Networking startup Meter draws inspiration from Steve Jobs' visionary playbook—imagine a world where even the most mundane tech components are crafted with elegance and purpose. But here's where it gets intriguing: how can a company redefine networking, a field often hidden in the shadows, by infusing it with the same magic that made Apple products irresistible? Stick around, because this tale of innovation and ambition might just change how you see the tech world. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about code and circuits; it's about making them feel alive.
Picture this: Anil Varanasi, CEO and co-founder of Meter, stood on a stage with a stunning view of San Francisco Bay during the company's annual networking event. He declared passionately, 'We're passionate about transmitting data packets.' He went on to explain, 'You all probably get this deeply, but everything around us boils down to packets. No matter your profession, it's packets all the way through.'
To clarify for beginners, packets are like tiny digital envelopes carrying information across networks—think of them as the building blocks of the internet, from emails to videos. Just minutes later, a massive container ship sailed by under the Bay Bridge. While Docker's containers aren't technically packets, both are abstract ways to transport data, showing how ideas evolve in tech.
(Image of container ship visible from Meter Up - Click to enlarge)
Varanasi expressed worry about the networking field, noting that while the number of networking engineers is dropping, networks, devices, and data volumes are surging. Meter aims to fix this by improving networking with AI—though they carefully avoid overusing the buzzword—promising fully autonomous networks by 2026.
'If we enhance networking, computing power improves too,' Varanasi shared. 'That's why we're developing models from scratch to handle the three essential networking tasks: designing, configuring, and managing networks.'
While Varanasi doesn't mirror Steve Jobs' iconic black turtlenecks or demeanor, his philosophy echoes Apple's Cupertino roots. Recall how Jobs referenced Xerox PARC's Alan Kay, who said serious software creators should build their own hardware. Meter is doing just that.
This decade-old, privately held company is mirroring Apple's vertically integrated model with a comprehensive networking-as-a-service platform covering hardware, firmware, operating system, software, APIs, and AI models.
They're going head-to-head with giants like Arista, Palo Alto Networks, and Cisco, backed by a fresh $170 million in Series C funding.
You can sense Jobs' influence in Varanasi's take on Meter's networking equipment. 'We don't think hardware should be treated as a generic commodity,' he emphasized. 'Hardware deserves to be beautiful, evoking the grandeur of cathedrals, circuits, and meaningful materials.'
This is a bold stance—considering most folks don't lavish praise on firewalls, routers, switches, and access points, as they're usually tucked away and not exactly eye-catching. Unlike Apple's sleek consumer gadgets with premium packaging and exotic finishes, networking gear doesn't scream 'luxury.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Meter's obsession with 'beautiful' hardware just a gimmick, or could it signal a real shift in how we value tech infrastructure? Joshua Markell, head of hardware, raved about Meter Switches on stage, pushing for aesthetics by moving a port just 2 millimeters for better alignment.
'I want users to see this and trust that we nail the details, so they know we handle the big picture,' Markell said. This dedication to craftsmanship feels reassuring in an era where AI-generated content often falls short of quality. Yet, it's puzzling since Meter's clients don't buy the hardware—they pay a monthly subscription based on the square footage of their locally installed, cloud-managed equipment. So, while the gear might resemble a majestic cathedral, customers are more like appreciative visitors than proud owners.
Varanasi didn't quite capture Jobs' sharp wit when faced with tough questions. Later that morning, Ethernet inventor Bob Metcalfe challenged him: 'Do you see AI as potentially overhyped?'
Varanasi skillfully sidestepped with a grin, drawing chuckles from the crowd.
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Metcalfe finds Meter's networking-as-a-service model compelling. Over lunch, he told The Register that before Meter, it wasn't obvious businesses would adopt this approach.
Then, we turned to Metcalfe for the answer Varanasi avoided.
'There's certainly a bubble,' Metcalfe confirmed. 'The question is just when it'll burst.' ®
What do you think—should AI be treated with more skepticism in networking, or is Meter's cautious optimism the way forward? Is making hardware 'beautiful' a revolutionary idea, or just marketing fluff? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Metcalfe's bubble warning, or do you see AI as a sustainable game-changer? Let's discuss!
