Networking Summer: Insights from Russias First Practical IT Conference on Networks and Engineering Infrastructure

**A unique IT conference titled «Network Summer» organized by Jet Network Team and IT Elements took place in Moscow. Over 400 network engineers and IT professionals engaged in discussions regarding the current state and future of IT in Russia, while sharing their expertise in technical labs.**

The conference covered a variety of topics, including the impact of AI on networking, engineering infrastructure, evolving approaches to data center design and management, network services, the transition to domestic software and hardware, unified communications, smart video surveillance, and 5G networks. Additionally, several labs were set up, showcasing the NGFW from «Infostart Jet,» the Jet & YandexGPT Lab platform, as well as demonstration zones from Axel PRO, OCS, and Network Technologies.

One engaging discussion, titled **»Ethernet Networks for HPC and ML: I Knew We’d Eventually Move to This **» drew considerable interest. Experts from «Infostart Jet» explained how fine-tuning network device parameters to fit specific systems can boost performance by over 20% for expensive systems. The presentation can be found **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F%D0%A6%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2_%D0%A1%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%20Ethernet.pdf&name=%D0%A6%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2_%D0%A1%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%20Ethernet.pdf&nosw=1**.

During the session titled **»The Key is to Breathe… or How to Cool a Modern Data Center,»** experts pointed out that the grand return of European vendors is unlikely. Even if they return, they will face a changed market dynamics and fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers. The adoption of AI and other high-load systems is inevitable; however, a complete shift from traditional cooling methods is not expected in the next couple of years. Anticipated developments in Russian manufacturing include the entry of cooling systems for data centers into the register of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in the coming year. The presentation is available **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F%D0%94%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%B2_%D0%94%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%8F.%20%D0%93%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5%20%E2%80%94%20%D0%B4%D1%83%D0%BD%D1%83%D1%82%D1%8C…%20%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%20%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BA%20%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8C%20%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9%20%D0%A6%D0%9E%D0%94.pdf&name=%D0%94%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%B2_%D0%94%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D1%83%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%8F.%20%D0%93%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5%20%E2%80%94%20%D0%B4%D1%83%D0%BD%D1%83%D1%82%D1%8C…%20%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%20%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BA%20%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8C%20%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9%20%D0%A6%D0%9E%D0%94.pdf&nosw=1**.

The session **»Data Centers in a New Reality»** resembled a tea ceremony, where representatives from data processing centers, infrastructure experts, and engineering solution manufacturers exchanged views on the future of data center life-support systems. They discussed upcoming challenges and strategies for preparedness, as well as the potential for large data centers in major cities and the opportunities that regions may offer.

In the discussion **»Unified Communications: From Voice to AI,»** developers of Russian software combining video conferencing, IP telephony, and corporate messengers gathered. Experts highlighted that UC systems are already integrating corporate portal functions and that deeper integration with internal business systems is anticipated in the future. AI capabilities will be utilized for an expanding range of tasks within UC, such as summarizing meetings, personal assistants, and automated translations.

**On the stage titled “Let’s Talk?” experts presented reports on the future of networking technologies and more:**

The «Network Summer» session opened with Illya Furtsov, the head of the pre-sales department for network solutions at «Infostart Jet.» He discussed the evolution of the **switching chip industry**, breakthrough technologies developed by startups, leading players, and current models. The demand for chip performance is rising, necessitating programming aimed at AI tasks. The presentation can be viewed **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F%D0%A4%D1%83%D1%80%D1%86%D0%B5%D0%B2_%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BC%D1%83%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D1%87%D0%B8%D0%BF%D1%8B.pdf&name=%D0%A4%D1%83%D1%80%D1%86%D0%B5%D0%B2_%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BC%D1%83%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D1%87%D0%B8%D0%BF%D1%8B.pdf&nosw=1**.

Designer Vladimir Kolpakov from «Infostart Jet» spoke about the **configuration of SONiC on WhiteBox switches**. Automating this process enhances network reliability and speeds up the implementation of new environments and services while keeping network configuration data neatly organized within a unified system. His presentation is available **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2_%D0%A1%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B0%20%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%B8%20%D1%81%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B9%20%D1%84%D0%B0%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%20(%D0%A1%D0%90%D0%A1%D0%A4)%20%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F%20White%E2%80%91box.pdf&name=%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2_%D0%A1%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B0%20%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%B8%20%D1%81%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B9%20%D1%84%D0%B0%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%20(%D0%A1%D0%90%D0%A1%D0%A4)%20%d0%b4%D0%bb%D1%8f%20White%E2%80%91box.pdf&nosw=1**.

Pavel Mikhaylik, a senior consultant for network auditing at «Infostart Jet,» provided a detailed review of **load balancing challenges** in his talk titled **»Applied Equilibrium: Balancing from L2 to L7.»** He discussed various approaches employed for load balancing at each stage of data access. You can find his presentation **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F04_%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA_%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D1%8D%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0.pdf&name=04_%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA_%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D1%8D%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0.pdf&nosw=1**.

Alexey Lakaev, head of telecommunications equipment development at «Digital Solutions,» presented an **overview of a Russian web application security solution**, comprising a WAF cluster and the DS Proxima load balancer. His presentation can be accessed **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F%D0%90%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B9%20%D0%9B%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%B2.pdf&name=%D0%90%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B9%20%D0%9B%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%B2.pdf&nosw=1**.

Denis Gudtsov, head of development for solutions for communication operators at «Infostart Jet,» shared insights on **using AI as a tool for network device configuration management and its impact on network engineers’ work**. While AI is not yet capable of solving complex architectural design issues, it can accelerate routine tasks, reduce human errors in configuration and analysis, and serve as a tool for analyzing large volumes of network events to identify anomalies. His presentation is available **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F%D0%93%D1%83%D0%B4%D1%86%D0%BE%D0%B2_%D0%98%D0%98.pdf&name=%D0%93%D1%83%D0%B4%D1%86%D0%BE%D0%B2_%D0%98%D0%98.pdf&nosw=1**.

Another topic discussed on the “Let’s Talk?” stage during «Network Summer» was **private 5G networks in unlicensed bands as a replacement for Wi-Fi in manufacturing.** Denis Nepochatykh, a leading solutions engineer for communication operators at «Infostart Jet,» examined the applications of private networks across industries, energy, and healthcare, highlighting the advantages of 5G technology in establishing private networks in comparison to Wi-Fi. These technologies can enhance productivity, provide scalability, and reduce downtime in operations. His presentation can be found **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F%D0%9D%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8B%D1%85_%D0%A7%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D1%81%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8_5G.pdf&name=%D0%9D%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8B%D1%85_%D0%A7%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5_%D1%81%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8_5G.pdf&nosw=1)**.

In the lecture titled **»Smart Video Surveillance: Implement, Don’t Forget. Where’s the Comma?»** Alexander Potapov, a pre-sales consultant for engineering systems at «Infostart Jet,» discussed how to maximize system capabilities when implementing intelligent video surveillance with analytics in enterprises. His presentation is available **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2_%D0%A3%D0%BC%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5_%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BB%D1%8E%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5.pdf&name=%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2_%D0%A3%D0%BC%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5_%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BB%D1%8E%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5.pdf&nosw=1)**.

Dmitry Kiselev, head of the customer support group for data transmission solutions at «Infostart Jet,» shared insights on **the journey of interns at «Infostart Jet» to becoming senior network engineers**. You can view his presentation **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F%D0%9A%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2_%D0%A7%D1%82%D0%BE_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B5%D1%88%D1%8C%2C_%D1%82%D0%BE_%D0%B8_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%BD%D1%91%D1%88%CC%8C.pdf&name=%D0%9A%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2_%D0%A7%D1%82%D0%BE_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B5%D1%88%D1%8C%2C_%D1%82%D0%BE_%D0%B8_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%BD%D1%91%D1%88%CC%8C.pdf&nosw=1)**.

Anton Chikin, the chief designer of the **»Infostart Jet» laboratory**, elaborated on the architectural advantages of the platform, noting that its modularity (models, agents, API) allows for flexibility and scalability tailored to clients’ specific needs. His presentation can be viewed **[here](https://docs.yandex.ru/docs/view?url=ya-disk-public%3A%2F%2FYgLgMKsjK%2FM7AWnpTH%2FMPrc2JgabxgppZxlC9KDIs0YZwsd0aOd6Edf66ts993xMq%2FJ6bpmRyOJonT3VoXnDag%3D%3D%3A%2F%D0%A7%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BD_%D0%9F%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%B0%20%d0%b4%D0%bb%D1%8F%20%d1%83%d0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F%20%d0%ba%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%BC%D0%B8%20%d0%98%D0%98-%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B8%20%D0%B8%20%d0%b5%D0%B5%20%d0%b0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B0.pdf&name=%D0%A7%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BD_%D0%9F%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%B0%20%d0%b4%D0%bb%D1%8F%20%d1%83%d0%bf%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F%20%d0%ba%D0%be%D1%80%D0%bf%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%BC%D0%B8%20И%D0%98-%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B8%20%d0%b8%20%d0%b5%d0%b5%20%d0%b0%d1%80%d1%85%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%82%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B0.pdf&nosw=1)**.

In the technical labs area, two network gaming booths were set up: Need For Speed: The BGP Cup and NetCraft. Participants in the first game had to configure the network according to specific rules and diagrams, while the second game was a strategy challenge for network engineers involving the capture of castles through equipment configuration.

The cybersecurity specialists at «Infostart Jet» presented the latest testing results of solutions available on the Russian market in their own NGFW laboratory. The results are published on their website: **[https://ngfw.jet.su/](https://ngfw.jet.su/)**. Conference participants learned about the testing process in the Cybersecurity Laboratory and how the testing outcomes assist companies in selecting the optimal protection tools for their infrastructure.

Experts from Jet & YandexGPT Lab showcased a demo version of their platform, which serves as a universal interface for creating and managing corporate AI agents capable of addressing specific business challenges using the company’s confidential data.

The OCS booth displayed the capabilities of the network equipment demonstration fund. Guests were able to explore complete kits for comprehensive networking solutions including IP fabrics, Wi-Fi networks, and WDM systems, and to learn more about the advantages of Russian-made Nerpa equipment.

Experts from «Digital Solutions» demonstrated the functioning of the DS Proxima load balancers within the Jet NGFW LAB and initiated a scalable web application protection system integrated with the Russian WAF from SolidWall.

The Network Technologies team showcased Eltex equipment, and visitors to their booth competed in the speed of BGP and ATC configurations.

**—**

**We will continue the conversation about the present and future of IT in Russia at the large conference IT Elements 2025**, which will encompass four tracks: networking solutions, IT infrastructure, information security, as well as data and AI.

We would be pleased to see you at the engineering community gathering; registration is already open: **[https://it-elements.ru](https://it-elements.ru)**.