NANOG 95: Insights into Network Technologies, IPv6 Evolution, and Routing Challenges

The NANOG 95 conference, held in Arlington, Texas in October 2025, marked three decades of the North American Network Operators Group—a crucial platform for deep dives into internet architecture, network operations, and emerging technologies. Since its inception in 1994, NANOG has evolved into a hub for experts and innovators, where critical insights into network infrastructure and operational challenges are exchanged. From the evolution of Ethernet and cellular systems to cutting-edge quantum computing and IPv6 deployment, NANOG 95 offered valuable knowledge for professionals navigating the intricate realms of network engineering and development.

The Stunning Growth of Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 5G Connectivity

One of the standout presentations by Len Bosack of XKL explored the incredible evolution of Ethernet and cellular systems over the past 45 years. What began as a modest 10 Mbps Ethernet has now scaled to 800Gbps capacity, while 5G networks boast over 2.3 billion global subscriptions and annual expenditures exceeding $244 billion—an integral chunk of the $462 billion spent on network infrastructure and devices. Despite this growth, an interesting trend has emerged: the annual data volume growth rates for 5G have slowed significantly since their 2019 peak, possibly signaling market saturation.

Wi-Fi technology, on the other hand, has advanced through iterations like Wi-Fi 8, bringing seamless roaming, multi-access point coordination, and enhanced edge reliability. With an estimated market worth of $35.6 billion growing at an annual rate of 11%, Wi-Fi 8 technologies promise a future bridging the gaps between traditional mobile networks and fixed wireless setups.

IPv6 Deployment and Challenges in Large-Scale Networks

As demand for IP addresses surges, enterprises like Meta are leading the charge in innovative IPv6 deployments. By transitioning their large-scale enterprise Wi-Fi network to IPv6-only systems, Meta addressed the exhaustion of IPv4 private use prefixes with remarkable success. They leveraged vast /64 IPv6 subnets to simplify address management and scalability.

However, Meta’s efforts also highlighted significant challenges. Devices and applications often exhibit inconsistent support for IPv6’s multiple deployment solutions, such as Stateless Auto-Address Configuration (SLAAC) and DHCPv6. Meanwhile, multicast traffic—used heavily in IPv6—creates unique issues with Wi-Fi networks hosting large client counts. To address these concerns, Meta tested DHCP Option 108 to disable IPv4 stacks but encountered hurdles in guest networks, revealing how inconsistent IPv6 adoption might hinder broader migrations—a key lesson for enterprises embracing IPv6-only environments.

Routing, Security, and the Future of Networks

Several technical hurdles in network operations were also examined at NANOG 95, most notably routing security and the persistent problem of BGP route leaks. Routing leaks—caused by configuration mishaps—undermine traffic performance and create network inefficiencies. Cloudflare’s Bryton Herdes showcased innovative detection techniques, including leveraging Route Views and bespoke confidence scores for addressing route leak vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, Chris Rapier’s exploration of HPN-SSH (High-Performance Networking Secure Shell protocol) illustrated remarkable advancements in overcoming encrypted transit bottlenecks. By resizing SSH buffers and parallelizing cipher operations, researchers unlocked performance increases that rival raw TCP connections, a critical improvement for high-speed data environments.

The Emergence of Post-Quantum Cryptography

As quantum computing progresses, concerns over the future of cryptographic security intensify. Current public-key cryptosystems like RSA and Diffie-Hellman, which rely on computational infeasibility for security, face potential threats from quantum algorithms capable of breaking encryption within feasible timeframes. NANOG 95’s session on quantum computing highlighted the need for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to secure long-term information integrity. For data requiring secrecy over the next two decades, adopting PQC algorithms becomes essential now, underscoring the pressing need for forward-looking cryptographic strategies.

Conclusion: NANOG’s Continued Contribution to Network Innovation

NANOG 95 demonstrated the organization’s enduring relevance, presenting thought-provoking discussions across diverse network operation areas—from advancements in fiber optics and Wi-Fi to the intricacies of routing security and post-quantum challenges. Attendees not only gained valuable insights but expanded their networks through meaningful connections and collaborative opportunities. As the digital landscape continues evolving rapidly, NANOG remains a cornerstone for professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of the ever-changing technological horizon.