ALi M. Swaidan

Senior Network & Security Engineer with 10+ years of experience architecting, securing, and optimizing enterprise WAN/LAN infrastructures across multinational environments. Specialized in Cisco and MikroTik networks, dynamic routing (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP), firewall security (Fortinet & Cisco ASA), VPN solutions, QoS, and high-availability designs. Proven track record delivering 99.9% uptime, reducing latency, hardening network security, and executing large-scale infrastructure deployments across multi-site operations.

Adept at producing LLD/HLD documentation, leading network projects, and ensuring performance excellence in mission‑critical environments.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1. Data Center Network Engineer | Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo 

• Managed and maintained enterprise data center infrastructure, including servers, storage systems, and networking equipment, ensuring continuous service availability.
• Implemented performance monitoring, backup strategies, and disaster recovery (DR/BCP) plans to minimize downtime and data loss.
• Optimized energy efficiency and cooling systems through best practices and continuous resource utilization monitoring.
• Supported deployment of new servers and applications in collaboration with network and security teams to ensure compliance and system security.

1. Network Specialist & Access Control Engineer | Monrovia, Montserrado County, Liberia

• Deployed complete network infrastructures including routing, Layer 3 switching, firewalls, and VoIP systems.
• Implemented DHCP, DNS, NAT, and secure routing policies for multi-site environments.
• Integrated IDS/IPS solutions and secured WAN links against tunneling and intrusion threats.
• Designed and implemented CCTV and access control networks with centralized monitoring.
• Delivered technical training and prepared operational documentation for local IT teams.

1. Network Operations Engineer | Bangui, Central African Republic

• Designed enterprise WAN/LAN architectures and implemented routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP) across multi-branch networks.
• Configured and secured Fortinet and Cisco ASA firewalls, including VPNs, NAT rules, segmentation, and traffic filtering.
• Achieved high service availability through redundancy, failover mechanisms, and proactive network monitoring.
• Built end-to-end VLAN architectures for data, voice, CCTV, and access control systems.
• Optimized network performance using QoS policies and NetFlow analysis.

1. Network Infrastructure Manager | Conakry Region, Guinea 

• Led infrastructure and network operations across geographically distributed branches.
• Designed and maintained scalable hybrid infrastructures using Cisco, MikroTik, Windows Server, and Linux.
• Managed backup strategies and disaster recovery frameworks, improving service continuity and recovery readiness.
• Standardized infrastructure policies, monitoring procedures, and documentation across sites to improve operational efficiency and reduce incident response time.
• Implemented network security measures, including firewall configurations, VLAN segmentation, and access controls, to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with organizational policies.

Feb 2015 – Jan 2017 

• Supported and maintained LAN and WAN networks to ensure reliable daily operations.
• Managed basic Active Directory tasks including user accounts and access permissions.
• Resolved DHCP, DNS, routing, switching, and connectivity issues for internal users.
• Documented recurring technical issues to improve service stability.

Jun 2014 – May 2015 

• Assisted in ISP network operations including routing and aggregation switching support.
• Monitored network performance and handled basic TCP/IP troubleshooting.
• Supported customer connectivity issues under senior engineer supervision.
• Performed routine network checks and maintained technical documentation.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science in Communication Engineering (TENG) - LIU, Lebanon (2022)
• Diploma, Advanced Systems Admin – Al Emdad Institute, Beirut (2021)
• Diploma, Systems and Networks – CIS College, Nabatieh (2020)
• Diploma, IT – Al Afak Institute, Tyre (2018)
•  High School Diploma – Masters International College, Tyre (2015)