

The Art of Network Engineering
Andy and friends
Join us as we explore the world of Network Engineering! In each episode, we explore new topics, talk about technology, and interview people in our industry. We peek behind the curtain and get insights into what it's like being a network engineer - and spoiler alert - it's different for everyone! For more information check out our website https://artofnetworkengineering.com | Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram as well @artofneteng | Co-Host Twitter Handle: Andy @andylapteff
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep 136 - Journey of a Network Engineer with Ethan
Send us a textThis episode was recorded on July 20th, 2023. Get ready to wrestle with the big debate - IPv4 vs IPv6, and we're not just talking technical here; we're talking personas, rivalries, and the occasional wrestling pun. This episode is a thrilling exploration of technology's incredible power during times of crisis. A.J.'s experiences with recent natural disasters in Vermont showcase just how essential tech can be when disaster strikes, from drones for flood damage assessment to leveraging social media for aid.We’re also thrilled to welcome Ethan, a young network engineer, who shares his unique journey into networking. From college to apprenticeships and finally into service provider representation, Ethan’s story highlights the critical role of hands-on experience in kickstarting a successful career in network engineering. From managed service provider (MSP) to internet service provider (ISP), our conversation navigates the complexities of different working environments, and the varying roles a network engineer may take on.We wrap up this episode with practical advice to all you aspiring network engineers out there. Hear about the process of technical interviews, the importance of being honest about your skills, and the value of passion and involvement in the networking community. The future of networking is here, and it's automated. We delve into the growing importance of automation in service provider networks - so strap in, tune in, and get ready to be inspired, educated, and entertained!More from Ethan:Twitter - https://twitter.com/ETH4N3TDigital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 5min
Ep 135 - Reflecting on a Year of Podcasting: Celebrations, Collaborations, and a Holiday Special
Send us a textIF YOU DO THE ELF ON THE SHELF AT HOME DO NOT LISTEN AROUND CHILDREN!Strap in for a holiday special like no other as we gather the largest group ever for an episode filled with warmth, laughter, and reflections. This lively discussion takes us through personal narratives, the stress and jubilation of holiday traditions, and even a chaotic crack at "Jingle Bells." With the room brimming with camaraderie and holiday cheer, we navigate through the highs and lows of the past year.Our podcasting journey this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. From engaging interactions with guests, to bridging the gap between traditional network engineering and cloud networking in our spinoff podcast, Cables2Clouds - we've covered some ground. Get an insider's view on our favorite episodes, the hurdles we've surmounted, and the innumerable golden opportunities that podcasting has thrown our way.As we bid adieu to an eventful year, we can't help but express our gratitude to our wonderful podcasting community and the insightful guests who've graced our platform. We walk you through our ambitious plans for the future, our experiences meeting other content creators, and discuss potential collaborations. So, curl up with a warm drink, and join us in this insightful, funny, and engaging episode that encapsulates the essence of the year gone by and sets the stage for the exciting one ahead.Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

8 snips
Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 9min
Ep 134 - Delving into the Intricacies of Network Automation with Ansible Expert Tony Dubiel
In this podcast, the hosts introduce Tony Dubiel, a Product Solutions Architect for Ansible Network Automation at Red Hat. They discuss the importance of a networking background in collaboration, the use of different automation tools, and the challenges of network automation. They also delve into the Ansible Automation Platform, the debate over using Terraform, and the advantages of using validated content for network automation.

Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 4min
Ep 133 - An Expert's Perspective on Network Automation and the Cisco DevNet Expert Certification
Meet Ben Schuster, a Cisco Certified DevNet Expert, as he shares insights on network automation tools like NautoBot, Ansible, and Git. Learn about revamping networks, challenges of the DevNet Exam, and tips for effective study. Discover his wisdom on automation, and essential resources for exam prep. Dive into his journey from the military to networking, and the importance of small wins in automation journeys.

Nov 8, 2023 • 1h 8min
Ep 132 - From Air Force One to Cybersecurity: A Journey with John Breth
Send us a textEver wondered about the path that leads someone to work on the communication network of Air Force One? Our guest, John Breth, has done just that, and he's here to share his journey from the military to the cybersecurity field. With a career spanning roles as a network and security administrator at a Tier 1 ISP, and now a well-known content creator, John's journey is a thrilling blend of education and experience. As we reminisce about personal experiences, from Prime binge-watching to study plans and Vermont fall-time hobbies, we highlight the importance of maintaining technical skills, even in a vendor role. Our conversation takes us deep into the complexities of network engineering, which demands a well-rounded skill set and often requires us to wear multiple hats, particularly in smaller companies. We explore the critical role of cybersecurity in ensuring compliance with regulations, and we discuss the need for an active defense methodology to mitigate cyber threats.Wrapping up this intriguing chat, we delve into the implications of the SolarWinds hack, the increasing importance of coding and automation in cybersecurity, and provide some useful tips for those looking to get their foot in the door of this field. Finally, we spotlight the value of cybersecurity certifications and the role they can play in enhancing your career. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring newbie, John's unique insight is bound to spark your interest and perhaps, inspire your own path in tech.A big thank you to our show sponsor: Unimus! Interested in a device agnostic NCM software to streamline and automation configuration management for your entire network? Check out Unimus! https://unimus.net/More from John:Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBizzle703YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CYBERINSIGHTThis show was recorded October 5th, 2023.Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Oct 25, 2023 • 1h 9min
Ep 131 - A Comprehensive Guide to Media Networking with Expert Josh Warcop
Join industry expert Josh Warcop as he demystifies the complexities of media networking, discussing topics such as packetizing voice and video streams into IP packets, transitioning from analog to digital video, the shift from STI to ethernet in the broadcast TV industry, remote production, Quality of Service (QoS) in media networking, and the challenges of networking in live events. Gain valuable insights into an industry shaping our digital era.

Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 2min
Ep 130 - Exploring the Influence of AI on Network Engineering
The podcast discusses the integration of AI in network management, including automated troubleshooting and proactive notifications. It explores the potential use of AI in network engineering for tasks such as log analysis, security, and network configuration. The chapter also highlights the challenges and benefits of using AI in network provisioning, vendor conversion, and major upgrades. Additionally, it explores privacy implications, trust issues, and the role of AI in network optimization and self-healing.

Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 5min
Ep 129 - Exploring Tech Certification Challenges with Brent Morris
The podcast explores the importance of failure and training seriously in tech certifications. It also delves into the world of exam security, discussing potential cheating methods and the severe consequences of violations. The episode unpacks Cisco's approach to combat cheating, including the development of valid exam questions and the collaboration with testing vendor, Pearson View. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the value of genu...

Sep 13, 2023 • 1h 14min
Ep 128 - Navigating the CCIE Landscape w/help from 3 CCIEs!
Send us a textPicture yourself acing the CCIE certification exams with confidence and coming out victorious. Seems like a far-fetched dream, right? Not when you have CCIEs Erica Cooper, Tim McConaughey, and Chris Miles sharing their insider tips and strategies on navigating the tough terrain of CCIE certification. Pulling back the curtain on their own journeys, they reveal their motivations, preparation methodologies, and the value this certification has brought to their careers. Erica’s narrative especially stands out, as she shares her inspiring journey from failing the route switch exam to succeeding in the data center track.CCIE isn't just an exam; it's a strategic marathon that requires planning, resourcing, and an unwavering commitment. Our esteemed guests shed light on the importance of having a plan, the power of study groups, and the resources that can be harnessed for CCIE preparation. We delve into the nitty-gritties of accountability in studying, choosing the right study group, and the advantages of cohort-based learning. But the CCIE journey isn't all rosy; there are challenges too. We dissect the differences between the written and lab exams, the necessity of quick problem-solving skills, and the financial burden it carries. But rest assured, we've also got you covered on how to approach your employers for sponsorship.As we wind up, we take a creative turn and delve into future gazing. What does the future hold for CCIE certification? It's a battle of multiple-choice exams versus practical applications, and the need to demonstrate continual learning. We explore alternative validation methods like panel discussions, blog posts, and more. The goal? To keep you ahead in the game. So, tune into this enlightening episode and get a head start on your CCIE journey. Don't miss it!More from our guest:Erica Cooper - https://twitter.com/TechLayDeeDigital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Aug 30, 2023 • 1h 5min
Ep 127 - Observability with Phil Gervasi and Kentik!
Send us a textThis episode is sponsored by Kentik!Ever felt baffled by your network's performance? It's time to join us on a journey into the world of network engineering with our esteemed guest, Phil Gervasi. We'll explore the intricate world of network visibility and discuss the importance of diagnosing network issues. The episode takes an exciting turn as we delve into the intriguing concept of network observability. Extending beyond mere data gathering, observability is the key to answering any question about your network. Phil Gervasi will guide us through the maze of network observability, its historical roots, the challenges of modern networks, and Kentik's unique approach to network observability. Discover how it empowers customers to pinpoint potential causes of network changes, breathing fresh life into network operations.Are you ready to supercharge your network operations? We'll show you how with synthetic testing, an active testing form that simulates a wide range of conditions. We'll discuss how Kentik uses automated insights and troubleshooting tools to lower customers' Mean Time To Repair (MTTR). And that's not all; we'll also explore DDoS Mitigation and Network Security Solutions, demonstrating how Kentik's platform can discern different types of attacks and help manage false positives and threat feeds. By the end of our journey, you'll have a broad understanding of the impact of cloud technology, containerization, and AI on enterprise workloads. Don't miss out on this networking masterclass!Follow Phil for his awesome Networking memes and more great content!Twitter: https://twitter.com/network_philMore from KentikGet Started! - https://www.kentik.com/get-started/Website: https://www.kentik.com/Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFind everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng