The Art of Network Engineering A.J., Andy, Dan, Tim, and Kevin

This episode was recorded February 22, 2024

Ever wondered what lurks behind the blinking lights and tangled cables of network engineering? AJ is joined by mustachioed sidekick Kevin, and together they're peeling back the layers of this tech world with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of wisdom. When the AT&T network wobbled, conspiracy theories abounded, leaving us chuckling at the mayhem while appreciating the unsung heroes: network engineers. Our conversation takes an exhilarating twist with guest Ian from My Minds Madness, who walks us through the inception of his networking-centric community and the unpredictable rollercoaster of content creation and personal branding in the digital age.

Remember the old days of setting up computers and making coffee? We sure do! Our chat takes a nostalgic turn as we recount Ian's stars in IT, including some truly bizarre interview experiences. Picture a data center group problem-solving session that felt more like an escape room challenge than a job interview. These memories pave the way for discussing the importance of seizing opportunities and networking within your organization, which can lead to leaps from service desk roles to specialized teams - a testament to the power of management support and career advancement through proactive skill development.

Lastly, Ian shares his pivot from teaching to the adrenaline rush of cybersecurity, reflecting on the influence educators wield and the tough calls made when further qualifications beckon. We wrap things up by highlighting the thrills and spills of working with Managed Service Providers, and the fulfillment derived from mentoring others through content creation. From offering cheat sheets to those studying for CCNA certifications to the potential of Packet Tracer for budding network engineers, this episode is chock-full of insights for both seasoned techies and newcomers to the field. Don't forget to tune in for an engaging blend of laughs, heartfelt stories, and nuggets of wisdom from the trenches of network engineering.

Links from the Show:
Ian's CCNA Quizzes - https://www.mymindsmadness.com/quiz-pages

More from Ian:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mymindsmadness
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mymindsmadness/
Web - https://www.mymindsmadness.com/


Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

This episode was recorded January 4th, 2024

Join the virtual gathering around our tech-infused roundtable as we weave personal holiday tales with the threads of networking expertise. A.J. is  joined by hosts Andy and Tim, who bring their personal flair to the table—Andy with his camera lens capturing life's moments, and Tim as he steps into his new Cisco shoes. This episode is about connection: the kind that powers our digital lives and the kind that brings us closer as a community of network engineers.

You'll be equipped to navigate the labyrinth of DHCP and DNS, as we pull back the curtain to reveal their essential roles in a seamless online experience. Our conversation will transport you through the DORA process of IP address assignment, offering a peek into the clever choreography of DNS records updating in real time. DHCP snooping steps into the spotlight too, as a guardian against network mischief. By the end of our chat, the digital infrastructure that's so often taken for granted will hold no secrets from you.

Before we sign off, we take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes of network engineering services—those critical cogs in the machine like DNS, NTP, and multicast rendezvous points that keep our world ticking with precision. Whether it's through the lens of centralized logging or the promising horizon of streaming telemetry, you'll leave with a richer understanding of the backbone that sustains our digital ecosystem. So, come for the tech insights, stay for the camaraderie, and don't forget to connect with us in our ever-growing community of network aficionados.
Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

This episode was recorded on February 15, 2024.

When you mix the unpredictability of weather with the ever-evolving world of network engineering, you're in for a whirlwind of a journey, much like Tim's recent snowblower escapade. Join us as we chuckle over that tale and warmly welcome our new mustachioed co-host Kevin, who's made waves as AdjacentNode on TikTok. We're also catching up with the industrious Taylor Harris, whose VMware certification conquests by 24 are just the tip of the iceberg in his impressive career trajectory, as we learned in his previous episode.

We first met Taylor in episode 6. If you haven't heard that yet go back and give that a listen because this is a follow up episode to see how much further he has come in his career.

Ever pondered the leap from the comfort of post-sales into the dynamic realm of pre-sales? Taylor Harris gives us the lowdown on his own transition and the unexpected nuances it entails. He expertly walks us through the tightrope walk between hands-on technology involvement and advisory roles, proving that technical chops are indispensable, even in a sales-centric position. Plus, we're diving into the multifaceted life of tech account management, where adaptability is crucial, and Taylor's insight as a pre-sales Solutions Engineer offers invaluable lessons.

We're rounding off this episode by spinning the yarns of what it takes to be a standout engineer in today's fast-paced tech landscape. Taylor, now a homeowner and engaged, shares his secret sauce for dodging burnout while keeping his tech passion ablaze. We're also speculating on the tantalizing future choices an engineer faces: dive back into the deep end of pure tech work or ride the exhilarating wave of pre-sales? These stories and reflections are packed with wisdom that could spark your next career move or reignite your passion for the field, so tune in and be inspired!

More From Taylor
Taylor previous appearance on AONE - Ep 6
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VirTaylor
Blog: https://virtualizedtaylor.com/
Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

This episode was recorded November 9, 2023.

From an aspiring video game designer to an accomplished network engineer, David Ruess' tale is one of transformation and tenacity, a story we're ecstatic to share with you. Navigating through the maze of certifications like CCNA and CCNP, David unpacks the treasure trove of advice and experiences that cemented his journey. Join us, your hosts Tim Bertino, Tim McConaughey, and Chris Miles, as we dissect not just the technicalities of network engineering, but the hearty, human connections that shape our professional lives.

Ever wondered what it takes to conquer the formidable CCIE exam? Brace yourself for a deep dive into the strategies that can make or break your ascent to the elite ranks of network engineering. We don't just talk about the pressures and study tactics; we also celebrate the wins, like the thrill of applying theory to real-world puzzles and the camaraderie found within the walls of NOCs. It's these shared challenges and collective wisdom that create our tight-knit tribe.

As we wrap up our session with David, we cast an eye towards the future, where the allure of tier-three networking roles calls to us. Our dialogue takes a personal turn as we examine the art of juggling intense study with life's key moments, and the critical support systems needed to cross the finish line. This episode isn't just a glimpse behind the curtain—it's a heartfelt testament to the dedication, passion, and sense of community that fuels the fire of network engineers everywhere.

More from David:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kangarues



Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

The episode was recorded February 8th, 2024.

Ever wondered how a network engineer's career trajectory weaves through the fabric of IT? Buckle up and join us as we unpack the personal stories of transformation and growth in the network engineering landscape. With AJ starting his new position as a Demo Architect at Zscaler and Andy stretching his wings as a Technical Marketing Engineer, we're diving headfirst into how networking smarts blend with new roles in security and tech marketing. Guest star Kevin, balancing public sector network engineering with TikTok fame, gives us a glimpse of how one navigates the complexities of modern IT careers, while Tim sheds light on the training that's powering his journey as a  newly minted Sales Engineer at Cisco.

We learn what sparked Kevin's journey into becoming a TikTok creator and what motivates to continue spreading the word on Network Engineering.

Are certifications the golden tickets they once were? Let's find out together as we share tales from the trenches—like configuring firewalls sans experience and the intense camaraderie of NOC shifts during holidays. Hear how Kevin's pivot from web design to networking ignited his passion, leading to a CCNA and beyond. We also spar over the continuing relevance of certifications like the CCNP, while coming together in agreement on their potential to open doors, especially in partner-driven professional environments.

Finally, as the tech landscape shifts beneath our feet, we explore the future of our field. Will the march of automation and AI spell the end of traditional networking, or is it just another layer to master? We debate the tangibility of physical labs against the allure of virtual environments and muse over how content creation and personal brand cultivation can create unexpected career opportunities. And, despite the tech-heavy discussion, we never underestimate the power of soft skills—because, at the end of the day, it's all about making connections (pun intended).

More from Kevin:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adjacentnode
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinnanns
Blog: https://adjacentnode.com/
Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

This episode was recorded November 2, 2023.

Discover the fusion of innovation and expertise as Danny Wade, whose enthusiasm for network automation rivals his hoop dreams. We kick things off with a jocular exchange and dive into our own tech sagas, which evolved from household tech wizard to a networking aficionado at Blue Ally. Our conversation is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between academic learning and practical experience, all while navigating the complexities of enterprise networking.

Embark on a journey through the intricacies of network automation as we unwrap the benefits of Cisco DevNet's sandboxes and dissect the importance of starting with read-only tasks when automating network actions. The dialogue then takes an informative turn, examining the juxtaposition of automation within enterprise environments and cloud infrastructures. We analyze the effectiveness of tools like Terraform and the slow yet steady shift towards standardized programmable interfaces, providing a blueprint for those at the crossroads of legacy methods and the new wave of API-driven approaches.

As the episode unfolds, we address the elephant in the room: the daunting leap into network automation for traditional network engineers. Sharing candid advice and relatable challenges, we emphasize the power of starting small with Python and Ansible, building up to more complex automation tasks. We also celebrate the craft of technical literature creation, offering encouragement to those aspiring to enrich the network automation knowledge base. So strap in, join the conversation, and elevate your networking game!

More from Danny:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/devnetdan
Blog - https://devnetdan.com/
Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng