Internet Dynamics

Internet Dynamics explores the complexities of network architecture, automation, and the future of networking technology. It covers topics such as SNMP relevance, network observability, strategic considerations in network design, the impact of AI/ML on operations, autonomous networks, and the importance of information in reducing uncertainty.

Network Architecture and Design Network Automation and Observability Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Networking Information Theory and Data Management Strategic Planning and Resource Allocation Autonomous Networks and Operations Networking Trends and Future Directions Security and Protocol Development

The hottest Substack posts of Internet Dynamics

And their main takeaways

The Future of Network Observability and Network Automation

58 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Networking Observability Automation Data Analysis APIs
  1. Network observability is crucial for network automation to handle real-time mitigation and remediation.
  2. Observability solutions need to consider topology, alerts, correlation, suppression, policy, and meta-data for effective network monitoring.
  3. Future approaches to observability and automation should recognize and manifest common components like Topology, CMDBs and Meta-data.

SNMP is dead! Long Live SNMP!

39 implied HN points • 26 Jun 22
  1. SNMP is still relevant in networking operations.
  2. Equipment in networks tends to be sticky and SNMP is widely supported.
  3. Network operations tool vendors are finding SNMP implementations effective for now.

NetOps Requires AI/ML & Rules

19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
  1. AI/ML and rules have different scenarios where they shine.
  2. Network Operations teams need tools to easily maintain rules without interruptions.
  3. Learning from data is a revolution benefiting Network Operations teams.

The Uncertainty of Everything and Anything

19 implied HN points • 19 Nov 22
  1. Information always reduces uncertainty
  2. There is uncertainty about everything and anything
  3. Resource limitations affect the capability of information processors

Complexity and the Triangle of Entanglement

19 implied HN points • 22 Oct 22
  1. Simplifying networks is crucial in the face of increasing complexity and rapid changes in technology and life.
  2. Different network operators will need to assess their capabilities and capacities to determine the best approach for simplifying their networks.
  3. Investing in operations tools may be a key factor in simplifying network operations and achieving desired outcomes faster.
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The Dark Data Lake of Network Operations

19 implied HN points • 21 Aug 22
  1. Networking involves more than just the control plane.
  2. Autonomous networks require managing diverse network operations data.
  3. To achieve autonomous networks, clean up noise and deliver high-quality signals.

The Operations Plane

19 implied HN points • 09 May 22
  1. Operations teams play a vital role in network outcomes and design.
  2. Utilizing AI/ML in operations can enhance efficiency and decision-making.
  3. The evolution of the Operations Plane is ongoing with exciting developments ahead.

Axioms - Information

39 implied HN points • 17 Sep 20
  1. Information is relative and distributed in space
  2. No information function is omniscient or omnipotent
  3. Necessary information increases certainty and cannot be reduced

Thematic Strategy

19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 21
  1. Thematic Strategy helps guide decision-making by focusing on a central theme or outcome
  2. Strategy involves allocating resources based on the overarching theme, providing direction for activities
  3. Thematic approach to product releases or designs can simplify decision-making and enhance outcomes

Network 2025: Holiday Edition

19 implied HN points • 19 Dec 20
  1. Networking trends over the next five years are constantly evolving based on data and testing.
  2. Distributed applications are gaining momentum, particularly in edge cloud and IoT sectors.
  3. Industry focus on network and security services is increasing, with developments such as SASE and SD-WAN being key areas to watch.

RIFT: TIEs, Valid LIEs, and Autonomous Underlays

19 implied HN points • 17 Dec 20
  1. RIFT introduces new information elements like TIEs and LIEs for routing in data centers.
  2. RIFT aims for autonomous zero-touch provisioning, emphasizing minimal configuration for networking devices.
  3. RIFT addresses challenges like blackholing and efficient routing in data centers, offering potential benefits for edge clouds and 5G networks.

Open CLI

19 implied HN points • 24 Nov 20
  1. CLI interfaces are still important in the networking industry, despite the rise of NETCONF/RESTCONF.
  2. Yang and Python have gained significant traction in the industry, potentially leading to a vendor-neutral CLI standard.
  3. The development of an open, vendor-neutral CLI may require collaboration among new industry players and network operators.

Network Strategy

19 implied HN points • 17 Nov 20
  1. Strategy revolves around utilizing resources wisely
  2. Knowledge is crucial for effective resource allocation
  3. Network architecture defines success in networking terms

Routing Will Never Be A Solved Problem

19 implied HN points • 13 Oct 20
  1. Due to the laws of physics, some problems are unsolvable.
  2. Some problems need to be responded to with varying optimization points so network operators can pursue different value propositions / business models.
  3. Some problems the industry is in the early stages of learning about.

NETWORK ARCHITECTURE: A THREE OLIVE MARTINI

19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 20
  1. The Three Olive Martini model focuses on the forces driving network design choices and the tradeoffs involved.
  2. Network architects consider options in service quality, network operations, and network capacity, influenced by technology, budgets, and organizational dynamics.
  3. Capacity is a critical lever in network design, impacting challenges, tradeoffs, and design decisions.

Axioms - Networking

19 implied HN points • 17 Sep 20
  1. The time an event occurred is always uncertain
  2. The sequence of events is always uncertain
  3. The completeness of information is always uncertain

Policy-Based Segment Routing: Operational Implications

0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 20
  1. Segment Routing does not support fine-grained traffic engineering like IP/MPLS.
  2. Routers may not know the intent of network operators, requiring communication through configuration.
  3. Network complexity can increase when policy-based routing is used, moving state from the network to configurations.

Complexity in Universal Widgets

0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 20
  1. Using a widget for multiple things can lead to complexity.
  2. Choosing between third-party packages and in-house development is a challenging decision.
  3. Design is crucial in software development, especially when utilizing widgets.

Arista Targets SPs With a Single Services Control Plane Based on EVPN

0 implied HN points • 22 Oct 20
  1. Arista focuses on segment routing and EVPN for service provider transformation.
  2. Arista excels in software testing, merchant silicon integration, and quality, key for expanding in the service provider market.
  3. Promising opportunities for Arista in peering, data center interconnect, and potentially spine-leaf architectures.

Volterra: Automating and Simplifying Distributed Applications

0 implied HN points • 21 Oct 20
  1. Volterra offers a holistic solution for managing distributed applications.
  2. The solution includes components like VoltMesh, VoltStack, VoltConsole, and a Global Delivery Network.
  3. Volterra focuses on cloud native application networking and security in a global context.

Cisco's Take on 5G Packet Architectures

0 implied HN points • 02 Oct 20
  1. Cisco is exploring the complexity of hard slicing for 5G networks.
  2. The industry is leaning towards segment routing over MPLS for routing in 5G.
  3. Converging packet and optical transport networks is a key focus for cost reduction and efficiency in 5G infrastructure.

Internet, VPNs, and Personal Privacy

0 implied HN points • 18 Sep 20
  1. The responsibility for privacy should lie with whatever owns, creates, stores, and sends data end-to-end.
  2. Regulating the internet is gaining momentum, with a focus on privacy and distributed apps.
  3. The future of internet privacy may involve political decisions, encryption obligations, and uncertainties around network layers.

A Network Is Always A Tradeoff

0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 20
  1. Building a network involves making tradeoffs between complexity and capabilities.
  2. Evolving network topologies address economic and technological challenges through tradeoffs and choices.
  3. Choices in network design can shift profit between different profit pools.

Cannot reduce complexity beyond necessary information and function

0 implied HN points • 13 Sep 20
  1. To accurately determine a value, you need all necessary information and functions.
  2. Having at least two known values is crucial to deduce the third value in a simple equation.
  3. Different routing protocols have varying complexities and capabilities, with link state protocols offering more information and self-determination capabilities than BGP.

Financing The Network

0 implied HN points • 13 Sep 20
  1. Functional budgets impact architecture and innovation
  2. Companies with flexible budget shifts can innovate more
  3. Clarity in company goals affects network spending and architecture

C is Dead. Long Live C.

0 implied HN points • 28 Aug 20
  1. Efforts are being made to replace C in Network Operating Systems with languages like GO and RUST.
  2. GO stands out for enhancing team productivity through specific idioms and enforced commonality.
  3. Languages like GO and Python are emerging as new rock stars, addressing industry problems with different capabilities and productivity.

We Automate to Grow: The Past and Future of IP Networks

0 implied HN points • 17 Aug 20
  1. Dynamic routing protocols in IP networks enable automated maintenance of common views among routers.
  2. Automation is essential for network scalability and growth.
  3. The debate between distributed and centralized automation in networks will continue, shaping the future of networking.

BGP for Service Layer Migration and Perhaps More

0 implied HN points • 11 Aug 20
  1. Migration to Segment Routing will be a key focus for IP Architects and Engineers over the next five years.
  2. BGP-based VPNs allow for multiple forwarding/data planes, offering operational synergies and easier migration.
  3. Adopting BGP-based Ethernet VPN (EVPN) can simplify control plane tasks and enhance service delivery capabilities.

Derivation of Equation for Time Differences Between Moving Clocks

0 implied HN points • 24 Nov 22
  1. Derivation of the gamma (γ) equation provides a way to understand time differences between moving clocks.
  2. Einstein's assertion that there is no absolute rest and the concept of relative motion are key in the derivation.
  3. Experimental evidence, like adjustments in GPS for time dilation, supports the theoretical ideas of time differences between moving clocks.

Mitigation vs Remediation

0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
  1. Mitigation is about working around problems we can't solve immediately
  2. Network Operations teams prioritize mitigation over repair for urgent service restoration
  3. While mitigation is essential in addressing network issues, it does not necessarily solve the underlying problems

From the Vault: 7 easies as far as the eye can see

0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 22
  1. In the early days of networking, link speeds were extremely slow, allowing data to be read as it came across the wire.
  2. Analog modems losing timing synchronization would result in unintelligible data, signaling that something was wrong.
  3. The use of '7 easies' as flags in SDLC helped with data frame delineation and keep circuitry alert in a simpler network routing environment.

Human operations Intelligence

0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
  1. People play a central role in Network Operations (NetOps).
  2. Human intelligence and experience are essential in complex problem-solving in IT operations.
  3. Collaboration between humans and automation systems is key in the evolving field of AIOps.

NetBytes March 13th, 2021

0 implied HN points • 13 Mar 21
  1. Cybercrime generates $1.5 Trillion in revenue annually
  2. China Unicom has 70.8 million 5G subscribers
  3. China Unicom plans to boost 5G infrastructure in 2021

Cloud Managed, Cloud Based, & Cloud Native

0 implied HN points • 20 Feb 21
  1. Cloud Managed is a significant shift in networking with benefits like easy centralized management, particularly attractive for businesses with limited IT resources.
  2. Cloud-Based, Network-Based, and Edge Computing terminologies are evolving to describe distributed network services and resources.
  3. Cloud Native encompasses more than just containers, it's about adopting evolving technologies and APIs in IT development culture.

Statistical Multiplexing

0 implied HN points • 30 Jan 21
  1. Statistical multiplexing involves selling more than you have, like the Internet.
  2. Fractional banking and buying securities on margin are examples of selling more than you actually possess.
  3. Oversubscription in networks and financial systems can lead to significant issues if not managed properly.

Internet 2021 - A Look Forward

0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 21
  1. The role of Chinese networking companies in Europe is uncertain for 2021.
  2. Tech companies are navigating social issues and mission-based approaches.
  3. Innovative developments in network and security services are expected in 2021.

Augmented Operations

0 implied HN points • 12 Dec 20
  1. Augmented operations strategy breaks down automation problems into smaller pieces in network operations.
  2. Key dimensions of automation/autonomy include scope of network, scope of capabilities, and vendor neutrality/abstraction.
  3. The journey towards fully autonomous operations will take time and won't happen across the entire internet overnight.

Taking "It Depends" Out of Network Design

0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 20
  1. Network design can be complex and often involves the infamous answer 'it depends'.
  2. Consideration of service requirements and business objectives is crucial in network design.
  3. As augmented networking evolves, there is a shift towards fuller life-cycle considerations in network design.

Autonomous Networking 2025

0 implied HN points • 04 Dec 20
  1. Overlay networks are leading the way in autonomous networking by focusing on single domains like wireless.
  2. Experimentation and innovation are easier in overlay networks compared to the more complex underlay infrastructure.
  3. Transition in WAN underlays, such as adopting segment routing and IPv6, will be a significant focus leading up to 2025.