Networking for AI: Why Every Network Engineer Should Pay Attention in 2026

AI infrastructure is reshaping networking faster than most engineers realize.

In this episode, Andy Lapteff sits down with Scott Robohn to discuss why traditional network engineers should start paying attention to AI networking, GPU infrastructure, and the massive changes happening inside modern data centers.

They explore:

• Why AI workloads are changing networking requirements
• GPU networking and lossless Ethernet
• Ethernet vs InfiniBand
• The rise of NeoCloud providers
• Co-Packaged Optics (CPO)
• Ultra Ethernet and emerging transport technologies
• Why AI infrastructure behaves like “one giant computer”
• How network engineers can start learning this technology today

This conversation cuts through the hype and focuses on what actually matters for engineers trying to stay relevant as AI continues transforming the industry.

Whether you're a traditional network operator, automation engineer, architect, or someone curious about the future of networking, this episode will help you understand where the industry is heading next.

Guest: Scott Robohn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrobohn/

Connect with The Art of Network Engineering:
https://artofnetworkengineering.com

Full show notes, transcript and links: https://artofnetworkengineering.com/episodes/networking-for-ai-why-every-network-engineer-should-pay-attention-in-2026

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

For everything AONE:  https://artofnetworkengineering.com/