more than syntax or commands. The conversation explores how network engineers often find themselves drowning in daily operational tasks while being expected to add coding skills "for no more money," creating resistance to automation despite its potential benefits.The discussion takes unexpected turns through topics like cultural differences between teams, the challenges of breaking technical silos, and how AI might actually help bridge these gaps without replacing human expertise. Erika outlines her upcoming free course designed specifically for network engineers learning to code with AI – addressing the exact educational gap that has frustrated network professionals for years.Whether you identify more with Andy's automation struggles or Jeff's enthusiasm for Python scripting, this episode offers practical perspectives on healing the developer-networker divide. Subscribe to Erika's Youtube channel here: here:https://www.youtube.com/@erika_thedevSubscribe to our podcast for more conversations that tackle the human side of technology and join our Discord community at linktr.ee/artofneteng.This episode has been sponsored by Meter. Go to meter.com/aone to book a demo now!  You can support the show at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2127872/support or from the "Support The Show" link at https://linktr.ee/artofneteng. Thanks for listening and for your continued support :)Support the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Send us a textNetwork engineers have traditionally drawn a line between "our tools" and "developer tools," often rejecting powerful solutions that could dramatically improve our workflows. But what if we thought about tools the same way tradespeople do? A plumber wouldn't refuse to use a hammer just because it's "for carpenters" – so why do we resist Git?In this eye-opening discussion, we explore how Git – the version control system created by Linux founder Linus Torvalds – can transform how network teams manage configurations, collaborate on changes, and maintain system history. Far from being "just for developers," Git provides elegant solutions to problems network engineers face daily.Think about how many times you've emailed configuration files with names like "config_v2_final_REALLY_FINAL.txt" to your team, trying to track which version is current. As our guest William Collins puts it, "If you're versioning in the file name, you've already lost." Git eliminates this chaos by providing a structured approach to tracking changes that's actually remarkably similar to how routing protocols work – distributed nodes maintaining a consistent state through carefully managed updates.We break down the differences between Git (the technology) and platforms like GitHub (commercial services built on Git), demonstrate how branching and pull requests can formalize peer review of network changes, and show why you don't need to understand every Git command to start benefiting from it today. Whether you're backing up configurations, collaborating on documentation, or building automation workflows, Git provides the structure and accountability that network operations desperately need.Ready to stop emailing configurations and embrace a better way? Listen now to discover why Git isn't just for developers – it's for anyone who wants to work smarter.This episode has been sponsored by Meter. Go to meter.com/aone to book a demo now!  You can support the show at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2127872/support or from the "Support The Show" link at https://linktr.ee/artofneteng. Thanks for listening and for your continued support :)Support the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Send us a textHave you ever felt like your networking knowledge stops at layer three? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the world of firewalls with security experts Jeff Clark and Matt Lushner, exploring why these critical devices are no longer just "edge protection" but have evolved into sophisticated security platforms that every network engineer should understand.From simple port filtering to next-generation capabilities like deep packet inspection and application awareness, we unpack how modern firewalls have transformed network security. Matt and Jeff expertly guide us through complex concepts like zero trust architecture, explaining how firewalls now integrate with active directory, endpoint protection, and threat intelligence to create comprehensive security ecosystems.Ever wondered what a DMZ actually does? Or how firewalls can inspect encrypted traffic? We tackle these questions and more, making security concepts accessible for network professionals looking to expand their skillset. The conversation reveals why network engineers are uniquely positioned to excel in firewall management – your understanding of traffic flows and routing gives you a head start in the security world.The traditional boundaries between networking and security are blurring, with firewalls now replacing routers in many environments and security considerations becoming embedded throughout the network rather than just at the perimeter. Whether you're curious about career progression into security or just want to better understand how your network's protections function, this episode provides the perfect introduction to the fascinating intersection of networking and security.This episode has been sponsored by Meter. Go to meter.com/aone to book a demo now!  You can support the show at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2127872/support or from the "Support The Show" link at https://linktr.ee/artofneteng. Thanks for listening and for your continued support :)Support the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

In this enlightening discussion, Jeff Clark, an expert in network automation, shares his transformative 'selfish automation' approach, turning time-consuming tasks into quick solutions. Colin Doyle, a principal consulting engineer at Nokia, delves into the evolution of intent-based networking, reshaping the automation landscape. They tackle the psychological barriers engineers face, like fear of job displacement and coding aversion, while emphasizing practical starting points and community support as essential for overcoming resistance to automation.

Send us a textWith the rise of artificial intelligence and its significant demands on network performance, experts are increasingly asking whether Ethernet can catch up to InfiniBand as the preferred choice for high-performance computing.Join us as industry veterans Mike Bushong and Dr. Jay Metz share their insights on the necessity of open, flexible, and scalable networking solutions. Discover why many believe that Ethernet could be the platform of choice moving forward. As they dissect the need for innovation, collaboration, and competition within the ecosystem, our guests provide a forward-looking perspective on the future of network engineering.This engaging discussion ultimately encourages listeners to rethink their understanding of Ethernet's potential, examining the increased complexity required to meet the evolving demands of modern computational tasks like AI and HPC. For more details about what the work UEC is doing, go to https://ultraethernet.org/This episode has been sponsored by Meter. Go to meter.com/aone to book a demo now!  You can support the show at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2127872/support or from the "Support The Show" link at https://linktr.ee/artofneteng. Thanks for listening and for your continued support :)Support the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Send us a textThe (PA)NUG podcast panel of William Collins, Andy Lapteff, Ned Bellavance, and Drew Conry-Murray highlights the evolving landscape of network engineering, focusing on the essential skills required for future success, including automation and cloud technologies. Panelists emphasize the importance of foundational networking knowledge, mentorship, and the integration of security into network design, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements.• Exploration of the changing network engineering landscape • Emphasis on the importance of automation and scripting skills • Discussion on retaining fundamental knowledge in networking • Insights on securing networks within cloud infrastructure • Importance of mentorship and continuous learning • Perspectives on the future of AI in network engineeringJoin the (US)NUA today:https://www.usnua.com/membershipThis episode has been sponsored by Meter. Go to meter.com/aone to book a demo now!  You can support the show at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2127872/support or from the "Support The Show" link at https://linktr.ee/artofneteng. Thanks for listening and for your continued support :)Support the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Send us a textThis episode explores the theme of change, drawing on personal anecdotes from the hosts as they navigate transitions in their careers and lives. The discussion highlights the importance of embracing change and automation in the ever-evolving tech industry, fostering resilience, and nurturing community connections.• Reflections on personal experiences of change • The evolution of the podcast amidst transitions • Importance of automation in today’s networking landscape • Navigating the emotional impacts of career changes • Suggestions for leveraging community for support and growth • Embracing vulnerability and creativity in facing fears This episode has been sponsored by Meter. Go to meter.com/aone to book a demo now!  You can support the show at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2127872/support or from the "Support The Show" link at https://linktr.ee/artofneteng. Thanks for listening and for your continued support :)Support the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Send us a textThis episode discusses the complexities of VXLAN and EVPN in modern networking, highlighting the transition from traditional layer 2 designs to more efficient layer 3 systems. With insights from expert Aninda Chaterjee, listeners learn the importance of understanding underlying technologies for effective network management. • Personal experiences with home lab setups and troubleshooting • Explanation of VXLAN as a data plane encapsulation method • Challenges faced in traditional data center architectures • Transitioning from layer 2 to layer 3 using leaf and spine architectures • How EVPN enhances VXLAN functionality by managing MAC addresses • Importance of understanding technology for effective troubleshooting • Aninda’s insights on becoming a technical author in the networking fieldThis episode has been sponsored by Meter. Go to meter.com/aone to book a demo now!  You can support the show at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2127872/support or from the "Support The Show" link at https://linktr.ee/artofneteng. Thanks for listening and for your continued support :)Support the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Send us a textWhat if the future of network engineering hinges on curiosity and adaptability? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Nicholas Calcutti as we navigate the fascinating evolution of networking technologies. Nicholas, with his impressive journey from a desktop support technician to a doctoral student, shares invaluable insights into the triumphs and trials of the networking world. We chat about everything from the first email sent in 1971 to the intricate demands of managing AI HPC workloads. The transformation driven by software-defined networking and the necessity of foundational skills in a rapidly advancing landscape are at the forefront of our conversation.Throughout this dynamic exchange, we unravel the complexities of cloud networking, reflecting on the trials and triumphs of operating within platforms like Azure. Our discussion highlights essential skills for today’s network engineers, emphasizing the growing importance of cloud proficiency and automation tools. Nicholas and Kevin share personal stories of overcoming resistance to automation, underscoring the necessity of learning new skills like Python and Terraform. The dialogue also shifts towards the role of network engineers in the era of automation and AI, contemplating the future viability of the profession amid these technological shifts.Finally, we explore the intriguing balance between specialization and generalism in networking careers. The impact of cloud technologies on IT roles sparks a lively debate, particularly as companies like Twitter reconsider full cloud adoption. Nicholas and Kevin weigh in on the pros and cons of cloud computing, discussing cost, control, and the potential of hybrid solutions. Our discussion is peppered with anecdotes that illuminate the challenges and opportunities in the networking field, offering a hopeful perspective on nurturing curiosity and problem-solving in future generations of network engineers. Nic's presentation can be found here:Tech Coast Conference Slide DeckDon't forget to follow us on social media and check out our website for more insights and updates!This episode has been sponsored by Meter. Go to meter.com/aone to book a demo now!  You can support the show at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2127872/support or from the "Support The Show" link at https://linktr.ee/artofneteng. Thanks for listening and for your continued support :)Support the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng