Identity Crisis: What is Cloud Networking?

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What exactly is cloud networking? This seemingly simple question quickly descends into a fascinating philosophical debate as we welcome back Nico Vibert, Senior Staff Technical Marketing Engineer at Isovalent/Cisco, to tackle this identity crisis head-on.

The conversation begins with a startling observation from Nico about analyst reports that group wildly different vendors together under the "cloud networking" umbrella. From there, we explore how defining cloud networking has become increasingly complex as technologies evolve and converge. We trace the origins back to AWS's introduction of VPC in 2009 and discuss how different cloud providers approach networking based on their unique company cultures.

One clear consensus emerges: true cloud networking must be API-driven. Whether consumed directly via APIs or through infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform, programmability stands as a non-negotiable requirement. But beyond this foundation, the boundaries blur significantly when examining various technologies that might qualify.

Does Kubernetes networking fall under the cloud networking umbrella? What about Middle Mile providers like Equinix or Megaport that physically connect clouds? Are CDNs part of cloud networking, or something entirely different? We dissect these questions without settling on definitive answers, highlighting how technology's rapid evolution makes categorization increasingly difficult.

Looking ahead, we explore how AI is reshaping cloud networking in two critical ways: networks optimized for AI workloads and AI-enhanced network management. Cloud providers are investing billions in infrastructure upgrades, developing custom silicon to reduce dependency on GPU manufacturers, signaling massive transformation on the horizon.

Whether you're a network engineer, cloud architect, or technology leader trying to understand this evolving landscape, this episode provides valuable perspective on cloud networking's past, present, and future directions.

Connect with Nico: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolasvibert/

Purchase Chris and Tim's book on AWS Cloud Networking: https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Advanced-Networking-Certification-certification/dp/1835080839/

Check out the Monthly Cloud Networking News
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/

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