Senior Network Engineer SDN, Security & 5G Specialist

Devi Priyanka Gantla

Network Engineer

Location: Texas, USA Mail: ******************@*****.*** Ph.: +1-501-***-**** LinkedIn PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:

• Network Engineer with 5+ years of extensive experience designing, deploying and optimizing complex network infrastructures across the healthcare, telecommunications and retail sectors.

• Expertly leverages Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solutions like Cisco ACI and VMware NSX to modernize data centers and secures hybrid cloud environments with Azure Virtual WAN and ExpressRoute.

• Proficient in implementing Zero Trust Architecture using technologies such as Palo Alto Prisma, Zscaler and Cisco Duo, while deploying comprehensive security platforms including Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass and Splunk/Cortex XSOAR for real-time threat detection and incident response.

• Demonstrated success in architecting 5G core networks and RAN optimization initiatives, utilizing IP/MPLS backbone protocols, NFV/SDN controllers and OpenStack/Kubernetes for scalable telecom environments.

• Skilled in ensuring compliance with industry standards like HIPAA, HITRUST, NIST CSF and PCI DSS.

• Adept at deploying and managing SD-WAN solutions from Cisco Viptela, performing network automation with Ansible and leveraging monitoring tools like SolarWinds and the ELK Stack to enhance network performance and reliability.

• A proactive problem-solver focused on driving improvements in uptime, security posture and operational efficiency. TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Networking & Protocols: TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, RIP, MPLS, IP/MPLS Backbone Design, QoS, SD-WAN (Cisco Viptela, Prisma SD-WAN), VPN (IPSec, SSL), VoNR, VoIP, SIP, HL7, FHIR, PHI Data Compliance

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) & Virtualization: Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, NFV, OpenStack, Kubernetes, Telco Cloud Virtualization, Network Function Virtualization, Open Networking Standards

Cloud & Hybrid Connectivity: Microsoft Azure (Virtual WAN, ExpressRoute), Hybrid WAN, Cloud Interconnect, Telehealth QoS Optimization, Secure Cloud Edge Integration

Security & Compliance: Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass, Cisco Duo, Palo Alto Networks (NGFW, Prisma Access, Cortex XSOAR), Zscaler, Cisco ASA, Zero Trust Architecture, IDS/IPS, HIPAA, HITRUST, NIST CSF, PCI-DSS, Healthcare Cybersecurity Compliance

Monitoring, Logging & Automation: Splunk, ELK Stack, SolarWinds, Nagios, Ansible, Python (for automation scripts), SIEM & SOAR Platforms (Splunk ES, Cortex XSOAR), Real-time Threat Detection & Automated Incident Response Telecom & 5G Technologies: 5G Core (SA, NSA), EPC Virtualization, NR Carrier Aggregation, Massive MIMO, RF Spectrum Optimization, Beamforming, RAN Optimization, DWDM, OTN, Microwave Link Optimization, TRAI Frequency Spectrum Planning

Testing & Troubleshooting Tools: Spirent TestCenter, Keysight IxLoad, Nemo Outdoor, TEMS Investigation, Actix Analyzer, Atoll RF Planning, Drive Testing, Network Packet Analysis

Enterprise & Retail Networks: Cisco Meraki, Aruba Wireless, Secure Wi-Fi Design, POS Infrastructure Security, Multi-Site Network Design, Application-aware WAN Optimization

Collaboration & Telehealth Platforms: Microsoft Teams (Healthcare), Zoom for Healthcare, Secure Telehealth Integration, Video Conferencing QoS Control

Reporting & Governance: Executive-level Reporting (CIO/Compliance Boards), Network Compliance Audits, HIPAA/HITRUST Assessments, NIST Cybersecurity Framework Alignment

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

McKesson – TX, USA Network Engineer August 2024 – Present Project: CareConnect SecureNet – Healthcare Network Modernization Project

• Designed and deployed Cisco ACI and VMware NSX SDN fabrics to modernize hospital data centers, enabling scalable, policy- driven networking for critical healthcare workloads.

• Configured Azure Virtual WAN and ExpressRoute to establish secure, low-latency hybrid connectivity between on-premises hospital networks and Microsoft Azure cloud environments.

• Integrated Epic, Cerner and MEDITECH EHR systems into secure hospital networks with full HL7/FHIR compliance, ensuring seamless interoperability of electronic patient records.

• Deployed IoMT device segmentation using Cisco ISE and Aruba ClearPass, isolating vulnerable medical devices to prevent lateral movement of cyber threats in clinical environments.

• Implemented Zero Trust Architecture leveraging Palo Alto Prisma, Zscaler and Cisco Duo, providing identity-based access control for clinicians, patients and third-party vendors.

• Deployed SIEM and SOAR platforms (Splunk, Cortex XSOAR) for real-time PHI threat detection, enabling automated incident response and reducing breach exposure windows.

• Optimized telehealth video conferencing QoS (Zoom for Healthcare, Microsoft Teams Healthcare) by dynamically prioritizing patient-care traffic over administrative workloads.

• Secured remote clinicians with encrypted SD-WAN tunnels, supporting over 5,000 concurrent VPN sessions to ensure HIPAA- compliant access for telehealth and mobile care teams.

• Conducted HIPAA, HITRUST and NIST CSF compliance audits, validating that all PHI traffic remained encrypted, segmented and aligned with federal healthcare security frameworks.

• Delivered executive-level reports to hospital CIOs and compliance boards, showcasing measurable improvements in uptime, compliance adherence and cost optimization outcomes. Capgemini – India Network Engineer June 2021 - July 2023 Project: Nationwide 5G Spectrum Integration and RAN Optimization Initiative

• Worked on 5G spectrum allocation simulations based on Indian auction bands from TRAI-regulated frequencies, advising on NR carrier aggregation and massive MIMO antenna configurations for nationwide efficient spectrum integration.

• Designed IP/MPLS backbone architecture for seamless 5G core network integration, leveraging BGP and OSPF routing protocols to enable low-latency traffic engineering in Standalone (SA) 5G deployments across urban and semi-urban regions.

• Integrated NFV and SDN controllers utilizing OpenStack orchestration and Kubernetes containerization, virtualizing Evolved Packet Core (EPC) functions to minimize hardware dependencies in scalable telco cloud environments for 5G rollout.

• Implemented DWDM and OTN transmission systems to enhance backhaul network capacity, configuring 100Gbps Ethernet interfaces for hybrid microwave and fiber optic connectivity supporting high-bandwidth 5G data demands in clustered metropolitan areas.

• Analyzed microwave link performance metrics for extending 5G coverage to rural and remote Indian locales, fine-tuning EIGRP and RIP dynamic routing protocols to reduce packet loss and interference in challenging terrain environments.

• Conducted RF spectrum optimization for 5G New Radio (NR) RAN sites employing Atoll planning software & Actix Analyzer, processing drive test logs from TEMS Investigation to calibrate beamforming and tilt parameters for improved signal quality.

• Optimized massive MIMO array configurations at 5G base stations, resulting in a 25% uplift in downlink throughput speeds benefiting over 2 million subscribers through precise parameter adjustments and field validations.

• Optimized RAN performance via comprehensive drive testing using Nemo Outdoor equipment, pinpointing coverage deficiencies and elevating handover success rates by 15% across more than 500 deployment sites in the national initiative.

• Conducted interoperability validation for Voice over New Radio (VoNR) services, troubleshooting SDP session negotiations and verifying adherence to 3GPP Release 15 specifications to ensure robust voice continuity in 5G networks.

• Performed rigorous packet core network testing with Spirent emulators and Keysight IxLoad tools, emulating high-traffic LTE- to-5G handover scenarios and enforcing QoS policies to guarantee reliable performance under peak loads. HCLTech – India Network Engineer April 2019 - May 2021 Project: Optimizing Sales and Customer Engagement through Data-Driven Insights

• Worked on a comprehensive network transformation project for a major retail chain encompassing 150+ stores across India, achieving a 30% enhancement in overall network performance and a 20% reduction in network-related downtime, directly contributing to improved customer service and operational efficiency.

• Architected and implemented a robust and scalable network infrastructure tailored for a multi-store retail environment, effectively supporting Point of Sale (POS) systems, secure Wi-Finetworks and other mission-critical retail applications, ensuring seamless operations and data protection.

• Engineered and deployed a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant network infrastructure to safeguard POS transactions, rigorously adhering to industry standards and proactively preventing data breaches, resulting in a flawless compliance record.

• Deployed a secure Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solution utilizing Cisco Viptela, achieving a 25% reduction in WAN costs and a 40% improvement in application performance across the retail network, optimizing bandwidth utilization and enhancing application responsiveness.

• Expertly configured and maintained firewalls (Cisco ASA, Palo Alto Networks) to fortify the network against unauthorized access and emerging cyber threats, implementing robust security policies and intrusion prevention measures to safeguard sensitive data and maintain network integrity.

• Designed and implemented secure wireless networks (Cisco Meraki, Aruba) for retail stores, providing secure and reliable Wi- Fi access for both customers and employees, enhancing the in-store customer experience & enabling efficient mobile operations.

• Implemented and managed Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) to proactively detect and prevent malicious activity on the network, ensuring real-time threat mitigation and maintaining a secure network environment.

• Proactively monitored network performance using advanced tools such as SolarWinds & Nagios, swiftly identifying & resolving network issues to minimize downtime and maintain optimal network functionality, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery

• Leveraged network automation tools such as Ansible to streamline network configuration and deployment processes, reducing deployment time by 50% and minimizing the potential for human error, enhancing operational efficiency and consistency.

• Conducted in-depth analysis of network logs using Splunk and ELK Stack to identify potential security threats and performance bottlenecks, enabling proactive threat detection & performance optimization, ensuring a secure & efficient network environment. EDUCATION:

Master of Computer Science - East Texas A&M University, Commerce, TX, USA Bachelor of Computer Science - Raghu Engineering College, Visakhapatnam, India

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