DAVID EDIMA

Lead Network Engineer
Lagos, NG.

About

Highly accomplished Core IP Network Engineer with over 8 years of experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing resilient Cisco and multi-cloud networking solutions within Service Provider and Enterprise environments. Expert in IP Connectivity, Security, SD-WAN, and advanced routing protocols, consistently delivering robust network architectures that meet stringent industry standards and drive operational excellence. Proven ability to lead complex projects and enhance network performance across diverse technological landscapes.

Work

Zone Payment Network Ltd
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Lead Network Engineer

Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria

Summary

Led network engineering and architecture, optimizing multi-cloud and Cisco infrastructure for a payment network, ensuring high availability and performance.

Highlights

Architected and implemented robust multi-cloud (Azure, AWS, Huawei) and Cisco-based enterprise network infrastructure, enhancing system resilience and scalability.

Configured advanced GRE tunnels, IPSec VPNs, BGP peering, OSPF routing, and QoS policies to secure and optimize network traffic flow and performance.

Led comprehensive capacity planning, performance monitoring, and automated maintenance initiatives, ensuring 99.9% network uptime and proactive issue resolution.

Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to seamlessly integrate and support virtualized and cloud workloads, improving overall operational efficiency.

Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems Plc
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Network Engineer

VI Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Summary

Administered and managed critical Cisco networking and security infrastructure for inter-bank settlement systems, ensuring robust and secure financial transactions.

Highlights

Administered critical Cisco ASR1000 series routers, DWDM systems, and Cisco ACI components to maintain high-performance network operations for inter-bank settlements.

Managed Cisco ACI Fabric (APIC, Nexus 9K) and integrated security solutions (FTD, ISE), enhancing network segmentation and access control for sensitive data.

Deployed and managed secure IPSec IKEv1/IKEv2 tunnels across hybrid cloud environments (Azure, AWS) and on-premise infrastructure (Cisco Meraki, Fortigate), ensuring secure data transmission.

Maintained multi-vendor firewalls (Cisco FTD, FMC, Check Point) and implemented SSL offloading, improving security posture and network performance by 15%.

Delivered comprehensive technical training and support to internal stakeholders, reducing incident resolution time by 15% and fostering team capabilities.

Cobranet Ltd
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Core IP Engineer

Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria

Summary

Managed core IP network configurations, multi-vendor VPNs, and BGP peering for a telecommunications provider, optimizing network health and design.

Highlights

Managed complex L2/L3 configurations, including VLAN, STP, and routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), across Cisco and MikroTik devices to optimize network routing and efficiency.

Configured and maintained multi-vendor VPNs (Site-to-Site IPSec, L2TPv3, EoMPLS), ensuring secure and reliable connectivity for diverse client requirements.

Monitored network health and performance using SolarWinds and PRTG, proactively identifying and resolving issues to maintain service availability and reduce downtime by 10%.

Collaborated on strategic network design and optimization projects, contributing to a 10% improvement in network efficiency and scalability.

Managed public prefix advertisements, BGP peering with upstream providers and Internet exchange points, and optimized route policies with AFRINIC RIR to enhance global connectivity.

Estream Networks Ltd
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IP Network Engineer

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Summary

Engineered and optimized WAN edge network integration and resolved complex network incidents for an ISP, improving bandwidth utilization and connectivity.

Highlights

Planned and implemented IPv4/IPv6 addressing schemes and WAN edge network integration, utilizing VSAT, microwave, and fiber optic last-mile connectivity to expand network reach.

Resolved complex third-level network incidents, reducing average resolution time by 20%, and optimized bandwidth utilization to enhance network performance and user experience.

Automated link monitoring and reporting processes using Cacti, providing real-time insights into network performance and reducing manual effort by 15%.

Configured MPLS WAN connectivity on Core Provider Edge and Customer Edge Routers & Switches, integrating diverse last-mile connections (VSAT, Microwave Radios, Optic Fibre) for client networks.

Managed public prefix advertisements, BGP peering with upstream providers and Internet exchange points, and optimized route policies with AFRINIC RIR to ensure efficient traffic routing.

Education

University of Lagos
Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

MSc

Information Technology

University of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

BEng

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Certificates

CISCO Certified Network Professional (ENCORE & ENARSI)

Issued By

Cisco

ITIL v4 Foundation

Issued By

Axelos

CISCO Certified Network Professional (R&S), CCNP

Issued By

Cisco

MikroTik Certified (MTCRE, MTCTCE, MTCNA)

Issued By

MikroTik

CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Issued By

Cisco

International Project Management Professional (IPMP-CPM)

Issued By

IPMP

Skills

Routing & Switching

BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, ISIS, L2/L3 MPLS, L2TPv3, VPLS.

VPN Technologies

IPSec IKEv1/IKEv2, DMVPN, GRE Site-to-Site VPN.

Cisco Platforms

ASR1000, ISR 4000, Nexus 9K, Catalyst series, ACI Fabric (APIC, Spine, Leaf).

Security & Firewalls

Cisco FTD/FMC, ISE, ASA, Check Point, FortiGate, MX67.

Load Balancing

Citrix NetScaler, SSL offload, domain mapping.

Optical, SD-WAN & WAN

Cisco Meraki, DWDM, VSAT, fibre, microwave radio.

Cloud & Automation

AWS, Azure, GCP, Huawei, Ansible for network automation.

Tools & Documentation

Visio, SolarWinds, PRTG, Cacti.

Projects

Cloud Infrastructure Migration for Zone's Payment's Network

Summary

Executed a critical cloud infrastructure migration project for Zone's Payment Network, ensuring minimal disruption and enhanced scalability.

NIBSS' AFRIGO Domestic Card Network Design and Implementation

Summary

Designed and implemented the network component of NIBSS' AFRIGO Domestic Card project, ensuring smooth and secure connectivity for financial transactions.

NIBSS and CBN's Nutanix Private Cloud Integration

Summary

Integrated NIBSS and CBN's Nutanix Private cloud environment with the existing ACI fabric, enhancing cloud capabilities and network synergy.

NIBSS/CBN IDRS Project Network Integration

Summary

Led network integration for the NIBSS/CBN IDRS project, facilitating dispute resolution and settlement of financial transactions between institutions.

MPLS and IPv6 Pilot Implementation

Summary

Led the pilot implementation of MPLS and IPv6 on eStream Networks' Core Cisco ISP infrastructure, preparing for future network expansion.

mBGP/MPLS and L2TPv3 Solutions Deployment

Summary

Deployed advanced mBGP/MPLS and L2TPv3 solutions to meet the complex networking requirements of major financial and energy clients.

AFRINIC/ATCON IPv6 Deployment on eStream Networks Core Infrastructure

Summary

Participated in the AFRINIC/ATCON IPv6 workshop and subsequently led the deployment of IPv6 on eStream Networks Core Infrastructure.