No, I’m not referring to the latest network designs that call for provisioning more bandwidth between Leaf and Spine in AI CLOS fabrics. Rather, I’m talking about the overprovisioning of our time and mental resources as we try to keep up with every pebble of advancement floating past us in the rivers of technological improvements.
As Network Engineers I envision each of us strolling back and forth in between multiple streams of technology. We try to spend most of our panning time in our primary river of network expertise. Then there’s the river of AI. Well, OK, river is an understatement when it comes to AI, but tossing in a tsunami reference throws off my analogy.
So how do we continue to achieve mastery and sanity? Community. I believe that leveraging your network of peers is the most powerful way. As each of us pan our areas of interest we can bring those curated results to each other. It is my belief that one of the most productive positions you can be in is one where folks are bringing information to you.
Actively contribute. Ask questions and share your opinions at the NUG events. Engage with each other in between events by wading into the conversations on Slack. Tolerance of Uncertainty is expected to be the leading Soft Skill of 2025. Face it, we’re all going to be technology newbies in one way or another so why not help each other learn as a community.
