Network Automation Nerds

Bob Belderbos, co-founder of PyBites, shares his philosophy on mastering Python through bite-sized learning. He emphasizes the importance of small wins and hands-on practice, reflecting on his journey from novice to pro. The conversation covers the supportive culture within the Python community, the significance of building daily coding habits, and the value of sharing knowledge publicly. Bob also addresses overcoming imposter syndrome and the role of collaboration in tackling the complexities of technology.

On today’s episode, we’re going to talk Python. Host Eric Chou is joined by Michael Kennedy,  the founder of Talk Python Training and host of the Talk Python To Me podcast. The discussion covers the evolution of Michael’s podcast and training business, the impact of platforms like TikTok on learning, and the importance of community... Read more »

Andreas Bechtel, a network automation architect and founder of DevNet Expert Training, shares his inspiring journey transitioning from traditional networking to automation. He emphasizes the need for ongoing education and certifications to thrive in the field. Andreas discusses mastering network automation skills, the challenges of workplace acceptance, and the value of metrics. He also outlines his comprehensive DevNet Expert training program and the importance of experiential learning, while advocating for a solid understanding of networking fundamentals before diving into automation.

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 »

Ostinato is a network traffic generator aimed at network engineers who need test traffic, whether in a lab or production, to do things such as test circuit bandwidth, determine if SD-WAN or load balancing rules are working as intended, investigate packet drops, and more. Originally released as an open-source project, Ostinato is now offered as... Read more »

Network optimization starts with observing, but how are networks observed and what tools are used? Joining the podcast today are the authors behind the book “Modern Network Observability.” Eric Chou welcomes David Flores, Christian Adell, and Josh VanDeraa to help uncover practical strategies and real-world case studies for network observability. Episode Guests: David Flores, Christian... Read more »

Uzair Khan from RUSH University Medical Center is today’s guest on the Network Automation Nerds podcast. Uzair discusses the complexities of healthcare technology and the critical role of automation in enhancing operational efficiency and patient safety. He provides examples of how Itential’s automation and orchestration products have given his teams the tools they need to... Read more »

Ivan Pepelnjak joins host Eric Chou to reflect on his extensive career, his decision to reduce his content creation, and offer advice for young engineers. They discuss the evolution of networking technologies, emphasizing the importance of mastering Linux and obtaining relevant certifications. Ivan highlights the significance of creating professional visibility and owning one’s content. The... Read more »

GitHub Codespaces aims to simplify spinning up a developer environment in the cloud. Containerlab, which provides virtual lab environments for network engineers, is now integrated with Codespaces to make it easy to set up and share network labs. On today’s Network Automation Nerds show, we delve into this innovative use of GitHub Codespaces and containerlab... Read more »

In a heartfelt discussion, Greg Ferro, co-founder of Packet Pushers, shares insights just before his retirement. He reflects on his impactful career and the rapid evolution of networking. Key topics include the challenges of open-source sustainability amidst corporate interests and the importance of adaptability in tech careers. Greg highlights the need for using established vendor solutions over custom scripts for efficiency. With a focus on community, he emphasizes mentorship and the significance of health and well-being in professional transitions.