In this episode of IT SPARC Cast – News Bytes, John and Lou cover the latest updates from Ubiquiti, Google, and the global supply chain.

First, UniFi Network 9.5 rolls out with Channel AI, a next-gen visualization tool that uses AI to map RF interference, optimize channels, and improve roaming performance. Add in wired port anomaly detection, Bonjour and multicast enhancements, and it’s clear—Ubiquiti’s aiming straight at the enterprise.

Then, a new report from UC San Diego and the University of Maryland reveals that half of all geostationary satellites are transmitting unencrypted data—including in-flight Wi-Fi, phone calls, and even critical infrastructure telemetry. Lou calls it “the coffee shop Wi-Fi of enterprise networking.”

Finally, Microsoft, AWS, and Google are all cutting China out of their supply chains, relocating server, switch, and AI chip production to India, Thailand, and Vietnam to reduce risk and geopolitical exposure. The move may reshape where tomorrow’s cloud is built.

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⏱️ Show Notes

00:00 - Intro

John & Lou tee up the week’s biggest IT stories with a mix of insight, humor, and caffeine.

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00:48 - Introducing UniFi Network 9.5

•Major update to UniFi’s platform with Channel AI for real-time RF visualization.

•Enhanced roaming for Apple devices.

•New wired port anomaly detection and better multicast handling.

•Lou calls it “the most enterprise-ready version of UniFi yet.”

https://blog.ui.com/article/releasing-unifi-network-9-5 

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06:18 - Satellites Found Exposing Unencrypted Data

•Researchers intercepted sensitive traffic from half of all GEO satellites.

•Data included calls, in-flight Wi-Fi, and industrial telemetry.

•Some providers, like AT&T and T-Mobile Mexico, are still unpatched.

•John warns: “Satellites are the coffee shop Wi-Fi of enterprise networks.”

•Encrypt your traffic at the endpoint—don’t rely on the carrier.

https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/14/satellites-found-exposing-unencrypted-data-including-phone-calls-and-some-military-comms/  

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12:24 - Microsoft, AWS, and Google Are Reducing China’s Role in Their Supply Chains

•Microsoft aims for 80% of Surface, Xbox, and server production outside China by 2026.

•AWS and Google shifting to India, Thailand, and Vietnam.

•Lou notes: “The white boxes in your rack probably started in a hyperscaler design lab.”

•Reduced tariffs, diversified supply, and fewer geopolitical risks ahead.

https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/16/microsoft-aws-and-google-are-trying-to-drastically-reduce-chinas-role-in-their-supply-chains/ 

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18:05 - Mail Bag & Wrap Up

Listener Tom writes in, celebrating Synology’s decision to restore third-party drive compatibility:

“They’re back at the top of my list.”

IT SPARC Cast

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John Barger

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Lou Schmidt

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