

Total Network Operations
Packet Pushers
The pod dedicated to the hardworking network operators who keep the bitpipes running smoothly. We focus on sharing best practices, the operations tool stack, and engage with vendors and solution providers to get insights into new technologies and tools so you can make informed decisions for your ops environment. Hosted by your friendly neighborhood internet plumber, Scott Robohn.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 27, 2026 • 50min
TNO059: Design for Operations: Getting Vendor Support in the Ops Ecosystem
Scott Robohn and networking expert Russ White dive into the concept of design for operations. That is, they look at how to connect the design of a protocol or solution to how people are actually going to use it. They examine how protocol designers often overlook the teams that must operate them, creating some “inoperable”... Read more »

Mar 20, 2026 • 34min
TNO058: Detect. Prove. Predict. Turning Network Monitoring Into Operational Intelligence (Sponsored)
In this sponsored episode, Dylan Hensler, Customer Solutions Specialist with Statseeker, joins Scott for a breakdown of what allows Statseeker to move beyond traditional network monitoring. Together they discuss Statseeker’s ability to help NetOps teams detect issues faster, prove root cause, and operate with confidence by turning raw data into operational intelligence. They also discuss... Read more »

Mar 13, 2026 • 1h 5min
TNO057: The Self-Driving Network, Revisited
Scott sits down for an in-depth conversation with Kireeti Kompella. Together they explore his impactful career and the evolution of modern networking. Kireeti, a key figure in protocol development, shares his journey from the Kernel Group at Juniper to leading work on fundamental technologies including his contributions to the C-chip patent. AdSpot Sponsor: Meter Meter... Read more »

Feb 27, 2026 • 54min
TNO056: A Culture of Precise Work: Data Center NetOps
With the continued growth of data centers for clouds, neoclouds (especially AI model training), for carriers, and for the enterprise, it’s important to discuss data center network operations and issues. Scott is joined by Dr. Peter Welcher, a consultant, blogger, and Tech Field contributor. Together, they dive into how latency and the rise of AI... Read more »

Feb 13, 2026 • 52min
TNO055: Testing as a Service for Telco Network Services
Scott talks with Mark Gebert from Verizon about something that sits at the heart of every reliable enterprise network: testing. Automation is moving fast in the telco world, but automation without testing is just an accident waiting to happen. They unpack what makes enterprise service provisioning so complex—multi-vendor networks, optical and IP gear, security functions,... Read more »

Jan 30, 2026 • 52min
TNO054: AI Skills for CCIEs
Jason Belk, senior technical advocate who links learning to operator workflows; Kareem Iskander, principal engineer focused on DevNet and upskilling; Joe Clark, distinguished engineer and long-time CCIE with deep programmability experience. They discuss AI for NetOps, skills to add like prompt basics and AI safety, how certifications are shifting, agent platforms and network-tailored models, and impacts on troubleshooting and roles.

Jan 16, 2026 • 50min
TNO053: Ethernet Is Everywhere
Ethernet is everywhere. Today we talk with one of the people responsible for this protocol’s ubiquity. Doug Boom is a veteran of the Ethernet development world. His code has helped landers reach Mars, submarines sail the deep seas, airplanes get to their gates, cars drive around town, and more. Doug walks us through the origins... Read more »

Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 6min
TNO052: Internet History with Len Bosack
Len Bosack, co-founder of Cisco Systems and the CEO of XKL, sits down for a discussion with Scott Robohn. Len shares how he went from a mathematician to being responsible for pioneering the widespread commercialization of LAN technology. We also get to hear his firsthand account of building the first multi-protocol routers at Stanford and... Read more »

Dec 5, 2025 • 39min
TNO051: Networks That Do: From Automated to Autonomous Networks with Meter (Sponsored)
Will it be possible to have fully autonomous networks in the near future? Anil Varanasi, CEO and Co-Founder of Meter, joins Scott Robohn in this sponsored episode to discuss the ongoing evolution from automated to autonomous networks. Anil breaks down how Meter differentiates from other networking vendors, discusses how Meter’s network products are vertically integrated... Read more »

Nov 21, 2025 • 58min
TNO050: Resiliency and Transparency with Andy Lapteff
Today 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 »


