2026-07-21 –, Hermitage D | Classroom
AI is already changing how network engineers learn, troubleshoot, document, automate, and operate networks. But the opportunity is not to hand the network over to a chatbot. The opportunity is for hands-on practitioners to move up a level: defining better workflows, writing clearer requirements, setting stronger guardrails, validating results, and using AI as a force multiplier.
This talk introduces practical AI concepts for network engineers, including LLMs, agents, prompt workflows, API-based tooling, Spec-Driven Development, Test-Driven Development, and the role of deterministic automation alongside AI systems. We will walk through realistic NetOps use cases such as MOP review, incident summarization, log and packet capture analysis, Python and config generation, and an SDD-based workflow using real AI-assisted infrastructure design work.
The central message is simple: the next-generation network engineer does not stop being hands-on. The NGNE learns to think like an architect.
Here is a slightly longer version of the abstract:
AI is already changing how network engineers learn, troubleshoot, document, automate, and operate networks. But the opportunity is not to hand the network over to a chatbot. The opportunity is for hands-on practitioners to move up a level: defining better workflows, writing clearer requirements, setting stronger guardrails, validating results, and using AI as a force multiplier.
This talk introduces practical AI concepts for network engineers, including LLMs, agents, prompt workflows, API-based tooling, Spec-Driven Development, Test-Driven Development, and the role of deterministic automation alongside AI systems. We will walk through realistic NetOps use cases such as MOP review, incident summarization, documentation cleanup, log and packet capture analysis, Python generation, config generation, and an SDD-based workflow using real AI-assisted infrastructure design work.
The central message is simple: the next-generation network engineer does not stop being hands-on. The NGNE learns to think like an architect: designing workflows, constraining tools, reviewing ruthlessly, validating behavior, and using the right tool for the right job.
Scott Robohn is co-founder and CEO of Solutional, where he leads consulting, training, and technical marketing in next-gen networking, automation, and AI. With 35+ years of experience building, guiding, and scaling technical teams and solutions, Scott helps IT organizations evolve into software-centric, resilient, and intelligent network operations teams. Scott is a frequent event speaker, a co-founder of the Network Automation Forum (NAF), host of the Total Network Operations podcast, and a leader of the (VA)NUG chapter of USNUA.