4 chapters across the catalog
A historical look at internet infrastructure recalls the importance of Metropolitan Area Exchanges (MAE), specifically MAE-East. Anecdotes describe the physical vulnerability of these hubs in the early days of the internet, including a flood at MAE-East that caused significant connectivity issues. The discussion highlights how centralized networking points remain potential targets for disruption.
5G Deployment Economics, Verizon and AT&T Strategy
The economic feasibility of 5G is questioned due to the requirement for transmitters every 250 feet, necessitating massive "truck rolls" and infrastructure costs. While AT&T is accused of "faking" 5G with software updates, Verizon is moving forward with real deployment. The concept of "network slicing" is introduced as a way for telecoms to offer tiered speed services on the new network.
A listener note suggests that health insurance providers are purchasing massive network infrastructure to implement electronic home health monitoring. This data would reportedly be used to adjust insurance premiums based on a person's lifestyle. The segment also features a "rain stick war" between the hosts to influence Texas weather.
A report from a data center insider suggests that Fox Networks is moving its US distribution from satellite to IP transit (internet protocols) in anticipation of massive solar flare activity in 2012 and 2013. The company reportedly expects solar storms to be severe enough to make satellite transmissions unviewable. This shift in infrastructure is viewed as a dire warning about the potential for significant communication outages in the near future.
