Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Stephen L. Benton

Phoenix ,AZ

Summary

I am seeking a senior level position in Information Technology, Network Engineering, Communication Engineering, Systems Architect, or Consulting in support of the design and implementation of Information Technology, Communications, and Network Systems. BACKGROUND__________________________________________________________________________________ I have 39 years of experience in designing, implementing, and managing large multi-vendor networks. Well-developed internetworking design skills, and a thorough understanding of local (LAN), metropolitan (MAN), and wide area (WAN) networks, using the following internetworking technologies and protocols; Switched Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, ATM, SONET, Frame-Relay, Wireless, X.25, ISDN DDR, VLANs, LAN Emulation, MPOA, TCP/IP, RIP, OSPF, BGP-4, IPX, AppleTalk, DECnet, LAT, and Source Route Bridging. I have working knowledge and experience with numerous types of fiber optic devices, fiber optic cabling, and components. Highly accomplished presentation and instruction skills, augmented with strong project management abilities. I have extensive design and implementation experience with the following vendor's products and technologies; Cisco, RuggedCom/Siemens, Nortel, Bay Networks, 3Com, Ascend, Marconi/Fore, Alcatel/Xylan, NET, Microsoft, Oracle, Novell, and Sun Microsystems and many other networking companies.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

President, CEO & Founder

Layer Computer Services Inc
Chandler, AZ
01.2014 - Current

Entrepreneur

07.2007 - 12.2013

Senior Network Analyst

EnRoute Traffic Systems Inc
, CO
10.2003 - 06.2007
  • Responsible for all network, communications, and systems design and interoperability in support of the Colorado Department of Transportation, Traffic Operations Center, located in Golden, CO
  • The network includes 20 Cisco ONS-15454 in one SONET ring, operating at OC-48, OC-12, and OC-3 levels around the state
  • It also includes 55 GE Lentronics JungleMUXes, in six different SONET rings operating at OC-12 and OC-3 levels
  • I am also responsible for the statewide video network and camera control software from 360 Surveillance called Camera Cameleon
  • The Camera Cameleon network includes 10 servers and approximately 48 clients installed in Traffic Operation Centers in the different cities and jurisdictions around the State of Colorado.

Senior Communication, Networks, and Systems Engineer

Parsons Corporation
Denver, CO
11.2002 - 11.2003
  • Member of a senior team of Professional Engineers and Designers in all Engineering disciplines building an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for a State owned, five year, Transportation Expansion Project
  • The project includes the complete design, installation, and maintenance of an OC-12 and OC-3 SONET backbone located at 13 sites in the Denver Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
  • The SONET backbone supports all data and video traffic for all devices along major arterials and the Interstate corridor
  • These ITS devices include: CCTV, Video Detection Systems, Ramp Metering, Remote Traffic Microwave Sensors, Dynamic Messaging Signs, Highway Advisory Radio, Automated Traffic Management System, and Center to Center communications
  • The project also includes the complete network and communication design and installation of all of these ITS devices
  • The project includes the detailed single mode fiber optic cabling design to three strategically located Node buildings along the interstate corridor and eight Traffic Management Centers
  • The project included the detailed design, construction, and installation of the three strategically placed Node buildings.

Senior Network and Communication Consultant

ZeNETeX LLC
Herndon, VA
11.2001 - 11.2002
  • Member of a senior team of Professional Engineers and Designers in all Engineering disciplines building an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for a State owned, five year, Transportation Expansion Project
  • The project includes the complete design, installation, and maintenance of an OC-12 and OC-3 SONET backbone located at 13 sites in the Denver Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
  • The SONET backbone will support all data and video traffic for all devices along major arterials and the Interstate corridor
  • These ITS devices include: CCTV, Video Detection Systems, Ramp Metering, Remote Traffic Microwave Sensors, Dynamic Messaging Signs, Highway Advisory Radio, Automated Traffic Management System, and Center to Center communications
  • The project also includes the complete network and communication design and installation of all of these ITS devices
  • The project includes the detailed single mode fiber optic cabling design to three strategically located Node buildings along the interstate corridor and eight Traffic Management Centers
  • The project includes the detailed design, construction, and installation of the three Node buildings.

Senior Network Architect

NOOCHEE/DMW WORLDWIDE, SELF EMPLOYMENT CONSULTING ENGAGEMENTS_____________, Lovelace Health Systems
Albuquerque, NM
02.2001 - 08.2001
  • Member of a highly trained and experienced team of Network and Systems Engineers building a leading edge information technology infrastructure upgrade for a complete health care delivery organization of approximately 3200 employees
  • The project includes a complete cable infrastructure upgrade, a state of the art LAN, MAN, and WAN services upgrade, a network management upgrade, and remote access
  • The network currently consists of a large, five story, 225-bed hospital, nine remote full service primary care centers, and 12 other medical support buildings
  • Each site infrastructure is being upgraded to support a full Windows 2000 file and print upgrade over switched 10/100 Mbps to every desktop, Gigabit Ethernet backbones, SONET, and ATM in the MAN and WAN
  • The network will include full convergence to every desktop, IP Telephony, and Video over IP technologies as well as Wireless technologies.

Deployment Solutions Manager

Noochee Solutions, DMW Worldwide
Colorado Springs, CO
10.1999 - 06.2000
  • Member of a team that developed a new customer and internal support department (Help Desk) for the firm
  • Responsible for day-to-day technical support of software products
  • Responsible for all internal and external software support issues including change requests, change control board issues, maintenance issues, and managing the change request process
  • Created and developed the policy and procedures for the software change requests
  • Provided technical expertise in solving customer issues including assisting deployment staff in analysis, requirements, integration and customer installations
  • Supported all software deployment personnel with any and all requests required to get their deployments accomplished successfully.

Senior Network Architect/Project Management

International Thomson Publishing
Cincinnati, OH
07.1998 - 10.1999
  • Member of a team of Network and Systems Engineers that engineered and integrated a $3 million total information technology infrastructure upgrade for an enterprise consisting of 11 geographically separated sites
  • The project included both local and wide area networking
  • Each site infrastructure was upgraded to support switched 100 Mbps to the desktop and Gigabit Ethernet backbones
  • A LAN equipment solicitation was performed and the client realized an additional eight percent discount over their normal discount for LAN equipment
  • Approximately 4,000 ports of switch equipment were installed across North America
  • A WAN solicitation was performed for fixed site links and remote access using virtual private networks
  • Initial estimates of cost savings exceed $1 million annually
  • A network management system was designed and implemented using HP OpenView and Cisco Works 2000
  • A help desk requirement analysis, vendor selection, and implementation was performed with Peregrine’s Service Center being the help desk software.

Senior Network and Systems Engineer

Oregon Public Education Network
Portland, OR
05.1999 - 08.1999
  • Member of a team of Network and Systems Engineers that analyzed and performed a network baseline assessment of a statewide education’s current network
  • Performed a complete and comprehensive analysis that included the current status of the customer’s electronics (switches, hubs and routers), client/server hardware and software architecture, cable plant, and high speed internet connectivity
  • Analyzed and baselined the current state of the customer’s network infrastructure and developed a detailed final report of results, corrective measures, and recommendations
  • These recommendations were then presented at the statewide government level for implementation.

Senior Network Engineer/Project Management

Qwest Communications Inc
Denver, CO
06.1997 - 07.1998
  • Member of a team of Network and Systems Engineers that analyzed and performed a network baseline assessment of a telecommunication carrier’s current network
  • Performed a complete and comprehensive analysis that included the current status of the customer’s electronics (hubs and routers), client/server hardware and software architecture, and cable plant
  • Analyzed and baselined the current state of the customer’s network infrastructure and developed a final report of results, corrective measures, and recommendations
  • Developed a comprehensive, distributed computing network, and cabling architecture to support the information technology division
  • Led the $1.5 million follow-on procurement to select a strategic technology partner to design and implement a distributed computing infrastructure based on the recommended architecture
  • Helped develop the processes required during the cutover
  • Led the electronics implementation team in the installation of an OC-12 pure ATM backbone and a combination of switched 10/100Mbps Ethernet and switched/shared Token Ring, in each business unit throughout the enterprise.

Senior Network and Systems Engineer

Hawaiian Airlines
Honolulu, HI
05.1997 - 07.1997
  • Member of a team of Network and Systems Engineers that analyzed and performed a network baseline assessment of a commercial airline carrier’s current network
  • Performed a complete and comprehensive analysis that included the current status of the customer’s electronics (hubs and routers), client/server hardware and software architecture, and cable plant
  • Analyzed and baselined the current state of the customer’s network infrastructure and developed a final report of results, corrective measures, and recommendations.

Senior Network and Systems Engineer

Time Inc
, NY
01.1996 - 07.1997
  • Developed a comprehensive, distributed computing network and cabling architecture to support the information technology and business systems for one of the world’s largest publishing firms
  • Performed a complete organizational analysis for their information technology division
  • Developed recommendations for re-cabling the 46-story building; developed recommendations and a migration plan to change the LAN infrastructure from the current 4,300 client/server, shared LAN environment to a total switched environment that included over 5,300 ports; and identified the new skill sets and personnel required to support a distributed, switched computing environment
  • Developed and recommended different network management systems to support the day-to-day operations and maintenance division
  • Led the $5 million follow-on procurement to select a strategic technology partner to design and implement a distributed computing infrastructure based on the recommended architecture
  • Helped develop the processes required during the cutover
  • Led the electronics implementation team in the installation of an OC-12 pure ATM backbone and a combination of switched/shared Ethernet, switched/shared Token Ring, and FDDI in each business unit throughout the enterprise.

Project Management / Senior Network and Systems Engineer

CNA Insurance
Chicago, IL
03.1996 - 10.1996
  • Responsible for coordinating a network upgrade for 6,500 client/server workstations on a shared Token Ring architecture to an FDDI, ATM, and Token Ring switched backbone architecture
  • The task required identifying the current condition of the network, traffic patterns, and network protocols
  • This led to the development of Key Network Performance Indicators, which determine the condition of a network before and after upgrades
  • Responsible for developing a detailed FDDI and ATM/Switched Token Ring implementation plan that became the model used during the backbone upgrade
  • Also responsible for developing an ATM and Token Ring switching RFP for submission to the various switch vendors, soliciting the best possible solution for this network environment
  • Members of the team determined the condition of the present network; identified short- and long-term goals for the enterprise network; gathered options and possible solutions to a heavily congested, bridged network; narrowed down and researched the remaining options; identified resources to deploy and maintain the FDDI and future switched architecture; selected and deployed network backbone architecture; and built an ATM and LAN switching test lab that included switching equipment from Cisco Systems, FORE Systems, Bay Networks, and Xylan.

06.1991 - 12.1995
  • Trident Data Systems, Special Projects, National Reconnaissance Office - Network Management
  • Responsible for running a leading edge, worldwide, secure enterprise network including voice, data, and video teleconferencing
  • Designed, engineered, and installed an infrastructure to change the organization from a mainframe-based environment to a UNIX-based client/server environment
  • Completely redesigned the computer room, technical control facility, and building wiring infrastructure to support the massive growth associated with the new distributed computing environment and with other leading edge technologies
  • Managed the day-to-day activities of a 200-node, worldwide, PictureTel video conferencing network
  • Network Manager and engineer for a secure, nationwide DEC, MLS+ trusted workstation network supporting 400 users
  • The network consisted of T-1 and fractional T-1s, Verilink CSU/DSUs, KG-194 cryptographic equipment, and Cisco routers
  • The client/server environment consisted of DEC 5000 and DEC Alpha workstations, and Window NT and Macintosh clients running over TCP/IP Ethernets.

Network Engineer

US Air Force
06.1987 - 06.1991
  • Designed, engineered, and installed prototype dial-up video conferencing over a dedicated T-1 backbone network, providing customers with bandwidth-on-demand and substantial savings in network costs
  • This solution allowed the customer to utilize their bandwidth more effectively and freed up network resources for other purposes
  • Designed, developed, and installed multiple LAN topologies allowing customers to migrate from their shared media architectures to ATM, SONET, smart hubs, and other switched architectures
  • Designed, installed, and upgraded multiple computer and communication centers to support voice, video, and data services
  • This was accomplished while still allowing the customers access to their time-critical applications and services
  • Engineered and installed an early prototype version of HSSI with the Cisco router over DS-3 CSU/DSUs by T3Plus
  • Engineered and installed a network of an early prototype of Ricoh’s dial-up, 64Kbps, Group 4 facsimiles over the customer’s private T-1 facilities.

Cryptographic Technician

US Air Force
Washington
05.1982 - 06.1987
  • Deployed digital voice systems and multiple PBXs
  • Engineered and installed communication centers and technical control facilities, wire and fiber cable plants, and intermediate and main distribution frames
  • Extensive knowledge of different types of remote access products, modems, CSU/DSUs, cryptographic equipment, leased line services, and dial up services
  • Ordered, installed, maintained, and managed numerous T-1 and frame relay circuits.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

University of Phoenix

Associate - Applied Science, Electronic Systems Technology

Associate of Arts - Business Administration

AAS - undefined

Community College of the U.S. Air Force

AA - undefined

Council Bluffs Community College

Skills

  • Teambuilding
  • Flexible and Adaptable
  • Active Listening
  • Decision-Making
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Excellent Communication
  • Analytical and Critical Thinking
  • Written Communication
  • PPE Compliance

Certification

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), (March 2000) Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), (Actively Pursuing) Project Management, (Oct. 1999) Xylan Certified Switch Expert, (Feb. 1998)

Timeline

President, CEO & Founder

Layer Computer Services Inc
01.2014 - Current

Entrepreneur

07.2007 - 12.2013

Senior Network Analyst

EnRoute Traffic Systems Inc
10.2003 - 06.2007

Senior Communication, Networks, and Systems Engineer

Parsons Corporation
11.2002 - 11.2003

Senior Network and Communication Consultant

ZeNETeX LLC
11.2001 - 11.2002

Senior Network Architect

NOOCHEE/DMW WORLDWIDE, SELF EMPLOYMENT CONSULTING ENGAGEMENTS_____________, Lovelace Health Systems
02.2001 - 08.2001

Deployment Solutions Manager

Noochee Solutions, DMW Worldwide
10.1999 - 06.2000

Senior Network and Systems Engineer

Oregon Public Education Network
05.1999 - 08.1999

Senior Network Architect/Project Management

International Thomson Publishing
07.1998 - 10.1999

Senior Network Engineer/Project Management

Qwest Communications Inc
06.1997 - 07.1998

Senior Network and Systems Engineer

Hawaiian Airlines
05.1997 - 07.1997

Project Management / Senior Network and Systems Engineer

CNA Insurance
03.1996 - 10.1996

Senior Network and Systems Engineer

Time Inc
01.1996 - 07.1997

06.1991 - 12.1995

Network Engineer

US Air Force
06.1987 - 06.1991

Cryptographic Technician

US Air Force
05.1982 - 06.1987

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

University of Phoenix

Associate - Applied Science, Electronic Systems Technology

Associate of Arts - Business Administration

AAS - undefined

Community College of the U.S. Air Force

AA - undefined

Council Bluffs Community College

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