Shows
The Art of Network EngineeringRadia Perlman: You’re Solving the Wrong ProblemSend us Fan MailWhat if the biggest problem in networking is that we’re solving the wrong one?In this episode of The Art of Network Engineering, Andy and Lexie sit down with Radia Perlman, one of the most influential figures in networking history and the inventor of Spanning Tree Protocol.This conversation goes far beyond protocols and configurations. Radia shares how networking evolved, through constraints, tradeoffs, and human decisions, and why so much of what we learn today is incomplete without understanding the problems those technologies were trying to so...
2026-03-2559 minThe Art of Network EngineeringWi-Fi 7 Explained: What Network Engineers Need to KnowSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Andy sits down with Gregory Grimes to unpack the world of Wi-Fi 7 and what it means for network engineers.If wireless has ever felt like magic compared to the predictability of route/switch, this conversation is for you. Andy and Greg walk through the evolution of wireless networking, from the early days of 802.11 to the latest innovations in Wi-Fi 7, including wider channels, better spectrum use, resource units, and multi-link operation (MLO).They also explore the real-world question every engineer asks: who...
2026-03-1146 minThe Art of Network EngineeringThe ABCs of AISend us Fan Mail“AI Won’t Replace You, But Someone Using AI Might”AI is everywhere; stickers, marketing, hype. Network engineers are understandably skeptical.In this episode, Andy Lapteff is joined by longtime friend of the show John Capobianco (now Head of AI & DevRel at Itencho) and Mike Bushong for a practical, optimistic “ABCs of AI” discussion designed for working network engineers.We start with a blunt reality: automation adoption is still low, and the old “automate or die” narrative hasn’t helped. Then we pivot into what’s changed: modern models are...
2026-02-2553 minThe Art of Network EngineeringLife-Saving NetworksSend us Fan MailWhat does “mission-critical networking” really mean?At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, it’s not about uptime SLAs or dashboard metrics; it’s about supporting the research and care that helps save children’s lives.In this episode, we sit down with Remington Loose and Josh Morris to explore the architecture, scale, and responsibility behind one of the most meaningful networks in the world.We dig into:How research networking differs from traditional enterprise ITThe massive data demands behind pediatric cancer researchDesigning networks where downtime isn’t just i...
2026-02-111h 02The Art of Network EngineeringLearn to Code With AISend us Fan MailErika Dietrick (aka “Erika the Dev”) is back on the show, and she’s days away from a major life change (welcome, Baby Dev). In this follow-up conversation, we dig into the thing that keeps coming up in network engineering careers: programming is no longer a “nice-to-have.”Erika breaks down her free YouTube course designed specifically for network engineers: Level 1 is “programmatic thinking” (the mindset + foundations), Level 2 is where AI becomes your learning accelerator, and Level 3 is about generating code responsibly, without falling into the “vibe coding” trap.We also talk about wh...
2026-01-2838 minThe Art of Network EngineeringWhy Projects FailSend us Fan MailWe've all worked on those technical projects that felt doomed from the start. In this episode, we're joined by Eyvonne Sharp and Mike Bushong to dig into what actually derails technical projects, and why the root cause is usually people, not packets.We unpack:- Why 80–90% of project failures aren’t technical- What “executive sponsorship” is supposed to mean (and why most teams never use it)- The real reason timelines feel arbitrary: information asymmetry- What “healthy escalation” looks like (and how to avoid the cou...
2026-01-1447 minThe Art of Network EngineeringCommunication Fundamentals Every Engineer Needs to MasterSend us Fan MailRecorded on-site in Austin, Texas, at AutoCon 4 (Network Automation Forum), Andy sits down with Colin Doyle to talk about the human side of technical communication and why it matters more than ever in technical careers.They dig into practical speaking advice for engineers: how to slow down without losing authority, why “dead air” feels scarier than it is, how to stop relying on scripts, and how to structure a talk so your audience can repeat your message when you leave the room. Colin shares the “audience-first” mindset shift: don’t tell your story...
2025-12-3157 minThe Art of Network EngineeringWhat is IS-IS?Send us Fan MailMost network engineers know BGP, OSPF, and maybe EIGRP, but far fewer have hands-on experience with ISIS. In this episode of The Art of Network Engineering, Andy Lapteff sits down with Russ White and Mike Bushong for a deep, opinionated, and refreshingly honest discussion about routing protocol design in modern data centers.We explore why BGP has become the default hammer for every networking nail, what we lose when we blend underlay and overlay into a single protocol, and why some of the largest networks in the world still rely on...
2025-12-1755 min
The Fat Pipe - Most Popular Packet Pushers PodsHN807: A ‘CLI Lifer’ No MoreAndy Lapteff once considered himself a ‘CLI lifer.’ As a network engineer he wasn’t interested in Python. He didn’t want to learn to code. He had no desire to embrace any of the developer-like processes and tools creeping into the profession, particularly around network automation. That’s changed. On today’s Heavy Networking, Andy shares the professional,... Read more »
2025-12-0852 min
The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers PodsHN807: A ‘CLI Lifer’ No MoreAndy Lapteff once considered himself a ‘CLI lifer.’ As a network engineer he wasn’t interested in Python. He didn’t want to learn to code. He had no desire to embrace any of the developer-like processes and tools creeping into the profession, particularly around network automation. That’s changed. On today’s Heavy Networking, Andy shares the professional,... Read more »
2025-12-0852 min
The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers PodsHN807: A ‘CLI Lifer’ No MoreAndy Lapteff once considered himself a ‘CLI lifer.’ As a network engineer he wasn’t interested in Python. He didn’t want to learn to code. He had no desire to embrace any of the developer-like processes and tools creeping into the profession, particularly around network automation. That’s changed. On today’s Heavy Networking, Andy shares the professional,... Read more »
2025-12-0852 min
Heavy NetworkingA 'CLI Lifer' No MoreAndy Lapteff once considered himself a ‘CLI lifer.’ As a network engineer he wasn’t interested in Python. He didn’t want to learn to code. He had no desire to embrace any of the developer-like processes and tools creeping into the profession, particularly around network automation. That’s changed. On today’s Heavy Networking, Andy shares the professional,... Read more »
2025-12-0852 min
Heavy NetworkingA 'CLI Lifer' No MoreAndy Lapteff once considered himself a ‘CLI lifer.’ As a network engineer he wasn’t interested in Python. He didn’t want to learn to code. He had no desire to embrace any of the developer-like processes and tools creeping into the profession, particularly around network automation. That’s changed. On today’s Heavy Networking, Andy shares the professional,... Read more »
2025-12-0852 minThe Art of Network EngineeringBuilding the Right NetworkSend us Fan MailIn this special on-location episode of The Art of Network Engineering, Andy Lapteff sits down in person with Kevin Myers for a conversation that pulls no punches.Kevin brings decades of service provider and whitebox experience to the table as the two dive deep into one of networking’s most complex decisions: how to choose the right vendor to build your network.From Cisco to whitebox, from enterprise carpeted IT to hyperscale data centers, this episode is all about designing networks that align with business needs, not just personal bi...
2025-12-0351 min
Total Network OperationsResiliency and Transparency with Andy LapteffToday Scott interviews Andy Lapteff. He opens up about his non-linear career path, starting from a working class background and his physical jobs in telecom to becoming a senior product marketing manager and podcaster. Join us as Andy shares candid stories of how he developed his resilience and the heartwarming origin story for the Art... Read more »
2025-11-2157 minThe Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers PodsTNO050: Resiliency and Transparency with Andy LapteffToday Scott interviews Andy Lapteff. He opens up about his non-linear career path, starting from a working class background and his physical jobs in telecom to becoming a senior product marketing manager and podcaster. Join us as Andy shares candid stories of how he developed his resilience and the heartwarming origin story for the Art... Read more »
2025-11-2157 minThe Fat Pipe - Most Popular Packet Pushers PodsTNO050: Resiliency and Transparency with Andy LapteffToday Scott interviews Andy Lapteff. He opens up about his non-linear career path, starting from a working class background and his physical jobs in telecom to becoming a senior product marketing manager and podcaster. Join us as Andy shares candid stories of how he developed his resilience and the heartwarming origin story for the Art... Read more »
2025-11-2157 minThe Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers PodsTNO050: Resiliency and Transparency with Andy LapteffToday Scott interviews Andy Lapteff. He opens up about his non-linear career path, starting from a working class background and his physical jobs in telecom to becoming a senior product marketing manager and podcaster. Join us as Andy shares candid stories of how he developed his resilience and the heartwarming origin story for the Art... Read more »
2025-11-2157 minThe Art of Network EngineeringResilience, Reputation, and MCPSend us Fan MailAndy sits down with longtime friend William Collins to unpack three big themes shaping modern NetOps. First: the AWS US-East-1 outage and the myth that “cloud = resiliency by default.” They explore blast radius, hidden regional dependencies, cost trade-offs (active/active vs. DR), and why resiliency is engineered, not purchased. Next: how public speaking accelerates a technical career (without live-demo heartbreak). William shares practical tactics to craft a memorable talk, lean on story, and handle Q&A. Finally: a plain-English walkthrough of Model Context Protocol (MCP), why it exists...
2025-11-191h 10The Art of Network EngineeringLearn the Business, Grow Your CareerSend us Fan MailNetwork engineers don’t tune into corporate all-hands because they’re “lazy,” they tune out because the message often isn’t for them. In this episode of The Art of Network Engineering, Andy Lapteff sits down with longtime industry leaders Scott Robohn and Mike Bushong to unpack the disconnect between engineering teams and executive communications, and how to fix it.They talk about:Why engineers roll their eyes at town halls, earnings calls, and “four pillars of excellence”How leadership actually thinks about growth, stock price, cost centers, and enablementThe two jobs every...
2025-11-0558 minThe Art of Network EngineeringStudy Streams and Space Dreams with Lexie CooperSend us Fan MailBlue Origin’s Lexie Cooper is back! We riff on New Glenn’s first launch and what “vehicle #2” means for launch cadence, where to watch from Florida without getting arrested, and why streaming your learning, even when it’s awkward, is a cheat code for growth. Andy shares his live Python study saga (and a friendly dust-up with Jeff about “just code it”), while Lexie takes us down to Layer 1: PHYs, link pulses, why “turning off auto-negotiation” isn’t always what you think, and why messy home labs beat pretty cable porn. We al...
2025-10-2247 minThe Art of Network EngineeringPython Party - Episode 1Send us Fan MailWe’re kicking off a brand-new “Python Study Sessions” series—learn right alongside host Andy Lapteff as he starts from absolute basics and builds momentum one concept at a time. In this first session, Andy walks through the installation of Python, setting up VS Code, running “Hello, world,” and getting comfortable with the Python REPL. Then we dive into fundamentals you’ll use everywhere: variables, print(), syntax highlighting, saving/running files, common traceback errors, and simple debugging in VS Code. This series is inspired by learning in public—join the community, ask questions, and study togeth...
2025-09-2442 minThe Art of Network EngineeringWhat is BGP?Send us Fan MailBGP isn’t just “the internet’s protocol”—it’s the most flexible policy engine in networking. In this episode of The Art of Network Engineering, Andy Lapteff and Jeff Clark sit down with Kevin Myers (aka StubArea51) to unpack Border Gateway Protocol from the ground up: why BGP replaced EGP, how policy differs from IGP topology, and where iBGP shines inside modern enterprises.You’ll hear practical patterns for BGP communities (standard, extended, and large), how to tag and filter at scale, and why this beats sprawling prefix lists and brittle ACLs...
2025-09-101h 11The Art of Network EngineeringTom Lawrence: Building a Tech Empire by Leading with ValueSend us Fan MailWhat happens when a farm kid with a knack for taking things apart discovers computers? Meet Tom Lawrence, the tech polymath behind Lawrence Systems and a YouTube channel with over 375,000 subscribers. In this engaging conversation, Tom reveals how his curiosity-driven journey from 1990s Linux enthusiast to MSP owner and content creator was fueled by a simple philosophy: lead with value.Tom's approach stands in refreshing contrast to typical marketing strategies. "People remember people who helped them, not people who threw them in a sales funnel," he explains, detailing how his comprehensive...
2025-08-271h 09The Art of Network EngineeringThe Art of Pushing Packets, with Ethan BanksSend us Fan MailFrom refinancing a car to attend Novell School to founding one of networking's most influential podcasts, Ethan Banks shares his remarkable journey through the evolution of network engineering with raw honesty and deep insight.In this captivating conversation, Ethan takes us back to the mid-90s when networks ran on a patchwork of protocols like IPX, DeckNet, and AppleTalk, before the industry consolidated around IP. His career trajectory mirrors the transformation of networking itself—constantly adapting, expanding in scope, and requiring an ever-broader skill set.The story behind Packet Pu...
2025-08-131h 08The Art of Network EngineeringRocket Networks Reach For The StarsSend us Fan MailHave you ever wondered what happens when the networks we build leave Earth's atmosphere? In this mind-expanding conversation with Lexi Cooper, Network Integration Engineer at Blue Origin, we explore the extraordinary world of rocket networking and witness firsthand the emotional impact of watching your work launch into orbit.Lexi's journey defies conventional career paths—from hating her previous job to discovering networking at community college, live streaming her CCNA studies on Twitch, and landing at Blue Origin through what she calls "pure luck" when someone noticed her social media posts about BG...
2025-07-161h 06The Art of Network EngineeringLAN Ho! Navigating Cruise Ship NetworkingSend us Fan MailBeyond the sundecks and buffet lines lies a technological marvel most cruise passengers never consider - the complex network infrastructure keeping these floating cities connected and operational. In this fascinating conversation with Will Robbins, we dive deep into the unique challenges and solutions of maritime networking that blend hospitality technology with critical operational systems.Have you ever wondered how thousands of cruisers can simultaneously post vacation photos from the middle of the ocean? Modern cruise ships deploy an impressive array of connectivity solutions - up to 15 separate connections including both traditional...
2025-06-1843 minThe Art of Network EngineeringWhiteboard Wednesday - AI in ActionSend us Fan MailArtificial intelligence isn't just a buzzword anymore. It's fundamentally changing how we approach networking and IT infrastructure. In the inaugural "Whitreboard Wednesday episode, Jeff Clark joins Andy to demonstrate practical AI applications that are transforming everyday tasks for network engineers.Jeff walks through powerful tools like Google's Notebook LM, which creates comprehensive mind maps from your content, making connections you might never notice on your own. The demonstrations are stunning: an AI that can look at a simple network diagram and generate perfect configuration files for Fortinet devices within minutes, or...
2025-06-0456 minThe Art of Network EngineeringThe Unicorn Network EngineerSend us Fan MailThe networking industry stands at a crossroads where traditional command-line mastery meets modern automation requirements. Few professionals embody this intersection better than Muna Chimso, a Network Automation Engineer at Google who joins us to share his remarkable journey and insights.Muna's story begins in Nigeria, where fixing his mother's phone sparked an early interest in technology. After moving to the United States in 2018 to study Computer Networking and IT, he made a critical observation that would shape his career path: while he loved networking fundamentals, the job market increasingly demanded coding...
2025-05-211h 00The Art of Network EngineeringThe Consulting Engineer RoleSend us Fan MailConsulting Engineers (CEs) at networking vendors blend deep technical expertise with customer-facing skills to bridge the gap between account managers and specialized solution design. They operate as specialists who support Sales Engineers when customer requirements demand deeper technical knowledge.• CEs often join from traditional network engineering backgrounds or increasingly through vendor graduate programs• The role provides higher impact by influencing entire industries rather than just one company• CE positions typically offer better compensation than operational networking roles• Computer science education rarely covers networking fundamentals, creating an industry knowledge gap...
2025-05-0750 minThe Art of Network EngineeringDevelopers vs. Network EngineersSend us Fan MailThe divide between network engineers and developers has long been a source of frustration, misunderstanding, and blame in the tech world. When applications fail, the classic refrain "it's the network" often echoes through organizations, leaving network engineers scrambling to prove their innocence while developers remain convinced of their code's perfection.In this enlightening conversation, former Cisco developer advocate Erika Dietrick joins hosts Andy Lapteff and Jeff Clark to unpack the root causes of this technological rift. Erika offers a rare dual perspective, having worked both as a software engineer and in...
2025-04-2359 minThe Art of Network EngineeringFork Yeah! Git in Network EngineeringSend us Fan MailNetwork engineers have traditionally drawn a line between "our tools" and "developer tools," often rejecting powerful solutions that could dramatically improve our workflows. But what if we thought about tools the same way tradespeople do? A plumber wouldn't refuse to use a hammer just because it's "for carpenters" – so why do we resist Git?In this eye-opening discussion, we explore how Git – the version control system created by Linux founder Linus Torvalds – can transform how network teams manage configurations, collaborate on changes, and maintain system history. Far from being "just for develo...
2025-04-0931 minThe Art of Network EngineeringFirewalls Are FriendsSend us Fan MailHave you ever felt like your networking knowledge stops at layer three? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the world of firewalls with security experts Jeff Clark and Matt Lushner, exploring why these critical devices are no longer just "edge protection" but have evolved into sophisticated security platforms that every network engineer should understand.From simple port filtering to next-generation capabilities like deep packet inspection and application awareness, we unpack how modern firewalls have transformed network security. Matt and Jeff expertly guide us through complex concepts...
2025-03-261h 05The Art of Network EngineeringIs Network Automation Worth the Struggle?Send us Fan MailNetwork automation remains one of the most polarizing topics in our industry. Despite years of being told it will revolutionize our work, actual adoption rates hover around a dismal 20-30%. Why the resistance? And is there finally a path forward that makes sense for everyday network engineers?In this candid conversation with Jeff Clark and Colin Doyle, we dive deep into the psychological and practical barriers that keep most engineers firmly rooted in traditional networking practices. Jeff shares how his "selfish automation" approach transformed a tedious 15-minute ticket process into a 30...
2025-03-121h 03The Art of Network EngineeringMaking Ethernet Cool Again—The Ultra Ethernet ConsortiumSend us Fan MailWith the rise of artificial intelligence and its significant demands on network performance, experts are increasingly asking whether Ethernet can catch up to InfiniBand as the preferred choice for high-performance computing.Join us as industry veterans Mike Bushong and Dr. Jay Metz share their insights on the necessity of open, flexible, and scalable networking solutions. Discover why many believe that Ethernet could be the platform of choice moving forward. As they dissect the need for innovation, collaboration, and competition within the ecosystem, our guests provide a forward-looking perspective on the future...
2025-02-261h 02The Art of Network Engineering(PA)NUG Podcast Panel - October 2024Send us Fan MailThe (PA)NUG podcast panel of William Collins, Andy Lapteff, Ned Bellavance, and Drew Conry-Murray highlights the evolving landscape of network engineering, focusing on the essential skills required for future success, including automation and cloud technologies. Panelists emphasize the importance of foundational networking knowledge, mentorship, and the integration of security into network design, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements.• Exploration of the changing network engineering landscape • Emphasis on the importance of automation and scripting skills • Discussion on retaining fundamental knowledge in networking • Insights on securing...
2025-02-1249 minThe Art of Network EngineeringReload in 10Send us Fan MailThis episode explores the theme of change, drawing on personal anecdotes from the hosts as they navigate transitions in their careers and lives. The discussion highlights the importance of embracing change and automation in the ever-evolving tech industry, fostering resilience, and nurturing community connections.• Reflections on personal experiences of change • The evolution of the podcast amidst transitions • Importance of automation in today’s networking landscape • Navigating the emotional impacts of career changes • Suggestions for leveraging community for support and growth • Embracing vulnerability and creativity in facing fears This e...
2025-01-291h 00The Art of Network EngineeringBytes and Books: EVPN VXLAN, with author Aninda ChatterjeeSend us Fan MailThis episode discusses the complexities of VXLAN and EVPN in modern networking, highlighting the transition from traditional layer 2 designs to more efficient layer 3 systems. With insights from expert Aninda Chaterjee, listeners learn the importance of understanding underlying technologies for effective network management. • Personal experiences with home lab setups and troubleshooting • Explanation of VXLAN as a data plane encapsulation method • Challenges faced in traditional data center architectures • Transitioning from layer 2 to layer 3 using leaf and spine architectures • How EVPN enhances VXLAN functionality by managing MAC addresses • Importance of understanding t...
2025-01-151h 03The Art of Network EngineeringSponsored - Meter’s Approach to Full-Stack NetworkingSend us Fan MailWhat if you could simplify your entire networking infrastructure with one holistic solution? Join us in this episode as we sit down with Anil, the visionary CEO of Meter, to uncover how his company is revolutionizing the networking industry. With a fresh perspective on hardware and software integration, Anil shares his journey from a network engineer to a leader at the forefront of innovation, offering products that give engineers complete control and visibility over their networks. Discover Meter's unique offerings, like the Connect marketplace for ISPs and intuitive natural language commands that are...
2024-12-0458 minThe Art of Network EngineeringThe State of the Network Engineering Union, with William Collins & Scott RobohnSend us Fan MailWhat if the future of network engineering isn't just about cables and hardware, but about mastering the cloud and cybersecurity? Join me, Andy Lapteff, as I sit down with industry giants William Collins and Scott Robohn to uncover the secrets of thriving in this ever-evolving field. William, now a cloud automation expert at Alkira, takes us through his journey from systems administrator to a key player in multi-cloud network software, and shares insights from his own podcast, the Cloud Gambit. Meanwhile, Scott shares wisdom from his 35-year career in networking, offering a unique...
2024-11-201h 09The Art of Network Engineering(Sponsored) Simplifying Data Center Management with ApstraSend us Fan MailTo learn more about Juniper Networks Apstra visit juniper.net/aoneUnlock the potential of AI Ops in data centers with insights from Shean Leigon, a senior product manager at Juniper Networks. Discover how AI operations, often seen as mystical, are instead practical tools that can enhance network engineering, especially in wireless and access layers. Shean delves into Juniper's strategic integration of AI through platforms like Mist and Marvis, offering a roadmap for data centers eager to embrace enhanced automation and reliability without succumbing to hype.Explore the nuances...
2024-11-0644 minThe Art of Network EngineeringNavigating Cognitive Biases in Networking: Insights from Mike BushongSend us Fan MailHow do cognitive biases shape not only our professional decisions but also our personal interactions? In this episode, Mike Bushong shares his expertise on cognitive biases and his experiences transitioning to Nokia while working within data center technologies. We break down how our brains' natural shortcuts, like confirmation bias, can influence everything from our social media interactions to critical business decisions. By understanding these biases, we aim to foster more effective communication and collaboration, whether in high-stakes negotiations or everyday conversations.Mike and the team delve into practical strategies for making...
2024-07-311h 07
Tech Field Day Podcast17. Network Engineering is a Dying Career FieldEvent Page: https://techfieldday.com/event/nfd35/
Network Engineering isn’t the hottest profession on the block and people have expressed concerns that the profession is going to be subsumed into other disciplines in the near future. In this episode of the Tech Field Day podcast, Tom Hollingsworth joins Andy Lapteff and Remington Loose at the table to discuss the decline in network engineering roles. They also talk about changes in perceptions as well as the industry. They close out by discussing the future outlook for roles involving network engineering.
Host:
Tom Hollingsworth: ht...
2024-07-2328 min