Ahad Mohammed
Long Island,NY
Summary
- 7+ years of experience in designing, configuring, and troubleshooting network infrastructures across diverse industries.
- Firewall Expertise: Extensive experience migrating and managing Checkpoint, Cisco ASA, Fortinet Fortigate, and Palo Alto firewalls, both physical and in cloud environments (Azure, Oracle Cloud).
- Cloud Networking: Proficient in building and managing cloud services, including VNETs, Resource Groups, VNET Peers, and NSGs in Azure, and Security Lists, VCNs, DRG in Oracle Cloud(OCI).
- Routing & Switching: Deep understanding of Layer-2 and Layer-3 technologies (VLANs, VTP, STP, BGP, EIGRP, Inter-VLAN routing, Ether Channels, VRFs, VPCs).
- Site-to-Site VPN: Experienced in designing and implementing secure VPN tunnels across multiple locations.
- Network Infrastructure: Expertise in deploying and managing Cisco Nexus (9K, 7K, 5K, 2K), Catalyst switches, ISR routers, and Cisco Wireless solutions (5500 WLC, Cisco Prime, APs).
- Security Solutions: Skilled in deploying VDOM solutions, integrating cloud-native security features, and migrating traffic from legacy to advanced NGFW firewall platforms.
- F5 BIG-IP Management: Experienced in Deploying, patching, upgrading, and managing F5 LTM/GTM environments.
- Process Automation: Streamlined network operations by automating tasks and processes, leading to improved efficiency and reduced manual effort.
- Problem-Solving: Proven track record in resolving complex network issues, ensuring system availability and optimal performance.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Strong ability to work with cross-functional teams, manage vendor relationships, and lead network migration and upgrade projects.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Network Security Engineer
Barnes and Noble
12.2020 - Current
- Configured and Administered Firewalls: Managed and administered firewalls, including Check Point, Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, and FortiGate, ensuring secure and optimized network traffic across the organization’s business footprint
- Firewall Migration and Integration: Successfully migrated 40+ Checkpoint and Cisco ASA Firewall pairs into Fortinet and Palo Alto series firewall with zero downtime, leveraging Fortinet Forti-converter tool and Palo Alto Expedition tool for seamless migration of Cisco ASA and Checkpoint firewalls into VDOM on FortiGate and Vsys on Palo Alto(Both being physical and virtual firewalls)
- Data Center Technologies Configuration: Configured and managed datacenter technologies, including VPC, VDC on Nexus 7010 Core Switches, and deployed Cisco Nexus platforms (9000, 7018, 5548, 5020) with Top of Rack Fabric Extender 2248 and 2232
- VPN and Network Security: Built and implemented Site-to-Site VPN tunnels, configured and deployed multiple FortiGate and Palo Alto Firewalls, and managed the deployment of Fortinet and Palo Alto VMs on Azure and Oracle Cloud
- Network Infrastructure Management: Led the deployment and configuration of Cisco Nexus multi-model core with VDC and VRF scoping and provided operational support for network management tools such as SolarWinds, Forti Monitor, and Thousand Eyes
- Advanced Threat Detection: Successfully implemented and configured IDS/IPS solutions, including regular tuning and optimization, and utilized Splunk Enterprise for analyzing real-time and historical data, enhancing threat detection capabilities
- Load Balancer Migration: Migrated physical F5 BIG-IP devices and A10 Load Balancers to F5 Virtual Edition LTM, and engineered and configured Virtual Servers, Pools, and Persistence on F5 LTM for improved load balancing
- Cloud and Virtualization Expertise: Architected and redesigned cloud-based firewall deployments, deployed ExtraHop monitoring sensors on multi-tenant environments in Oracle Cloud and provided strategic support for cloud adoption
- Vendor Management and Collaboration: Collaborated effectively with vendors to ensure seamless integration of new technologies, managed escalations for Tier 1 and 2 network engineers, and provided exceptional customer service to stakeholders
- Project Leadership and Strategic Planning: Led technology solutions projects, coordinated implementation efforts between Technology Infrastructure and IT teams, and contributed to strategic planning, including capacity planning, process improvement, and change management
Network Engineer
ITT
07.2019 - 10.2020
- Global Network Support: Provided Level 2/3 network support for ITT Networks globally, ensuring smooth and efficient operations by troubleshooting and resolving complex network issues
- Network Monitoring Migration: Led the migration of global ITT network devices to SolarWinds, significantly improving network monitoring, performance management, and visibility through NCM, NPM, and NTA tools
- Site Migration Projects: Managed site migration projects, replacing legacy network switches and routers with newer Nexus 9K OS and Catalyst 3850 series, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations
- Security and Authentication Management: Worked with ARUBA ClearPass for TACACS+ to manage Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) across network devices, enhancing security controls
- Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support: Collaborated with architects, infrastructure, and application support teams to ensure seamless IT support, playing a key role in transitioning Cisco Nexus 7000 cores to Nexus 9K cores with VPC redundancy
- Voice Infrastructure Management: Utilized hands-on experience with CUCM 10.5/11.5, configuring IP phones, creating Hunt groups, understanding SIP call flow, and managing users and devices through Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Collaboration
- Firewall and Threat Management: Managed global site firewalls through Palo Alto Panorama and maintained a Next-Generation Firewall setup, inspecting traffic, blocking threats, and creating zone-based firewalls
- Palo Alto Panorama: Managed global firewalls through Palo Alto Panorama, streamlining centralized firewall administration, rule updates, and log monitoring across multiple sites
- Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) Implementation: Deployed and maintained NGFW policies, leveraging deep packet inspection (DPI) to block advanced threats and secure network traffic across various environments
- Expedition: Worked Extensively on Palo Alto Expedition to migrate Checkpoint and ASA firewalls into Palo Alto Platform
- Zone-Based Firewall Configuration: Implemented zone-based firewall architecture, optimizing security by segmenting traffic between different network zones and enforcing tailored security policies
- Remote Site Network Redesign and Migration: Led the redesign and migration of the ITT Czech Republic Ostrava site, transitioning from legacy C3750G-48PS-S stack to a simplified network design using N9K-C93180YC-FX and Catalyst 2960X, creating HLDs and Port Map documents
- Project Delivery and Lifecycle Management: Played a key role in the project delivery lifecycle, partnering with design and architecture engineering teams to develop detailed implementation plans, ensuring smooth transitions through different project phases
Network Engineer
Techno9 Solutions Inc
12.2017 - 06.2019
- L2/L3 Network Support: Provided project-based L2/L3 support for multiple clients, managing and troubleshooting LAN/WAN corporate infrastructure, including routers, switches, and VPN configurations
- Firewall and Security Management: Administered firewalls, analyzed and modified rules as needed, and collaborated with security teams to design and implement industry-aligned security policies
- Azure Cloud Infrastructure: Demonstrated knowledge of Azure Cloud infrastructure, installing backup agents for physical and virtual machines, and troubleshooting performance and connectivity issues for hosted applications
- Layer 2/3 Switching and VLAN Configuration: Configured Cisco switches for L2 and L3 VLANs, implementing HSRP, VTP, and EIGRP, and managed trunk ports, DHCP scopes, and VLANs for seamless network operation
- Data Center and Firewall Upgrades: Led multiple Firewall and Data Center upgrade projects, overseeing the design, procurement, and implementation of network hardware for hardware refresh initiatives
- Incident Management and Root Cause Analysis: Monitored daily network operations, performed root cause analysis of critical outages and incidents, and coordinated the implementation of permanent solutions, ensuring minimal downtime and customer satisfaction
Network Engineer
FUTURETECH GROUP
02.2016 - 09.2016
- Cisco Nexus and Catalyst Management: Configured and maintained Nexus 7k and 5k switches alongside Cisco Catalyst 3850, 3650, and 2960 series, ensuring reliable network operations in data centers and remote sites
- Wireless Infrastructure Deployment: Implemented Cisco Wireless Access Points and Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) across corporate sites, supporting seamless wireless connectivity and legacy technology integration
- LAN/WAN Solutions and VLAN Configuration: Deployed Local and Wide Area Network solutions, and designed VLANs with Layer 2/3 configurations to optimize enterprise network performance and communication
- Cisco Call Manager and IP Telephony: Configured Cisco Call Manager (8.x, 9.x, 10.x) and managed Cisco IP Phones, ensuring efficient communication across the enterprise using SCCP and SIP protocols
- Network Troubleshooting and Optimization: Provided expert troubleshooting for TCP/IP connectivity issues in multi-protocol Ethernet environments, optimizing LAN/WAN networks for peak performance
- Technical Support and Collaboration: Delivered technical services, including DHCP, DNS, and firewall administration, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless IT support and successful change management
Education
Post Graduate Program - Cloud Computing
The University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX2024
Master’s - Network and Communications Management
DeVry University
Chicago, IL2018
Bachelor’s - Electronics & Communication Engineering
Al Habeeb College of Engineering And Technology (AHCET)
Hyderabad, TG2015
Skills
- Routers
- Switches
- Catalyst
- Nexus
- Load Balancers
- F5
- Silver Peak
- Aruba Edge Connect
- OSPF
- EIGRP
- BGP
- Static Routing
- Layer 2 Technologies
- Firewalls:
- Cisco ASA
- Checkpoint
- Fortinet
- Palo Alto
- SonicWALL
- Cloud Platforms
- Microsoft Azure
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)
- AWS
- Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)
- Wave Link
- DMVPN
- VPN Configuration
- NAT/PAT
- URL Filtering
- Cisco Call Manager 115
- TACACS
- RADIUS
- Cisco ISE
- ClearPass
- Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller
- Cisco Meraki
- Panorama
- Forti Manager
- Checkpoint Smart Console
- Cisco ASDM
- Forti Analyzer
- Nexus Dashboard
- SolarWinds NCM
- Wireshark, Ping Sweep
Certification
- Fortinet Network Security Expert Level 4 (NSE-4), FORT094518
- Palo Alto Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE), PANW00035917
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA R&S/Collaboration), CSCO12925781
- Cisco Certified Video Specialist, CSCO12925781
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP-Collaboration), CSCO12925781
- Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core, CSCO12925781
- Silver Peak SDWAN Professional (SPSP), 848a3bc7-c1ab-4ddc-9b91-1f27873687c2
- VMware Certified Professional-(DCV550), VMW-01783576E-00543457
- Microsoft Certified Azure Network Associate (AZ-700), 041D9A-148H65
Timeline
Network Security Engineer
Barnes and Noble
12.2020 - Current
Network Engineer
ITT
07.2019 - 10.2020
Network Engineer
Techno9 Solutions Inc
12.2017 - 06.2019
Network Engineer
FUTURETECH GROUP
02.2016 - 09.2016
- Fortinet Network Security Expert Level 4 (NSE-4), FORT094518
- Palo Alto Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE), PANW00035917
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA R&S/Collaboration), CSCO12925781
- Cisco Certified Video Specialist, CSCO12925781
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP-Collaboration), CSCO12925781
- Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core, CSCO12925781
- Silver Peak SDWAN Professional (SPSP), 848a3bc7-c1ab-4ddc-9b91-1f27873687c2
- VMware Certified Professional-(DCV550), VMW-01783576E-00543457
- Microsoft Certified Azure Network Associate (AZ-700), 041D9A-148H65
Post Graduate Program - Cloud Computing
The University of Texas At Austin
Master’s - Network and Communications Management
DeVry University
Bachelor’s - Electronics & Communication Engineering
Al Habeeb College of Engineering And Technology (AHCET)
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