An attempt to capture some basic lessons about the creation and management of networks.

1. Rules About Networks

2. There are only two network models 

3. Ma Bell

4. … or the Internet

9. No one can afford to become Ma Bell again.

10. Not These Guys

11. Or These Guys

12. Or These Guys

13. Or These Guys

14. So what are the odds you will?

15. No one can afford to become a network dictator again.

16. Networking: Yin and Yang Stuff you control Stuff someone else controls

17. God, grant me the serenity to accept the network elements I cannot change; the courage to change the network elements I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.

18. Grasshopper: you must learn the paradox of internetworking. Which is…?

19. Not changing things enables you to change things. Huh?

20. It’s True! Just Look at the Internet!

21. TCP/IP Protocol Stack Changes Often Rarely Changes

22. So what things should I try not to change too much?

23. Q: What element did both the Internet and Ma Bell control?

24. Q: What element did both the Internet and Ma Bell control? A: Addressing. Jon Postel, Original Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) North American Numbering Plan (NANP)

25. What Else?

26. A: Pay Attention to Life Cycles. Computers: 2-3 years

27. A: Pay Attention to Life Cycles. Operating Systems: 3-5 years

28. A: Pay Attention to Life Cycles. Network Protocols: 7-10 years

29. A: Pay Attention to Life Cycles. Data Formats: 10+ years

30. There is a name for network elements that don’t change quickly:

31. The Installed Base

32. Unlike in global warming, however, this almost never gets smaller.

33. The only reason God could create the world in six days was because He didn't have to worry about the installed base .* * Enzo Torresi, Einar Stefferud, Esther Dyson, or someone else

34. Unfortunately, often today’s hot new technology …. Becomes that junky old stuff that drags down the whole installed base. 1999 2008

35. A: Inevitable.

36. Q: What is the likelihood the stuff you want to control eventually becomes your biggest obstacle?

37. But what about the things I can’t control?

38. How do you protect yourself against reckless drivers?

39. Buckle up. Keep alert. Obey signs. Buy insurance. Have airbags. Have bumpers. Yeah, Buckle up.

41. Can I steer a safe passage through these perils?

42. Do I look like Albert Freakin’ Einstein?

43. Stuff is out of control all over my network. … and I’m OK with that. Find Your Own Networking Bliss