SANDIP RATHOD

Mumbai, India

ad4hzs@r.postjobfree.com/ ad4hzs@r.postjobfree.com

+91-968*******

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbqZYT4q7Ps5ii6pVaE48qw (YouTube channel on Cisco ACI Video) CAREER OBJECTIVE

Dynamic and seasoned Double CCIE professional with over 19 years of extensive experience in designing, planning, and implementing complex network infrastructures, demonstrating a deep understanding of advanced networking concepts. Exploring challenging leadership assignment to leverage comprehensive expertise in leading large-scale engagements, managing diverse global clients, and driving innovative solutions for complex network challenges. Committed to contributing strategic insights, fostering collaborative relationships, and delivering superior technical solutions to achieve organizational excellence. LEADERSHIP STRENGTHS

Proven track record of leading multiple large-scale engagements across diverse global markets, showcasing adeptness in managing varied client requirements and delivering tailored solutions to meet business objectives.

Successfully managed major enterprise clients and ISP infrastructure deployments, utilizing advanced Layer-3 and Layer-2 enabled devices to ensure seamless network operations and optimized performance. Proficient in network planning and implementation across Data Centers (DC), Local Area Networks (LAN), and Wide Area Networks (WAN), adept at developing comprehensive High-Level Designs (HLD), Low-Level Designs (LLD), and Network Implementation Plans (NIP).

Adept communicator with refined relationship-building, leadership, and coordination skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders, driving consensus towards strategic objectives.

Possesses strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to problem-solving, adept at identifying challenges, devising innovative solutions, and implementing best practices to enhance network efficiency and reliability.

Proactively engaged in exploring new technologies, participating in Proof of Concepts (POCs), and validating emerging solutions to stay abreast of industry trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the network infrastructure.

Strategic thinker with the ability to envision the broader picture, make data-driven decisions, and lead teams towards achieving business and operational excellence, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives. EXCELLENCE SPHERE

Network Design

Project Management

Global Engagement

IP Network Integration

End-to-End Solution Validation

Customer Relationship Management

Network Troubleshooting

Solution Architecture

Risk Management

Vendor Collaboration

Operational Excellence

Team Building & Leadership

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Network Devices: Cisco Routers Series - ASR9K, ASR1K, Cisco7600

Cisco Catalyst Switches: Cat-35XX, 37XX, 4507, 65XX

Cisco DC Switches: ACI, Nexus 7K, N9K, N3K, 2K, UCS, FI, vCenter

Technologies: ACI, Virtualization, Routing Protocol (BGP/OSPF/EIGRP etc.) MPLS, MPBGP, L3VPN, L2VPN, VXLAN, EVPN, Segment Routing, Switching, Multicast protocols, QoS, Virtualization etc. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Rakuten Symphony Dusseldorf, Germany

IPTX Solution Architect Dec 2021 - Present

Notable Accomplishments:

Orchestrated efforts to enhance operational efficiency and improve business continuity, by planning, designing, and installing multiple Data Centers, ensuring seamless end-to-end reachability between applications via IP & Secure network infrastructure.

Played key role in optimizing network performance and reliability, by spearheading the planning, design, and deployment of Telco Data Centers (DC) and Customer Units (CU)/Distribution Units (DU) for 1&1 Customer, integrating IP networks across DCs and ensuring seamless connectivity with various external systems, such as FCAPS, OSS, and Security components.

Made significant contributions to mitigate risks and minimize downtime, resulting in uninterrupted business operations and high client satisfaction, by leading the end-to-end validation of complex network solutions, ensuring the robustness and integrity of the IP Network infrastructure.

Enhanced network capabilities and met evolving business requirements, driving continuous improvement and innovation, by initiating and executing Proof of Concepts (POCs) for innovative solutions within the Telco Data Center environment, evaluating new technologies and features.

Key Deliverables:

Managed the entire lifecycle of multiple Data Centers, including planning, design, installation, and day-to-day operations, ensuring adherence to project timelines, budget constraints, and quality standards, while maintaining optimal performance and reliability.

Provided comprehensive connectivity solutions within, between, and outside Data Centers, leveraging technologies such as Cisco ACI, NX-OS, and IOS-XR nodes to facilitate seamless communication between various applications, including RAN, Core, OSS, BSS, and InfraSec components.

Took charge of planning and executing the procurement process, preparing Bill of Quantities (BOQ), and managing vendor relationships to ensure timely acquisition of necessary equipment and resources for Data Center build-outs, optimizing resource utilization and cost-effectiveness.

Conducted rigorous validation and testing of new solutions, features, and image updates within the Telco Data Center environment, ensuring compatibility, stability, and performance optimization of the IP Network infrastructure, minimizing potential risks and disruptions.

Cisco System Mumbai, India

Solution Architect Jan 2010 - Dec 2021

Notable Accomplishments:

Successfully led engagements with global customers and advanced services teams across diverse regions including the US, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, establishing strong rapport and driving collaborative efforts to meet client needs.

Pioneered the implementation of the “Network as a Platform” vision for Cisco customers, driving strategic initiatives to transform traditional network infrastructures into agile, programmable platforms, fostering innovation and enabling digital transformation.

Achieved the CCIE Service Provider certification, validating proficiency in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex service provider networks, showcasing dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Key Deliverables:

Demonstrated expertise in a wide array of technologies including Routing, Switching, Cisco ACI, NXOS, VXLAN, Multicast, and MPLS, leveraging advanced solutions to address complex network challenges and deliver value-added services to clients.

Spearheaded the deployment of Cisco ACI across more than 50 Telco Data Centers for one of the largest Service Providers in India within a span of 2 years, from successful Proof of Concept (POC) to end-to-end automation of deployment and integration with customer FCAPS solutions, optimizing network performance and operational efficiency.

Orchestrated the planning, design, deployment, and migration of Cisco Customer networks utilizing cutting-edge Cisco equipment and technologies, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal performance enhancements for clients.

As a Solution Architect, collaborated with sales teams to understand customer requirements, devising tailored solutions, and presenting compelling proposals to clients, resulting in successful deal closures and heightened customer satisfaction.

Presented the Virtual Topology System (VTS) Solution at Cisco LIVE in Las Vegas, demonstrating innovative approaches to network virtualization and automation, and contributing to industry knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

Delivered multiple training sessions to Cisco clients on various solutions, imparting expertise and best practices to enhance their understanding and utilization of Cisco technologies, empowering clients to leverage advanced capabilities for business growth and innovation.

PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENTS

VPN Owner - Orange Business Service, Gurgaon, India (Nov 2007 - Dec 2009) Technical Associate - Tech Mahindra Ltd., Pune, India (Dec 2005 - Oct 2007) Planning & Implementation Network Engineer - VSNL, City, India (Jul 2004 - Nov 2005) EDUCATION

B.E. - Electronics and Communication, Saurashtra University - 64% (2004) PERSONAL DETAILS

Date of Birth: 09 Apr 1983

Nationality: Indian

Languages Known: English, Hindi, Gujarati

Location Preference: Mumbai, Pune

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