My name is Akram , and I am a Cisco SD-WAN and SDA architect with a passion for emerging technologies that has driven my career from a very young age. I started my career as a route/switch and security engineer, but I quickly developed the skills necessary to advance to the next level, allowing me to design and deploy an MPLS VPN for one of the largest service providers in Orange County.
This experience was a true challenge and an eye-opener, giving me extensive exposure to multi-tenancy networks, where VRFs and macro-segmentation were mandatory. MPLS VPN is not something to take lightly—it demands a deep understanding of route reflectors, BGP, iBGP, and route targets. Back when I was learning, the tools and simulators available today didn’t exist, and online resources were scarce. I had to learn everything the hard way: purchasing equipment off eBay, building my own lab, and customizing configurations to simulate real-world scenarios. Every solution was tested thoroughly in the lab before deployment to ensure it met my clients’ needs.
With over 20 years of experience as a network consultant, I’ve had the privilege of working with Fortune 500 companies and various local and global Cisco VARs, helping them navigate the complexities of their networks. I am also a highly skilled security engineer, having deployed large-scale Cisco ASA and FTD firewalls. Additionally, I implemented 802.1X wired and wireless authentication for large-scale customers, with security being the primary focus. This background further underscores my depth of knowledge with Cisco ISE.
I have an insatiable curiosity for exploring new technologies as they emerge. I thrive on being one of the first to test and implement innovations. For instance, I learned about Viptela before Cisco even acquired the company. Once the acquisition took place, I immersed myself in the solution during its transition, becoming well-versed in both the old vEdge platform and the new ISR 4K and 8K platforms. My eagerness to stay ahead of the curve means I’m always chasing the latest features released by Cisco, often putting them to the test in my well-equipped lab.
Speaking of my lab, it’s a true labor of love, complete with real hardware securely housed in my garage. I believe that nothing beats hands-on experience, which is why I prioritize using real equipment over simulators—this approach sets me apart in my career. In 2018, when DNA Center emerged, I was determined to get my hands on it first. Despite the high price of the controller being beyond my budget, I took the initiative to assemble custom hardware and virtualized it myself. In fact, I was among the first to virtualize DNA Center before Cisco officially released the OVA version in late 2024. This journey involved acquiring Cisco 9K switches and embracing a trial-and-error process that taught me invaluable lessons through high electricity bills and countless late nights.
Today, my lab has grown tremendously, as I continuously test various scenarios for multiple customers. I created this blog to share my experiences and insights. Throughout my journey, I’ve faced numerous challenges and spent countless hours finding solutions that are often hard to locate online. Many engineers encounter similar issues without any guidance, and I aim to provide a space where unique scenarios are addressed, ensuring that others don’t have to struggle alone. Yes, even Google isn’t always your friend!
I’m an easy-going person, and you’ll find that anytime you reach out to me with a question, I’ll feel a strong urge to find you the answer! It’s a little itch that I can’t resist scratching. I invite you to join me on this journey as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of networking technologies together.
I’m an easy-going person, and you’ll find that anytime you reach out to me with a question, I’ll feel a strong urge to find you the answer! It’s a little itch that I can’t resist scratching. If you have anything in mind you need a second opinion feel free to hit me up under “Contact us” or Linkedin