Infrastructure Management

Kafka's Performance Examined: The Zero-Copy Read Advantage Apache Kafka's high-throughput, low-latency performance is a critical factor in modern data streaming architectures. At the core of its efficiency lies a key optimization: zero-copy reads. This post dissects the mechanics behind this feature and its impact on Kafka's speed. Let's examine the technical implementation of zero-copy reads in Kafka, comparing it with traditional data flow, and analyze its performance implications: Data Flow Comparison: 1. Traditional Read (Without Zero Copy):    • Step 1: Producer writes data to Application Buffer    • Step 2: Data copied to OS Buffer    • Step 3: OS syncs to disk periodically    • Step 4: Data loaded from disk to OS Buffer    • Step 5: Copied to Application Buffer    • Step 6: Copied to Socket Buffer    • Step 7: Copied to NIC Buffer    • Step 8: Finally sent to Consumer    Result: Multiple context switches and data copies, increasing CPU usage and latency. 2. Kafka's Zero-Copy Read:    • Step 1: Producer writes data to Application Buffer    • Step 2: Data written to OS Buffer    • Step 3: OS syncs to disk periodically    • Step 4: Data loaded from disk to OS Buffer    • Step 5: Directly copied to NIC Buffer    • Step 6: Sent to Consumer    Result: Minimized context switches and data copies, significantly reducing CPU usage and latency. Technical Deep Dive: 1. sendfile() System Call:    Kafka utilizes the sendfile() system call (in Linux) to implement zero-copy. This allows data to be transferred directly from the file system cache to the network interface card without passing through the application. 2. Memory-Mapped Files:    Kafka uses memory-mapped files for its commit log, allowing for efficient read operations directly from the kernel space. 3. Page Cache Optimization:    By leveraging the OS's page cache, Kafka can serve read requests from memory when possible, avoiding disk I/O. 4. Batching and Compression:    While not directly related to zero-copy, Kafka's use of batching and compression further enhances its throughput and reduces network overhead. Performance Implications: • Reduced CPU Usage: Fewer data copies mean less CPU cycles wasted on memory operations. • Lower Latency: Direct data transfer from disk to NIC significantly reduces end-to-end latency. • Improved Throughput: The reduction in overhead allows for higher message processing rates. • Scalability: These optimizations enable Kafka to handle massive data streams efficiently. Implementation Considerations: • Zero-copy reads are most effective for larger message sizes. • The benefits are particularly pronounced in high-throughput scenarios. • Proper tuning of OS parameters (like vm.max_map_count) is crucial for optimal performance. How have you leveraged Kafka's performance in your architecture? Have you encountered any challenges in tuning Kafka for optimal zero-copy performance?

The energy transition is a major challenge, requiring not only sustainable power generation but also reliable electricity distribution. 🌱⚡ Any power interruption can disrupt public life, making critical infrastructure availability crucial. Effective security measures, processes, and products are essential to eliminate vulnerabilities and ensure uninterrupted operation. Network technology for use in substations must therefore meet particularly high requirements: Powerful Platform: In substations, the network technology must process a significant amount of data in real-time. Managed switches with high bandwidth, precise time synchronization, and low latency are essential for communication. This is because the management of installed network components quickly becomes extensive and complex. IEC 61850 and IEEE 1613: Compliance with these standards ensures products meet critical infrastructure requirements, including high electromagnetic immunity, a wide temperature range from -40°C to +85°C, and extreme shock and vibration resistance. Cyberattack Protection: In a networked world, cyberattack protection is vital. Network technology must have extensive security features like VLANs for network segmentation, user authentication, and syslog support for reliable monitoring and protection. Let's work together towards a sustainable future in which the energy supply is not only green, but also secure 🔐.  For more information on this topic, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/ewyginNi #cybersecurity #criticalInfrastructure #IEC61850 #industrialcommunication

"Industrial IoT Middleware for Edge and Cloud: The OT/IT Bridge with Apache Kafka and Flink" => Modernization of industrial IoT integration and the shift toward cloud-native architectures. As industries embrace digital transformation, bridging Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) has become crucial. The OT/IT Bridge plays a vital role in industrial automation by ensuring seamless data flowbetween real-time operational processes and enterprise IT systems. This integration is fundamental to the Industrial Internet of Things (#IIoT), enabling industries to monitor, control, and optimize their operations through real-time data synchronization while improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (#OEE). By leveraging Industrial IoT middleware and data streaming technologies like #ApacheKafka and #ApacheFlink, businesses can establish a unified data infrastructure, enabling predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and smarter decision-making. Explore a real-world implementation showcasing how an edge-to-cloud OT/IT bridge can be successfully deployed: https://lnkd.in/eGKgPrMe

What is NAC in Networking? NAC (Network Access Control) is a security framework used to manage and enforce policies for device access to a network. NAC helps ensure that only authorized, compliant, and secure devices are allowed to connect to the network while unauthorized or non-compliant devices are restricted or denied access. It plays a critical role in securing network perimeters and protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access or threats. The main goal of NAC is to provide policy-based access control by evaluating devices before granting them access to the network, ensuring that they meet specific security requirements and compliance standards. NAC can be used to control access for a wide range of devices, including workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and even IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Key Components of NAC 1. Policy Server (e.g., Cisco ISE) is the central component that defines and enforces the NAC policies. It communicates with network devices such as switches, routers, and wireless access points to determine whether a device is allowed access based on the policies. 2. Authentication is a crucial part of NAC. It ensures that only authorized users or devices can access the network. 3. Endpoint Assessment NAC systems assess the security posture of devices attempting to connect to the network. This includes checking whether devices have up-to-date antivirus software, the latest security patches, strong passwords, and other security measures. 4. Access Control After authentication and assessment, NAC systems enforce access control policies to determine what level of access the device should have 5. Remediation If a device is found to be non-compliant with the required policies, NAC can trigger remediation actions 6. Monitoring and Reporting NAC systems provide ongoing monitoring of network access events and generate reports that help administrators track which devices are connecting to the network, their compliance status, and any potential security risks How NAC Works 1. Pre-Authentication Phase 2. Post-Authentication Phase 3. Ongoing Monitoring Types of NAC Deployment Models 1. Inline (Forwarding Mode) 2. Out-of-Band (Non-Forwarding Mode) Benefits of NAC 1. Improved Security 2. Compliance Enforcement 3. Automated Remediation 4. Guest Access Management 5. Scalability 6. Visibility and Reporting Conclusion Network Access Control (NAC) is an essential security technology that enables organizations to enforce policies on who can access their network, what devices can connect, and under what conditions. By ensuring that only authorized compliant and secure devices are allowed to access the network NAC helps prevent security breaches, reduce risks, and maintain regulatory compliance While NAC can be complex to deploy and manage, its benefits in terms of security compliance, and network visibility make it a critical component of modern network security strategies

ƦEGULATꞮONS OF THE ꞮNTEƦNET OF THꞮNGS by the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) A comprehensive regulatory framework addressing various aspects of IoT deployment, Cybersecurity, and management was launched in August 2024. 📑 IoT Regulations Document: https://bit.ly/3SV7p4Q 🔗 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀: https://bit.ly/IoT_Reg Libelium, in cooperation with INCIBE - Instituto Nacional de Ciberseguridad, and the cooperation agreement with the National Cybersecurity Authority, and the #KnowledgeCommunity of the Global Cybersecurity Forum Institute led by NEOM, SITE سايت and aramco. We are working in addressing these regulations, together with the actions required for the European #NIS2 and CyberResilience Act #CRA for the IoT too. The #IoTRegulation at KSA is focused on creating a secure, reliable, and standardized environment for deploying IoT technologies within the jurisdiction, promoting investment in the context of new IoT industries such as: Alat, iot squared, and SAMI Advanced Electronics by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). 𝔻𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕔𝕪: 1️⃣ IoT service providers must implement robust encryption methods and comply with national data protection laws. 2️⃣ Secure data transmitted through IoT devices. This includes ensuring that personal data is protected from unauthorized access and breaches. 3️⃣ IoT devices must comply with strict privacy regulations to safeguard user information, especially sensitive data. 𝔻𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕔𝕖 ℝ𝕖𝕘𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 1️⃣ IoT devices must be registered with the relevant authorities before being deployed in the market. This ensures that all devices meet the necessary technical and security standards. 2️⃣ Certification is required for devices to confirm compliance with established standards for the integrity and security of the IoT ecosystem. ℕ𝕖𝕥𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕤: 1️⃣ IoT devices must adhere to network protocols such as #LwM2M, #MQTTS and emerging #RedCap to ensure they can operate securely and efficiently within existing networks. This includes requirements for network resilience and redundancy to minimize disruptions. #5GAdvanced #NBIoT #LoRA 2️⃣ IoT devices should be compatible with the communication standards that ensure interoperability among different devices and systems GSMA - Internet of Things. 𝕌𝕤𝕖𝕣 ℝ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥: 1️⃣ IoT users must be informed about the data collection practices and must provide explicit consent before their data is used or shared. #DataSpaces #GDPR 2️⃣ Users are granted rights to control their data, including opting out of certain data collection activities. ℂ𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕤: 🌍 The regulation aligns with international standards, facilitating global interoperability and security. 🔎 Regular audits and assessments are required to ensure ongoing compliance.

#2024predictions for telecom. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝-𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: Telecom networks will evolve into a unified cloud-edge architecture where cloud resources seamlessly extend to the edge of the network. This integration will enable low-latency, high-bandwidth services closer to end-users. ➡Microservices and Containers at the Edge: The adoption of microservices and containerization will extend beyond centralized data centers to the edge of the network. Telecom operators will leverage lightweight, scalable containers and microservices to deploy and manage applications efficiently in distributed edge environments. ➡Edge Computing for Latency-Sensitive Applications: Edge computing will become a fundamental component for latency-sensitive applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and real-time communication. The placement of computing resources at the network edge will reduce round-trip times, enhancing the overall user experience. ➡Dynamic Orchestration with CI/CD: Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices will be tightly integrated into the telecom infrastructure. Dynamic orchestration of services and applications at the edge will be automated through CI/CD pipelines, enabling rapid updates, improvements, and the deployment of new features with minimal downtime. ➡Network Slicing Optimization: It becomes more dynamic and adaptable. Edge computing combined with CI/CD will allow for optimized network slicing, enabling telecom operators to tailor services based on specific application requirements. ➡Enhanced Security Measures: As services become more distributed, security will be a top priority. The convergence of cloud, edge, and containerized environments will lead to the implementation of enhanced security measures, including encryption, identity management, and threat detection, to protect data at both centralized and distributed points. ➡Ecosystem Collaboration: Industry collaboration & standardization efforts will intensify as various stakeholders work together to define common interfaces & protocols. This collaboration will facilitate interoperability, making it easier for telecom operators to deploy multi-vendor solutions seamlessly. ➡Efficient Resource Utilization and Scalability: The combination of cloud, containerization, & edge computing will enable telecom operators to optimize resource utilization and scale services more efficiently. This dynamic scalability will be crucial for handling fluctuating workloads and ensuring a consistent quality of service. The convergence of cloud computing, container/microservices, edge computing, and CI/CD in telecom in 2024 will result in a more agile, efficient, and responsive network infrastructure that will empower telecom operators to deliver innovative services and reduce latency. How do you see this dynamic duo revolutionizing network capabilities & user experiences? #telecom #edge #cloud Image credit: LF Edge

📦 Understanding Network Cables and Their Applications Selecting the appropriate Ethernet cable is critical to achieving optimal network performance, stability, and scalability. Below is a breakdown of commonly used network cable categories and their respective use cases:   1. Category 5 (Cat5) Specifications: 100 MHz / Up to 100 Mbps Designed for basic networking needs such as connecting IP cameras or simple internet access. Suitable for small networks with minimal bandwidth requirements. Note: This standard is now largely obsolete in most modern setups.   2. Category 5e (Cat5e) Specifications: 100 MHz / Up to 1 Gbps An enhanced version of Cat5 with reduced crosstalk and improved performance. Widely used in home networks, SOHO environments, and for connecting routers and switches.   3. Category 6 (Cat6) Specifications: 250 MHz / Up to 1 Gbps (up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances) Offers improved shielding and reduced interference over Cat5e. Ideal for medium-sized networks requiring consistent and reliable performance.   4. Category 6a (Cat6a) Specifications: 500 MHz / Up to 10 Gbps Supports higher data rates over longer distances with better shielding. Commonly deployed in enterprise networks and data-intensive applications, such as server interconnects.   5. Category 7 (Cat7) Specifications: 600 MHz / Up to 10 Gbps Features individual shielding for each twisted pair to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI). Suitable for high-performance environments such as data centers and backbone infrastructure.   6. Category 8 (Cat8) Specifications: 2000 MHz / Up to 25–40 Gbps (up to 30 meters) Designed for high-speed data transmission over short distances. Optimal for modern data centers, high-frequency trading platforms, and other ultra-low-latency environments.   ✅ Recommendation: Choose network cabling based on your current and future bandwidth requirements, distance limitations, and environmental factors. Higher-category cables provide faster, more stable, and interference-resistant connections critical for scalable and future-proof network design.

Data and ML engineers inevitably find themselves provisioning and maintaining some aspects of cloud infrastructure! In my decade+ long career, I've done it in 3 ways: 👆 You can use the cloud provider's UI to click and create the necessary infra, but this is manual and challenging to automate. It is not scalable if you need to provision similar resources many times. 💻 Use the cloud provider's APIs to write a script for the infra. Scripts are Imperative: You must explicitly code the detailed step-by-step instructions to provide the necessary infra. It solves the automation problem, but achieving idempotency and ensuring no malicious code sneaks in is challenging, especially if someone else is writing these scripts.. Also, you’ll need to develop a separate script to destroy all the resources when you don’t need them anymore. 🤖 Use Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Terraform or OpenTofu: the open-source fork of Terraform. Why Terraform/OpenTofu? 1️⃣ Declarative: You just specify the end state you want, and it will figure out the steps needed to provision that infra for you. 2️⃣ Idempotent: Running the same config multiple times will not create duplicate resources because of inbuilt state management. 3️⃣ Secure: Generally easier to read than a long shell script. Use the official providers from the major cloud providers, and you're good to go! 4️⃣ Create and Destroy: The same code can create and cleanly destroy all the infra resources you need! I first used Terraform several years back and then lost touch for a while. I recently started tinkering with it again, and thankfully, I found this fantastic free tutorial series by Abhishek Veeramalla on YouTube that is excellent even for beginners, so I'm sharing it here. I'm generally familiar with the topic, so I watch the videos at 1.25X speed for a refresher. If you're learning IaC for the first time, you can follow along at normal speed and try the code yourself. 📹 Terraform Zero to Hero on Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gWrwyeZw 🌟 OpenTofu Github: https://lnkd.in/gnx_pc96 Do you use IaC as a Data/ML Engineer? Please tell me if I'm not the only data guy who does this in the comments! Follow me for more tips on building successful ML and LLM products! Medium: https://lnkd.in/g2jAJn5 X: https://lnkd.in/g_JbKEkM #dataengineering #machinelearningengineering #analyticsengineering #iac

Managing a resilient network that meets current and future needs is no small task and involves several critical activities. These include network configuration and automation, a necessary step in maintaining an efficient, reliable infrastructure. It's critical to have robust network monitoring and alerting systems in place, along with troubleshooting solutions, both manual and AI-based, for rapid problem resolution. Change control management is essential to keep network changes structured and tracked, reducing the likelihood of unwarranted system disruptions. Similarly, prompt remediation of firmware bugs and vulnerabilities is essential for network security. Regular configuration backups and network BCDR planning ensure system recovery during disruptions. Policy validation and compliance checks are also essential to the network management process, helping to keep the network compliant. Network diagrams with revision control provide visualisation of the network topology and its changes over time. In today's connected world, ensuring network resilience in hybrid and multi-cloud environments is increasingly important. Both short- and long-term roadmaps are critical to keep pace with the dynamic nature of network requirements. In addition, setting up and managing WAN performance and security deployments, including work-from-home provisioning, has become more critical than ever with the current trend towards remote working. #networkmanagement

🚨2024 Replay: NSA Zero Trust Network Pillar🚨 Released earlier this year, the NSA's “Advancing #ZeroTrust Maturity Throughout the Network and Environment Pillar” provides essential guidance for implementing Zero Trust principles to counter lateral movement. This document emphasizes practical approaches to segmentation, encryption, and enterprise visibility—key strategies for maturing network defenses. Key Highlights: 🔹 Data Flow Mapping: Establishes a comprehensive understanding of how data moves through networks, uncovering vulnerabilities like unencrypted flows. 🔹 Macro & Micro Segmentation: Defines network zones at both organizational and granular levels, reducing the attack surface and enforcing strict access controls. 🔹 Zero Trust SD-WAN: Centralizes policy enforcement and dynamically segments traffic to isolate threats and stop lateral movement. Critical Insight: “Organizations improve defense-in-depth posture and can better contain, detect, and isolate network intrusions by maturing network and environment capabilities.” 📅 This post is part of my year-end review of 2024’s most impactful cybersecurity documents. Critical guidance—like this release from March—often is overlooked or fades after its initial promotion. Revisiting these documents provides an opportunity to refocus on recommendations that are foundational to enhancing security postures. 💬 Link to the NSA CSI in the comments. #technology #informationsecurity #computersecurity #digitaltransformation #cloudsecurity #cyber #innovation