Ep 139 - Doug Madory, The Man Who can See the Internet

The Art of Network Engineering

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This episode was recorded October 26, 2023
Ever wonder what it's like to navigate the high-stakes world of military network engineering or to become an authority on the internet's most complex systems? This time around, Doug Madory, of Kentik, joins us to unravel his remarkable journey from the precision of military networks to the forefront of BGP analysis. Alongside Doug, we reminisce about the invaluable in-person connections forged at networking events like the Network User Group meetings driven by the US Network User Association, underscoring the irreplaceable sense of community and collaboration they foster.
Prepare for an eye-opening conversation that ventures into the depths of geopolitical tech intrigue, as Doug shares how his career has intersected with pivotal global events. From recounting the adrenaline of managing deployable radar systems in Italy to analyzing the ripple effects of government-induced internet shutdowns, his stories shine a light on the critical role of technology in international affairs. The episode isn't just about the tales of one man's career; it's a broader exploration of how BGP data collection and analysis are vital to understanding and securing the global digital landscape.
The digital seas are treacherous, and as Doug discusses the strategic importance of internet resilience, especially in conflict zones like Ukraine, we gain a profound appreciation for the unsung heroes keeping our connections alive. From the mysterious sabotage of submarine cables to the promise of a more connected future through initiatives like Starlink, this episode is a deep dive into the infrastructure that underpins our modern world. Join us for an enthralling discussion regarding the internet's complexities, cybersecurity frontlines, and the ongoing battle for global connectivity.
More from Doug
https://twitter.com/DougMadory
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougmadory/

Links discussed during the show:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2014/08/06/the-man-who-can-see-the-internet/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/06/30/satellite-hacked-russian-military/
https://www.kentik.com/blog/the-mystery-of-as8003/
https://www.submarinecablemap.com/

Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

บท

1. Network Engineering and USNUA Nug Meetings (00:00:00)

2. Experiences in the Military and Transitioning+ (00:06:09)

3. Transitioning Careers and BGP Analysis (00:17:36)

4. BGP Data Collection and Analysis (00:25:46)

5. Investigating DoD IP Address Space Announcements (00:32:40)

6. BGP and Internet Connectivity in Ukraine (00:41:05)

7. Government Shutdowns and Internet Resilience (00:46:19)

8. Submarine Cable Sabotage and Detection (00:56:01)

9. Future of Internet and Submarine Cables (01:02:54)