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 Overlay Decade

0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 20
  1. Network infrastructure is a means to an end, not the end itself.
  2. SD-WAN focuses on application performance across various networks, not just one.
  3. Overlay technology has become a prominent focus in networking over the last decade.

Re: Invent - ML Inference & Silicon Dynamics

0 implied HN points • 01 Dec 20
  1. Machine learning will be crucial for future autonomous networks, with a focus on ML inference and specialized silicon.
  2. Training is traditionally centralized with data repositories, but there is a growing demand for distributed training at the edge to cut costs.
  3. Companies like AWS and Apple are moving towards developing their own specialized silicon, signaling a shift away from general-purpose silicon.

Augmented Routing

0 implied HN points • 01 Dec 20
  1. Most networks won't be fully autonomous by 2025, but will rely on augmented routing for assistance.
  2. Augmented routing involves centralized systems optimizing network paths and configurations.
  3. Transitioning to fully autonomous networks will take time and requires overcoming challenges like simulation gaps and conservative approaches to critical infrastructure.

Null Safe Networking

0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 20
  1. The concept of 'null' in programming has been a challenge for decades, leading to errors and crashes.
  2. Modern solutions to null-related issues include extensive null-checking code, rigorous testing, and new languages eliminating the concept of null.
  3. The development of null safe languages, like Dart and Swift, aims to reduce null-based errors and improve overall code robustness in networking software.

Segment Routing Solution Criteria

0 implied HN points • 07 Nov 20
  1. When evaluating segment routing solutions, consider the need for high-speed telemetry and metrics integration for controllers and routers.
  2. Control delegation between controllers and routers, with failover mechanisms, is important for network managers' comfort and network continuity.
  3. For segment routing routers, factors to consider include OSPF/IS-IS and BGP4 support, SRv6 deployment challenges, header compression, autonomy, CLI options, pluggable optics, network planning, and licensing approaches.
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Any New Internet Would Require Purpose and Vision

0 implied HN points • 29 Oct 20
  1. A new internet needs purpose and vision, not just incremental improvements.
  2. Great leaders have compelling visions and address hurdles to bring change.
  3. Applications may solve problems better than the network layer, emphasizing innovation at the application layer.

Segment Routing and the Death of QoS

0 implied HN points • 21 Oct 20
  1. Packet networks are moving away from fine-grained QoS for bandwidth reservations.
  2. Decades of experience with available services influence network design decisions.
  3. More network capacity can simplify many issues compared to complex QoS mechanisms.

Time is a measurement of deterministic change

0 implied HN points • 18 Oct 20
  1. Time is a measurement of deterministic change in the movement of objects through space.
  2. The precision and units used to measure time are crucial for productivity and understanding the world.
  3. Existence without change is infinite, existence with change but no observation is undefined, and existence with observable deterministic change fits within our understanding of space and time.

Should Intelligence Be in the Network or in the Automation System?

0 implied HN points • 14 Oct 20
  1. Network intelligence can be centralized or distributed based on various factors like economics, performance, security, and ease of use.
  2. There is ongoing debate in the industry about whether automation and intelligence should be at the network level or unit router level.
  3. Centralized intelligence can play a vital role in scenarios like optimized path selection and end-to-end service provisioning.

Network Design: Operations Needs by Customer Segment

0 implied HN points • 01 Oct 20
  1. Operation needs by customer segment are influenced by operations capacity and capability for a business's outcome.
  2. Variation in operations capacity and capability across customer segments affects solution design and tradeoffs.
  3. Different customer segments have varying operations capacities and capabilities, impacting technology supplier offerings and solutions.

NETWORK OUTCOMES: QUALITY IS A DETERMINANT OF DEMAND

0 implied HN points • 16 Sep 20
  1. Quality can impact service pricing positively or negatively.
  2. Network design often focuses on quality as a key attribute.
  3. Excessive quality engineering may not always lead to price increases and can impact demand negatively.

Why We Build Networks

0 implied HN points • 14 Sep 20
  1. Reducing latency increases economic activity, especially in cities.
  2. Using electromagnetic waves for information transmission increases productivity.
  3. Building networks like routers and switches helps achieve scalable communication and restore guaranteed capacity and delivery.

No Accident BGP is used for VPNs

0 implied HN points • 10 Sep 20
  1. BGP has a natural focus and strengths that make it an obvious choice for VPNs.
  2. IGPs like OSPF and IS-IS have a different role than BGP, focusing on internal network details.
  3. Layer 3 VPNs are a good fit for BGP, while Layer 2 VPNs may have less strong support.

Book Review: Navigating Network Complexity

0 implied HN points • 01 Sep 20
  1. Complexity is inevitable in large networks and requires attention.
  2. The book 'Navigating Network Complexity' provides a comprehensive look at complexity in IP routing.
  3. Understanding complexity in networks involves interactions between various dimensions like state, speed, and surface.

As Simple as a Static

0 implied HN points • 14 Aug 20
  1. Static routes have their uses in specific network scenarios.
  2. Network stability depends on various factors like CPU load and routing stability.
  3. Sometimes, simplicity is key in both network engineering and life decisions.

A Light Mist Falls on Juniper's Soil

0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 20
  1. Mist acquisition re-energized Juniper's entry into Enterprise market
  2. Focus on AI for simplified operations to enhance Enterprise sales
  3. Transition towards subscription model aligns well with Mist cloud offering

Automation, Rules, & Flexibility

0 implied HN points • 29 Oct 22
  1. Automation is key in maximizing productivity and value in tasks that are repetitive and specialized.
  2. There can be risks with automation, especially in complex systems like networks, but solutions and improvements are continuously developed to address these challenges.
  3. Rules can be powerful tools for achieving precision and high-fidelity results, but proper implementation and adaptability are crucial for their success.

Juniper Acquires Apstra: Seeing The Whole Problem

0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 20
  1. Juniper is acquiring Apstra to address complexity across network, operations, services, and outcomes.
  2. Juniper's acquisition strategy is focused on aligning with their Enterprise AI approach.
  3. Integration challenges include managing multivendor solutions and building a strong go-to-market strategy.

Google does SDN. Should I Too?

0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 20
  1. Hyperscalers lead in networking due to IT disruption.
  2. Not every company can operate like Google.
  3. Transition to controller-based networking may vary in speed and adoption.

Autonomous Networks - Keep Nose Up

0 implied HN points • 19 Nov 20
  1. In autonomous systems, multiple sensors and human intervention are crucial for safety.
  2. Lessons from aviation and automobile industries can guide advancements in networking autonomy.
  3. Transparency and consideration of important factors are key to successful implementation of autonomous networking.

Leaf/Spine State Management Is Critical

0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 20
  1. Leaf/Spine state management is crucial for network efficiency.
  2. In networking, the amount of state in the control plane and how fast it can be processed are critical.
  3. Designers can respond by considering equipment upgradeability, protocol selection, and state aggregation.

Big Picture Networking Trends & Directions

0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 20
  1. The post discusses big picture networking trends and directions.
  2. The author provides a 22-minute video with insights from network vendors.
  3. The video covers emerging solutions, aspirations, and directions in networking.

NetworkingInOne: Conservation of Information

0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 20
  1. Necessary information remains constant no matter how it's shared.
  2. Creating and distributing forwarding information has various methods.
  3. The essential information set stays unchanged.

NECESSARY Information Increases Certainty

0 implied HN points • 24 Sep 20
  1. Necessary information increases certainty.
  2. Eliminate noise and redundancy to focus on what is important.
  3. Individuals must filter out noise and seek necessary information for wisdom and entertainment.

Network Architecture: Why Choices Must Be Made

0 implied HN points • 12 Sep 20
  1. Network inputs are finite, so choices must be made about resource usage.
  2. If resources were infinite, networks would be simpler but less efficient.
  3. Finite resources and externalities necessitate strategic choices about resource quantity and network capabilities.

Overall Context For Change in Networking

0 implied HN points • 12 Aug 20
  1. Shift from on-prem software to software as a service
  2. Focus on continuous incremental change for customer experience
  3. Importance of microservices-based architectures and scale-out hardware

BGP-LS: What is it and is it still needed?

0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 20
  1. BGP Link State (BGP-LS) transports IGP link state info via BGP, but BGP itself doesn't use this data for routing decisions.
  2. The drivers for BGP-LS include difficulty in extracting info from OSPF/IS-IS, need to extract info from many routers, and importance of optimal/disjoint routing.
  3. There are alternatives to BGP-LS like OSPF/IS-IS listeners and networks with sufficient control plane capacity, but it remains popular for now.

Network Architecture: The Big Stick

0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 20
  1. Network architecture is important for framing conversations, defining success, and allocating resources.
  2. Key qualities of network architecture include durability, utility, and sometimes beauty.
  3. Network architecture is like the macro conversation that guides the micro details in networking.