CHANTEL POKU
Fulshear,TX
Summary
Enterprise Network Engineer with extensive experience deploying, and maintaining secure, scalable LAN/WAN and hybrid cloud infrastructures across large-scale, mission-critical environments. Proven expertise in configuring and troubleshooting Cisco, Juniper, Ciena, Ubiquiti, and HPE Aruba platforms, with deep knowledge of advanced routing and switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, VRFs, MSTP/RSTP). Skilled in network security operations, firewall management, and incident response to maximize uptime and operational efficiency. Hands-on experience integrating cloud networking solutions in Azure to support hybrid architectures. Collaborative, detail-oriented, and focused on delivering reliable, compliant network solutions aligned with enterprise objectives
Overview
1
1
Certification
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Network Specialist
Keolis Commuter Services
Somerville, MA
05.2024 - Current
- Configure, deploy and troubleshoot Cisco and Ciena switches across enterprise LAN/WAN, including ERPS, RSTP, CFM, G.8032 and routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP) incident escalations.
- Develop and optimize network monitoring and alerting systems using PTC and SolarWinds, improving network visibility and reducing incident response time.
- Analyze network performance in (DHCP, DNS & SNMP metrics) and incident trends to identify root causes and implement preventative solutions, enhancing network reliability.
- Collaborated with field engineers to lead complex troubleshooting for 200+ statewide network sites, providing timely solutions and minimizing customer impact.
- Completed audit of system alerts and executed modifications, defined and recommended alert thresholds.
- Monitor phone queues and support network escalation calls.
- Generate Reports and analyze data to identify failure trending and report to upper management.
- Manage change control and implement network security controls such as ACLs, VPNs, and NAC to secure enterprise infrastructure
Network Engineer
Thrive Support And Advocacy
Worcester, MA ( Contract)
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Provided Tier II support, conducted advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for escalated network incidents, improving incident resolution speed.
- Proactively monitored network health using SolarWinds and SNMP tools to detect and resolve issues, minimizing downtime.
- Provided Tier II support, performed advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for escalated network incidents.
- Collaborated with Tier III engineers and field teams for escalation management and coordinated network upgrades and maintenance.
- Maintained accurate network documentation, incident logs, and change records, ensuring compliance with audit and ISO standards.
- Participated in on-call rotations and incident response, resolving critical outages swiftly to minimize service disruptions.
Network Administrator
Worcester Home Care
Worcester, MA (contract )
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Collaborated on network project planning to support scalable growth and enhance maintenance of switches and routers.
- Diagnosed and resolved network performance issues, implementing improvements to enhance speed and reliability.
- Collaborated on network project planning, supporting scalable growth and maintenance of switches and routers.
- Coordinated with vendors to align network upgrades with business objectives and optimize technical requirements.
- Installed and supported network peripherals to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure and improve overall network functionality.
Network Support Engineer
Geo Engineering Corporation
Kumasi, Ghana
08.2020 - 12.2022
- Provided complete end-to-end engineering and installation of route-based IP network solutions.
- Troubleshot connectivity issues and guided end-users on optimal usage of networking equipment to enhance user experience.
- Coordinated problem resolution and escalation processes to ensure timely resolution of network issues.
- Supported implementation of network monitoring tools to improve visibility and response to network performance.
- Reduced downtime with proactive monitoring of network devices and rapid troubleshooting.
- Installed, supported and maintained company hardware and software infrastructure according to best practices.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
Skills
- Routing & Switching: OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, VLAN, MSTP/RSTP, EtherChannel, MPLS, HSRP, VRRP, GLBP, G8032
- Network Security: ACLs, IPsec VPN, SSL VPNs, NAC & firewall management
- Collaboration & Leadership: Cross-team Coordination, Mentoring, Technical Documentation & Knowledge Transfer
- Network Monitoring & Management: SolarWinds Orion, SNMP, Wireshark, PRTG, Nagios, Auvik, NetFlow, Windows Server Management
- Cloud Networking: AWS VPC, Direct Connect, Transit Gateway & Hybrid Cloud integration
- Incident & Change Management: ServiceNow, Confluence, & AutoTask
- Network Platforms: Cisco (Catalyst, ISR,ASR ASA,NX-OS), Juniper (EX/SRX), Ubiquiti, Aruba (CX 6000 and 6400 series) , FortiGate (40F, 60F, 70F ), POM (Dbspectra), Eltek, Moxa
Key Strengths
• Expert troubleshooting across network, security, and application layers (L1–L3)
• Experience supporting large-scale, multi-site enterprise environments
• Ability to translate technical issues into actionable solutions
• Proven collaboration with cross-functional teams (Network, Security, Cloud)
• Focus on network reliability, performance optimization, and continuous improvement
Certification
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Active
- AWS Technical Essentials
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials
- Cloud Operations on AWS
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) – In progress
- NSE4 Training completed
Timeline
Network Specialist
Keolis Commuter Services
05.2024 - Current
Network Engineer
Thrive Support And Advocacy
08.2023 - 05.2024
Network Administrator
Worcester Home Care
01.2023 - 07.2023
Network Support Engineer
Geo Engineering Corporation
08.2020 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Science -
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology