Arif Iqbal

About Arif Iqbal

Result-driven and recognized subject matter expert in networking, with extensive experience in Routing, Switching, Security (DDoS), Software Defined Networking (SDN), Metro Ethernet, ELAN, MPLS/SR L3VPN and EVPN, Segment Routing, and Spine-Leaf architectures. Demonstrated expertise in planning, designing, and implementing large-scale, complex network infrastructures, including next-generation hyperscale data centers. Proficient in network automation leveraging open-source frameworks such as enms.io, hyper-scale network telemetry and monitoring using gNMI/gRPC, and deploying open networking solutions for routing and switching. Skilled at driving operational excellence, optimizing performance, and delivering reliable, secure, and highly scalable network architectures for hyperscale data center and service provider environments.

Experience

1. Resident Network Engineer

   Ciena

   Mar 2023 — Present · US

   Resident Network Engineer with 10+ years of experience building and supporting large-scale transport, wireless, and data center networks. I work with Ciena’s Architecture team on Verizon Wireless cell-site modernization using SR/MPLS, BGP-LU, EVPN, and L3VPN. My scope includes protocol validation, SAOS testing, automation development, deployment support, and packet-level troubleshooting across Ciena 5166, 5164, and 5131 platforms.Skilled in SR/MPLS, EVPN, L3VPN, VXLAN EVPN fabrics, spine-leaf design, and network automation using Python, NetConf, and gNMI. Experienced with Ciena Navigator Control for monitoring and configuration workflows, along with service design, documentation, and cross-team coordination. Strong interest in hyperscale and AI data center architectures, high-capacity routing, InfiniBand, and EVPN-based underlays.

Education

• SUNY Polytechnic Institute

  Master’s Degree, Telecommunication Engineering

  2014 — 2016

Skills

• Ip
• Network Engineering
• Vcenter Server
• Session Border Controller
• Sip
• Voip
• Metro Ethernet Ring
• Juniper Networks
• Mpls
• Management
• Telecommunications
• Metro Ethernet
• Ip Networking
• Mobile Backhaul Network
• Virtualization
• Switches
• Network Design
• Lan-Wan
• Enterprise Network Design
• Network Architecture
• Network Security
• Circuit Design
• Optical Communications
• Networking
• Cisco Meraki
• Tdm
• Voice Over Ip (Voip)
• Internet Protocol (Ip)
• Enterprise Mobility and Security
• Troubleshooting
• Wireless
• Cisco Technologies
• Telecommunications Engineering