Cables2Clouds

Send us a textEntrepreneurship is often glorified as the ultimate career goal, but what happens when running your own business loses its luster? Jason Gintert takes us behind the scenes of his journey from corporate life to co-founding WAN Dynamics, and then back to the corporate world as CTO of Laketec.The entrepreneurial path wasn't always smooth. "The first two years were kind of rough," Jason reveals, describing how his income dropped to half of his previous corporate salary and required significant belt-tightening at home. Even as the business grew, unexpected challenges emerged – from the stress of having employees depend on you for their livelihood to the constant cash flow battles when large clients took 60-90 days to pay invoices.Perhaps most surprising was Jason's realization that business ownership didn't provide the freedom he expected. "It's a misconception that when you have a business, you're your own boss," he explains. "You report to your employees, your customers, your stakeholders – everybody who depends on you." Despite successfully growing the company and navigating the explosive demand for remote access solutions during COVID, Jason found himself increasingly forced into sales roles he didn't want.After selling WAN Dynamics and briefly working for the acquiring company, Jason took four months to decompress before joining Laketec. His transition back to corporate life brought welcome relief – consistent schedules, healthcare benefits, and the ability to focusConnect with Jason:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongintert/Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/ Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.comFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textTim and Chris discuss major cybersecurity acquisitions and innovations, examining how these changes will impact enterprise security and cloud architecture.• Zscaler acquires Red Canary MDR (Managed Detection and Response) to fill gaps in their platform despite potential integration challenges• AWS Network Firewall now supports multiple VPC endpoints without requiring Transit Gateway deployment• AWS exits the private 5G market, pivoting to partnerships with established telecommunications providers• CheckPoint acquires Veritai Cybersecurity to enhance their Infinity platform with "virtual patching" capabilities• North Korean IT workers using sophisticated techniques to infiltrate Western companies by posing as legitimate remote employeesCheck the news document for additional stories we didn't have time to cover, including a project called MPIC focused on preventing BGP attacks with certificate validation.Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/ Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.comFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textWhat does it take to write the books that build the backbone of the networking industry? In this energetic conversation with Jason Gooley, Technical Evangelist at Cisco and author of numerous certification guides, we dive into the fascinating world of technical education and the art of making complex networking concepts accessible to learners.Jason shares his remarkable journey from networking novice who once believed the myth that "CCIEs make more than the president" to becoming the author selected to take over the iconic CCNA certification guides from Wendell Odom after his 23-year, 10-edition legacy. The responsibility is enormous—with Cisco's Network Academy having certified 17 million professionals and aiming for another 25 million in the next decade, Jason's words will shape countless careers.We explore the delicate balance required when creating technical content: providing enough depth for certification success without overwhelming readers, adding engaging storytelling without sacrificing accuracy, and addressing varied audience backgrounds without assuming too much or too little prior knowledge. As Jason beautifully puts it, "When I write, it feels like I'm talking... like I'm explaining it to a specific person." This approach transforms what could be dry technical manuals—"paper cuts to the eyes"—into relatable learning experiences.For anyone working in technology, the episode offers valuable insights on continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field. Jason describes technology as "a train... the second you step on, you're moving with it." The key is simply starting somewhere: "Don't be afraid to get on the train. Just do 'hello world.' Get a Raspberry Pi. Use Alexa to turn off your lights." Whether you're pursuing certifications, teaching others, or creating educational content, this episode provides practical wisdom on making technical knowledge accessible, relevant, and engaging. Subscribe now for more conversations that bridge the gap between complex technology and human understanding.Connect with the Guest:@Jason_Gooley on Xhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jgooley/Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/ Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.comFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textMajor tech companies are making significant moves with mergers, acquisitions, and layoffs as the industry continues to evolve rapidly and face new challenges in the market.• Rumors suggest Arista Networks is acquiring VeloCloud from Broadcom for nearly $1 billion, potentially strengthening Arista's SD-WAN offerings• Charter and Cox Communications are merging to combat declining cable relevance, continuing the trend of telecom mega-consolidation• Microsoft laid off 6,000 employees (3% of workforce) despite reporting $25.8 billion quarterly profit• Microsoft openly stated layoffs will fund AI capital investments, with plans for continued annual cuts• Microsoft announced it will host rival AI models in its data centers and is launching a new autonomous coding agent• Security concerns arise as Microsoft plans to give AI agents "digital identifiers" similar to human employeesPurchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/ Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.comFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textWhen most people think about cybersecurity careers, they envision ethical hackers or security analysts huddled behind screens of scrolling code. But as our guest Brian Eidelman, VP of Cloud Engineering at Oracle, reveals, the reality is far more diverse and fascinating.Security careers exist in what Brian describes as a three-dimensional landscape. Across one axis, you have different job functions ranging from compliance specialization and policy development to threat research, forensics, and security tool development. Along another dimension are organizational environments—government, financial services, healthcare, technology companies—each with unique security challenges. The third dimension encompasses technical specializations like network security, encryption, identity management, and increasingly, cloud security.Identity management emerges as a critical focal point in our discussion. Having been one of the original developers of SiteMinder (a single sign-on solution), Brian traces how identity has evolved from simple password systems to today's sophisticated multi-factor authentication and passwordless approaches. In cloud environments where traditional network boundaries have dissolved, "identity is your new perimeter." This shift has created entirely new disciplines around non-human identities—managing how applications, workloads, and services authenticate to one another.The podcast explores how cloud security differs from traditional approaches, requiring guardrails that maintain security without sacrificing the agility that makes cloud computing valuable. We dig into how the democratization of resources has created new security challenges as developers gain direct access to infrastructure that would have been tightly controlled in on-premises environments.For those looking to break into the field, Brian offers surprisingly practical advice: unlike networking, where certifications often serve as career milestones, security values demonstrable skills and domain knowledge more highly. His recommendation? When security issues arise in your current technical role, run toward them rather than away. Volunteering for security-related projects and demonstrating curiosity can open doors more effectively than certificates alone.Ready to explore the multidimensional world of cloud security careers? Listen now and discover where you might fit in this dynamic and essential field.Connect with Brian:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-eidelman-9b29181/Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/ Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.comFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textThe relentless race for cloud dominance continues as AWS reports 16.9% growth year-over-year—a number that would thrill most companies but falls short of expectations for the cloud giant. Tim and Chris dig into what's behind these numbers and why Microsoft and Google continue gaining ground with stronger-than-anticipated growth rates. Microsoft's massive 53% increase in capital spending signals their aggressive push into AI infrastructure, raising questions about whether AWS can maintain its leadership position.Cybersecurity threats are evolving in concerning ways according to Threat Labs' 2025 Phishing Report. While overall phishing attempts have declined, attacks have become more targeted and sophisticated. The hosts explore disturbing trends including the rise of cryptocurrency scams with fake wallets and an increase in job-related phishing that exploits today's challenging employment market. Most alarming is how threat actors are capitalizing on AI hype, creating fraudulent agent websites that mimic legitimate platforms to steal credentials. This exposes a critical vulnerability in emerging technologies like Multi-agent Collaboration Protocol systems that currently lack robust security frameworks.The conversation shifts to more positive developments with Kubernetes 1.33 "Octarine" release, which brings sidecar containers to stable status—a significant improvement for managing service mesh implementations. The hosts break down how this and other updates like in-place resource resizing make Kubernetes more flexible and easier to manage for enterprise deployments.The episode closes with a somber discussion of Intel's announcement of potential layoffs affecting up to 20% of its workforce following substantial quarterly losses. Tim and Chris challenge the new CEO's assertion that requiring more office days will make the company "lean, fast and agile," questioning whether return-to-office mandates have more to do with real estate investments than actual productivity improvements.What tech news matters most to you? We'd love your feedback on our news format and what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes!Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/ Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.comFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textScott Robohn's journey from corporate network engineer to successful independent consultant offers a roadmap for anyone considering the entrepreneurial path in tech. After 35 years in the networking industry, Scott found himself ready to build something of his own—not necessarily a product, but an enterprise he could be fully responsible for.The transition wasn't without careful consideration. Scott spent a full year planning his exit, having extensive conversations with his wife and financial advisor to ensure he had sufficient runway (approximately three years) if things didn't go as planned. This preparation phase wasn't just about the numbers; it was about creating psychological safety and family buy-in for what would be a significant life change.What stands out most in Scott's experience is how he navigated the unexpected challenges of independence. On just his second day of self-employment, he had the jarring realization that he was no longer part of a team—something that had been constant throughout his career. This led him to intentionally create new communities through co-founding the Network Automation Forum and engaging with local networking user groups, demonstrating that entrepreneurship doesn't have to mean isolation.Finding clients represents perhaps the biggest practical hurdle for new consultants. Scott shares how his initial work came through his existing network, with LinkedIn playing a surprisingly crucial role in business development. As his practice evolved, he discovered an unexpected passion for certain specialty areas, including his Total Network Operations approach, which examines how network operations teams need to reorganize for modern networks and tooling.For those contemplating their own leap, Scott offers candid advice about the realities of American entrepreneurship—including the significant hurdle of healthcare costs—while providing encouragement that with proper planning, the transition can lead to greater fulfillment. As his wife observed at his one-year anniversary: "I've seen you work this hard before, but always accompanied with stress. Now I see you working this hard and I don't see the stress."Ready to explore entrepreneurship in tech? Join Scott at the Network Automation Forum events in Prague (May 2025) or in the US (November 2025), and discover how you might thrive on your own terms.Connect with our guest:https://packetpushers.net/podcast/total-network-operations/https://networkautomationPurchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/ Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.comFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textThe tech world gives and takes away as Google introduces CloudWAN while MITRE nearly loses CVE funding, showcasing both innovation and vulnerability in our digital infrastructure landscape. Politics increasingly intersects with technology as we examine controversial security clearance revocations alongside much-needed technical improvements in cloud networking.• Google Cloud Next introduces CloudWAN service with two use cases: high-performance data center connectivity and premium branch networking• Google's approach differs from AWS, encouraging single global VPC deployments across regions• MITRE loses funding for the CVE program, threatening the global vulnerability tracking system• CISA provides 11-month bridge funding, but fragmentation begins as EU launches alternative vulnerability tracking• Azure announces general availability of route maps for Virtual WAN, bringing traditional networking capabilities to cloud• Former CISA director Chris Krebs targeted in federal investigation for debunking 2020 election fraud claims• Security clearance revocations increasingly used as political weapons against technology professionalsSubscribe to Cables to Clouds Fortnightly News and tell a friend about the show to stay informed about the evolving cloud technology landscape.Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/ Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.comFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textPreparing for a cloud network engineering interview at a tech giant? This episode delivers essential insights from someone who conducts these interviews. Kam Agahian, Senior Director of Cloud Engineering at Oracle, returns to continue our deep dive into what really matters when interviewing for these coveted positions.We begin by addressing listener questions about TCP/IP preparation, with Kam suggesting Wireshark packet analysis as a practical approach to master these foundational concepts. While acknowledging these topics can be dry, he emphasizes their critical importance as differentiators in the interview process.The conversation then shifts to the heart of cloud networking: connectivity between environments. Kam breaks down the two primary approaches – IPsec tunnels versus dedicated connections (like FastConnect, DirectConnect, ExpressRoute) – explaining when each makes sense and what you need to understand about them beyond simple definitions. The discussion includes encryption options, real-world implementation challenges, and how cloud service providers differ in their connectivity models.For routing, Kam explains how priorities have shifted from traditional networking interviews. While IGP protocols matter less at cloud boundaries, BGP knowledge remains crucial – but focused on practical applications rather than obscure features. "90-95% of BGP is done around a few topics – inbound and outbound traffic influence, convergence, and troubleshooting," he notes, advising candidates to understand both the "how" and "why" behind concepts like communities, attributes, and ECMP.Throughout the episode, both hosts emphasize a critical insight: cloud networking interviews aren't configuration tests. The most successful candidates demonstrate deep understanding of why technologies are appropriate for specific scenarios, how they've evolved, and the nuances of their implementation in cloud environments versus traditional networks. This thoughtful approach reveals the problem-solving abilities that tech giants value most in their cloud networking teams.Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/ Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.comFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

Send us a textGeopolitics and cloud infrastructure collide in this eye-opening episode where we explore how escalating tariff wars are throwing data center construction plans into complete disarray. Tech giants planning massive cloud and AI expansions now face skyrocketing costs and unprecedented uncertainty as raw materials fall under new tariffs – creating a situation reminiscent of the COVID building materials crisis but on a vastly larger scale.Meanwhile, European cloud providers aren't sitting idle. We dive into the fascinating "Fulcrum Project," a bold initiative creating what they're calling "Trump-proof" cloud services. This ambitious federation of smaller European providers aims to redefine data sovereignty beyond just data location to who actually controls the cloud provider. With initial funding of one million euros, they're targeting SMBs who want local alternatives to hyperscalers that might be subject to foreign regulations.Security concerns dominate our discussion as we unpack Oracle's problematic handling of a significant cloud breach. Despite clear evidence from both attackers selling the stolen data and customers confirming their data was compromised, Oracle initially denied any breach occurred. This stark contrast between transparent security practices and corporate denial offers valuable lessons for organizations facing similar challenges.We also highlight a concerning surge in threat actors scanning for vulnerabilities in Juniper, Cisco, and Palo Alto network devices, with one vendor reporting 24,000 unique IP addresses attempting to access their portals within a month. Plus, we try to make sense of AWS's puzzling new Route Server offering, which resembles Azure's Route Server but fits awkwardly within AWS's existing architecture – leaving us scratching our heads about its intended use cases.Join us for these critical insights and share your thoughts on what cloud networking stories we should cover next time!Purchase Chris and Tim's new book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/ Check out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cables2clouds.comFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj