Upon joining Enexor, I identified a significant lack of IT infrastructure that was causing frequent disruptions in workplace productivity. The company relied on a single ISP-provided router/modem combo as the primary Wi-Fi router for both the entire office building and the connected 40,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility. Network outages were common and disruptive, often forcing employees to use personal hotspots until the issue was resolved—usually by restarting the modem. Recognizing the need for a robust solution, I presented a proposal to upper management to overhaul the IT infrastructure, which was approved and funded.
The project was executed in two phases:
- Phase 1: Installation of enterprise-grade networking equipment throughout the facility, including multiple access points, network switches, firewalls, and VPNs.
- Phase 2: Addition of more access points, installation of a server cabinet housing three new on-premises servers, and implementation of a fiber-optic backbone to connect Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs) to the newly created Main Distribution Frame (MDF).
- Design and Implement a Robust Network Architecture: Create a network from scratch to support enterprise-grade Wi-Fi networking, approximately 1 Gbps throughput for the command center video wall, office Ethernet lines, redundancy for on-premises servers, and capacity for rapid office expansion.
- Enhance Network Security: Implement advanced network security measures to prevent cyber attacks and safeguard internal data.
- Maximize Uptime: Achieve 99.9% or higher system uptime to minimize downtime and maximize worker productivity.
I led the project from inception to completion, personally handling almost all aspects of the work with minimal assistance from external vendors. My responsibilities included:
- Project Planning and Design: Developed the network architecture plan, selecting appropriate hardware and technologies to meet current and future needs.
- Installation and Configuration: Worked with internal team members to perform labor-intensive tasks such as mounting and assembling equipment racks. After physical installation, I configured and optimized the network devices for optimal performance.
- VPN Deployment: Provisioned the company’s VPN, enabling remote work capabilities that are now heavily utilized by team members.
- Security Implementation: Set up advanced security protocols, including firewalls and network monitoring tools, to protect against potential threats.
Challenges
- Resource Limitations: Managed the project with minimal help from external vendors, requiring efficient time management and multitasking.
- Technical Complexity: Designed a network capable of handling high throughput demands and providing redundancy for critical systems.
- Budget Constraints: Ensured the project stayed within reasonable budget limits while acquiring enterprise-grade equipment.
Solutions and Achievements
- Successful Network Overhaul: Implemented a robust and scalable network infrastructure that met all the outlined objectives.
- Improved Uptime: Achieved a system uptime of 99.5%, significantly reducing network outages and enhancing productivity.
- Enhanced Security: Deployed advanced security measures that fortified the network against attacks.
- Remote Work Enablement: The VPN deployment provided employees with greater flexibility to work remotely, improving overall job satisfaction.
- Future-Proofing: The new infrastructure provides significant headroom for future business growth and rapid office expansion.
The project, while slightly over budget, was a success on all fronts. System uptime drastically improved due to the implementation of backup power systems, redundant ISP links, and replicated virtual machine failovers. The new network infrastructure has minimized downtime and maximized worker productivity. Upper management expressed satisfaction with the outcome, acknowledging the project’s contribution to operational efficiency and its provision for future scalability.
By identifying critical infrastructure deficiencies and taking the initiative to address them, I was able to lead a comprehensive IT overhaul that significantly improved network reliability, security, and performance at Enexor. This project demonstrated my ability to manage complex technical projects, work resourcefully with limited assistance, and deliver solutions that have a lasting positive impact on the organization.
- Client Enexor
- Date August 2019