Keynote Session: Thursday, November 7, 9:15 am – 10:15 am

Speaker: Ian Evans, CTO, Metify

Abstract: Ian Evans will explore the ongoing expansion and technological advances of Metify’s Photon ISP platform, built on FreeBSD, which delivers robust, high-performance wireless networks across Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

Session Highlights:

  • Platform Overview: Ian will delve into the Photon platform’s architecture, highlighting 4G/5G modem integration and alternative connectivity like Starlink, enabling versatile service across challenging terrain.

  • Reliability through FreeBSD: By leveraging FreeBSD, Photon achieves impressive uptimes for Metify’s services. Ian will share insights into how FreeBSD’s reliability forms the backbone of this platform’s operations.

  • Observability Platform: Metify’s FreeBSD-based observability stack, which combines Grafana, Telegraf, InfluxDB, and Prometheus, enables detailed monitoring of connectivity—covering cellular, fixed wireless, and satellite links.

  • Future Directions and Edge Expansion: Ian will outline Metify’s plans to extend its edge provisioning solution, Mojo, using Photon’s infrastructure to bring high-performance connectivity options to rural areas.

  • “Ruggedized FreeBSD” for Reliable Outdoor Solutions: Ian will present innovative prototypes for solar-powered, outdoor wireless networks that leverage “ruggedized FreeBSD” technologies, offering highly reliable, low-cost wireless solutions tailored to rural and remote applications.

This session offers a comprehensive look into Metify’s transformative efforts to bridge the connectivity gap for rural America, highlighting the essential role of FreeBSD in building resilient and scalable solutions.

Speaker Bio: Ian Evans, CTO at Metify, has been a dedicated FreeBSD innovator since 2009. With a focus on simplified, impactful technology, he has driven large-scale cloud and network infrastructure projects for Fortune 100 companies in senior roles at AWS, Verizon, QTS, and Red Hat. His expertise extends from rural wireless networks to edge computing and complex compliance projects in healthcare and federal sectors. Among his achievements are Verizon’s Secure Cloud Interconnect and numerous HIPAA-compliant systems. At Metify, Ian is expanding connectivity for rural America with the FreeBSD-based Photon ISP platform, aiming to bring affordable, resilient internet solutions to underserved regions.