Portfolio

Major Projects & Enterprise Experience

Ali Raad

Senior Network Engineer | Project Manager

With 12+ years of hands-on experience in network engineering and IT infrastructure, I specialize in building secure, scalable networks from the ground up. I don't just maintain systems, I design, deploy, and optimize complete network solutions that deliver measurable results.

Core Competencies: Network Design, Security Implementation, Cloud Infrastructure, Project Leadership
Technologies: Cisco, MikroTik, UniFi, Fortinet, Microsoft Azure, AWS
Certifications: PMP, CCNP, CCNA, MCSA, NSE

Below are detailed case studies showcasing real projects where I transformed network challenges into high-performance, secure infrastructure solutions with proven, measurable results.

Case Studies: Real-World Network Solutions

See how I transformed network challenges into secure, high-performance infrastructure solutions with measurable results

Enterprise Core Network Infrastructure

Built from Scratch to Fully Secured Network

Power Generation Facility | 200+ Employees

Designed and deployed a complete enterprise-grade network infrastructure from ground zero to a fully operational, secured, and monitored environment. This involved building the entire network from scratch including network architecture design (how everything connects), multi-layer security (firewalls, access control, threat protection), and 24/7 monitoring systems (so we know immediately if something goes wrong).

Case Study: Problem → Solution → Results

The Challenge

  • No existing network infrastructure
  • 15+ departments requiring network segregation
  • High security requirements for sensitive data
  • No monitoring or backup systems in place
  • Budget constraints with high expectations

My Solution

  • Designed scalable 3-tier architecture
  • Implemented VLAN segmentation with ACLs
  • Deployed enterprise firewall with IPS/IDS
  • Built redundant core with HSRP failover
  • Established 24/7 monitoring & automated backups

The Results

  • 99.9% uptime maintained over 2+ years
  • Zero security breaches since deployment
  • 200+ devices connected seamlessly
  • 85% reduction in network incidents
  • 10Gbps backbone for future growth

Technical Implementation:

Core Network Design

  • Designed 3-tier network architecture (Core, Distribution, Access)
  • Implemented VLAN segmentation for 15+ departments
  • Configured redundant core switches with HSRP
  • Deployed fiber optic backbone for 10Gbps connectivity

Security Infrastructure

  • Deployed Next-Gen Firewall with IPS/IDS capabilities
  • Configured DMZ for public-facing services
  • Implemented VPN infrastructure (Site-to-Site & Remote Access)
  • Established ACL policies and firewall rules

Infrastructure Services

  • Configured centralized DHCP and DNS services
  • Deployed Active Directory infrastructure
  • Implemented PRTG network monitoring system
  • Setup centralized backup solution with redundancy

Project Achievements:

99.9% Network Uptime

Achieved and maintained enterprise-level SLA

Zero Security Breaches

Protected infrastructure with multi-layer security

200+ Endpoints Supported

Scalable design supporting enterprise growth

Technologies Used:

Cisco Catalyst Switches Fortinet Firewall PRTG Monitoring Windows Server Active Directory VPN (IPSec)

Ubiquiti UniFi Enterprise Wireless Solution

Scalable Wireless Infrastructure for Multi-Floor Facility

Corporate Office Building | 5 Floors | 300+ Users

Engineered and deployed a comprehensive UniFi wireless network solution covering a 5-floor office building with seamless WiFi coverage (walk anywhere without dropping connection), centralized management (control everything from one dashboard), and isolated guest network (visitors get internet but can't access your internal systems). The project included professional site survey, strategic access point placement, and enterprise-grade security.

Case Study: Problem → Solution → Results

The Challenge

  • Poor WiFi coverage with dead zones
  • 300+ users experiencing disconnections
  • No guest network isolation
  • Complaints about slow roaming between floors
  • No centralized management system

My Solution

  • Conducted RF site survey with heat mapping
  • Deployed 25 strategically placed APs
  • Implemented WPA3-Enterprise with RADIUS
  • Configured isolated guest network with portal
  • Enabled fast roaming for seamless transitions

The Results

  • 100% coverage across all 5 floors
  • 95% reduction in WiFi complaints
  • 300+ concurrent users supported
  • Seamless roaming between access points
  • Guest network with 500+ daily visitors

Project Scope:

Planning & Design

  • Conducted RF site survey for optimal coverage
  • Designed heat map and AP placement strategy
  • Planned SSID architecture for different user groups
  • Calculated bandwidth requirements per area

Hardware Deployment

  • Deployed 25x UniFi AP AC Pro access points
  • Installed UniFi Dream Machine Pro as controller
  • Configured PoE switches for AP power delivery
  • Setup backup WAN connection for redundancy

Security & Management

  • Implemented WPA3-Enterprise with RADIUS
  • Configured isolated guest network with captive portal
  • Setup VLAN segregation for different networks
  • Enabled traffic insights and threat management

Results Delivered:

100% Coverage

Seamless connectivity across entire facility

300+ Concurrent Users

Supporting high-density wireless requirements

Fast Roaming Enabled

Zero-handoff seamless AP transitions

Technologies Used:

UniFi AP AC Pro Dream Machine Pro UniFi Controller RADIUS Server WPA3-Enterprise Captive Portal

MikroTik Advanced Routing & Security Platform

ISP-Grade Network with Load Balancing & Hotspot

Residential Compound | 500+ Active Users

Designed and configured a sophisticated MikroTik-based network infrastructure featuring dual internet connections with automatic switching (never lose internet), hotspot authentication (control who accesses your network), and smart bandwidth control (ensure fair internet usage for all residents). This solution powers a high-traffic residential environment with intelligent bandwidth management and secure user access control.

Case Study: Problem → Solution → Results

The Challenge

  • Single WAN - frequent internet outages
  • 500+ users with no access control
  • Bandwidth abuse by heavy users
  • No billing or user management system
  • Network congestion during peak hours

My Solution

  • Deployed dual-WAN with PCC load balancing
  • Built hotspot with RADIUS authentication
  • Implemented Queue Tree for fair bandwidth
  • Created bandwidth packages with limits
  • Configured automatic failover with health checks

The Results

  • 99.8% uptime with automatic failover
  • 70% improvement in network stability
  • 500+ active users managed efficiently
  • Fair bandwidth distribution via QoS
  • Zero downtime during ISP failures

Advanced Features:

Routing & Redundancy

  • Configured dual-WAN load balancing (PCC method)
  • Implemented automatic failover with health checking
  • Setup OSPF dynamic routing protocol
  • Configured BGP for multi-homing scenarios

Hotspot & User Management

  • Deployed customized hotspot authentication portal
  • Integrated RADIUS server for user management
  • Created bandwidth packages with Simple Queue
  • Implemented session timeout and data limits

Security & QoS

  • Configured firewall rules with port knocking
  • Implemented Queue Tree for advanced QoS
  • Setup VPN server (PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN)
  • Enabled DDoS protection and address lists

Outstanding Performance:

500+ Hotspot Users

Managing high-volume public access

99.8% Uptime

With automatic failover redundancy

Optimized Bandwidth

Intelligent traffic shaping and prioritization

Technologies Used:

MikroTik RouterOS Hotspot System PCC Load Balancing RADIUS Queue Tree QoS OpenVPN OSPF/BGP
12+

Years Experience

100+

Projects Completed

1000+

Devices Managed

99.9%

Uptime SLA

Looking for a Reliable IT Partner to Transform Your Network?

Whether you need a complete network built from scratch, wireless coverage across multiple floors, or a smart bandwidth management system for your residential compound - I deliver results that exceed expectations.

Let's discuss your project and build a solution tailored to your needs.

Let's Talk About Your Project WhatsApp: +964 783 594 9338
info@aliraad.com

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