
Cables2Clouds
Join Chris and Tim as they delve into the Cloud Networking world! The goal of this podcast is to help Network Engineers with their Cloud journey. Follow us on Twitter @Cables2Clouds | Co-Hosts Twitter Handles: Chris - @bgp_mane | Tim - @juangolbez
Latest episodes

Oct 18, 2023 • 1h 4min
Ep 18 - Talking ONUG with Nick Lippis
Send us a text***EXCLUSIVE ONUG DISCOUNT***Cables2Clouds listeners can get $500 off their registration to ONUG Fall 2023, in New York City! Just use the code F23C2C50 when registering. The event is taking place on October 24-25, so register today!Register here: https://onug.net/fall-2023/Episode Notes:In the latest episode of the Cables2Clouds Podcast, hosts Tim McConnaughy, Alex Perkins, and Chris Miles navigate through the ever-evolving realm of network and cloud trends for you. Get ready for an info-packed discussion as they bring us the latest in bi-weekly cloud news and a special interview with the esteemed Nick Lippis of ONUG.From the deep dive into the big announcement from Azure about changing default outbound access for VMs to their perspective on the rapid adoption of AI in data centers — the conversation takes you through the highs and lows of the cloud world intricacies. The hosts share their candid thoughts on emerging AI technologies, including generative AI and its market ramifications, evidencing $300 million in revenue for Accenture in this space.The episode also showcases an insightful talk about Amazon's Project Kuiper's first prototype satellite launch and the beginning of the competition with Starlink. In addition, the hosts delve into the key issues facing women in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and the urgent call for more diversity within this sector.But that's not all. This episode also features a riveting discussion with our guest, Nick Lippis, from ONUG. Tune in to hear the insights and visions shared by one of the leading figures in our industry, sure to spark your thinking.Along the way, the hosts share technical insights, relatable stories, and a few good laughs. If you are a professional navigating the cloud ecosystem or just curious about the cloud and networking landscape, this episode is for you! So, get ready and dive right in with us on this fascinating journey from Cables2Clouds.More Information about ONUG Fall: ONUG Fall, October 24-25 in New York City, is a forum for senior executives and technologists looking to discover the best tools, solutions and best practices to build cloud based infrastructures for their enterprise. The conference covers essential networking, automation/AI and security solutions that help IT consumers build powerful cloud-based communications infrastructures that drive revenue, operational excellence, and new applications. Interested in joining? Register with the code F23C2C50 to save $500 off your registration. Your ticket includes access to all keynotes, panel sessions, Proofs of CoPurchase 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

Oct 4, 2023 • 52min
Ep 17 - Breaking Down the Importance of Multicloud
Send us a textMulticloud environments are vital in today's ever-connected world, and we break this down for you, exploring the myriad types of clouds from private to public. We consider the potential of tech giants like Nvidia to make their mark in the cloud market and the challenges enterprises face when operating on multiple clouds. We also dissect the concept of hybrid cloud, looking at the technical and conversational understandings and the challenges of bringing a public cloud's consumption model to an on-prem data center. In the final leg of our expedition, we delve into the complexities of multi-cloud connectivity - from virtual interfaces to the DX gateway. We discuss the implications of AWS's specialty certification for networking and highlight the differences in serverless services across various clouds. We wrap up the episode with a deep dive into the importance of using case-driven solutions, the routing rules and differences between Azure and AWS, and the need for specialized images for Gateway load balancer integration. Join us on this journey of discovery and empower yourself to navigate the intricate maze of hybrid cloud technology.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

Sep 20, 2023 • 54min
Ep 16 - Cloud DeMISTified Series: AWS CloudWAN
Send us a textGet ready for an insightful journey into the realm of cloud networking. We promise you a deep, enlightening conversation where we unwrap the mysteries of AWS CloudWAN — a managed service that functions as a sort of bridge, connecting businesses to AWS in a seamless fashion. We cover everything from the challenges that come with moving towards cloud-based solutions to how CloudWAN can help in extending your data centers. And just to keep things fun, we've got a bit of gaming chatter about Diablo 4 and Alex's encounters in "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild".We're thrilled to have our first Kiwi guest, Ruskin Dantra from AWS. Ruskin offers a wealth of knowledge on technical aspects of Cloud WAN. We discuss everything from the concept of a global network container to the significance of a core network policy. And that's not all! We delve into how you can leverage Cloud WAN policies to create isolated networks and incorporate security service insertion. Trust us, you don't want to miss the visual demos we've got lined up.We wrap things up by investigating how Cloud WAN policies can foster the creation of isolated networks and enhance security measures. Our chat also touches on how Cloud WAN enables customers to fine-tune network sharing and how they can incorporate security service insertion via third-party providers. As you can see, we've got a lot to unpack, so here's an invitation to join us for an engaging discussion on cloud networking. As always, we appreciate you tuning in. Let's get started!Check out our exclusive AWS CloudWAN Demo! https://youtu.be/Mge80133tGE?si=wdTRV5gMXEwMwjllPurchase 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

Sep 6, 2023 • 55min
Ep 15 - Hybrid Cloud Revolution with Azure MVP Karl Cooke
Send us a textEver wondered how the hybrid approach is reshaping the world of cloud adoption in network infrastructure? Then, buckle up for an exciting journey with Karl Cooke, an Azure Solutions Architect and Azure MVP, who is joining us to shed light on the intriguing Azure MVP program and share valuable insights on the Azure network architecture evolution.During our exchange, we take a deep-dive into the complexities and solutions of a hybrid cloud environment. From delving into the nitty-gritty of procurement times to discussing the importance of Terraform in deploying infrastructure across multiple cloud providers, we leave no stone unturned. We further discuss the merits of internal developer platforms (IDPs) like Backstage and how they are revolutionizing businesses.As we steer into the realm of managed Kubernetes, we uncover the edges that managed clusters have over self-managed ones (and vice versa) and the critical role of networking in a Kubernetes space. Karl also highlights the potential of Azure Arc for hybrid cloud capabilities and the advantages it brings in terms of onboarding servers, security updates, and enabling logging and monitoring for on-premises servers. This episode is packed with insights, making it a must-listen for anyone eager to keep up with the rapid pace of cloud computing, networking, and infrastructure as code.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

Aug 23, 2023 • 49min
Ep 14 - Navigating the Financial Labyrinth of Cloud Networking with Will Collins
Send us a textEver wondered how to design a cost-effective cloud network? Buckle up as the Cables2Clouds team, along with the ever-insightful William Collins, shed light on the labyrinth of cloud pricing. We'll dissect the costs associated with data, requests, and additional resources, providing you with tools to anticipate and contain expenses. More than just cost, we delve into the resources your applications are using and the implications of scaling. Our aim? To save your budget, while ensuring smooth sailing for production applications.Keeping tabs on cloud costs, especially for larger businesses adopting the cloud, can often feel like acing a mind-boggling puzzle. Don't worry, we’ve got you covered. Alongside our guest, we tackle the challenges of being cost-conscious in network design, and explore the necessity of understanding how applications communicate to optimize costs. We discuss the pros and cons of various models and delve into the emerging automation tools and cost calculators that can help you become more cost aware. With over-engineering in cloud networking design being such an easy thing to do – is it really necessary, or just an expensive habit?Venture with us as we explore the differences between how the different CSP's handle high availability and disaster recovery, and the associated cost implications. We’ll also take a look at the ever-changing landscape of compliance requirements in cloud networking. Spoiler alert: these can significantly bump up costs. Arm yourself with insights about understanding cloud documentation and communicating requirements and solutions to your business. Join us for an enlightening, no-nonsense discussion on cost optimization in cloud network designLinks:Infracost- https://www.infracost.io/Nick Matthews Twitter thread about VPC Lattice- https://twitter.com/nickpowpow/status/1645493575189430272?s=20Where to find William Collins:Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCollins502LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-collins/Blog: https://wcollins.io/Previous episode with Will: https://www.cables2clouds.com/2129055/12609925-ep-7-terraform-for-the-network-engineerPurchase 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

Aug 9, 2023 • 53min
Ep 13 - Exploring the World of Ethernet Technology and Large Language Models with Peter Jones
Send us a textWhat if you could delve into the intricate world of technology and networking with an expert in the field? Welcome to an episode filled with insights from our special guest, Peter Jones, a renowned engineer in Cisco networking hardware and the chair of the Ethernet Alliance. Peter throws light on a variety of fascinating subjects - from the competitive landscape of Ethernet technology to the dynamics of different Ethernet speeds, revealing unique perspectives on the risk-reward balance in this area.Elevating the conversation, we embark on an exploration of large language model (LLM) training clusters and their future implications in computing. Peter shares his views on the delicate balance between the necessity for dedicated, specialized resources and more traditional compute, storage, and acceleration networks. We also ponder on the concept of smaller companies renting out space for LLM training, breaking down the potential business models and the profitability of such ventures. In the final part of our discussion, we plunge into the limitless potential of large language models and their role in shaping the future of computing. Together with Peter, we contemplate the scalability of LLMs, their effectiveness in solving specific problems, and how big corporations could monetize these models. We also scrutinize the potential implications of acquiring large quantities of these models and the impact it could have on future pricing. Don't miss this enlightening episode, rich in information and insights, as we navigate the captivating world of technology and networking!Links:Peter Jones:https://about.me/petergjoneshttps://linktr.ee/petergjonesAquila: https://www.nextplatform.com/2022/04/12/with-aquila-google-abandons-ethernet-to-outdo-infiniband/SmartNIC Summit: https://smartnicssummit.com/2023proceedings/Ultra Ethernet Consortium: https://ultraethernet.org/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

Jul 26, 2023 • 44min
Ep 12 - Where Are All the Cloud Cost Savings???
Send us a textWelcome back to Cables2Clouds! Today, your hosts Tim, Alex, and Chris dive into the "Economy of Scale" concept preached by major cloud providers like AWS and Azure. But, have these cost savings really come to fruition? Let's see!The economy of scale savings hasn't lived up to the hype, leaving many businesses finding cloud services still expensive.Despite this, competition among cloud providers like Google Cloud, Azure, and AWS remains fierce, driving innovation in the industry.COVID and silicon shortages played a part in hindering cost reductions, disrupting supply chains and increasing demand for remote work solutions.Chris has a funny story comparing this to buying the cheapest 2-liter soda at the store. Sometimes, the economy of scale isn't all it's cracked up to be, just like cloud services.Tune in to this eye-opening episode as we dissect the elusive economy of scale and how cloud providers are adapting to challenges.Thanks for listening! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay curious and connected!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

Jul 12, 2023 • 1h
Ep 11 - Using AI for cloud networking
Send us a textJoin Tim, Chris, and Alex as they dive into some responses to questions fed into ChatGPT. The point of this discussion was to feed it some simple and some more complex scenarios and then break down what the responses looked like. There are definitely some interesting takes and approaches. Come listen and see how well we think it fared!Prompts and answers document:https://docs.google.com/document/d/19NGBziqE7OgVvA_FPXHhAdCDevX_j20kNjRIKML7JPg/editChatGPT:https://openai.com/chatgptPurchase 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

Jun 28, 2023 • 46min
Ep 10 - Network Engineering to Cloud Strategist: A Conversation with Eyvonne Sharp
Send us a textIn this podcast episode, the hosts bring Eyvonne Sharp in to discuss transitioning from traditional infrastructure engineering to working at GCP as a Customer Engineer/Tech Transformation Lead. Eyvonne has a long history with the networking community and used to be a co-host of the Network Collective.Eyvonne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpNetworkNetwork Collective YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NetworkCollectiveNetworking Field Day: https://techfieldday.com/nfd/Eyvonne's Blog Post: https://www.esharp.net/twitter-and-what-im-learning-about-myself/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

Jun 14, 2023 • 47min
Ep 9 - Cloud journey spotlight with Mersedes ( @blkwomenread )
Send us a textIn this episode, we are joined by Mersedes, aka @blkwomenread. We talk about her journey from working at one of the countries busiest Dominos, to call center, to today. These days Mersedes works as a Systems Engineer/Monitoring Engineer which lines up very nicely with her strong interest in the field of Site Reliability Engineering (SRE). We dive into the nitty gritty about her transition from fast food worker to network engineer and learn about what her day-to-day looks like in her current role. This was a great roundtable discussion, suitable for anyone wondering about or currently working in the cloud!How to connect with Mersedes:Twitter: [https://twitter.com/blkwomenread]YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@blkwomenread]Twitch: [https://www.twitch.tv/techsavvysadie]Linkedin: [https://linkedin.com/in/mersedeshenderson]Topics:Site Reliability Engineering (SRE)-https://sre.googleBooks to look out for-Building Secure and Reliable SystemsThe Site Reliability WorkbookSite Reliability EngineeringPurchase 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