It Starts With Empty Racks
The InteropNet begins with a series of empty equipment racks called 'Peds' in show vernacular. Some will be on the expo floor, some in the NOC (network operations center), and some in the depths of the convention center. Each will be stocked with the equipment necessary to do its assigned job, and all will be connected via fiber-optic cables.
(Image: Curtis Franklin, Jr. for InformationWeek)

