Network Engineer Palo Alto

MADHAVI KAKANI

NETWORK ENGINEER

Email: ***********@*****.***

Phone: 984-***-****

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:

Network Engineer with 8+ years of background in designing, implementing, and managing enterprise LAN/WAN networks for high availability and secure operations. Expert in advanced routing and switching (Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, HP), VLANs, OSPF, EIGRP, and Layer 2/3 configurations. Skilled in firewall management (Palo Alto, Cisco ASA, Fortinet, pfSense) and Zero Trust Networking to safeguard enterprise infrastructure. Proficient in VPN solutions (IPSec, SSL, SD-WAN) and cloud networking (AWS, Azure) for seamless hybrid connectivity. Led development of real-time embedded systems with rigorous timing constraints, integrating low-level diagnostics, secure communication protocols, and reliability mechanisms to meet industry standards. Diagnosed and resolved complex network and software anomalies across embedded and distributed systems, leveraging protocol-level inspection and system logs to isolate root causes and distinguish hardware faults from software defects. Experienced in network automation (Python, Ansible, PowerShell) and monitoring (Nagios, Zabbix, SolarWinds) to improve uptime and performance. Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills, with proven ability to deliver measurable improvements in network reliability and efficiency.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Networking & Routing: LAN/WAN, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, Subnetting, IPAM, Layer 2/3 Switches & Routers (Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, HP), OSPF, EIGRP, STP, Wi-Fi 6/7, QoS, VPNs (IPSec, SSL, SD-WAN, Site-to-Site, Remote Access)

Firewall & Security: Palo Alto, Cisco ASA, Fortinet, pfSense, Zero Trust Networking, ACLs, NAT, Security Policies

Cloud & Virtualization: AWS (VPC, Hybrid Connectivity), Azure (Security Groups, Hybrid Networking)

Monitoring & Automation: Nagios, Zabbix, PRTG, SolarWinds, Wireshark, Python, Ansible, PowerShell

Servers & Directory Services: Windows Server 2012/2016, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Linux

CERTIFICATIONS:

Certified Cisco Network Associate (CCNA).

EXPERIENCE:

First Commonwealth Bank, Indiana, PA

Network Engineer July 2024 - Present

Implemented IPSec, SSL VPN, and SD-WAN solutions, and enabled secure connectivity for 200+ remote users and branch offices.

Designed and implemented Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) protocols for latency-critical financial applications, enabling deterministic data delivery and synchronized micro services across hybrid cloud (AWS) environments.

Developed and optimized network communication layers leveraging TCP, UDP, IPv4/IPv6, and IPSec to ensure secure, low-latency data exchange across embedded systems, cloud-native platforms, and regulated domains.

Configured and optimized AWS Route 53 for scalable, resilient, and cost-effective DNS management, including latency-based routing, failover, and health checks.

Deployed and managed Google Cloud DNS services, integrating with hybrid and multi-cloud architectures for seamless domain resolution.

Integrated Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) protocols into real-time operating systems and hypervisor environments, enabling deterministic packet delivery and synchronization for mission-critical applications in healthcare and industrial automation.

Monitored and optimized network performance with Nagios and Zabbix, reducing downtime and improving SLA compliance.

Designed, implemented, and managed end-to-end LAN/WAN networks, including TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP, ensuring high availability and optimal performance.

Configured and optimized advanced switches and routers (Cisco, Aruba) with Layer 2/3, VLANs, OSPF, and EIGRP for enterprise-scale environments.

Administered firewall and security policies using Palo Alto and Zero Trust Networking, implementing ACLs and NAT rules to secure network infrastructure.

Managed cloud networking infrastructure in AWS, including VPC setup, hybrid connectivity, and security group configurations.

Automated network tasks and monitoring using Python, Ansible, and PowerShell scripts, and improved operational efficiency.

Tracked and resolved network issues through the Jira ticketing system, coordinating with teams to ensure SLA compliance.

Conducted network simulations and design testing using Packet Tracer and GNS3, validating deployment strategies.

Supported Windows Server and Active Directory services, including DNS and DHCP, for integrated network and directory services.

MetroPlusHealth, New York, NY

Network Administrator February 2023 - June 2024

Managed LAN/WAN network infrastructure, including TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP, to maintain reliable connectivity across multiple sites.

Administered Juniper and HP switches and routers, and performed Layer 2/3 configurations, VLAN setups, and ACL management for optimized network performance.

Developed and maintained custom Linux device drivers for high-performance embedded platforms, enabling seamless hardware-software integration, low-level diagnostics, and real-time data acquisition across regulated domains.

Developed performance-critical modules in x86 and ARM assembly, optimizing boot sequences, interrupt handling, and hardware interfacing for embedded and real-time systems across regulated domains.

Implemented and maintained firewall and security policies using Cisco ASA and Fortinet, including ACLs and NAT rules, to safeguard enterprise networks.

Deployed and managed VPN solutions, including site-to-site and remote access, and ensured secure communication for remote offices and users.

Monitored network performance with PRTG, identifying potential bottlenecks and optimizing system reliability.

Managed IP addressing, subnetting, VLANs, and IPAM, and ensured proper allocation and avoiding conflicts.

Oversaw wireless network administration, including Wi-Fi 6 access points and controller-based networks, for seamless mobility.

Supported Windows Server administration, including Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP, to maintain core network and user services.

Assisted with network automation tasks using Python and Ansible, creating scripts for configuration and monitoring at a junior level.

Facilitated remote network management using RDP and TeamViewer, enabling secure troubleshooting and device configuration.

Implemented cloud networking solutions with Azure, including hybrid connectivity and security group management.

Maintained network documentation and SOPs using Visio and Lucidchart, providing clear operational guidelines and diagrams.

Planned and executed backup, recovery, and redundancy strategies to ensure business continuity.

Tracked, prioritized, and resolved network issues using the Jira ticketing system, maintaining SLA compliance.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve network reliability, security, and efficiency, integrating server, cloud, and network resources.

Vrinda Techapps, India

Junior Network Engineer September 2020 - January 2023

Configured and troubleshooted LAN/WAN networks, including TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP, to ensure seamless connectivity.

Deployed and managed Wi-Fi 6 access points, and provided stable wireless network coverage and troubleshooting connectivity issues.

Administered firewall policies using Cisco ASA and Palo Alto, configuring ACLs and NAT rules for network security.

Monitored network performance with SolarWinds, identified issues, and optimized resource usage.

Managed Cisco and HP switches and routers, including Layer 2/3 configuration, VLAN setup, switch port security, and STP for stable network operations.

Developed network automation scripts using Python and Ansible, supporting configuration and monitoring tasks.

Supported Windows and Linux servers, including Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP, to maintain core network services.

Handled IP addressing, subnetting, VLAN management, and IPAM, ensuring accurate network segmentation and allocation.

Maintained network documentation and topology diagrams using Lucidchart for explicit operational references.

Implemented and maintained VPN and remote access solutions using IPSec and SSL VPN for secure remote connectivity.

Assisted with cloud networking projects in Azure, including VPC/subnet design and security group implementation for hybrid environments.

Performed remote network management with SecureCRT (SSH/Telnet) to configure and troubleshoot devices securely.

Tracked, prioritized, and resolved network issues through ServiceNow ticketing, ensuring adherence to SLAs.

Collaborated on network improvement initiatives, integrating server, security, and network support to enhance overall infrastructure reliability.

iPrism Technologies, India

Network Support Engineer March 2017 - August 2020

Performed end-to-end LAN/WAN troubleshooting, ensuring reliable connectivity and minimal downtime for internal and remote users.

Configured and maintained Cisco/Juniper routers and switches (Layer 2/3, VLANs, ACLs) to optimize performance.

Administered Cisco ASA and pfSense firewalls, implementing ACLs and NAT rules to secure network infrastructure.

Monitored traffic and diagnosed issues with Wireshark, enhancing reliability and preventing outages.

Supported wireless networks, including Wi-Fi setup, AP troubleshooting, and coverage optimization.

Managed IP addressing, subnetting, DHCP, and DNS to ensure proper allocation and connectivity.

Provided Windows Server 2012/2016 support, including Active Directory and basic troubleshooting.

Assisted with cabling and hardware deployment (Cat5/Cat6, patch panels, rack installations) for organized data centers.

Created network documentation in Visio, including topology diagrams and troubleshooting guides.

Supported Windows and Linux systems, resolving desktop-level network issues.

Managed remote administration via Putty, RDP, and TeamViewer for secure troubleshooting.

Tracked and resolved IT issues in ServiceNow, meeting SLA requirements.

Provided VOIP/telephony support, including call routing and troubleshooting.

Delivered cross-platform technical support integrating network, server, and security solutions.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) – Electronics & Communication Engineering

PVP Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Vijayawada, India

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