Ramkumar Shanmugavel
Lead Engineer
Chennai,TN
Summary
Seasoned Lead Transmission & Network Engineer with over 10+ years of progressive experience in the design, provisioning, and optimization of high-capacity transmission and IP networks. Expertise spans SDH (STM-1 to STM-64), MPLS, and Point-to-Point (P2P) links across multiple telecom carriers. Proven leadership in coordinating cross-functional teams, managing critical service deliveries, and ensuring SLA adherence. Hands-on with Layer 1 testing using OTDR, BERT, SDH testers, and skilled in managing large-scale IP/MPLS rollouts in enterprise and data center environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Engineer-Transmission & IP Network Engineer
Proton Cloud Technologies
11.2023 - Current
- Lead the end-to-end implementation of transmission links using STM-1 to STM-64 over SDH and OTN platforms across enterprise and carrier networks.
- Managed procurement and delivery of MPLS, P2P, and Direct Connect services from multiple service providers to support DC, POP, and customer site interconnectivity.
- Oversaw field and NOC engineers in Layer 1 testing: continuity, loopback, light levels, and BERT pattern validation.
- Ensured network readiness by coordinating with IP engineering teams for BGP and VLAN configuration post Layer 1 validation.
- Delivered customer-ready documentation: test results, circuit IDs, and handover reports.
- Conducted root cause analysis and led resolution of early-life and chronic faults in collaboration with L2/L3 support and vendors.
- Participated in high-level planning for capacity expansion, optical budgeting, and feasibility assessment of transmission paths.
- Provided technical leadership in cross-team meetings, project planning, and operational escalation handling.
- Ensured 99.99% uptime through proactive monitoring via NMS and fault correlation tools.
Senior Engineer - Transmission & IP Network
Proton Cloud Technologies
01.2021 - 10.2023
- Designed and implemented SDH-based transmission links from E1 up to STM-64 to support enterprise-grade transport requirements.
- Procured and provisioned MPLS, P2P, Fast Connect, and Direct Connect links from multiple telecom carriers to interconnect data centers (DCs), and Points of Presence (POPs).
- Coordinated with carriers and enterprise customers for Layer 1 activation and testing: fiber continuity, loopback verification, and light level threshold checks.
- Utilized test tools such as OTDR, Ethernet BERT, SDH/PDH analyzers to ensure SLA compliance for every link.
- Worked closely with IP teams to configure logical routing and VLANs once physical links were verified.
- Prepared customer handover documents, including circuit IDs, test results, and acceptance forms.
- Led end-to-end circuit testing, from feasibility to activation, and supported fault analysis during early-life failures.
- Conducted site feasibility studies, optical link budgeting, and recommended transmission gear as per distance and power budget.
- Monitored transmission performance using NMS tools and resolved alarms to maintain 99.9% uptime.
- Created and maintained network topology diagrams, technical documentation, and performance reports.
- Acted as a liaison between the field, NOC, and engineering teams to accelerate issue resolution and maintain service availability.
Engineer-DC Operations & Infrastructure Management
Plintron Mobility Solutions PVT Limited
01.2016 - 12.2020
- Managed and maintained enterprise data center infrastructure, ensuring high availability, optimal performance, and compliance with operational standards.
- Performed onsite structured cabling for new installations and decommissions, using Cat5e, Cat6, and multimode fiber, ensuring clean routing and proper labeling.
- Executed server racking, stacking, and decommissioning, including cable management and link testing to ensure proper data flow and hardware integrity.
- Served as Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for all Severity 1 incidents, coordinating across engineering and vendor teams to restore service rapidly and accurately.
- Conducted root cause analysis (RCA) for critical issues and documented findings in ticketing systems.
- Coordinated with vendors for hardware/software procurement, installation timelines, and compliance with technical specifications.
- Maintained and updated data center asset inventory using CMDB, tracking all equipment status and changes.
- Processed and documented visitor access to the data center, upholding strict security protocols and compliance with organizational policies.
- Collaborated with network, systems, and application teams to optimize data center performance and energy efficiency.
Trainee Engineer
Plintron Global Technologies Private Limited
12.2014 - 12.2014
- Handled the complete Incident Management (IM) process including incident logging, categorization, prioritization, escalation, resolution, and closure aligned with ITIL guidelines.
- Monitored MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) services through OPS Manager and NMS, ensuring prompt detection and mitigation of service-impacting events.
- Acted as a single point of contact (SPOC) between technical teams and stakeholders during critical incidents, ensuring clear and timely communication and resolution updates.
- Ensured compliance with defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs) by constantly reviewing incident queues, assigning tasks, and following up with resolver groups.
- Raised and tracked Change Requests (CRs) for permanent fixes or infrastructure modifications after analyzing incident trends or RCA outcomes.
- Maintained documentation, incident logs, and audit reports for continuous service improvement.
Education
Bachelor of Technology - Information Technology
Adhiyamaan College of Engineering
Hosur, India 04.2001 -
Skills
Data Center Infrastructure Management
Server Installation & Decommissioning
Structured Cabling (Cat5e/Cat6/Multimode Fiber)
Hardware & Software Procurement
Visitor Access Management & Physical Security CMDB & Asset Inventory Management Vendor Coordination Change & Incident Management (ITIL Aligned) Ticketing Tools
SDH Transmission Systems (E1, STM-1 to STM-64)
MPLS, P2P, Fast Connect & Direct Connect Link Provisioning
End-to-End Link Commissioning & SLA Testing
Basic VLAN & Trunking
LAN/WAN Troubleshooting
Routing Protocols: OSPF, BGP
Firewall Basics (ACLs/NAT)
Timeline
Lead Engineer-Transmission & IP Network Engineer
Proton Cloud Technologies
11.2023 - Current
Senior Engineer - Transmission & IP Network
Proton Cloud Technologies
01.2021 - 10.2023
Engineer-DC Operations & Infrastructure Management
Plintron Mobility Solutions PVT Limited
01.2016 - 12.2020
Trainee Engineer
Plintron Global Technologies Private Limited
12.2014 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Technology - Information Technology
Adhiyamaan College of Engineering
04.2001 -