The field of network security and architecture is rapidly evolving, with a focus on optimizing data paths, improving security, and increasing efficiency. Recent developments have centered around the use of innovative technologies such as Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6) and cyber deception frameworks to enhance network security and performance. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards making research tools and techniques more accessible to a wider community of researchers and hobbyists, such as through the use of low-cost microcontrollers for SIM tracing. Noteworthy papers in this area include: Perry, a high-level framework for accelerating cyber deception experimentation, which enables operators to easily design and explore deception scenarios. SIMulator, a low-cost SIM tracing solution that makes cellular network research more accessible to a broader community of researchers and hobbyists.