The critical lowdown

Episode 25: Chris Bihary, CEO, Garland Technology

Unpacking the Challenges of Network Security in IT and OT Environments

Cyber Attacks on critical infrastructure have been on the rise for the last decade, accelerated in recent years by the covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In 2021, approximately 90 percent of manufacturing organizations had their production or energy supply hit by some form of cyberattack.
Amid this backdrop, one of the biggest mysteries is this: how to safeguard the giant technologies at these interfaces from relentless cyber threats? It's no longer enough to have a moat around your servers — the proverbial castle approach. The barbarians, as cyber criminals are often depicted, are not just at the gates; they're already inside the castle, seeking a moment of distraction to launch their assault.
Listen Here: Unpacking the Challenges of Network Security in IT and OT Environments 

Podcast

Date: 14^th Sept 2023

Length: 22m 14s

Episode 24: Vince Schuele, Director of Technical Solutions for Partners, IP Infusion

Web-Scale Networking Enabling Modern Data Centers

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has led to an unprecedented increase in network demands. Network operators face the ongoing challenges of providing scalability and introducing new services while reducing costs. IP Infusion is leading the charge to provide these solutions. IP Infusion deliver open, standards-based solutions that span from the edge of the network, through the transport layer to multi-cloud environments.
Listen Here: Web-Scale Networking Enabling Modern Data Centers 

Podcast

Date: 31^st August 2023

Length: 29m 36s

Episode 23: Jack Raynor TIP/Meta; Andrew Westerman, IO by HFCL

OpenWiFi: The Future of Seamless & Scalable Enterprise Connectivity

June 20th is World Wifi Day. World WiFi Day 2023 celebrates innovations and new projects that help bridge the digital divide worldwide. The goal is to improve consumer access in broadband-deprived areas in both developed and developing countries. One such innovation is OpenWiFi, a groundbreaking initiative from the Telecom Infra Project. It's more than just a technology; it's a movement that aims to democratize internet access, particularly in areas lacking broadband connectivity, in both developed and developing countries.
Listen Here: OpenWiFi: The Future of Seamless & Scalable Enterprise Connectivity 

Podcast

Date: 20^th June 2023

Length: 24m 20s

Episode 22: EPS • Future Electronics • IAR • IOTSF • NXP

The Building Blocks for IOT Security - Part 2

In Part 2, our panel of experts emphasizes the importance of making IoT security more accessible and consumable for engineers and designers, as well as the need for collaboration among industry players to tackle security challenges for connected devices. This episode covers the increasing number of cybersecurity regulations worldwide, the need for a proactive approach, and the key role organizations like EPS Global, NXP, IAR, and Future Electronics are playing in providing practical and accessible security solutions for volume production of connected devices.
Listen Here: The Building Blocks for IOT Security - Part 2 

Podcast

Date: 8^th June 2023

Length: 36m 50s

Episode 21: EPS • Future Electronics • IAR • IOTSF • NXP

The Building Blocks for IOT Security - Part 1

To navigate this complex security ecosystem, we have assembled a panel of the industry's foremost experts to discuss the legislation, threats, technology, distribution, and solutions.
Listen Here: The Building Blocks for IOT Security - Part 1 

Podcast

Date: 25^th May 2023

Length: 34m 10s

Episode 20: Barry McGinley, EPS Global

How SONiC is Disrupting the Networking World - Breaking Vendor Lock-in at Scale

In 2016 Microsoft developed SONiC, passing oversight of the project to the Linux Foundation in 2022. Despite its increased profile, SONiC’s growth has mostly been focused among large hyperscalers and enterprises that have the resources to build their own automation and management tools – and according to Forbes has been the preserve of “Hardcore Networking Geeks”.

So what is SONiC? What makes it unique? And how can businesses make the most of it to cut costs and improve efficiency?

Listen Here: How SONiC is Disrupting the Networking World - Breaking Vendor Lock-in at Scale 

Podcast

Date: 11^th May 2023

Length: 20m 15s

Episode 19: Colin Lynch, CEO, EPS Global

Adapting to Market Forces in Manufacturing

Now more than ever, there is a trend towards subcontracting the programming of these devices, propelled by market forces ranging from a volatile chip supply, a constrained labor market, the rising cost of capital investment and difficulty in raising debt.

With these prevailing mega trends at play why is outsourcing your IC Programming a competitive and sustainable option to ensure your projects are rolled out on time and on budget?

Listen Here: Adapting to Market Forces in Manufacturing 

Podcast

Date: 20^th Apr 2023

Length: 39m 16s

Episode 18: Vinnie Maniola, Sales Director, IP Infusion; Kevin Myers, Senior Network Architect, IP ArchiTechs

Powering Up Broadband: How Electrical Co-Ops Are Transforming Into ISPs Through Disaggregated Networking

The need for high speed broadband connections in rural areas is firmly in the spotlight. The shift to online services and working from home has accelerated an already unprecedented demand. Governments are responding in kind - with $42.5bn being pledged in the US alone through its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. The need for rapid deployments means electrical coops - who have existing infrastructure in these areas - are turning their hand to broadband deployment. Why?

Listen Here: Powering Up Broadband: How Electrical Co-Ops Are Transforming Into ISPs Through Disaggregated Networking 

Podcast

Date: 6^th Apr 2023

Length: 38m 41s

Episode 17: Malcolm Kitchen - EPS Global

Automotive Electrification and IoT Security: Semiconductor Industry Trends in 2023

The semiconductor industry faces rapid changes, including global chip shortages, supply chain issues, and evolving security threats. In 2023, security takes center stage, with new legislation in the UK, US, and EU impacting manufacturers.

Listen Here: Automotive Electrification and IoT Security: Semiconductor Industry Trends in 2023 

Podcast

Date: 23^rd Mar 2023

Length: 21m 38s

Episode 16: Craig Schaefer and William Graves - IP Infusion

Making the Switch: Why Service Providers and Telcos are Embracing Open Disaggregated Networking Amidst Skyrocketing Mobile Data Traffic

Total global mobile data traffic – excluding traffic generated by fixed wireless access – reached around 67 Exabytes per month by the end of 2021. This is projected to quadruple to reach 282 Exabytes per month in 2027. Demand for data shows no signs of slowing and network operators are challenged every day with the need to deliver massive scale and new services—all at lower costs. 

One solution, which is proving successful, is a switch to open disaggregated networking. So why are service providers and telcos making the switch?

Listen Here: Making the Switch: Why Service Providers and Telcos are Embracing Open Disaggregated Networking 

Podcast

Date: 1^st Dec 2022

Length: 29m 04s

Episode 15: Haydn Povey - Secure Thingz / IAR

2023: IoT Security Landscape

Ahead of the Electronica Trade Show in Munich, EPS Global CEO Colin Lynch sat down with Chief Strategy Officer for IAR Systems, and former guest on the Critical Lowdown, Haydn Povey, for a commentary of the chip security landscape as we head into 2023, from legislative sanctions and how to get ahead. Let's jump right in. 

Listen Here: 2023: IoT Security Landscape 

Podcast

Date: 10^th Nov 2022

Length: 29m 23s

Episode 14: Barry McGinley, Mark Downey - EPS Global

Open Networking 101: Your Questions Answered - Part 2

In the continuation of Part 1 of our Open Networking Explained podcast, we enter a quick fire round with Barry and Mark, where we cover such topics as DCI, GPON and of all places, Slough.

Listen Here: Open Networking 101: Your Questions Answered - Part 2 

Podcast

Date: 27^th Oct 2022

Length: 15m 41s

Episode 13: Barry McGinley, Mark Downey - EPS Global

Open Networking 101: Your Questions Answered - Part 1

More and more enterprises are turning to Open Networking as the new way forward. From shorter lead times to more flexibility in network deployments, the possibilities are endless. But in essence what is Open Networking? What are the benefits and indeed drawbacks of this approach?

Listen Here: Open Networking 101: Your Questions Answered - Part 1 

Podcast

Date: 13^th Oct 2022

Length: 29m 32s

Episode 12: EPS Global, MetaLINK, and IP Architechs

Beating the Supply Chain Crunch - A Case Study for Open Networking

If it wasn’t clear before, the last number of years have crystallized the fact that internet access is an absolute necessity in the contemporary world. With people working from home, streaming services instead of using traditional media platforms, and vital services such as education, banking and telemedicine being administered online – many are calling for Internet access to be classed alongside power and water as a household utility.

Listen Here: Beating the Supply Chain Crunch - A Case Study for Open Networking 

Podcast

Date: 29^th Sept 2022

Length: 27m 04s

Episode 11: Gunter Reiss - DZS

Broadband Connectivity Reimagined - Turning Service Providers into Experience Providers

As users enjoy richer services such as 4K or even 8K video, gaming, augmented or virtual reality, and buffer free conference calls, more strain is being placed on the existing wireless infrastructure found in your average household.

Research shows 49% of households have changed providers over concerns about their quality of experience. So what now for service providers who want fewer truck rolls, loyal subscribers, and reduced churn? How can they transform into Experience Providers, deliver new revenue generating services, and gain unprecedented end-to-end visibility into their networks?

Listen Here: Broadband Connectivity Reimagined - Turning Service Providers into Experience Providers 

Podcast

Date: 15^th Sept 2022

Length: 34m 14s

Episode 10: Mick McCarthy - EPS Global

Outsourced Device Programming: A Simplified Manufacturing Solution

Microcontrollers run our lives. They power industrial and consumer products from factories to fridges, coffee machines, our phones and our cars. These tiny devices work together in symphony to perform the tasks that keep us moving. With demand for these devices already high and growing year on year, manufacturers are under pressure to make sure their devices are on time, on budget and secure. Can outsourcing device programming simplify the manufacturing process, and can it help manufacturers maintain speed and quality on their assembly lines?

Listen Here: Outsourced Device Programming: A Simplified Manufacturing Solution 

Podcast

Date: 1^st Sept 2022

Length: 32m 25s

Episode 9: Nanda Ravindran - Edgecore Networks

What are P4 Programmable Switches and how do they solve power, performance and cost challenges for Data Centers?

P4 switching is open networking extended all the way down to the switch ASIC level, and while it will not solve all data center’s problems, when properly used will provide increased resource efficiencies to better handle the data, greater visibility and monitoring of traffic to screen and block attacks at the network edge, and enhance congestion control. All of this without significantly sacrificing on performance, or increasing the need for power, or adding to costs.

Listen Here: What are P4 Programmable Switches 

Podcast

Date: 14^th July 2022

Length: 17m 38s

Episode 8: Bhartendu Chaurasia - Meta / Facebook

Driving Sustainable Network Innovation with Open Telecom Technology

As 5G networks and 5G-enabled technologies become more prevalent, experts expect the sustainability opportunity of 5G to be high on the agenda for service providers this year and next. How can we drive sustainable network innovation to keep pace with the exponential growth in network traffic, and can open telecom technology bring more people better internet access across all 4 corners of the globe?

We covered these topics at the Internet Service Providers Business Model Summit in London this month during a fireside chat with the Head of TIP Technology for EMEA at Meta/Facebook. Take a listen now!

Listen Here: Driving Sustainable Network Innovation with Open Telecom Technology 

Podcast

Date: 30^th June 2022

Length: 23m 21s

Episode 7: Haydn Povey - Secure Thingz

Securing IoT Devices to avoid an Internet of Trouble - Part 2

Recently the CEO of EPS Global, Colin Lynch sat down with Haydn Povey, founder and CEO of Secure Thingz and the Chief Strategy Officer at IAR Systems, to discuss the topic of IOT security. Haydn has just returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he has been acting in an advisory role on the key requirements for security of connected devices, and on the future minimum standards.

In Part 2, Colin and Haydn look at the solutions for manufacturers, and how they can best protect their IP. Let’s jump back in.

Listen Here: Securing IoT Devices to avoid an Internet of Trouble - Part 2 

Podcast

Date: 16^th June 2022

Length: 13m 54s

Episode 6: Haydn Povey - Secure Thingz

Securing IoT Devices to avoid an Internet of Trouble - Part 1

The Internet of Things is one of the world’s fastest evolving technologies. There is 22 billion devices in circulation around the globe, with that number set to increase by 15 billion in the next 3 years. However, as the number of these connected devices surge so do the attack surfaces for potential bad actors.

Over the next two episodes of The Critical Lowdown we are going to ask, “With increased connectivity in consumer, medical, industrial, and critical infrastructure domains, just how do we guarantee trust and privacy in a hyper-connected world of devices, and how can manufacturers ensure the Internet of Things does not become the Internet of Trouble.

Listen Here: Securing IoT Devices to avoid an Internet of Trouble - Part 1 

Podcast

Date: 2^nd June 2022

Length: 22m 49s

Episode 5: Carlos Rodriguez - EPS Global

How do Electronics get Packaged Efficiently?

We rely heavily on electronics to power the products we use on a daily basis from our phones, TVs, laptops, home appliances, and especially our cars. The intelligent source behind all of this is electronic devices or chips that are placed onto circuit boards on assembly lines across the globe in the manufacture of these products we all know and love. Most of us know little about what goes on behind the scenes.

How do electronics get packaged for efficient assembly into our most coveted devices?

Carlos Rodriguez, General Manager of EPS Mexico, sat down with CMO Ciara McCarthy, to give a behind the scenes view of Tape and Reeling at one of 23 Global Locations. 

Listen Here: How do Electronics get Packaged Efficiently? 

Podcast

Date: 19^th May 2022

Length: 21m 11s

Episode 4: Nanda Ravindran - Edgecore Networks

5G Crosshaul - Meeting Network Demands with Open Networking

5G crosshaul is radically different from the common 4G mobile backhaul. New requirements include lower latency, higher data rates, hard isolation of network slices, and dynamic connectivity for on-demand services encompassing multiple physical and virtual components at the RAN. The present infrastructure is not fit for purpose and Edgecore Networks is leading the way in this network transformation.

Our Senior Systems Engineer, Barry McGinley, sat down with Edgecore Network's VP of Product Management, Nanda Ravindran, to discuss why service providers should consider 5G backhaul/x-haul network deployments, and what role is there for open networking.

Listen Here: 5G Crosshaul - Meeting Network Demands with Open Networking 

Podcast

Date: 5^th May 2022

Length: 22m 12s

Episode 3: Feka Samakuva - Netomnia

Harnessing the Power of Open Disaggregated Networking to Speed up Broadband Rollout

Providing access to high speed networks has long been a priority for Governments and enterprises alike. The UK Government has set ambitious targets to have gigabit capable broadband coverage to 85% of the country by 2025. In the US, the FCC has pledged $60bn in grants to help bring broadband to rural areas and to rip and replace unsecure equipment. In Germany, the federal Government has committed €12bn for broadband funding through its “grey spots” program.

So with the intent clear from Governments around the world, how can Service Providers harness open networking to speed up deployments and cut costs?

Listen Here: Harnessing the Power of Open Disaggregated Networking to Speed up Broadband Rollout 

Podcast

Date: 21^th April 2022

Length: 16m 45s

Episode 2: John Laban - OCP Foundation

How can Open Networking meet the Challenge of the Climate Crisis?

For every tweet, blog post or photo there is a physical manifestation somewhere in the world. These manifestations are data centers.

The carbon footprint of Data Centers and their energy usage has come into sharp focus as climate targets loom and the climate crisis intensifies. How can open networking meet this challenge and bridge this gap?

Listen Here: How can Open Networking meet the Challenge of the Climate Crisis? 

Podcast

Date: 7^th April 2022

Length: 20m 17s

Episode 1: Kelly LeBlanc - Pica8

Open Networking and the Global Chip Shortage

The modern world runs on microchips. They drive our cars, run our smart homes, and allow us to communicate at lightning speed. 2020 to 2021 has seen a two-sided squeeze on the global chip market as the Covid-19 Global Pandemic accelerated already unprecedented demand and supply was restricted by extreme weather events, trade wars, and a global slowdown. How can service providers maintain access to supply chains while not compromising on security and quality on their networks?

Listen Here: Open Networking and the Global Chip Shortage 

Podcast

Date: 24^th March 2022

Length: 14m 26s

Trailer

A New Podcast from EPS Global

The Critical Lowdown is a technology podcast from the team at EPS Global. Each episode will give you access to industry experts, and step beyond the anecdotes to see how new technologies, chip shortages, and an ever-changing security landscape affects you and the projects you're rolling out.

Listen Here: The Critical Lowdown Trailer 

Podcast

Date: 3^rd March 2022

Length: 1m 17s