Welcome to N Is For Networking, the newest podcast on the Packet Pushers network, where we explain the jargon, acronyms, and concepts of the networking industry in plain language. Your hosts are Holly Metlitzky, an industrial engineer and now a network sales engineer; and Ethan Banks, a veteran network engineer. Together, they’ll educate and help... Read more »

BlueCat is making waves by acquiring LiveAction to enhance network performance monitoring, especially for voice and video. T-Mobile faces a $16 million mandate to bolster its cybersecurity by appointing a Chief Information Security Officer. Meanwhile, Cisco's LoRaWAN IoT products are being phased out, and Verizon recently overcame a nationwide service outage. The podcast also highlights critical vulnerabilities in telecom infrastructure and the importance of resilient network strategies in managing disasters.

Mike Lossman, Technical Product Marketing Manager at Forward Networks, shares his insights on digital twins—mathematically accurate copies of data center networks. He details how these models revolutionize network operations by enabling real-time visibility, automation, and enhanced troubleshooting. Lossman also discusses the challenges of IT infrastructure during mergers and acquisitions and highlights the importance of a network query engine for compliance and multi-vendor support, ensuring efficient network management.

In this engaging discussion, Tom McGonagle, the creator of GitNops, delves into the interplay of DevOps and network operations. He highlights the importance of automated testing and collaboration through GitHub, shedding light on how version control can streamline network configurations. The conversation also touches on utilizing Kubernetes for efficient tech stacks, the significance of continuous learning in network automation, and the balance between ready-made solutions and custom approaches in GitOps. It's packed with insights for IT professionals!

The discussion delves into the urgent need to accelerate IPv6 deployment amidst evolving tech demands. Experts emphasize meticulous planning, training, and infrastructure assessment to ensure a smooth transition. Key misconceptions about IPv6 are unraveled, revealing its essential role in modern services. The risks of delaying adoption are highlighted, including potential security vulnerabilities. Incremental implementation is championed as a strategic way to navigate this significant shift in networking.

Colin Douch and Jayson Cena from Cloudflare share insights on their transition from SysLog-NG to OpenTelemetry, focusing on the need for scalability and maintainability. They discuss challenges in processing millions of logs per second while ensuring uninterrupted customer service. Their conversation covers the complexities of logging infrastructure, including performance optimization and the trade-offs between Protocol Buffers and JSON. They also touch on the importance of redundancy and team empowerment in enhancing system reliability.

Phil Morgan, a Wi-Fi technology expert, shares his insights on the groundbreaking Wi-Fi 7. He discusses the impressive features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and airtime optimization that promise faster speeds and lower latency. Phil recounts his hands-on testing with devices such as the Samsung S24, revealing practical performance insights. The conversation also dives into the technical setup required for optimal speed testing and the future potential of Wi-Fi in high-density environments, making it an exciting time for connectivity enthusiasts.

Jeff Crume, a distinguished engineer and cybersecurity architect at IBM, dives into the world of AI and machine learning in cybersecurity. He clarifies misconceptions and explains how these technologies can detect anomalies and strengthen security. The conversation covers the challenges of siloed data and the potential of generative AI for innovative threat assessments. Crume also emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI models and the need for adaptive strategies to tackle evolving threats, all while mixing in humor and personal anecdotes.

Fletcher Previn, SVP and Chief Information Officer at Cisco, brings over 20 years of tech leadership to the table. He shares insights on fostering a strong technology culture and the role of IT as a strategic partner in business. The conversation delves into Cisco's position as both customer and product innovator, enhancing user experience through structured feedback and addressing hybrid work challenges. Previn also discusses building Cisco's AI infrastructure, highlighting new innovations and the importance of asking the right questions to drive improvement.

This week, the discussion dives into serious vulnerabilities found in HPE and Cisco devices, highlighting the importance of bug bounty programs. The benefits of network slicing versus traditional private networks are explored, along with Cloudflare's new tools to combat AI scraper bots. Innovations in network management feature new AI for IoT identification and monitoring third-party devices. Additionally, emerging technologies in broadband aim to enhance capabilities, while advancements in SASE aim to simplify operations and enhance network security.