How Meter is Making Networking Cool Again

In a world of increasing network demands, Meter is redefining what modern networking can and should be. Founded by two visionary network engineers, Meter aims to make networking not only more efficient but also more engaging by integrating innovative hardware, software, and operational capabilities. Let’s explore how Meter is transforming the traditional networking landscape and shaping the future of connectivity.

Anil Varanasi, Cofounder and CEO, Meter & Sunil Varanasi, Cofounder and CTO, Meter

A Holistic Approach to Networking

Meter has taken a unique approach to simplifying networking by focusing on vertical integration. Unlike other networking providers that treat hardware as a commodity and outsource key components, Meter develops all hardware and software in-house. This vertical integration gives them complete control over the quality and performance of their products, enabling tight coordination between hardware, software, and network operations.

Meter provides an end-to-end service that covers the entire lifecycle of a networking solution, from initial design to ongoing maintenance. This holistic approach reduces complexity, creating a smoother experience for customers and allowing network engineers to operate more efficiently.

Customer Focus and Vertical Integration

One of Meter’s core values is its focus on customer-centric solutions. This is evident in their innovative buyback program, which makes it easier for organizations to upgrade outdated network hardware without incurring high costs. By removing financial obstacles, Meter encourages customers to adopt state-of-the-art networking technology and keep their infrastructures current.

Meter’s in-house development approach also fosters a tight feedback loop between customers and engineers. Insights gained from customer experiences are directly integrated into product development, enabling continuous improvements in network performance, security, and customer satisfaction.

Meter architecture designed to scale to hundreds of thousands of networks

Bringing Security and Simplicity Together

Meter serves a diverse range of industries, including education and finance, which require stringent compliance and security protocols. Leveraging user space networking and TLS encryption, Meter ensures that security is an integral part of its architecture. Security measures are built into every layer of the solution, reducing vulnerabilities and giving customers peace of mind.

Meter’s platforms are designed for cloud management allowing all hardware to be managed remotely, reducing the need for on-site interventions and improving operational efficiency. A unified operating system across all devices further reduces maintenance efforts and ensures compatibility.

Meter develops all hardware and software in-house

Faster Deployment with Virtual Operations

By focusing on Day Zero, Meter streamlines configuration and onboarding from the beginning. This minimizes future operational issues, setting the stage for efficient network management.

The virtualization layer in Meter’s architecture allows network configurations to be prepared before physical hardware is deployed. This means customers can adapt quickly and make changes without worrying about physical configurations. For example, switches can be automatically configured based on device type, eliminating the need for manual VLAN assignments. This significantly reduces human error and enhances security through proper segmentation.

Empowering Network Engineers

Meter’s tools are designed to enhance the roles of network practitioners rather than replace them. The multiplayer command interface allows real-time collaboration for troubleshooting, enabling multiple engineers to work together to resolve issues quickly. By fostering teamwork, Meter creates a collaborative network management environment that values the expertise of individual practitioners.

Additionally, Meter’s real-time monitoring capabilities provide instant insights into network health and device performance. This proactive approach allows engineers to quickly identify and address potential issues, resulting in more stable and resilient networks. By simplifying their workload and providing meaningful insights, engineers can focus on strategic tasks rather than repetitive troubleshooting.

Automated hardware & software testing bed at MeterLabs

Looking Ahead: Global Expansion and Future Growth

Currently serving customers across North America and Europe, Meter plans to expand into the APAC region by 2025. This move demonstrates the company’s ambition to grow globally while maintaining high service standards.

Meter is also pursuing strategic vendor collaborations to enhance interoperability. While committed to the vertical integration model, Meter recognizes the need for flexibility when integrating with other vendors’ systems. By supporting API integrations and working with existing vendor hardware, Meter provides customers with a wide range of choices for building and maintaining their networks.

Making Networking Cool Again

Meter isn’t just about building great networking products—it’s about rekindling the passion for networking. In an industry often seen as stagnant, Meter’s mission is to make networking “cool” again. They aim to inspire network practitioners with high-performance solutions that meet technical needs while sparking excitement about what’s possible.

By embracing a holistic and customer-focused approach, Meter is making networking more accessible, reliable, and efficient for organizations of all sizes. With their commitment to innovation and quality, Meter is positioned to be a driving force in the future of connectivity, enabling companies to build secure, scalable, and high-performing networks that support their growth.

“It’s really fun to see the pace at which this stuff is getting disruptive … We’ve never experienced this rate of creative destruction as we are right now.”  – Jay Parikh

Sit-down with Jay Parikh Board member, Atlassian Former CEO, Lacework and Global VP of Engineering, Facebook

Slàinte!

Resources

MeterUp 2024

https://www.meter.com/events/meterup-2024

Meter at #NFD36

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