Well, this week is a week of firsts — or at least, firsts in a while. It’s my first time actually posting something new on the blog in a while, and it will also be my first Tech Field Day event in a while. Continue reading
Herding Packets
Days in the life of a professional packet shepherd.
Category Archives: Non-Technical
Thoughts on Building Tools versus “Programming”
A couple weeks ago at Networking Field Day 9, Brocade presented with their usual A-list of networking gurus. One of the presenters was Jon Hudson, a very engaging, visionary speaker. His talk, shown below, was about the state of network programmability.
NFD8 Recap: Nuage Networks – One to Watch
Last fall, I attended the Tech Field Day NFD8 event, and one of the presenting companies was Nuage Networks. This was actually the second time I’d seen Nuage present at an NFD event, the first one being NFD6 a year earlier. Upon my return from NFD8, I did a short write-up of each presenting sponsor for my coworkers at H.A. Storage Systems to keep them informed. The following is my recap of Nuage Networks after their presentation in which I explain why I think Nuage is really on-target with their SDN solution and is definitely a solution to keep an eye on.
In the Data Center, No One Can Hear You Lose Your Hearing
Working for a data center-focused reseller/integrator like H.A. Storage Systems, I spend my fair share of time in various data center environments. I have, for years, elected to use some sort of hearing protection when in these facilities. I have constantly been amazed, though, at how few other workers in data centers do the same.
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Cisco Live – The Minimalist Packing List
Cisco Live 2014 is right around the corner! It’s almost time to start packing. The other day, Keith Miller (@packetologist), a first-time Cisco Live attendee, asked me on Twitter:
@BobMcCouch Since you are the king of being prepared, what is your travel pack consisting of to CLUS?
— Keith Miller (@packetologist) May 11, 2014
I have a bit of a reputation among some of my consulting clients as being ready for just about anything. Normally, that means my laptop bag weighs about 50 lbs. But for Cisco Live, I choose to travel light. I’ve seen people in the airport on the way to, and from, the event with a LOT of stuff. Sure, some folks are presenters or carrying company stuff but for the rest, you probably just have too much stuff.
Taking a New Approach to Cisco Live 2014
It’s getting to be that time of year again when geeks across North America (and beyond) start getting excited for Cisco Live! The buzz is starting a bit early this year, but that’s because Cisco Live is about a month earlier this year (May 18-22) than it has been in recent years.
Some Thoughts on CCIE R&S v5
On the evening of December 3rd, the Twitterverse, IRC, and other geek outlets pretty much exploded with news of the version 5 update to the Routing and Switching track of the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert program, or CCIEv5.
There have been some significant changes in the exam material blueprints, as well as changes in format and underlying technology in the lab exam. Overall, I think the change looks very positive at this point, but I have some thoughts on each of these changes that I’ll share here.
My Networking Field Day 6 Experience
Wow, what a wild ride I’ve been on the past couple of years! Back in 2011, just after passing my CCIE written exam and after listening to many of the early episodes of the Packet Pushers Podcast, I decided it was time for me to get more engaged with the greater networking community. I started interjecting myself into conversations on Twitter, commenting on blogs, and otherwise trying to meet folks and get my name out there a bit. In 2011 and 2012, I attended Cisco Live and got to rub elbows with some true industry legends. I got to know celebrity engineers, top-tier trainers, and networking Twitterati. Early this year, I passed my CCIE lab and started this blog. I was graciously offered the opportunity to be a guest on that same podcast that got me interested in community engagement. At Cisco Live this year I got to see many of those industry greats who now knew me by first name, were reading my blog, and listening to what I had to say online. I had my first taste of the Tech Field Day experience in a roundtable format and continued to participate in more podcasts and community events.
Cisco Live Tips
By counting the number of crazy, jingling, battery-powered hats in the corner of my office, I have scientifically deduced that this year will be the 6th time I’ve attended Cisco Live (starting way back when it was officially still Cisco Networkers). Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips on what to do, and what not to do, to make the trip valuable, educational, and enjoyable. In no particular order, here they are:
Herding Packets 