I was invited to join Virtual1 to assist in developing its London based 40 site network. One of my first tasks was to transition it from a layer2 ethernet switching domain to an MPLS network. Since then I have deployed over 7 regional hubs, and 220 exchange points-of-presence for regional access to its increasingly fast-growing network. My role comprises all aspects from vendor discussions, through planning/testing and physical deployment (my favorite bit) of new equipment, and escalation point for the network operations team.

The Global Customer & Core Architect is the primary design and certification authority for Telstra’s customer network and EMEA core infrastructure. The role ensures that any given CPE device, service or configuration is fit for purpose and fully certified for use by Telstra and its customers. The group also provides 3rd level break/fix (Chronic team) support for complex customer solutions.Working closely with technical teams including Global Customer Operations and Customer Implementation the Architecture group acts in a mentoring capacity providing lab access and support for the delivery and assurance of complex customer/core network solutions and technologies.

I am currently working within the Network Operations team based in our London office in Southwark. Duty's include 2nd and 3rd line support of the UK MPLS backbone network from layer1 through 3. As a senior member of the group I am also an integral part of the engineering team, designing and provisioning hardware/software changes to the network, as well as researching new & better ways to provide services to our customers. This last year I was also part of the team designing and delivering the broadcast network for the Royal Wedding in London, delivering live video to both domestic and international TV companies.

I’m a telecommunications engineer with over 20 years of experience ranging from installing Telephone Exchanges, and PC Networks to designing network solutions for large Telecommunications companies. I’ve recently returned from our Head office in Sydney and my family and I have had a great time and made many new friends in the 3 years we have been there. I am grateful to Telstra for this opportunity and will continue to give 100% to them on my return.Systems that I have experience in are:Cisco TelepresenceSiemens SDH Mux’sJuniper Network Routers and FirewallsCisco Routers and SwitchesPC Office NetworksDesktop Software Installation and PC MaintenanceI am flexible in my approach to my work or with jobs that I am assigned to. I have experience delivering Hi-Def video feeds from various global events around the world back to the Australian broadcast market These feeds include various combinations of Satellite, terrestrial, and undersea cable systems utilizing equipment from manufactures such as NTT, Cisco, Scientific Atlanta, and Siemens. Utilising technologies as SDH, SONET, Mpg4, Mpg2, IPA sample of the events include: Beijing Olympics, Vancouver Olympics, FIFA World Cup and Commonwealth Games. I have been involved in the Design, Proof of Concept, Configuration, Installation, Testing and Support of these projects, from start to finish; and have found the experience rewarding and interesting.I have also been involved with deploying a Cisco Telepresence solution in all of our International offices. My experiences in this again has included every aspect of the project, from initial design, to ordering of equipment and networks, installation and testing, Logistics and overall project management. I am very impressed with the system and it gave me the opportunity to see colleagues from around the world that you would normally only talk to on the phone.

Field Service Office/ Network Operations Engineer / Network Operations Manager / Senior Network Engineering Architect. - It was all hands to the pump in this fast moving global entity.