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Everything but AI

This presentation by Dane Adams focuses on the seven-layer OSI model. The presentation thoroughly explains how network data is processed, moving from raw bits at the Physical layer (Layer 1) up to user-facing network services at the Application layer (Layer 7). It outlines the specific functions, Protocol Data Units (PDUs), and key protocols of each layer , and grounds these concepts in reality by showing how data encapsulation appears in a Wireshark packet capture.

Quantum Networks: The Next Frontier

This presentation by Jim Ricotta highlights quantum networking as a foundational infrastructure shift that distributes entangled photons rather than classical bits. Because quantum states cannot be copied and observing them destroys the entanglement, these networks provide physics-based security that is immune to future quantum computer decryption attacks. Key commercial and defense applications include Quantum Secure Communications (QSC) to protect critical data, Quantum Position Verification (QPV) to prevent GPS spoofing, linking quantum processors to scale computing power, and distributed quantum sensing for enhanced measurement precision. Driven primarily by the urgent need for future-proof security, quantum networking is currently transitioning from research labs into real-world deployments where it will evolve alongside, rather than replace, classical network infrastructure.

The Network Didn't Change. The World Around It Did

This presentation by Chris Sass highlights that while enterprise networks themselves remain the same, they are being overwhelmed by hidden AI features silently deployed through SaaS updates. These "agentic" workflows and AI-driven systems generate massive, continuous network traffic that bypasses formal IT change management and renders existing dependency maps inaccurate. Simultaneously, enterprise IT faces severe hardware supply chain delays and doubled costs because hyperscaler AI build-outs are consuming available fabrication, memory, and power capacity. To adapt, organizations must immediately audit their top SaaS applications for default AI features, extend hardware refresh timelines by 18 months, and use DNS logs to uncover undocumented "ghost" applications operating on their networks.

AI-Driven Network Automation

This presentation explores best practices for utilizing AI agents to build tools for network automation. It begins by explaining the foundational mechanics of AI coding architectures, distinguishing between Large Language Models functioning as statistical prediction engines and AI agents acting autonomously with memory and execution capabilities. The core mission focuses on building an open-source network digital twin plugin directly inside a Source of Truth, which allows engineers to model state and verify operational intent. To achieve this, the author outlines a structured development methodology involving the creation of hyper-detailed architectural specifications, the use of distinct AI personas for implementation and validation, and the integration of self-testing debugging loops. Ultimately, these agents are equipped with specific skills to autonomously deploy code via Docker, validate routing logic against real lab equipment using read-only proxy access, and generate comprehensive documentation for both human users and future AI systems.

Wifi7 : Unicorn Farts, Black Magic and all the Gigabits

This slide deck provides a comprehensive overview of the Wi-Fi 7 standard, officially known as IEEE 802.11be. The presentation explores major technological enhancements designed to achieve Extremely High Throughput for real-time applications like virtual reality and cloud computing, including 320MHz wide channels, 4K QAM, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and preamble puncturing.

Navigating Your Tech Career

This presentation from the US Networking User Association provides strategic guidance on navigating a tech career across three primary stages. For those in their early career, the advice emphasizes focusing heavily on personal growth, keeping an open mindset, and making connections, rather than fixating on job titles or initial salary . When seeking raises and promotions within a current organization, professionals are advised to closely track their successes, measure their overall scope and impact, and effectively sell their story to leadership . The presentation also recommends consulting tools like Glassdoor and salary guides to ensure requests are timed appropriately. Finally, when looking to transition to a new company, the presentation highlights the importance of leveraging your existing experience and leaning on warm networking introductions. Job seekers are encouraged to be intentional and concise, continuously learn, and network persistently with peers and recruiters.

A Hiring Managers Perspective

Drawing from twenty years of experience, this presentation outlines a streamlined, six-stage hiring process designed to fix slow and indecisive recruitment systems . It highlights that poor job analysis causes up to 70% of hiring errors, making clear role definitions essential. During screening, managers should establish objective criteria and carefully calibrate automated tools to prevent bias. The author also emphasizes embracing diversity in the applicant pool, which can boost innovation by 35% and increase the chances of financial outperformance by 25%. In the interview stage, evaluating both technical and soft skills is critical, as over 60% of future jobs will require soft skills. Furthermore, assessing cultural fit is vital because strong alignment can reduce turnover by 30-40%. Finally, to ensure fair and accurate decisions, the presentation advocates for standardized scoring rubrics—which can increase the predictive accuracy of candidate success by 50%—and the use of weighted evaluation matrices with multiple stakeholders to minimize post-hiring regret.

Personal Branding Without The Cringe

This presentation explains how tech professionals can build a personal brand "without the cringe". It emphasizes that visibility and trust lead to opportunities, while technical knowledge and job titles alone do not. To build genuine credibility, professionals must define their message and audience before posting, translate complex tech into business value, and openly share their learnings and failures. The guide advises mastering just one platform and avoiding traps like trend-chasing or posting without a clear point of view. Ultimately, building a brand is about establishing trust at scale. To start immediately, you should write a one-sentence brand statement, choose one platform, and commit to sharing one useful insight every week.

Prompting Is The New Programming: Understanding LLMs Through Football and Network Automation

This presentation uses American football analogies to explain how Large Language Models (LLMs) function and how to apply them to network automation. It equates technical concepts like model weights, temperature, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to a football coordinator's instincts, risk tolerance, and sideline scouting reports, respectively. Shifting to practical applications, the presentation highlights "Spec-Driven DevOps," a workflow that uses specialized AI subagents to prevent context loss during complex coding tasks. Finally, it demonstrates these concepts in action using the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Agent-to-Agent (A2A) communication , showcasing a Webex chatbot that provisions networks from whiteboard images and an autonomous AI that discovers and monitors undocumented network topologies.

Strategies in Network Microsegmentation

This presentation highlights the necessity of segmentation for compliance, business unit isolation, and preventing malicious east-west network movement. The microsegmentation lifecycle involves transitioning from manual to automated processes by assessing assets, analyzing traffic via standards like sFlow and IPFIX, and developing validated rulesets. Implementation relies on discovering host context and utilizes frameworks like Endpoint Security Groups (ESG) and EVPN Group Policies for data centers, alongside Source Group Tags (SGT) for campus environments. To operationalize these strategies successfully, organizations must continuously refine rulesets and consider advanced machine learning platforms for adaptive security policies.

The Next Gen Network Engineer (NGNE) for 2026

This Presentation outlines a framework to help network professionals navigate industry disruption. It emphasizes that network operations are increasingly downstream from software development, requiring new skills. The NGNE curriculum provides a tiered learning path, progressing from foundational networking to advanced topics like Linux, DevOps, cloud networking, and Kubernetes. Additionally, a major focus is placed on integrating Artificial Intelligence as "digital coworkers," which highlights the need for clean data and continuous, proactive technology evaluation. Ultimately, the presentation champions continuous personal learning alongside broader organizational evolution.

How to Confidently Ask for a Raise

This presentation provides engineers with practical steps for confidently requesting a salary increase, noting that individuals who ask often secure 10-15% more than those who remain silent. Engineers should build a strong case by quantifying their business impact and researching their market value, which currently averages $102K to $117K for network engineers in Pennsylvania. Timing is critical; employees should schedule a dedicated meeting following a major accomplishment or during budget planning. During the conversation, professionals must focus strictly on achievements rather than personal financial needs. Finally, always follow up in writing, and if declined, explore alternative compensation or ask for actionable feedback.

Career Paths in the Network Industry

Explores the reality of professional advancement beyond traditional corporate ladders. While many people only see a linear progression from a network engineer up to a CIO or CTO role , the industry actually offers a diverse array of alternative career tracks. These hidden paths include roles in professional services, service management, independent contribution, and sales and solutions engineering. To discover these opportunities, professionals are encouraged to utilize platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube , attend vendor conferences and user groups , and actively seek out their passion and community.

Confessions of a CLI Lifer

Engineering Your Promotion: What Network Pros Get Wrong About Career Growth

This presentation argues that career advancement requires more than just technical competence and hard work. It emphasizes that success is often given to those who are visible to leadership rather than solely earned through hidden effort. Professionals must clearly define their career goals, identify influential decision-makers, and explicitly ask for promotions. Crucially, employees should translate their daily tasks into measurable business impacts. By actively seeking mentorship, participating in cross-functional work, tracking achievements, and developing strong soft skills, individuals can strategically engineer their career growth.

Salary Survey

The "2025/26 Tech Salary Survey Results" presented by Packet Pushers Interactive analyzes compensation data gathered from 418 IT professionals across 33 countries. The report highlights a global average total compensation of $163,832, though a notable geographic divide exists: US professionals average $197,106, while non-US respondents average $117,976. Earnings are heavily influenced by experience and education, with senior-level workers and doctorate holders commanding the highest pay. Certifications also play a crucial role, especially in Cloud technologies, where expert-level credentials can boost compensation by 43%. Despite varying pay scales, a majority of respondents reported feeling very satisfied with their salaries, generally viewing them as average or slightly above average compared to their peers.

Building Mr Packets, An AI Agent for Network Engineers

In his presentation, Hank Preston introduces "Mr. Packets," an AI agent designed to function as a junior network operations team member. The slide deck explains that modern AI agents rely on four building blocks: prompts, models, clients, and external tools. By utilizing the Model Context Protocol (MCP), Mr. Packets interacts directly with network infrastructure using standard engineering interfaces like APIs and CLIs. Preston cautions that AI is not a simple magic fix and that token costs can quickly add up. For optimal results today, he recommends applying explicit instructions to narrow networking use cases, which lays the groundwork for future collaborative multi-agent operational teams.

Wifi 7, More Bandwidth, More Black Magic

This presentation explores Wi-Fi 7 and the 6 GHz spectrum. Following the FCC's 2020 allocation of 1.2 GHz of spectrum for unlicensed use, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) introduces enhancements like Multi-Link Operation, speeds up to 46 Gbps, and spectrum puncturing. The presentation outlines FCC rules for Low Power Indoor and Standard Power operations, which require Automated Frequency Coordination to protect existing services. Network designers are advised to utilize practical channel widths like 40 MHz or 80 MHz and design networks for the least capable device.

Developing Teams, Building a Service Provider Culture in a Client Environment

In this presentation, Harris Kleyman outlines Pentair's IT Infrastructure transformation into a "Service Provider" model that treats business users as customers. The strategy shifts IT from project-based work to an operational model driven by repeatable processes and a "Shift Left" incident management approach to resolve issues efficiently. To support this, Pentair is fostering an "Everyone Leads" culture to break the traditional IT stigma and closely align technical execution with business problem-solving.

AI Meets Network Engineering

This presentation highlights how network engineers can use AI tools; such as NotebookLM, GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, ChatGPT, and NautobotGPT—to streamline daily tasks like troubleshooting, coding, and documentation. It emphasizes that AI serves as an essential assistant, encouraging professionals to evolve and work smarter by integrating these technologies into their everyday workflows.