Technical Support Quality Assurance

Muhammad Atif

E-mail: *******@*****.***

**** ******* ***, ** ********** WA

Phone Cell: +1-425-***-****

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Automation and Alarm Management: Implemented automation techniques, alarm modulation, and Alarm Lifecycle Management (ALM) to enhance network efficiency and reduce alarm loads by 70%.

Lab Validation: Contributed as a 4G, 4G-NTN, 5G NSA/SA, 5G-NTN Lab Validation Engineer overseeing lab setups for various vendors and ensuring quality assurance in network deployments by (NVT) network validation testing, (SVT) service validation testing and IoT testing.

Network Operations Management: Managed Packet Core Data Network operations and maintenance by performing routine and corrective maintenance of core elements.

Troubleshooting Expertise: Applied correlation and automation methods for efficient troubleshooting, leveraging AI-ops tools like Splunk and Grafana for performance optimization in production network and always participate in troubleshooting NVT/SVT issues suggest restoring steps and find resolution, generate RCA route cause analysis reports.

Project Management Skills: Extensive experience in managing multiple tasks and competing priorities within demanding timeframes as a Project Manager and Technical Support lead.

Subject Matter Expertise: Acted as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all major Telecom Vendors (Nokia, Cisco, Ericsson) platforms with diverse experience in LTE, 5G, and legacy technologies.

AIOps and Machine Learning Integration: Utilized AI-ops tools to perform monitoring and maintenance of KPIs and employed machine learning techniques for alarm correlation, RCA (root cause analysis) and capacity forecasting.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked with cross-functional teams to improve processes and achieve measurable results, summarizing findings in interactive reports for stakeholder approval.

Performance Testing: Conduct, perform and implement performance, cloud-based Network Validation with stress/Tolerance testing on multi-vendor platforms.

5G Core Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in 5G Core nodes (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF) and engaged in Quality Assurance for various communication technologies, including VoLTE, RTT, IR94-Video Call, MCPTT/FNPTT/EPTT.

INNOVATION & AUTOMATION EXPERIENCE

Service providing organization with mix of legacy and new networks platforms generate large number of outstanding alarms particularly after migrated to SDN. Cloud base platforms, VM Virtual machines, are generate extra alarms on systems and function as per 1:M (One to Many) ration, having so many alarming issues it will be difficult to NOC operators to understand, classified and priorities troubleshooting. By performing “Alarm reduction” with using alarm modulation, correlation, and automation, with “ALM” this will defiantly improve, and it will be more efficient and manageable.

Perform “Alarm modulation” from AIOps tools to achieve alarm reduction in production environment.

Utilized ALM (Alarm Lifecycle Management) technique to achieve Alarm reduction goals.

Perform Time Correlation, Alarm forward & reverse Correlation and alarm splitting to automate process with AIOps tools.

Perform Data Acquisition to aggerate data from multivendor various platforms.

Using Data cleansing techniques on cluster by timestamp and subcluster by correlation methodology.

Summarize results in an interactive report and request approval for changes.

Perform changes as per requirement and use staging environment for testing.

Update OI (Operation Instruction) for “new Alarm” in KMS (Knowledge Management system).

Perform Automation technique on all possible automatable alarms.

Reduce 70% alarms load and automate 25% alarms.

Alarm modulation have been performed on both System level that include “Cloud computing” i.e. OpenStack and also function level, examples are GW, SMF, MME, AMF.

Satellite Communication for Public Safety Project:

Proud to support and actively participate in FirstNet (AT&T), public safety’s network partner with Satellite operator AST Project as Network team Lead. Wrote Test plans, perform testing and provide support on optimizing parameter to achieve results.

During on-site testing at AST Space Mobile’s Midland facility, we completed tests simulating how direct-to-device LEO satellite services could help support public safety’s mission in the future for applications such as wildfire and disaster response, and remote area coverage.

FirstNet, Built with AT&T, is the only nationwide public safety network built with and for America’s first responders in a public-private partnership with the FirstNet Authority.

Prepare Fault Tolerance Testing (ToL) cases, for Cell-to-Satellite communication.

Successfully perform Data/VoLTE/Video-Call/RTT/SMS/MMS/E911 and special design MCPTT/EPTT/FNPTT (FirstNet push to Talk) communication application launch between Cell-to-Satellite communication.

Successfully Demonstrate Cell-to-Satellite Demo at AST (Midland TX) lab by using production and simulated Satellite in front of FirstNet authorities with 100% test results accuracy.

Actively participate in resolving Primary, Secondary and Broadcast PLMN issues.

Ensure scenarios for Latency test cases.

Perform HPUE testing to enter Power Class 3 mode (>23 dBm) by attenuating signal to replicate far edge cell condition.

Suggestion workarounds for HPUE is transmitting at PC1 level on desired Band, to enhance UL/DL data throughput of different service type.

Adjust QoS for preemption capabilities for High Priority (First Net) user over Commercial users.

FirstNet (AT&T) WTC2 Redmond Lab, WA May 2022 – Till date

Lead Engineer Lab validation and production support Tech Mahindra USA

Expertise in 5G Core nodes like AMF, SMF, UPF & PCF.

Expertise in Quality Assurance in 5G, LTE, IMS, VoLTE, VoWifi.

Perform ATP (Acceptance test procedures) on all new VNF base solutions.

Experience in lab testing of chipsets, IOT devices and mobile (Android, iPhone) devices.

Involved in testing enhanced features for First Net (MCPTT, EPTT, FNPTT) via D2S (Device to Satellite).

Perform extensive testing on real nodes as well as simulator environments.

Participate and manage regression and feature testing.

Involve in lab exits with proper acceptance and certification process.

Validate new features and ensure quality standards.

Develop and review test plans.

Initiate, involve, implement and update test automation as per requirement.

Experience in Android/iOS Mobile lab validation testing.

Perform SIM and eSIM functionality and provisioning testing.

Execution of system test for validating of Software and Hardware updates and upgrades.

Develop, construct, test and maintain architectures.

Align architecture with business requirements.

Utilized AI-ops tools Splunk, Grafana and NetEx for automate regression testing and results validation.

Deploy sophisticated analytics programs with AI, machine learning and statistical methods.

Prepare data for predictive and prescriptive modeling by Utilizing AI-ops Splunk, Grafana and Power BI tools.

Find hidden patterns using AI-ops data processing tools.

Use data to discover tasks that can be automated and utilized NetEx platform to generate scripts and populate in runbook.

Experience in 5G, LTE Core network architecture, 3GPP call flows, data, log file analysis, and call failure analysis to debug wireless protocol issues.

T-Mobile, Snoqualmie, WA Sep 2011 – May 2022

4G & 5G Packet Core Data Engineer

Handled Network operations for Data Network.

Experience in analyzing Trace messages from Data Network.

Performed health checks and carried out analysis for Hardware and Software related issues.

Carried out routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance of Data core elements (Hardware and software).

Provided expert level support to alarms correlation and automation.

Nvidia GPU/CPU testing for Nokia Virtual MME/AMF (Mobility function) Nodes.

Nvidia GPU/CPU ATP testing for Cisco CNDP and Ultra-M GW (Gateway) platforms.

Execution of system test for validating of Software and Hardware updates and upgrades.

Raised and carried out SR’s/WO’s and TT (Service request, Work orders, trouble tickets) for issues related to Core, MCPTT, EPTT and FNPTT elements.

Investigate the alarms, troubleshooting the fault and reassurance with expert level support and Vendors.

Handled Trouble tickets/ SRs/ WOs within specified deadlines.

Provide Surveillance and fault management on Data network elements.

Develop, construct, test and maintain architectures.

Align architecture with business requirements.

Develop data set processes.

Use programming language and tools.

Identify ways to improve data reliability, efficiency, and quality.

4G LTE Lab Validations

Worked as 4G LTE lab validation engineer in Sprint lab on ALU, Ericsson-CISCO EPG lab environment setup and solutions.

Worked as 4G lab validation engineer for Sprint on Nokia, ALU, NSN-Ericsson 4G lab environment setup and solutions.

Involving in management of multiple regression testing, exploratory testing and performance testing,

Worked as part of a team in support of 4G EPG HW and SW test related activities.

Wrote troubleshooting guides and user manual, MOP according to test requirements.

Implemented, maintained, and troubleshoot Ericsson MME/CPG/EPG problems in Lab.

Performed deployment, administration, monitoring and troubleshooting of existing 4G lab equipment.

Created customized reports and analyzed reports from NetScout on a day-to-day basis as per business requirement.

Worked with other vendor on IoT testing.

Performing and analyzing protocol and interoperability test.

Perform test cases related to Quality Assurance in 4G, IMS, VoLTE.

Provided daily system report to customer on LTE development lab environment.

Sr Technical Support Engineer Service Assurance – NOKIA Platforms

Worked as service assurance operation engineer for OSS team position involving management of multiple UNIX and Windows servers and telecom applications in a highly dynamic environment.

SME for Nokia platforms, design, implementation, development and deployment.

Develop ATP (Acceptance test procedures) documents and wrote MOP’s for the certification of all Nokia new nodes (NetAct, ALUSAM, 7705. 7750) equipment’s.

Worked as part of a team in support of operational and project related activities including GSM, UMTS, LTE and 5G.

Provided technical and operational support to other departments and teams as required in support of business objectives.

Monitored performance and troubleshot related issues for OSS, BSC, RNC, SGSN, GGSN, MME, PGW, SGW and PCRF.

Utilized Nokia OSS platform, GSM / UMTS, LTE architecture, VoIP and 3GPP specifications.

Monitored multiple system alerts and police by HP SA and HP OVO.

Provided technical support to other departments, other teams and as well as with vendors as required in support of business objectives.

Nvidia GPU/CPU ATP testing for NMS (Network Management System) for Cisco’s Splunk and Nokia NetAct platform ATP.

Wrote troubleshooting guides and user manual, MOP as well as user requirements in project for telecom applications.

Implemented, maintained and troubleshot ALU SAM 5620 application/DB/AUX server.

Performed deployment, administration, monitoring and troubleshooting of Splunk.

Created customized reports and analyzed reports from Splunk on a day-to-day basis as per business requirement.

Worked with NSN Netact, NSN Traffica, for OSS implementation and troubleshooting.

Monitored Layer 3 MPLS network element and SNMP ports performance.

Created technical and troubleshooting documents and MOP for any activity in OSS.

Provided troubleshooting for ALU and Cisco routers and checkpoint firewall-related issues.

Monitored and administered of Splunk and checked logs for any trouble or activity.

Provided daily system administration support for ALU SAM5620, JDSU, Splunk, Polyview, NSN Netact, Arantech Touchpoint, Spirent test center live.

Troubleshot with routers ALU/Nokia 7705, 7750.

Provided daily Tier 2 and Tier 3 level support for applications NMS servers NetAct, ALUSAM, JDSU Vision.

EMS/Act, Ceragon Polyview, Arantech Touchpoint, Spirent test center live, TNF MIDAS Probe.

Technical Support Engineer MSC SWAP – Nokia/Ericsson/Huawei/ Mavenir Platforms

Created and enhanced technical and troubleshooting documents and MOP for SWAP projects.

Replacing legacy circuit-switched MSC with an IP-based softswitches, IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem).

Decommissioning a Legacy/3G MSC as part of a broader transition to 4G/5G networks.

Migrating voice traffic from legacy MSCs to SIP-based platforms (VoLTE, VoNR).

Redirecting signaling traffic from SS7 to IP-based protocols (e.g., SIP, Diameter).

Retiring the logical MSC functions, which may or may not involve hardware removal.

Integrating the MSC's functionality into IP-based systems like IMS for unified management.

Nortel, Ericsson, Huawei Technologies Jan 2002 – Aug 2011

Project Management & RAN Implementation

Extensive experience as a Project Manager and Technical Support RAN Expert in the telecommunications industry.

Successfully managed end-to-end delivery of complex network deployment projects, including RAN and BSS solutions.

Built and maintained strong external client relationships, ensuring clear communication with stakeholders throughout project execution.

Demonstrated multitasking abilities by delivering multiple projects concurrently, managing internal, client-based, and third-party staff.

Hands-on experience in LTE eUTRAN/RAN/BSS equipment in the cellular industry.

Expertise in RAN/BSS rollout management, technical support, preparation of SWAP plans, and subcontractor management.

Proficient in team building, software version and patch upgrades, change management, re-homing, and cutovers for Huawei equipment and networks.

In-depth knowledge of Huawei 3G WCDMA RAN & M2000 3G, including local terminal maintenance.

Skilled in parametric modification changes for Class1, Class2, and Class3 parameters for RAN elements.

Coordinated with BTS O&M and project implementation personnel during site integration, troubleshooting, and BSC re-homing.

Implemented work orders and activities to enhance network performance and subscriber satisfaction.

Conducted dimensioning of RAN BSS network resources, ensuring optimal capacity availability.

Managed RAN network security and administrations, ensuring a secure and efficient operation.

Accountable for BSS (BTS and BSC) implementation, ensuring high-quality standards by managing sub-vendors/subcontractors.

Provided expertise in Radio Access Node (RAN) configuration, KPI maintenance, software upgrades, and troubleshooting for 2G and 3G cells.

VENDORS TOOLS

NSN NetAct

Traffica TMS server

ALUSAM 5620

STCL Spirent

Ceragon Polyview

WireShark, IRIS, RADCOM, ANT

Kubernetes

Azure

Splunk

Grafana

N-Genius

Cacti

AWS

OpenStack

VMware

NetScout

QXDM, XCAL

Unix, Linux

CISCO

Visio

AI TOOLS

NetEx

Splunk

Grafana

Power BI

OneConsole & 1Data (T-Mobile platform used to monitor network and perform Automation)

TRANING

Certified Project Manager CPM, Professionals Institute of Excellence.

Project Management Office PMO Workshop, PMI Karachi Pakistan Chapter

Project Management Professional PMP Workshop, New Horizons Karachi

3G WCDMA Training Huawei, Huawei Egypt

SW and HW Server Up gradation, Nortel China

BSS Operation and Maintenance, Nortel France

VENDORS

Ericsson (eNB, MME, CPG,EPG)

Nokia (MME, AMF)

NSN including NetAct, TMS, and TNES

Arantech Touchpoint

Splunk

JDSU

Ceragon Polyview

Nvidia

EMC

ALUSAM 5620

Mavenir

CISCO (SGW, PGW, SMF, UPF)

Spirent

Nortel

Huawei

TECHNOLOGIES

AMF

SMF

UPF

4G LTE

E-UTRAN

MME

EPC

SGW, PGW

eNB, NR

OpenStack

VMware

Kubernetes

Nvidia GPU/CPU

MCPTT

EPTT

FNPTT

SIP

SS7

Cisco ASR 5500, CUP, CNDP

Programming Skills

C, C ++, Python

Shell scripting

EDUCATION

B.E.I.T., Telecommunication, 2003

Hamdard University, Karachi

Immigration Status:

US Lawful Permanent Resident

Always willing to work “On site”.

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