The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers Pods

What shape is your network? In other words, what is its topology? On today’s episode, we discover the different types of network topologies and designs used in the enterprise, data center, and service provider networks. We cover leaf/spine, hub and spoke, point to point, mesh, and others. We also talk about how topologies affect traffic... Read more »

Michael Levan, a consultant and WASM trainer specializing in DevOps and cloud engineering, explores the fascinating world of WebAssembly. He explains its shift from browsers to servers and emphasizes its security advantages over traditional containers. The conversation covers the integration of AI in WASM development, the challenges developers face, and how it can modernize legacy applications. With insights into its potential for enterprise adoption and multi-cloud platforms, Levan highlights both the promise and hurdles of this emerging technology.

This discussion highlights the alarming compromise of thousands of ASUS routers, necessitating a full factory reset to erase malware. It also reveals vulnerabilities in Microsoft RDP that allow logins with revoked passwords. The serious implications of a massive data breach affecting 70 million educational records are examined, alongside emerging risks from rogue components in U.S. infrastructure. Additionally, NIST introduces a new exploit metric to enhance cybersecurity predictions, urging a data-driven approach to address real threats.

Joel Crane from Hamina, an expert in Wi-Fi site surveys, discusses the controversial world of validation surveys in wireless networks. He sheds light on the risks of data manipulation that can affect heat map accuracy. The conversation covers the importance of walking speed during surveys for data integrity and the innovative use of multiple Network Interface Cards for efficient channel scanning. Crane also tackles the ongoing debate between active and passive data collection methods, stressing the need for maintaining data accuracy throughout the survey process.

Critical vulnerabilities in Cisco ISE and HPE StoreOnce raise urgent cybersecurity concerns. Broadcom's Tomahawk 6 boasts a staggering 102.4 Tbps of bandwidth, revolutionizing data center performance. In other news, Wireshark introduces its first professional certification, marking a significant milestone for network analysts. The tech landscape faces challenges, including a major service outage and the launch of the innovative CN5000 interconnect that promises to enhance AI computing capabilities. Financial insights reveal HPE's growth amid market fluctuations.

Mike Howe, VP of product marketing at Glueware, delves into the world of network automation solutions. He discusses the challenges of skepticism towards closed systems and the push for more open, scalable alternatives. Howe highlights Gluware Labs, a community edition designed to simplify automation for network engineers. He shares insights on structured configuration and the importance of collaboration in development. The conversation also touches on the role of the community in democratizing automation and enhancing skills with no-code solutions.

Brad Maltz, Senior Director of AI Solutions at Dell, shares his journey of "continuous reinvention" in the tech industry. He discusses the critical need for innovation in leadership, especially in the fast-evolving AI landscape. Maltz highlights the balance between research and practical development, offering strategies to keep engineering careers exciting. He also provides insights on presenting ideas to leadership and building trust in teams during organizational changes, emphasizing empathy and communication as key to collaboration.

This discussion dives into the four pivotal goals of network design: stability, speed, scalability, and security. The hosts share personal insights into managing the complexities of network architecture and project environments. They emphasize the balance between immediate needs and future growth while navigating budget constraints. The interplay between technical experts and business objectives is highlighted, along with practical strategies for improving network performance and fostering community engagement.

Ido Niemann, Founder and CEO of Firefly, dives into the intricacies of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and the 2025 trends shaping the industry. He discusses the dominance of Terraform and the challenges of cloud drift for teams transitioning to newer tools like OpenTofu. The conversation also highlights the pitfalls of ClickOps, and how AI is cautiously integrating into cloud management, alongside the tools that promise to enhance DevOps efficiency. Ido emphasizes the need for control and understanding in increasingly complex cloud environments.

Bart Dorlandt, a veteran in network automation, shares his motto, "There must be a better way!" He emphasizes the importance of focusing on process over tools to improve networking efficiencies. The conversation covers the evolving field of network engineering, the shift from manual tasks to automation, and the significance of mentorship in the community. Bart also discusses leveraging programming languages like Python and the impact of innovative practices on traditional networking, all while fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.