NANOG 93 in Atlanta: From Automation to AI

Introduction

The North American Network Operators’ Group (NANOG) just wrapped up its 93rd meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, and it was a whirlwind of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussions. From February 3rd to 5th, 2025, network engineers, operators, industry experts, and innovators gathered at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis to tackle the most pressing challenges and shape the future of the internet.

NANOG has always been a crucial platform for the internet community, and NANOG 93 was no exception. With a diverse range of attendees, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic newcomers, the conference fostered an environment of knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

Venue

The Atlanta Marriott Marquis served as an excellent host for NANOG 93. Known for its distinctive atrium design and central location in downtown Atlanta, the hotel provided a comfortable and convenient environment for attendees. The spacious meeting rooms accommodated the various sessions and workshops, while the open atrium areas facilitated networking and informal discussions. Its proximity to other Atlanta attractions also allowed attendees to explore the city during their downtime.

Key Highlights and Themes

NANOG 93 was packed with insightful sessions, workshops, and networking events. Here are some of the key highlights and recurring themes that emerged throughout the conference:

• The Rise of AI in Networking: AI’s impact on networking was a central theme, with discussions on how AI can be leveraged to manage complex networks, optimize traffic flow, and enhance security. Sessions explored topics like using AI agents for automated networking script development and the various networking challenges brought about when building an Ethernet fabric for AI workloads.
• Network Automation Takes Center Stage: Automation was another hot topic, with a focus on streamlining network operations through automation tools and techniques. Experts emphasized the need for better flexibility, security, and real-time monitoring as networks become increasingly automated.
• IPv6: The Time is Now: IPv6 adoption was a major focus, with a dedicated IPv6 Clinic sponsored by AWS offering hands-on learning and collaborative problem-solving for network engineers, particularly those working with cloud environments.
• The Evolution of Lab and Testing Tools: The conference highlighted the growing importance of advanced lab and testing tools, with discussions on how automation can revolutionize network operations in the area of building a digital twin of your network to test changes on before rolling them to production.
• Community and Collaboration: NANOG 93 reinforced the importance of community and collaboration within the networking industry. The event provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect, share ideas, and build relationships.

Notable Sessions and Speakers

NANOG 93 featured a diverse lineup of speakers who shared their expertise and insights on a wide range of topics. Some notable sessions and speakers included:

• Keynote: AI-Powered Network 5.0 – A Paradigm Shift by Yun Freund, VP of Cloud at Google: Yun Freund shared her vision for the future of cloud networking and the role of innovation in driving the industry forward. She delved into the transformative potential of AI-powered networks, addressing the challenges and opportunities they present for businesses and engineers alike.
• Keynote: Building Community around Network Automation by Scott Robohn, Co-Founder at Network Automation Forum: My friend Scott Robohn did a keynote exploring the growth of the network automation community and how the various industry organizations can collaborate to further its adoption.
• Sessions on Data Center Optics, Test Network Labs, and IP Inventory Management: These sessions delved into specific technical challenges and solutions related to data centers, network testing, and IPAM, and NSoT (Network Source of Trust).

Beyond the Sessions

NANOG 93 wasn’t just about the formal sessions. The conference also offered a variety of networking events, including the NANOG Social, Beer N’ Gear, Women in Tech Networking Event, and Peering Forum. These events provided attendees with valuable opportunities to connect with peers, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. This is one of the benefits of attending a NANOG conference is the ability to learn from peers in the industry.

The Impact of NANOG 93

NANOG 93 served as a crucial platform for the internet community to come together, discuss the latest trends and challenges, and collaborate on solutions. The conference highlighted the importance of AI, automation, and IPv6 adoption in shaping the future of networking. It also reinforced the value of community and collaboration in driving innovation and progress.

Looking Ahead

NANOG 93 was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and energized to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The conference provided a glimpse into the future of networking, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, adaptation, and collaboration. As the internet and other connected networks continue to evolve, NANOG will undoubtedly remain a vital platform for the community to come together and shape its future.

This blog post provides only a snapshot of the key highlights and themes from NANOG 93. For more detailed information about the conference, including session recordings and presentations, please visit the official NANOG website or check out the NANOG 93 playlist on YouTube.