Todd Thorpe, an MDU Wi-Fi design expert with over 20 years in telecommunications, shares insights about the evolution of Wi-Fi in apartment and condo settings. He discusses the shift from coax cable to modern managed Wi-Fi solutions. Todd highlights the challenges of retrofitting older buildings and the need for robust connectivity in high-density environments. He explains the benefits of managed services and the innovative use of pre-shared keys to ensure seamless access for residents in shared living spaces.

Uzair Khan, the Manager of Network Services at RUSH University Medical Center, sheds light on the transformative power of network automation in healthcare IT. He discusses the challenges of outdated technology and the critical need for efficiency and patient safety. Uzair shares how tools like Itential streamline operations, reduce human error, and enhance collaboration among healthcare teams. He emphasizes the evolving roles of engineers, urging them to adopt coding skills for better problem-solving, while outlining future automation plans to improve patient care.

Mike Holcomb, a Fellow of Cybersecurity and ICS-OT Cybersecurity Global Lead at FLOR, shares his vast expertise in industrial control systems. He discusses the convergence of IT and OT environments and the importance of cybersecurity in these sectors. Holcomb demystifies the Stuxnet attack and its implications for critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for secure boundaries between IT and OT. He highlights the vulnerabilities of air-gapped systems and stresses proactive measures for effective incident response, providing invaluable insights for IT professionals.

The hosts delve into Juniper Networks' strategy to integrate AI across its security offerings, reshaping deployment practices. They examine the FTC's recent settlement with Marriott over data breaches, questioning its effectiveness in boosting cybersecurity. Cisco's bet on GPU-as-a-Service and its strategic investments indicate a shift in focus. The conversation also navigates the emerging landscape of AI regulation and the delicate balance between innovation and corporate accountability, alongside advancements in satellite communication.

James Henderson, an automation solutions architect from Ductis, sheds light on Cisco's Network Service Orchestrator (NSO). He discusses how NSO revolutionizes network automation with its declarative management approach, enabling seamless configuration across devices. The conversation covers the tool's dry run capability, operational intricacies, and integration challenges, particularly in high-demand settings. Henderson also highlights the importance of secure access protocols and innovative solutions involving Kubernetes, inviting further exploration of these cutting-edge technologies.

Anil Varanasi, Co-founder and CEO of Meter, discusses the company’s mission to revolutionize networking. He shares insights on transitioning from traditional equipment to managed services, emphasizing integrated solutions like Meter Connect. The conversation highlights the shift from CLI to API-driven automation, enhancing user experience in network management. Anil also focuses on the critical need for customer-centric technology adoption and explores the future of private wireless networking, calling for broader engagement in the industry.

Layoffs are a sensitive topic in the tech industry. Host Laura Santamaria discusses the emotional and practical impacts on employees and leaders. She also covers the signs of potential layoffs, and strategies for job searching post-layoff while maintaining perspective. She concludes with a tips for leaders to more effectively lead their teams through a layoff.... Read more »

Ivan Pepelnjak, a leading voice in network engineering and creator of IPSpace.net, shares wisdom from his extensive career. He discusses the critical need for young engineers to master Linux and pursue relevant certifications in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Pepelnjak also addresses the challenges of burnout in content creation and emphasizes the importance of personal branding and professional visibility. He offers insights into leveraging AI and automation for success in networking and the value of community engagement for creativity and fulfillment.

Today on the Packet Protector podcast we talk with sponsor Juniper Networks about how to simplify the complexity that affects network and cybersecurity teams alike. From tool sprawl to floods of data, complexity bedevils operations and troubleshooting. We talk about what Juniper brings to the table for networking and security professionals to help them do... Read more »

Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good… it’s a challenge that architects and strategists often face. They may design a “perfect” architecture or strategy, only to see it overwhelmed by the realities of implementation. John Burke and Johna Johnson discuss the questions to ask to ensure that devotion to the perfect doesn’t... Read more »