Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Ethan Banks sits down with Ryan Hamel at the 96th North American Network Operators’ Group (NANOG96). Ryan, a network automation developer for the Zayo Group, talks about why boring network design is actually a good thing. He and Ethan explore why simplicity and standardization are key to long-term success. They also emphasize the importance of being bored (by improving efficiency) and how that can give you time to think, study, and develop new skills.
AdSpot Sponsor: Meter
Meter delivers full-stack networking—wired, wireless, and cellular—to leading enterprises. It’s a single integrated solution with everything included. Meter has designed the hardware, written the firmware, and built the software. Meter deploys and manages everything required at your site, or sites, so that you get performant, reliable, and secure connectivity. If you’re ready for fast, secure, and scalable connectivity without the complexity of managing multiple providers or tools, it’s time to check out Meter. Go to meter.com/heavynetworking to book a demo now!
Links:
Ryan Hamel on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ryanhamel
NANOG Discord – discord.nanog.org
You Need to Be Bored. Here’s Why. - hbr.org/2025/08/you-need-to-be-bored-heres-why
Boost your brain with boredom - mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/boost-your-brain-with-boredom
Heavy Networking is the flagship show of the Packet Pushers network. Visit our website to find more great networking and technology podcasts, along with tutorial videos, the Human Infrastructure newsletter, and loads more resources for building your IT career. packetpushers.net
Ethan Banks sits down with Ryan Hamel at the 96th North American Network Operators’ Group (NANOG96). Ryan, a network automation developer for the Zayo Group, talks about why boring network design is actually a good thing. He and Ethan explore why simplicity and standardization are key to long-term success. They also emphasize the importance of being bored (by improving efficiency) and how that can give you time to think, study, and develop new skills.
AdSpot Sponsor: Meter
Meter delivers full-stack networking—wired, wireless, and cellular—to leading enterprises. It’s a single integrated solution with everything included. Meter has designed the hardware, written the firmware, and built the software. Meter deploys and manages everything required at your site, or sites, so that you get performant, reliable, and secure connectivity. If you’re ready for fast, secure, and scalable connectivity without the complexity of managing multiple providers or tools, it’s time to check out Meter. Go to meter.com/heavynetworking to book a demo now!
Links:
Ryan Hamel on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ryanhamel
NANOG Discord – discord.nanog.org
You Need to Be Bored. Here’s Why. - hbr.org/2025/08/you-need-to-be-bored-heres-why
Boost your brain with boredom - mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/boost-your-brain-with-boredom
Heavy Networking is the flagship show of the Packet Pushers network. Visit our website to find more great networking and technology podcasts, along with tutorial videos, the Human Infrastructure newsletter, and loads more resources for building your IT career. packetpushers.net
