HN805: The Past, Present, and Future of NANOG

NANOG: The Past, Present, and Future of the North American Network Operation Group

The North American Network Operation Group (NANOG) has been a pivotal force in shaping the future of the internet since its inception in 1996. With a mission to foster collaboration among network operators, researchers, and industry professionals, NANOG has played a crucial role in advancing an open, secure, and robust internet. In late October 2025, during the NANOG Conference 95, Ethan Banks had the opportunity to speak with Steve Feldman, a seasoned member of NANOG's Board of Directors, who has been involved with the organization since its early days.

Steve Feldman joined NANOG in 1997, just a year after its founding, and has witnessed the group's evolution over the past three decades. He recalls the early days of NANOG as a small, grassroots initiative aimed at providing a platform for network operators to share knowledge and best practices. At that time, the internet was still in its infancy, and many challenges faced by network operators were unique to the rapidly changing technological landscape. NANOG's founders recognized the need for a collaborative environment where experts could come together to address these challenges and drive innovation.

Over the years, NANOG has grown significantly, becoming one of the largest and most influential organizations in the global internet community. Its conferences, workshops, and forums have attracted thousands of attendees from across North America and beyond. NANOG's focus on openness and collaboration has allowed it to tackle a wide range of issues, from network security and protocol development to infrastructure resilience and policy advocacy.

One of the key milestones in NANOG's history was the adoption of the IPv6 protocol. In the early 2000s, as the demand for internet services grew exponentially, the limitations of IPv4 became increasingly apparent. NANOG played a critical role in promoting the transition to IPv6, organizing workshops, and providing resources to help network operators prepare for the shift. Today, IPv6 is a standard part of the internet infrastructure, and NANOG's efforts have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition.

In recent years, NANOG has continued to adapt to the evolving needs of the internet ecosystem. With the rise of new technologies such as 5G, IoT, and blockchain, the organization has expanded its scope to include these areas. NANOG has also become more involved in policy advocacy, working to shape the regulatory environment in a way that supports innovation and competition.

Looking to the future, NANOG remains committed to its core mission of advancing the internet. As new challenges emerge, such as cybersecurity threats and the need for greater network diversity, the organization is poised to lead the way. Steve Feldman emphasized the importance of maintaining a collaborative spirit within NANOG, as well as its broader community. He noted that the organization's success has always relied on the collective expertise and dedication of its members.

In conclusion, NANOG's journey from a small, grassroots initiative to a global leader in internet governance is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. Its past achievements, combined with its unwavering commitment to the future of the internet, position NANOG as a vital force in shaping the digital landscape for years to come. As the organization continues to evolve, its members will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities, but NANOG's enduring principles of openness, security, and robustness will guide it through whatever lies ahead.