Hire the Best Network Administrators
in the United States

✔ 13+ Years Experience ✔ Experienced in Windows and Linux Server Administration ✔ Experienced with all Major Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, Google, etc.) ✔Honest, Reliable, and Friendly My Expertise: ⭐ Microsoft Windows Server ⭐ Linux Server - Debian, Ubuntu, LAMP, CUPS ⭐ Hyper-V and Proxmox (Type 1 and Type 2 Hypervisors) ⭐ Networking (DNS, DHCP, Routing, Enterprise Firewall & Security, VLANs, WiFi Controllers) ⭐ Web Hosting (SSL/DNS/Wordpress) ⭐ Powershell/Bash Scripting/Automation ⭐ Project Management I have 13 years experience in many IT roles, from System Administrator to Director of IT, to running my own Managed Service Provider company. I draw on that wide range of experience to find the best solutions for the job, as smaller operations tend to have different pain points than larger ones. I am reliable, friendly, and always strive to give 100% in everything I do. My work tends to be mostly comprised of technical consultations, high level issue diagnostics and resolution for infrastructure, and technical design with a focus on high-availability and quick disaster recovery for business-critical applications. I value my integrity and constantly strive for clear and honest communication with all my clients and business partners, for that reason I will never bid on a job that I don't know I can complete. I look forward to working with you. Thank you for taking the time to view my profile and consider my bid.

Microsoft 365 | Azure | Windows Server | VMware | Network & Infrastructure Consultant I help businesses design, secure, migrate, and maintain reliable IT infrastructure that keeps their operations running smoothly. Whether you need Microsoft 365 administration, Windows Server support, Azure cloud management, network implementation, or cybersecurity improvements, I deliver practical, well-documented solutions with minimal downtime. I am a Senior Network/System Admin with extensive experience supporting enterprise and small-to-medium business environments across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid infrastructures. I have successfully planned, deployed, migrated, secured, and maintained Microsoft 365 environments, Windows Server infrastructure, Azure resources, VMware virtualization, enterprise networking, backup solutions, and cybersecurity platforms. I have worked on projects ranging from Microsoft 365 administration and Exchange Online troubleshooting to complete infrastructure deployments, server migrations, firewall implementations, disaster recovery planning, virtualization, storage management, and cloud modernization. Core Services: Microsoft 365: Microsoft 365 Administration Exchange Online Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) Microsoft Teams SharePoint Online OneDrive Microsoft Intune Conditional Access Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Microsoft Defender Tenant Security Reviews Mail Flow Troubleshooting Microsoft 365 Migrations Windows Infrastructure Windows Server 2012/2016/2019/2022 Active Directory Group Policy DNS DHCP File Servers Print Servers Remote Desktop Services Windows Server Migration Server Hardening Performance Optimization Azure Cloud Azure Virtual Machines Azure Virtual Networks Azure Storage Azure Backup Hybrid Identity Azure Networking Azure Security Resource Management Virtualization VMware vSphere ESXi Hyper-V Virtual Machine Deployment Cluster Administration Storage Integration Networking Fortinet Firewalls Cisco Switching & Routing VLAN Design VPN Configuration Network Security Site-to-Site VPN Wireless Networking Network Troubleshooting Cybersecurity Microsoft Defender Endpoint Security Vulnerability Remediation Security Hardening Backup Validation Disaster Recovery Planning Email Security Identity Protection Security Best Practices Hardware Support/Enterprise Technologies Microsoft 365 Azure Windows Server VMware Hyper-V Cisco UCS Dell EMC Pure Storage Qumulo Fortinet Cisco Nexus AWS Microsoft SQL Server

I am a self-driven, highly-analytical SYSTEM & NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR with 27 years of progressive experience helping companies improve organizational security and effectiveness. Adept at the design, architecture, development and maintenance of high-performing secure networks. My skills in the area of systems & network administration are complemented by my certifications as a Cisco Certified Network Associate, Certified Meraki Networking Associate, Cisco Small & Medium Business Engineer, HPE Aruba Certified Networking Associate. I am proficient in Windows 10/11, Windows Server 2008 - 2025, M365, Azure, AVD, Hyper-V, VMware, & some Linux.

I'm the Level III IT consultant who works for other MSPs and IT consultancies — the senior hand you bring in for the hard problems junior techs escalate: network redesigns, cybersecurity hardening, server migrations, and emergency triage. 30+ years in the trenches, U.S. Navy trained, Top Rated with a 100% Job Success score. Based in the Chicago area / Northwest Indiana, with remote and on-site coverage nationwide. Where I go deep: - Networking & Security: Design, configure, and secure networks with SonicWall, Fortinet, Cisco/Meraki, UniFi/Ubiquiti, TP-Link Omada, and Netgear — firewalls, VLANs, VPNs, 2FA/MFA, site-to-site bridges. - Servers & Hosting: Nearly 30 years of cPanel/WHM, DNS, POP3/IMAP, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace; Apache/PHP/MySQL on RHEL/CentOS/AlmaLinux for reliable hosting and maximum uptime. - Systems & Cloud: Windows Server 2025, Windows 11, Linux, and macOS; Azure/Hyper-V virtualization and AWS/GCP deployments — from design through deployment and ongoing operations. - Microsoft Stack: Microsoft 365 administration and migration, Entra, Intune, and Active Directory Group Policy. Industry experience: HIPAA-compliant IT for medical/dental, Dealer Management Systems for automotive groups, secure corporate networks, and structured wiring and access control for warehouses. How I work: Precise and methodical. Project-based engagements first, hourly for smaller targeted work. I bring clear status updates and a bias toward documenting what I change, so the next person — internal or external — can pick up where I left off. I coordinate across internal IT teams, third-party vendors, and contract boards when an engagement requires it. Background: Self-taught IT professional since 1997; U.S. Navy Aircrewman, Patrol Squadron 26 (VP-26), 1990–1995, earning a Navy Achievement Medal for technical expertise on a classified surveillance system. Network Operations Center engineer at eSignal/Interactive Data, 2000–2007. Founded Ateki LLC in 2002. If you need a senior consultant who can redesign a network, harden security, migrate a server room, or own the escalations your team is stuck on — and who shows up, communicates, and documents — let's talk about your project.

Network engineer with 4+ years across enterprise deployment, DoD network operations, and carrier NOC environments. CCNA, CCNA Automation, CCNA Cybersecurity, JNCIA, and Security+ certified, with an active DoD Secret clearance. U.S. military veteran. What I can help you with: Network deployment & migration: Cisco Meraki, VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN, Juniper, and Ciena. Staging, configuration, cutover planning, and validation. I currently run refresh and deployment projects across 6,000+ locations worldwide and have taken site-wide wireless implementations from planning through cutover. Troubleshooting & incident response: enterprise LAN/WAN, wireless, VPN, and carrier backbone networks. SolarWinds monitoring, plus ServiceNow, Jira, and Remedy workflows. Automation & reporting: Python and PowerShell scripting to eliminate manual work. I built internal tooling that pulled data from disconnected network and asset systems into reporting used by executives to scope multi-site projects, with an estimated seven-figure cost avoidance. Documentation & diagramming: Visio network diagrams, architecture documentation, and STIG-compliant documentation. Education: BS in Network Engineering and Security, Cisco track. I also hold Network+, Cloud+, and ITIL 4. No project is too small. Whether you need a single firewall fixed, a network diagram drawn, or a multi-site rollout planned, I'm happy to help. Send me a message with what you're trying to accomplish and I'll tell you honestly whether I'm the right fit.

👑 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.