
In this episode, Scott Robbin and the hosts explore the origins, design goals, and lasting impact of MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching). They explain how MPLS was created to address the exploding size of routing tables and forwarding complexity in the late‑90s, borrowing concepts from ATM circuit switching and introducing fixed‑length labels for faster packet forwarding. The conversation highlights MPLS’s evolution into traffic engineering, L2/L3 VPN services, and its role in shaping modern overlay and SDN architectures, while also discussing the separation of control and forwarding planes and the interplay of protocols like BGP and LDP.

AS-SETs were created to simplify eBGP route filtering by aggregating multiple AS numbers into a single identifier. In practice, manual maintenance and nested definitions have led to misconfigurations, routing leaks, and security concerns. Experts Job Snijders and Doug Madory discuss...

Hedge 295: Specialization is a round‑table podcast where Eyvonne, Tom and Russ debate whether network engineers should double‑down on a single technology, vendor or solution or cultivate a broader skill set. The hosts outline the career benefits of deep expertise—higher salaries,...

The APNIC blog underscores how network failures during natural disasters cripple emergency response and community safety, prompting calls for more resilient architecture. In parallel, nuclear power is highlighted as a cost‑effective, reliable alternative to volatile renewable sources amid rising electricity...