Bringing networks to the northernmost location on Earth may send a few chills down your spine, but our today’s guest does not tremble neither before low temperatures nor the latest technological advancements. Because what really matters is to get the job done and provide the customers with solutions they can trust. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to our next Extreme Hero – Lars Huso from Data Equipment!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself first – what are you working on at Data Equipment? What would you consider your field of expertise?
I started my career in early 1990s, working with data center computers and dumb terminals directly connected with RS232 and current loop cabling. Soon after that we started to use Ethernet and repeaters, then HUBs and some time later – the switches. So it’s been a few years now… I remember 3com being the biggest vendor out there (laughs)!
As for the scope of my own activities at Data Equipment, I have worked with many different infrastructure products, including switches and routers, as well as wireless and management solutions. Recently I became involved with Network Access Control (NAC) solutions such as Extreme Control. And I should say that while I work with different vendors on a daily basis, my focus since 2005 has been centered around Extreme products, especially the ExtremeXOS solutions.
And why is that? How does Extreme technology influence your work?
I tend to focus on wireless because I share Extreme’s belief that Wi-Fi and LAN are actually two sides of the same coin, meaning one network. Over the years we have had numerous Wi-Fi solutions such as IdentiFi and WiNG to work with. So it was pretty exciting to see Extreme Networks acquire Avaya a few years back, as it soon gave us the opportunity to offer Extreme Connect to our customers. The technology itself has become a big focus and a major change for both me and Data Equipment. I really like the Fabric concept. Seeing how easily we can build strong network solutions with Extreme Fabric in the core and Fabric Attach on the edge, I think the future holds great promise!
You have worked at Data Equipment for over 20 years, which is quite impressive, because nowadays you don’t usually see people staying in one company this long. What’s the secret to such a dedication?
Data Equipment is a small company with dedicated employees who share a common goal. I have great colleagues and we all really enjoy working here. Due to our size, we have had the opportunity to adapt fast to the changing market while working with many different solutions and vendors. So believe me when I say that two days are never the same here! What also matters is that we tend to form close relationships with our customers, making us feel almost like close friends with a common goal – to provide the end-users with solutions they can trust.
What professional challenges do you like the most in your job?
I like to challenge myself with learning the ins and outs of new technology. I am always curious about new stuff and changes so getting the hang of them and seeing how they can be applied is something I do enjoy. I also like to take on new projects and see them through – from start to finish.
We have recently covered a case study involving Data Equipment and one of your major clients – Tussa IKT, a leading ISP in Møre og Romsdal district in Norway. Could you tell us something more about the project from your perspective?
I have worked with Tussa IKT for quite some time now and I’m proud to say that I have managed to help them a lot over the years. In fact, our good relationship was instrumental for the modernization project as we were able to provide a new, modern network with a Fabric. Since I didn’t have that much experience with the Fabric or SPB in general at the time, I wasn’t directly involved with the implementation itself. But during all these years at Data Equipment there have been many projects I have very fond memories of and it would extremely difficult to choose my favorite one. And though in many cases the products and solutions may be the same, every project is different and working with customers who are moving from one place or building to another is always fun because you can build something new and plan for the future.
How do you feel about forthcoming Wi-Fi 6 devices that are capable of 6 GHz operation, now officially dubbed Wi-Fi 6E by the Wi-Fi Alliance? In what ways do you think it will impact the world of networking?
It might be too early to say, but what I’m certain of is that consumers have always expressed their need for higher speed and better bandwidth. And I don’t expect it to change in the future as we’re all using the network more and more to listen to the music or watch films on streaming platforms. These applications require bandwidth and since nowadays everybody wants to be online all the time, the network has to respond quickly to that need. I believe that if we can use the 5 GHz band more efficiently, it should prove a great improvement for wireless networks and a good supplement to 5G.
What was your journey to the Extreme Hero program like? What made you want to join this club?
The reason for joining the Hero program was rather straightforward. My company have always wanted to be able to show our customers that our specialists are well-trained and certified. Certifications are prerequisite for becoming partners on the highest possible level, which makes a great competitive edge for us. But of course there’s also the fun part! I enjoy learning new stuff and being up to date with new capabilities of the products I’m involved with, so joining the Hero program was certainly very important for me.
Norway is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Do you often go on sightseeing trips? You probably travel a lot due to being an Extreme Hero? Or maybe you’re more of a home bird personally?
I have traveled Norway up and down since we have customers from all around the country. A few years ago we did a project in Svalbard, which is a group of islands located in the Arctic Ocean north of continental Norway, about 1,050 kilometers from the North Pole. It is the northernmost year-round settlement on Earth, with a population of about 2,200. Me and my colleague went there to install a wireless network for a coal miner community. It was winter and we had to mount the access points both inside and outside buildings. Even though I’m used to the winter and snow, it was a pretty memorable experience!
But I definitely enjoy a proper hike when I’m off the clock too. In any case, when I’m visiting certain places for the first time, I always make sure to try and have a look around. So you could probably say I have already seen most of the country. I like skiing during the winter and summertime sightseeing or relax on the beach. It may be a little known fact, but in Norway you can do almost everything, if you’re lucky with the weather. :)
Svalbard sounds pretty… chilling. Do you feel like a hero at work sometimes? :)
Honestly? Not really. At least not literally. I work in IT and I do not consider myself a hero. That said, it still feels pretty great when I realize that my work is appreciated!
