Shanmugam Sundaram

• Role - Head of Network Engineering
• Engineering Team Leadership: Lead and manage the network engineering team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment focused on delivering high-quality network solutions. Mentor and develop team members, ensuring they possess the skills and knowledge required to support the organization’s network needs.
• Network Design and Implementation: Oversee the design and implementation of network solutions, ensuring they meet performance, security, and scalability requirements. Lead complex engineering projects, from initial design through to deployment and testing.
• Network Optimization and Performance: Continuously monitor and optimize network performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes. Utilize performance metrics and analytics to drive engineering decisions and enhance overall network efficiency.
• Automation and Innovation: Implement network automation tools and processes to increase efficiency, reduce human error, and streamline network operations. Stay abreast of the latest networking technologies and best practices, integrating them into the network engineering process where appropriate.
• Incident Response and Problem Resolution: Lead the engineering response to network incidents, ensuring rapid diagnosis and resolution to minimize downtime and impact on the business. Implement root cause analysis processes to prevent future occurrences of similar issues.
• Collaboration with Architecture and Infrastructure Teams:
• Work closely with the network architecture and infrastructure teams to ensure seamless implementation of network designs and strategic initiatives. Provide engineering expertise to support architectural decisions and infrastructure upgrades.
• Documentation and Compliance: Ensure all network engineering activities are well-documented, maintaining accurate records of network configurations, changes, and procedures. Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements in all engineering practices.
• Role - Head of Network Architecture
• Network Strategy and Design: Lead the strategic design and development of the organization’s network architecture, ensuring scalability, security, and alignment with business goals. Develop long-term network architecture roadmaps that anticipate future technology trends and business needs.
• Technology Innovation: Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies to innovate and improve the network architecture, maintaining a competitive edge. Lead the adoption of new networking technologies, such as cloud networking, SD-WAN, and network automation.
• Architectural Standards and Best Practices: Establish and enforce architectural standards, ensuring consistency and best practices across all network designs and implementations. Collaborate with other IT leaders to integrate the network architecture with overall IT infrastructure strategies.
• Security by Design: Integrate security considerations into every aspect of the network architecture, ensuring compliance with industry standards and protecting the organization from threats. Collaborate with the security team to design architectures that are resilient against cyber attacks.
• Infrastructure Integration: Oversee the integration of network infrastructures during mergers, acquisitions, and expansions, ensuring seamless communication and operational efficiency. Manage the logical separation of network segments as needed to support business requirements.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with business units, IT teams, and executive leadership to understand requirements and translate them into effective network architecture solutions. Present architectural plans and strategies to stakeholders, securing buy-in and support.
• Role - Head of Network Infrastructure.
• Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Management: Lead the overall planning, deployment, and management of the organization’s network infrastructure across all locations, including data centers, cloud environments, and remote offices. Develop and implement strategies to ensure network reliability, scalability, and alignment with business objectives.
• Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance: Oversee day-to-day network operations, ensuring high availability, performance, and security of the network infrastructure. Implement and maintain infrastructure monitoring and management systems to quickly identify and resolve network issues.
• Budgeting and Cost Management: Manage the infrastructure budget, optimizing costs related to hardware, software, and services while maintaining a robust and efficient network. Identify opportunities for cost savings through efficient resource allocation and vendor negotiations.
• Vendor and Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and service providers to ensure timely procurement of network equipment and services. Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms for the organization.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Develop and implement disaster recovery strategies to ensure minimal downtime in the event of network failures or disasters. Maintain and regularly test business continuity plans to safeguard critical network operations.
• Compliance and Security: Ensure the network infrastructure complies with industry regulations and standards, implementing robust security measures to protect against threats. Work closely with the cybersecurity team to address vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the network.
  

• Hands-On Leadership and Mentorship: Lead by example through active participation in network infrastructure projects, providing hands-on technical guidance and support to the team. Mentor and develop team members by sharing technical knowledge, best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Active Project Planning and Execution: Directly engage in the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of network infrastructure projects, ensuring technical excellence and timely completion. Work closely with the team to break down complex projects into manageable tasks, monitor progress, and step in to resolve technical challenges as needed.
• Infrastructure Maintenance and Optimization: Take an active role in the ongoing maintenance, configuration, and optimization of network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points, and remote access solutions. Utilize monitoring tools to proactively identify performance issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Network Security Implementation: Work hands-on with security technologies, such as firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and access control systems, to enforce security policies and protect the network against threats. Collaborate with the cybersecurity team to implement security patches, updates, and best practices, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Technical Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution: Serve as the primary escalation point for complex network issues, leading troubleshooting efforts to quickly diagnose and resolve problems. Work directly on network incidents, using advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to restore services and prevent future occurrences.
• Vendor and Technology Management: Engage directly with vendors to evaluate and procure networking equipment, software, and services, ensuring they meet technical requirements and organizational standards. Stay hands-on with new technologies, assessing their impact on the existing infrastructure and leading integration efforts where beneficial.
• Detailed Documentation and Reporting: Actively contribute to the creation and maintenance of detailed network documentation, including configurations, topologies, and standard operating procedures. Generate technical reports on network performance, incidents, and project outcomes, providing insights to senior management.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Lead initiatives to improve network infrastructure by researching and implementing new technologies, automation tools, and process enhancements. Stay current with industry advancements, and pilot new solutions that can drive operational efficiency and network performance.
• Disaster Recovery and Hands-On Testing: Develop, implement, and regularly test disaster recovery plans to ensure the network can be quickly restored in the event of an outage. Participate directly in disaster recovery drills, making real-time adjustments to improve recovery processes.
• Hands-On Training and Knowledge Sharing: Conduct hands-on training sessions and workshops for the team, focusing on the latest network technologies, tools, and best practices. Encourage and facilitate knowledge sharing within the team, promoting collaborative problem-solving and continuous technical skill development.
  

• Network Design and Architecture: Design and architect comprehensive network solutions using Cisco routers, switches, firewalls (Cisco and Check Point), and wireless infrastructure to meet client requirements.
  Develop detailed network diagrams and documentation that outline the architecture, ensuring scalability, security, and high availability.
• Configuration and Deployment: Configure and deploy Cisco routers and switches, ensuring optimal network performance and adherence to industry best practices.
  Implement and configure Check Point and Cisco firewalls to secure the network perimeter, including setting up rules, policies, and VPNs. Deploy and configure Cisco wireless infrastructure, including access points and wireless controllers, to provide robust and secure wireless connectivity.
• VoIP Infrastructure Implementation: Design, implement, and optimize Cisco VoIP infrastructure, including call managers, voice gateways, and associated devices, to ensure clear and reliable communication. Integrate VoIP with existing network infrastructure, ensuring seamless operation and quality of service (QoS).
• Network Operations and Maintenance: Oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance of network infrastructure, ensuring all components function efficiently and reliably. Perform routine checks, updates, and maintenance on Cisco routers, switches, wireless infrastructure, and firewalls to prevent outages and maintain performance. Implement and maintain backup and disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime and ensure business continuity.
• Network Monitoring and Optimization: Set up and maintain network monitoring tools to continuously assess the health and performance of the network infrastructure. Analyze monitoring data to identify potential issues, optimize network performance, and proactively address bottlenecks or security vulnerabilities. Ensure continuous availability of network services by proactively monitoring for and addressing issues before they impact users.
• Security Management: Conduct security assessments of network infrastructure and recommend enhancements to strengthen defenses. Regularly update and patch Cisco and Check Point firewalls to protect against emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Monitor and respond to security incidents, ensuring the network remains secure and compliant with industry standards.
• Procurement and Vendor Management: Collaborate with vendors to select and procure networking equipment, ensuring it meets the project’s technical requirements and budget constraints. Evaluate new networking technologies and solutions, providing recommendations to clients based on their specific needs and industry trends.
• Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution: Diagnose and resolve complex network issues related to routing, switching, wireless, VoIP, and firewalls, ensuring minimal disruption to client operations. Provide expert-level troubleshooting support to clients, both remotely and on-site, to address urgent networking problems.
• Documentation and Knowledge Transfer: Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for all network designs, configurations, changes, and maintenance procedures, ensuring that clients have clear and accurate records. Conduct knowledge transfer sessions with client teams, providing training on network infrastructure management, monitoring tools, and best practices.
• Client Relationship Management: Work closely with clients to understand their business objectives, assess their current network infrastructure, and recommend solutions that align with their goals. Regularly communicate project status, technical updates, and potential risks to clients, ensuring transparency and building trust. Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Stay updated on the latest networking technologies, especially those related to Cisco and Check Point products, to offer innovative solutions to clients. Continuously seek ways to improve the efficiency, security, and performance of client networks through ongoing assessment and optimization.
  

• Network Operations Management: Oversee the smooth functioning of Tata Indicom’s feed to the MSV NOC and manage last mile infrastructure for Tata Indicom’s voice and data services to retail and SME clients.
• Backbone Infrastructure Oversight: Ensure the operational efficiency of ISP backbone infrastructure supporting over 1,000 end users and manage backbone network components, including optical fiber and wireless backhauls.
• NOC Operations Management: Oversee NOC operations, including the configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of routers (2600 series), switches (2950, 3500 series), and optical termination equipment.
• Vendor and Partner Coordination: Coordinate with vendors and channel partners, serving as an escalation point for customer service faults and outages.
• Team Leadership: Lead, train, coach, and mentor NOC operators/technicians, developing and implementing new processes and procedures.
• Customer and Vendor Relations: Maintain relationships with customers and vendors, and arrange technical and non-technical workshops to keep the team updated with industry developments.
• Training and Development: Oversee the training of new recruits and ensure the team is well-prepared for current and future challenges.
• Project Leadership and Optimization: Lead IT professionals in major projects, optimize network performance through thorough assessments, and implement necessary improvements.

• Project Management: Lead and oversee networking projects, including data center migrations for sister companies, ensuring timely and successful execution.
• Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with vendors for the procurement, configuration, and installation of networking products and infrastructure for data center moves.
• Data Center Operations: Supervise and maintain data center network operations, including Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and access points.
  Resolve operational issues and coordinate with vendors for hardware and service support.
• Network Optimization: Analyze and recommend network configuration changes to enhance performance and reliability.
• Disaster Recovery Support: Prepare and assist with disaster recovery tests, including installation and restoration of key systems and managing backups.
• Telephony and Conferencing Systems: Manage and maintain telephony and conferencing systems, including Tandberg, Cisco IP Telephony, Avaya, and in-house audio systems.
• Network Monitoring: Research, plan, design, and implement network monitoring and configuration management tools for proactive issue detection and resolution.
  

• Network Infrastructure Planning and Design: Plan, design, and implement QoS-enabled network infrastructure for deploying AVAYA VoIP solutions for Time Warner Cable Greensboro division call centers.
• Migration Projects: Manage migration from hybrid OS core layer switches (Cisco 6513) to native IOS using Cisco 6509 switches, including configuring routing protocols (OSPF, HSRP) on Cisco devices.
• Switch Installation and Configuration: Install and configure Cisco 6504 switches for the distribution layer, 3560-E POE switches for access layer connectivity with AVAYA IP phones, and Fore Systems 2810 switches for branch office connectivity via ATM LANE network.
• Network Monitoring: Build and configure Windows 2003 server on IBM hardware, and install Solarwinds’ Orion Network Performance monitoring software for SNMP, syslog, and alert management.
• VPN Services Implementation: Install and configure Cisco ASA 5520 appliances for WEB VPN, IPSEC, and LAN-to-LAN VPN services, and manage migration from NETSCREEN VPN/firewall to Cisco ASA VPN solutions.
• Network and Server Maintenance: Maintain network infrastructure, including Windows Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, WINS, FTP, mail servers, and devices from Cisco, Marconi, and Juniper.
• Technical Support: Provide L2 and L3 support for network infrastructure, VoIP phone solutions, and server-related issues for employees and contractors.

• Network Maintenance: Oversee LAN/WAN networks, managing 2,000+ servers and 3,000+ end-user nodes.
• Device Configuration and Monitoring: Configure, monitor, and maintain routers (Cisco 7200, 3800, 2800, 2500 series), switches (Cisco 6500, 6000, 5500, 4500, 3500, 3750, 2950 series), and wireless access points (Cisco Aironet 1200 Series).
• Firewall Management: Configure, monitor, and maintain Nokia-Checkpoint Firewall.
• Network Audit and Analysis: Conduct network audits, perform root cause analysis, and provide suggestions to improve network uptime.
• Change Control: Raise, review, and obtain approval for change control requests.
• Technical Oversight: Provide management and technical oversight to ensure network efficiency and availability, meeting service level agreements (SLAs).
• Network Design and Coordination: Plan, design, and coordinate network infrastructure deployments on client premises, including onsite-offshore network and vendor coordination.
• User Support: Provide L2/L3 support for client LAN/WAN and WLAN networks.

• Network Infrastructure Analysis and Design: Analyze, design, and implement network infrastructure solutions tailored to client needs.
• Network Maintenance: Oversee and manage the maintenance of network infrastructures to ensure ongoing performance and reliability.
• Configuration and Setup: Configure Cisco routers (2500, 2600, 3600, 7200 series) and switches (6500, 5500, 3750, 2900 series) to meet network design specifications.
• Network Security: Design and configure secure networks using NAT, IPSEC, ACLs, and firewall rules to enhance security and redundancy for clients.
• Firewall Management: Install, configure, and manage Checkpoint-Nokia firewall/VPN appliances, including redundant PIX 515e firewalls with stateful connection failover.
• Technical Oversight: Provide management and technical oversight to ensure network operations meet peak efficiency and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Escalation Point: Serve as the management escalation point for complex network issues and support.

• ISP Backbone Management: Oversee the smooth functioning of the ISP's backbone infrastructure, serving over 1,000 end users.
• NOC Operations: Manage Network Operations Center (NOC) operations to ensure network stability and performance.
• Network Maintenance: Ensure the seamless operation of the backbone network, including optic fiber and wireless backhaul, and configure, monitor, and maintain routers (2600 series), switches (2950, 3500 series), and optical termination equipment.
• Vendor Coordination: Collaborate with vendors and channel partners to facilitate network operations and address issues.
• Issue Resolution: Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve persistent customer service faults and outages, serving as an escalation point for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Team Leadership: Lead, train, coach, and mentor a team of NOC operators and technicians, fostering their development and ensuring effective performance.
• Process Development: Develop, document, and implement new and updated processes and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
• Customer and Vendor Relations: Maintain strong relationships with customers and vendors, ensuring effective communication and satisfaction.
• Workshops and Training: Organize technical and non-technical workshops for team members to stay updated with industry developments.

Successfully acquired a cable TV network serving approximately 500 customers and expanded the customer base to 1,500 within the first year. Under my leadership as managing partner, the total customer base grew to around 3,000, and revenue surged by nearly 500% over three years.

I spearheaded the installation of a comprehensive control room setup, initially launching with 40 channels and subsequently upgrading to 60 channels. In addition, I introduced a broadband service utilizing LAN technology with an optic fiber backbone, enrolling 150 customers within the first month of implementation.

Logistics and Sales Coordination:

• Client Interaction: Liaised with canteen officers aboard Indian Naval Ships, Coast Guard Ships, and dockyard workshops to book and manage orders.
• Goods Delivery Oversight: Monitored the delivery process of goods from the customs-bonded warehouse, ensuring timely and accurate fulfillment.
• Customs Coordination: Engaged with customs officials to facilitate smooth clearance and compliance with regulations.
• Sales Projections: Prepared and analyzed monthly sales projections to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
• Reporting: Generated detailed sales and revenue reports to track performance and support business operations.