Network Architect, Network Engineer

SYAMKUMAR SOMASAKHARAN NAIR

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:

15+ years of professional experience in Network Planning, Engineering and Implementing of CISCO products.

Experience in designing – high performance Juniper network.

Strong hands on experience on ASA (5505/5510) Firewalls. Implemented security policies using ACL, Firewall, IPSEC, SSL, VPN, IPS/IDS. ACL's, NAT, VLAN, STP, VTP, HSRP & GLBP, Spanning Tree, Frame-relay, MPLS, IPv4

Proficient in Cisco IOS for configuration & troubleshooting of routing protocols: MP-BGP, OSPF, LDP, EIGRP, RIP, BGP v4.

Strong hands on experience in layer-3 Routing and layer-2 Switching. Dealt with Nexus models like 7K, 5K, 2K series, Cisco router models like 7200, 3900, 3600, 2900, 2600, 2500, 1800 series and Cisco catalyst 6500, 4500, 3750, 3650, 2900 series switches

Worked on ACE load balancers. Experience with F5 load balancers - LTM, GTM series like 6400, 6800, 8800 for the corporate applications and their availability

Dealt with Cisco IP phones and VOIP devices

Good understanding of security infrastructure including Antivirus, Encryption, DLP, SIM, IDS and IPS

Working knowledge of Cisco UCM, VCS-C, VCS-E, TMS.

Demonstrated success record in: Managing multiple tasks with proven ability to meet deadlines and proactively identifying the problem to solve complex technical issues.

Highly enthusiastic, creative team player, project implementation, excellent customer service focus and analytical problem solving abilities, interpersonal and communication skills.

SKILLS:

LAN Technologies: Ethernet – fast Ethernet, gigabit and 10 gigabit Ethernet, Port – Channel, VLAN, VTP, Inter-VLAN routing, STP, RSTP, PVST, 802.1x.

WAN Technologies: Frame Relay, ISDN, PPP, ATM, MPLS, Channel & Leased lines, T1/T3, SONET.

TCP/ IP: Subnetting, VLSM, NetBUI, IPX/SPX, IP.v4, VoIP

Routing Protocols: Static, RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, HSRP, VRRP, GLBP, MPLS, HDLC, PPP, X.25.

Network Security: NAT/PAT, VPN, Filtering, Load Balancing, IPSec, ACL, Switch port security, Firewalls, Internet Content Filtering, Load Balancing, IDS/IPS, Dynamic, Reflexive ACL and authentication AAA

Infrastructure Services: DHCP, DNS, SMTP, POP3, FTP, TFTP.

Administration and troubleshooting: CDP, TELNET, SSH, ICMP, PING and TRACEROUTE, SNMP and SYSLOG, CISCO IOS software and configurations, Call Manager 8.5, Cisco Contact centre 8.0.

Network Analysis Tools: Packet Sniffer, Vitalnet, NetQoS, Net screen Manager(NSM), Wireshark, Netcool Monitoring and Infinistream Mgmt Console, What’s-Up Gold, Netbrain, Solarwinds, Remote Access Server Nortel (1680) administration, Nagios, Splunk

Operating Systems: Windows server 2003, Windows server 2008, Windows server 2012, Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Novell Netware, Red Hat Linux 7.x and Unix.

CISCO and other vendor equipment: CISCO 1900 2900 Series routers and 2960, 4507, 6509 switches, ASA 5500X, Nexus 7K, 5K, 2K & 1K, Cisco routers Cisco GSR 12416 (7200, 3800, 3600, 2800, 2600, 2500, 1800 series) & Cisco Catalyst switches (7600, 6500, 5500, 4900, 3750, 3500, 2900 series). PIX Firewall (506/515/525/535), ASA Firewall (5505/5510), Cisco ACE Load Balancers. Juniper M/MX, Juniper SRX/SSG, Juniper EX Series and MAG Series VPN Gateways. Cisco FWSM/PIX/ASDM, Nokia Checkpoint NG, Palo Alto network, ACE Module and F5 Load Balancers

Other hardware support: Server / PC/ Printers – all hardware support.

Other: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Visio, Project, Outlook) 2003/2007/2010/2013

EDUCATION QUALIFICATION:

MS in Computer Science, Silicon Valley University, San Jose, CA, US

ACP in Project Management, University of California, Irvine, CA, US

BSC IT (Bachelor of Information Technology), India

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

Cisco® Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (CSC010679729)

Cisco® Certified Network Associate Voice (CCNA Voice) (CSC010679729)

Cisco® Certified Network Professional (CCNP) (CSC010679729)

Cisco® Certified Design Professional (CCDP) (CSC010679729)

Cisco SMB AM (Account Manager)

Cisco Lifecycle Service Express Cisco SMB SE (Engineer)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (AWS-ASA-33779)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (AWS-PSA-4288)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Kite Pharma (Gilead Company) Jul 2023 – Till date

Network Architect Team Lead

Responsibilities:

Reporting network status to key stakeholders

Analyze business requirements to develop technical network solutions and their framework.

Design, test, and inspect data communications systems.

Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning Cisco Routing,Switching, Security Palo Alto and WIFI Ap

Providing guidance and leading the offshore team.

Creating network diagrams in Visio and provide presentation in power point.

Monitoring network performance to determine if adjustments need to be made using SolarWinds.

Procuring network equipment Cisco ASA, cisco catalyst Switches Routers and managing subcontractors involved with network installation

Develop technology roadmaps.

Develop test plans, implementation plans, and project timelines for various projects.

Manage technology vendors.Paloalto,cisco,meraki,Juniper etc

Stay abreast of how technology infrastructures are currently impacting and driving competitors.

Write functional requirements/specifications documents.

Assess vendor development/test strategies.

Reporting network status to key stakeholders for Bottle necks and Upgrade plan

DEP NY, New York Sep 2019 – Jun 2022

Network Architect Data center Project

Responsibilities:

Analyzing existing configuration of large network and making recommendation to improve performance

Analyzing the network and provide recommendations on new Next-gen Network design.

Design/configuration of large enterprise networks that comprises of Cisco routers, switches and F5 load balancers.

Configuration and supporting EIGRP, OSPF and BGP routing protocols. Cisco WIFI Access points and Controller.

Participating in the Change Management process to include creating new change request, reviewing submitted change forms, Verify the submitted change request information is complete, stage, and/or implement changes to network devices ASA, Nexus Switch and catalyst 6500 update design documentation as required.

Trouble shooting issues by studying network traffic flows, lock down an Application.

Trouble shooting network problems in a service provider environment under short time constraints involving complex network application flows between multiple hosts spanning multiple firewalls and different geographic locations using fortigate firewall VPN’s Fortnet 50,60,100 Models.

Creating network diagrams in Visio and provide presentation in power point.

Implemented Network Monitoring using SolarWinds for entire DEP network.

HCL, Chicago Jan 2019 – Sep 2019

Network Architect Team Lead

Responsibilities:

Analyze business requirements to develop technical network solutions and their framework.

Design, test, and inspect data communications systems.

Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning Cisco WIFI Ap and Controllers.

Providing guidance and leading the offshore team.

Monitoring network performance to determine if adjustments need to be made using SolarWinds.

Procuring network equipment Cisco ASA, cisco catalyst Switches Routers and managing subcontractors involved with network installation

Develop technology roadmaps.

Develop test plans, implementation plans, and project timelines for various projects.

Manage technology vendors.fortigaate,cisco,meraki,Juniper etc

Stay abreast of how technology infrastructures are currently impacting and driving competitors.

Write functional requirements/specifications documents.

Assess vendor development/test strategies.

Reporting network status to key stakeholders

Capgemini, Chicago May 2018 – Nov 2018

Network Infrastructure Architect

Responsibilities:

Supporting the network architecture activities including cloud and on premise data centers, offices and restaurant’s WAN, LAN and WLAN.Cisco Wireless AP and controllers.

Being responsible for ensuring that all infrastructure related activities are delivered throughout all phases of McDonald’s project methodology

PCI compliance for Card based transaction Cisco ASA VPN network for credit and debit card transaction testing.

ETE Point of sale PCI compliance network Implementation for ATM card Transactions.

Ensure an appropriate relevant level of alignment between industry best practice and the technical strategy and roadmap, standards and design patterns using SolarWinds

Research and investigation into leading edge and emergent network and telecommunications systems

BJ Services, Texas March 2018 – Apr 2018

Sr. Network Engineer

Responsibilities:

Design and deploy functional networks (Cisco ASA, LAN, WAN, Wireless AP and Layer 3 Switching protocol and infrastructure solutions).

Monitor network performance and integrity using netbrain and solarwinds

Maintain complete technical documentation

Suggest improvements to network performance, capacity and scalability

CISCO Systems Inc., Chicago Dec 2016 – Feb 2018

Network Architect

Responsibilities:

Coordinates closely with internal sales, sales support, and service resources to align solution design with customers’ business requirements.

Understand customer requirements for wireless networks and explain how Cisco Meraki will integrate with current infrastructure, as well as service future needs.

Act as a subject matter expert in the design of Cisco R/S, Cisco Unified Compute System (UCS), ESX5.0, Cisco Nexus solutions, Cisco UC, Security and / OR Wireless solutions.

Create product documentation for customers and perform competitive analysis regarding competing products

Perform site surveys and provide onsite deployment assistance on large deployments.

Prepare and present technical proposals and RFIs

Experience with professional services, including development and delivery of Statements of Work

Produce accurate BoM's based on customer requirements.

Meets assigned targets for profitable sales growth in assigned product lines, market areas, channel, or teams supported.

Ability to work cooperatively with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, operations, finance, management, and partners

Experience with Cisco web based tools and services including CCW, CSCC, SNTC, SAMT, Smart Licensing

Extensive experience in Layer 2 & Layer 3 technologies

Experience with customers who are supported by Cisco Advanced Services

Follow up on all customer requests on agreed time frame

Keeping up to date on the latest Cisco R/S, Cisco ASA,Data Center and Cloud Computing Solutions

NGS Infonet, VA Nov 2016 – Dec 2016

Sr. Network Architect

Responsibilities:

Provide expert level Solutions Architecture support for all technology insertion and integration projects.

Hand on skills in strategic planning, network architecture design, vendor negotiation and budget management.

Configured and maintained Brocade DCX and Cisco MDS fabric switches to support SAN connectivity.

Configured and maintained Brocade IronView Network Manager (INM)

Configured and maintained Brocade Network Advisor (BNA)

Utilized Brocade E-health to monitor the Brocade MLX network.

Use customer gathered technical information, requirements, and analysis to develop a best fit vendor agnostic solution, including project implementation plans and post implementation design documentation to meet information security requirements. manage multiple VMware vSphere servers and their virtual machines from a central location

Forward thinking in audit and compliance efforts including risk review, business monitoring, documentation of policies and procedures.

Connecting Locations using Fortigate firewall VPN Fortgate 400 and 50,60 Models

GBM (Gulf Business Machine), Dubai Nov 2010 – Sep 2014

Network Architect Regional

Responsibilities:

Hands on experience on Cisco Gold partner Tools experience and Tandberg telepresence

Full solution BOM and Diagram for project submission and on active and passive including fail over redundancy using 6509 core switches and 3945 routers and Juniper security with F5 LTM 3600 with ASD Bundles Load Balance for Air Arabia Data Centre.

Worked on a project for Arabtech - The entire 51 Floor network connectivity for 5000 nodes each floor using Cisco multi core switching solution 6807 switches for core switching and 3750X for distribution,2960S for Access switches, ISR 1000X router for WAN connection,and ASA 5585 for internal and external security,F5-3600 LTM Load Balancer Network diagram,BOM, preparation for the both active and passive.

Experienced with Websense, blue Coat, Riverbed, F5 Load Balancers LTM, Packeter, Cisco Video IP Surveillance

Implemented Checkpoint GAIA R76 Interface, NAT and VLAN using SmartDashboard

Configuration, troubleshooting Checkpoint Firewall using R76 SmartView Tracker and Monitor

Strong Knowledge and extensive experience on enterprise change management process and tools.

Responsible for procurement and installation of Hardware, network drives and other IT infrastructure. Documented the design, implementation and troubleshooting procedures with Method of Procedure (MOPS).

CISCO UCS servers and VMware and Vcenter, ESXi 5.X Design and support

TVS Unesco Networks Solution WLL, Bahrain Nov 2008 – Oct 2010

Network Engineer Cisco – Products

Responsibilities:

Network Architect for datacenter consolidation project. Consolidated 16 global datacenters consisting of Cisco 6500, 4500, 2800, ASA 5540, F5 BIG-IP 3600. Consolidation was in preparation to upgrade datacenters to Nexus 7000, 5000, 2000, and ASR 1000 backbone infrastructure.

Worked with other Network Services Project team members to complete the requested site/device refreshes on a per site basis (i.e. Coordinated with Design and Engineering, Field Engineers, Project Manager, etc),

Worked for a project for US Navy Data Center and wireless solution for US Base - Us navy Project 3800 series cisco routers with 2 ASA 55520 through leased line and channelized connection PRI to RO to head office as ISDN as backup .Two 6500 Chassis and 24 No’s 3750 Distribution and 40 No’s of 2960 Access switches.

Project for MoH (MOH College of nursing) 2800 routers and 4500 Chassis with HA .48 No’s of access switches Campus wide with 100 No’s internal and external Wifi access points with 4400 series controller) was handled.

Operated as the remote Cutover Engineer directing and managing the Field Engineers for each of the site/device conversion events.

Update the Configuration Management & Asset Inventory databases required to maintain our operational inventory and physical asset inventory records.

Nortech Infonet Pvt Ltd, India Sep 2004 – Oct 2008

Network Engineer

Responsibilities:

Upgraded distribution Switches 6509 to Nexus 7010 with Sup 1.

Providing design, technical support and analysis for network systems and components, LAN/WAN communications. Effectively communicates with all stakeholders.

Experienced with CRS-1 and Alcatel-Lucent 7750 routers.

Experience in the ISP, Wireline & Wireless Technologies

Worked with service providers in Installing, Troubleshooting T1 and Switched Ethernet Service (SES) circuits. Experience in Configuring Site-to-Site and Remote Site VPNs, NAT/PAT policies

Worked on Catalyst 6509 series with various line cards such as 24 port Gig E SFP, 48 port Gig E copper cards.

Experienced with Honeywell TDC 3000 and DCS.

Experienced in DDoS detection and mitigation

Experienced in spirent tools -Agilent, Ixia, Spirent Test Center.

Data-Craft India Ltd, India Sep 2003 – Aug 2004

Customer Support Engineer

Responsibilities:

Completed a minimum of 171 cutovers within the first six (6) months as a benchmark within a ten (10) month project

Maintained the data center equipment and software and performed regular troubleshoot on the process.

In-depth experience with multiple IDS (Intrusion Detection System) packages such as Sourcefire 10/100 and GigE appliances and Snort.

Initiated and Contributed to specification changes, in the Network layer of ZigBee Protocol.

Worked with configuring and troubleshooting of HP 5500, 5900, 12500 series switches, Cisco 2900, 3500, 3500X, 3700, 4500, 6500 series switches and Cisco 7K (7010), 5k (5548) series nexus switches and Nortel switches.

Worked on 501 Cisco PIX Firewall and 5500 series Cisco ASA Firewalls, CSM, IPSEC LAN to LAN and DMVPN.

Configured BPDU Guard, port-fast, uplink fast and other spanning tree features.

Experienced in OTN/ROADM Technologies and Optical EMS.

Experience with DWDM, OTN, SONET test equipment.

Upgrade 12K GSR’S running IOS to IOS-XR.

Provided support for incidents with PLS (Port Level Security) by working on platforms Juniper's Infranet Controller, Greatbay's Beacon Profiler/Auth-servers and Beacon Collectors.

Provided in depth analysis using but not limited to Vitalnet, NetQoS, Net screen Manager (NSM), Wireshark, Netcool Monitoring and Infinistream Management Console.

Participate in design conferences, produce network diagrams and detailed network documentation including logical and physical diagrams as required. Maintain technical and vendor product information and assisting in establishing performance standards, policies and procedures for the enterprise.

HCL Infosystems Ltd, India Nov 2002 – Aug 2003

Customer Support Engineer Trainee

Responsibilities:

Experienced in Netbrain 5.x in network troubleshooting and network mapping.

Proven expertise in monitoring network using Infinistream and standard unix-tcp dump sniffer.

Experienced in Brocade routing and switching.

Experienced in Python and Linux environment for socket programming.

Experienced in iLO and DRAC.

Monitored SAN connectivity of CISCO 9513's, 9909's using Cisco Fabric Manager, and Cisco Device manager.

Manage deployment and testing of code updates for wireless systems, such as WCS, WiSM, and WLC.

Experienced in Aruba wireless.

Experienced in URL filtering techniques.

Experienced working with Netscaler VPX in application delivery services

Contact this candidate