Engineering Log & Infrastructure Architecture Notes

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This website functions as my live engineering log and technical reference archive, updated regularly with real-world production workflows and deployment scripts. Below, you will find an overview of my core technical competencies alongside an indexed feed of my latest architectural deep-dives. Jump straight to the Recent section below to read my newest articles.

About the Author: M. Curtis

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Welcome to my technical engineering archive. This site serves as a live knowledge base and reference repository documenting my hands-on experience across enterprise network infrastructure, Cisco Unified Communications (UC), DevOps automation, and robust cybersecurity architectures.

As a seasoned infrastructure engineer, these notes capture production workflows, deployment scripts, and architectural deep-dives designed to solve complex real-world technical challenges.

Technical Skills & Core Competencies

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My hands-on technical expertise spans across multiple generations of enterprise infrastructure, system administration, and software automation.

Network Engineering & Architecture

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• Core Networking: Comprehensive implementation of TCP/IP, IPv4/v6 dual-stack topologies, DHCPv6, SLAAC, DNS, WINS, and NTP.
• Routing & Switching: Advanced configurations on Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS, and Brocade FastIron OS. Expert-level deployment of OSPF, EIGRP, HSRP, Inter-VLAN routing, VTP, STP, and RSTP.
• Traffic Analysis & Monitoring: Granular network visibility utilizing SFLOW, NETFLOW, and deep-packet analysis via Wireshark.
• Enterprise Wireless: Full-lifecycle deployment and tuning of Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC) and Catalyst 9800 series infrastructure.

Unified Communications & Collaboration (UC & C)

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• Cisco Collaboration Suite: End-to-end administration and design of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM / CallManager v5.x through v15.x), Unity Connection (CUC v2.x–v15.x), and Cisco IM & Presence (IM&P v8.x–v12.x).
• Contact Center Systems: Advanced deployment of UCCX (including custom workflow scripting), UCCE, IP/IVR, CVP, and Cisco Interaction Manager (EIM/WIM).
• Voice Gateways & Protocols: Comprehensive handling of SIP, H323, MGCP, and SCCP signaling, alongside Digital PRI/T1 lines and analog FXO/FXS interfaces.
• Paging & Endpoints: Integration of Informacast (Cisco Paging Server), Cisco VCS, Jabber, and Cisco Collaboration on UCS hardware (BE6000), alongside Microsoft Teams and Webex cloud migrations.
• Emergency Services: Design and provisioning of enterprise E911 architectures.

Cybersecurity & Access Control

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• Firewall Infrastructure: Implementation of Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) including Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTDv) managed via Firepower Management Center (FMC), legacy Cisco ASA appliances, Fortigate, and Palo Alto Networks.
• Identity & Access Management: Hardening environments using AAA protocols, TACACS+, RADIUS, DUO Multi-Factor Authentication, and Active Directory.
• Traffic Security & Encryption: Deployment of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL/TLS), automated certificate management with Let’s Encrypt, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), Reflexive Access Control Lists (ACLs), and secure VPN tunnels.

Infrastructure Automation & Operating Systems

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• DevOps & Programming: Building automation playbooks and infrastructure-as-code using Ansible, Python, Bash scripting, Java, and C#.
• Containerization & Web Services: Microservice deployment via Docker, reverse proxy and web serving with NGINX, and domain name management via BIND.
• Operating System Administration: System hardening and maintenance across Linux distributions (AlmaLinux, CentOS, Debian) and Microsoft environments ranging from Windows Server 2003 through 2019, alongside legacy DOS and enterprise client operating systems.

Storage & Enterprise Virtualization

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• Hypervisors: Virtualizing mission-critical environments using VMware ESXi and vSphere infrastructure management.
• Storage & Utilities: Management of FreeNAS storage arrays, NFS shares, SMTP relays, backup automation with GhettoVCB, and Network UPS Tools (NUT) for power resilience.
• Enterprise Tools: Git-based workflows via GitHub, agile tracking in Jira, and enterprise ITSM delivery through ServiceNow and the Microsoft Office suite (including advanced Visio mapping).

Industry Certifications

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To validate my technical competencies, I maintain an active portfolio of rigorous industry credentials alongside a strong foundation in legacy technologies.

Active Cisco Credentials

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• CCNP Collaboration: Cisco Certified Network Professional validating advanced skills in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex collaboration solutions.
• CCNA DevNet: Validation of software development capabilities, API integrations, and automation workflows within Cisco ecosystems.
• Cisco Certified Specialist Core Designations:
  • Specialist - Collaboration Core
  • Specialist - Enterprise Core
  • Specialist - Security Core
  • Specialist - Collaboration Applications
  • Specialist - Collaboration Call Control & Mobility Implementation
  • Specialist - Collaboration Cloud & Edge Implementation
• Cisco Architecture Representatives:
  • Cisco Video Network Representative
  • Express Collaboration Systems Engineer Representative
  • Express Collaboration Systems Engineer Representative v2

Historical & Expired Certifications

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These credentials represent historical milestones and deep foundations in foundational networking paradigms:

• Cisco Engineering & Design: CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate), CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA Security, and Unified Call Center Enterprise Support Specialist.
• Wireless & Broadband: Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA), Bridgewave Certified Engineer (BCE), Proxim Certified Wi-Fi Engineer (PCWE), Proxim Certified Broadband Associate (PCWA), and Proxim Certified Broadband Engineer (PCBE).

Higher Education & Academic Background

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My technical expertise is supported by structured academic training in systems engineering and software development.

• Associate Degree in Technology Services – Oakland Community College
• Associate Degree in General Education – Oakland Community College
• Specialized Academic Coursework: Advanced Java Programming and Object-Oriented Software Design.