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I have years of experience designing, deploying, and managing networks for small and medium businesses. I can provide one-time or ongoing services for your business. I have extensive experience with Ubiquiti (Unifi & UISP), Cisco/Meraki, Watchguard, and Sonicwall technologies. I work well independently, or can also work collaboratively with internal IT teams, contractors or service providers.

🏆🥇✨Proven track record of delivering top-notch IT solutions ✨🥇🏆 - I specialize in networking, cybersecurity and virtualization including Citrix, VMware, and Microsoft technologies. My expertise spans Unifi, Meraki and Cisco in networking, SonicWall, Palo Alto and FortiNet in security as well as VMware, XenServer and Hyper-V virtualization. I've consistently achieved high client satisfaction through my dedication to excellence and attention to detail. **Key Skills:** 👉 Virtual Machine Management: Proficient in template automation, Citrix MCS, PVS, and Citrix AppLayering for efficient virtual machine deployment and management. 👉 User Experience Optimization: Skilled in enhancing user experience with Citrix WEM, Citrix UPM, Profile Unity, and AppSense solutions. 👉 Wireless Deployments: Experienced in deploying wireless solutions from Meraki, Ubiquiti, and Cisco for seamless connectivity. 👉 Network Security: Expertise in implementing and managing network security firewalls from Meraki, Ubiquiti, SonicWall, Cisco, and Palo Alto to ensure robust protection. 👉 Storage Area Network (SAN) Deployment: Knowledgeable in SAN deployment utilizing Pure Storage and Dell/EMC solutions for reliable data storage. 👉 Exchange Connectivity: Proficient in troubleshooting Exchange connectivity issues and optimizing mail flow for uninterrupted communication. 👉 Windows Patch Management: Skilled in deploying Windows patches using WSUS and Ivanti Patch for enhanced system security and performance. 👉 Microsoft Distributed File Services (DFSr) Deployments: Experienced in deploying DFSr solutions for efficient file replication and management. **Why Choose Me:** ✅ Proven Track Record: With a long history of successful client engagements, I have built a reputation for delivering exceptional IT solutions. ✅ Client Satisfaction: My focus on client satisfaction drives me to go above and beyond to meet project requirements and exceed expectations. ✅ Technical Expertise: I stay updated with the latest advancements in Citrix, VMware, and Microsoft technologies to provide cutting-edge solutions. ✅ Attention to Detail: I pay meticulous attention to detail in every project, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in implementation. ✅ Collaborative Approach: I believe in transparent communication and collaboration, working closely with clients to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions. **Let's Connect:** 🥇 Ready to elevate your IT infrastructure? Reach out to discuss how I can help you achieve your goals efficiently and effectively.

👑 Expert Vetted - Top 1% of talent on Upwork ⭐️ Top Rated - Highly rated for the work provided 🎯 100% Job Success Score 🕒 600+ hours on Upwork ✅ 30+ years of experience ✅ 50+ projects delivered here on Upwork With over three decades of experience under my belt as a network and security engineer, I've traversed the ever-evolving landscape of LAN/WAN network design, network security, firewalls, implementation, and maintenance. My expertise is not merely a testament to time, but also backed by credentials including Cisco CCNP (route/switch), a Cisco CCDP for network design, and a PCNSE for Palo Alto Networks. I am always available for consulting for short-term and long-term projects. Thank you.

Level III IT Consultant that works for other MSPs and IT Consultants. Self-taught IT professional with over 30 years of network administration experience, including almost 30 years specializing in both Windows Server based LAN/WAN and Red Hat Enterprise Linux derivative LAN/WAN networks. I have over 25 years experience with website hosting, cPanel/WHM, and LTS Linux distribution server management. I bring decades of expertise in delivering IT services for a wide range of clients. I have relevant experience in network design, cybersecurity, web development, server management, cloud solutions, and more. I have worked with startups, nonprofits, corporations, government, enterprise, and numerous small businesses in a wide variety of sectors. I am based in the Chicago area and offer remote and on-site support nationwide. I skillfully coordinate projects with daily client commitments, ensuring high standards, timely delivery, and clear communication, delivering results that boost efficiency and profitability. I primarily stick to Level III IT consulting work and I am very selective when accepting contracts. Specializations: - Networking & Security: Expertise in SonicWall, Cisco, Meraki, Fortinet, UniFi/Ubiquiti, Netgear, TP-Link/Omada, etc. I configure firewalls, switches, bridges, Wi-Fi, VPNs, 2FA/MFA, etc. for secure, scalable networks that protect and empower businesses. - Almost 30 years managing cPanel/WHM servers, handling DNS, POP3/IMAP mail, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Apache/PHP/MySQL on RHEL, CentOS, and AlmaLinux for reliable hosting and maximum uptime. - Microsoft: Skilled from DOS/Windows 3 to modern Windows 11 & Server 2025, with Microsoft 365 administration and migration expertise for seamless operations. Relevant experience with Entra, Intune, and Active Directory Group Policy implementation and integration. - Long time user of the Apple ecosystem. From Mac OS 8 to macOS Tahoe, iOS, iPadOS, etc. - Server Management: Physical/virtual server virtualization, automated backups, scripting to streamline deployments, reduce costs. Amazon, Microsoft, Google, etc. - Cloud & Emerging Tech: Azure/Hyper-V migrations, IoT integration for scalable, innovative solutions that drive growth. Industry Experience: - Medical/Dental: Delivered HIPAA-compliant IT for secure data management, compliance. - Automotive: Support for Dealer Management Systems, optimizing sales/service operations. - Corporate Offices: Secure networks, cybersecurity for productivity, reliability. - Warehouses: Access control, structured wiring for connectivity, safety. - Small Businesses/Remote: Tailored IT for scalability, cost-efficiency, growth. What I Offer: - Design/secure networks for reliability, scalability, growth. - Manage cPanel/WHM for seamless hosting (DNS, mail, Apache/PHP/MySQL). - Virtualize servers to optimize resources, cut costs. - Strengthen cybersecurity with modern tools, best practices. - Automate server tasks to save time, streamline operations. - Consult and train individual IT professionals for enhanced productivity and performance. Business & Leadership: As a freelancer, I optimize IT systems, streamline processes, and deliver measurable outcomes. My self-taught expertise enables rapid learning and system redesign for efficiency, with a client-focused approach. I adapt to each project’s needs, ensuring solutions align with business goals through clear communication and reliable execution, building trust with every deliverable. Military Experience: Decorated U.S. Navy veteran (Operation Desert Shield/Storm), served 5 years with Patrol Squadron 26 (P-3C Orion), earning a Navy Achievement Medal for technical expertise. This discipline drives my precision, reliability, and commitment to excellence in every project. Rates & Availability: - UpWork: I primarily use Microsoft Teams, but also have GoTo Meeting. I can support Zoom and have a ConnectWise ScreenConnect account via my company, Ateki LLC. My office, which is a small podcasting studio, uses several Windows 11 workstations connected with Mouse without Borders for seamless workflow. My hourly rate on UpWork varies by my current client workload. - On-Site Services: I travel regularly for clients and client projects. I charge a flat rate of $225 per hour (or $1,800 per day) plus expenses. Initial payments for small jobs are fifty percent of the labor and one hundred percent of expected expenses in advance.

Experienced network engineer that has embraced the cloud and helped organizations large and small. I have done everything from establish VPNs to design global hybrid networks that utilize SD-WAN and direct connect. I have also designed multi-account AWS environments with least privilege cross account access via IAM users and SAML identity providers. I hold over 10 AWS certifications including Solutions Architect Professional, Advanced Networking Specialty, and Security Specialty. I am passionate about learning new things, expanding my existing knowledge, and sharing my knowledge to help others effectively utilize technology.

I’m a senior network and security engineer with 8+ years of hands-on Fortinet experience, specializing in FortiGate, FortiManager, large-scale deployments, and network migrations. I don’t just configure firewalls, I design, automate, deploy, and stabilize entire environments. My work typically involves complex Fortinet ecosystems with hundreds (or thousands) of devices, where reliability, repeatability, and clean architecture are critical. I’ve deployed and managed 1,000+ FortiGate / FortiWiFi devices across multi-site environments, built FortiManager policy packages and provisioning templates, implemented zero-touch and low-touch deployments, and automated Fortinet workflows using Python, FortiManager APIs, FortiOS APIs, and SSH. Clients bring me in when: Fortinet environments are messy or unstable Migrations need to be done correctly (not just copied configs) Scale breaks manual processes They want answers, root cause analysis, and fixes, not guesswork I debug first, fix the issue, and then explain exactly why it happened and how to prevent it going forward. Core Specialties Fortinet / Network Security FortiGate & FortiWiFi (40F → 900G, physical & VM) FortiManager & FortiAnalyzer SD-WAN (ADVPN, hub-and-spoke, BGP) IPSec VPN (IKEv1 / IKEv2, cert-based, SAML) ZTNA with FortiEMS, EMS tags & serial verification Central NAT, VIPs, IP pools DNS Database & AD-integrated DNS UTM: IPS, AV, Web Filtering, App Control FortiSwitch & FortiAP via FortiLink Network Migrations Cisco ASA to Fortinet Palo Alto to Fortinet SonicWall to Fortinet Meraki / Aruba / Cisco switching integrations Policy cleanup, object normalization, and architecture redesign Automation, Scripting & DevOps Python (FortiManager API, FortiOS API, SSH automation) Bash & Linux administration Automation for: Bulk device inventory & reporting Metadata variable population in FortiManager Standardized configuration enforcement Fleet-wide data extraction to CSV Ubuntu Azure networking Monitoring & visibility: Zabbix ntopng NetFlow Example work: Built Python automation to pull device data for 1,140+ FortiWiFi devices from FortiManager, export to CSV, and dynamically populate FortiManager metadata variables Automated SSH-based configuration deployment across large FortiGate fleets not fully managed by FortiManager Aggregated discovered device data from all FortiGates into centralized reporting for fleet-wide visibility My preferred approach: Debug first, explain later Clear root cause analysis (RCA) Clean, supportable designs Minimal vendor hand-holding required Comfortable working independently or alongside internal teams