Nigel Finch

Limerick · Ireland nigfinch@gmail.com


Achievements

Developed a Captive Portal application (Wi-Fi Hotspot) for hotels, Airports and conference venues.
It requires Wi-Fi end user sign up and acceptance of a Fair Use Policy before been allowed access to the Internet. The app has built-in newsletter and marketing features. The application is live across multiple venues in Europe and has 1.5 million user sign ups to date.

Application Stack: Django (Python), PostgreSQL, Docker containers, Redis, AWS, Bootstrap

Developed a Multi dwelling unit (MDU) specific Captive portal application with tiered Wi-Fi access.
Faster Wi-Fi profiles are available to purchase in real time by the Wi-Fi end user using the Stripe API.

Application Stack: PHP, MySQL, Ubuntu, Apache, Stripe

Developed a student Accommodation specific Wi-Fi access control application.
The app has an admin area for venue administrators that enables them to add or remove users via an access control list.

Application Stack: PHP, MySQL, Ubuntu, Apache, Mikrotik RouterBOARD.

Managed a team of Support Desk Engineers.
Conducted Staff reviews and recruitment. Reported on support department performance at monthly management meeting. Escalation point for client queries and level 3 support tickets. Designed and monitored KPI's.
Researched, designed and built an enterprise on premise virtualisation Environment.
Located in a world class Data Center with global reach. Built with high availability architecture to ensure business continuity. Migrated all company systems, applications and tools to the new infrastructure. Shutdown and retired old company servers.
Vendors Used: Proxmox VE, Dell, iXsystems FreeNAS, Mikrotik RouterBOARD.
Specs: CPU: 32 CPUs Memory: 256 GB Storage: 22 TB
Built a DDoS detection system.
The System protects the IMS network and the networks of downstream ISPs who use IMS for IP transit. The system detects malicious traffic in the network and immediately blocks it with BGP blackhole using ExaBGP announcements.
GDPR Data protection and privacy Administrator
Compiled company privacy policys and End User Licence agreements. Ensured that the correct technical and organisational procedures were in place to meet the requirements as set out in the GDPR.
Built an IPTV product for Hospitality and MDU sectors
The IPTV server takes satellite and terrestrial inputs locally. It then encodes the channels using software and outputs them as UDP Multicast IP streams into a dedicated TV VLAN. IGMP snooping is used to limit the flow of UDP traffic in the LAN

Experience

Head of Innovation

Integrated Media Solutions (IMS)

Integrated Media Solutions is an enhanced network solutions provider in the Education, Hospitality, & Commercial Sectors in Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Their services: Connectivity, WiFi, IP Phone Systems, IPTV, Casting, Video Conferencing & Consultancy.

  • Tasked with creating structures and processes so that innovation can happen within the organisation.
  • Tasked with developing a Personal Entertainment Network application for the hostpitality sector.
  • Responsible for completing advanced Level 3 support tickets passed from the NOC department.
Jan 2020 - Present

Software and Core Network Infrastructure Manager

Integrated Media Solutions (IMS)

  • Managed a team of NOC Engineers.
  • Escalation point for Level 3 advanced support issues.
  • Responsible for maintaining and adding features to the Wi-Fi Captive and Marketing portal application.
  • Ensured that all server hardware, operating systems, software and procedures aligned with organisational standards and strategic business plan.
Dec 2018 - Dec 2019

Full Stack Developer

Integrated Media Solutions (IMS)

  • Responsible for developing a GDPR compliant Wi-Fi Captive and Marketing portal.
  • Tasked with designing the overall architecture of the web application.
  • Responsible for maintaining code integrity and application security.
  • Tasked with monitoring company compliance with the GDPR.
Feb 2018 - Dec 2018

Senior Network Engineer

Integrated Media Solutions (IMS)

  • Responsible for designing and implementing the company’s network infrastructure.
  • Resolving level 2 and Level 3 support issues.
  • Mentoring junior Network Engineering staff.
  • Installing and configuring networking hardware.
  • Creating and implementing network security measures.
Oct 2013 - Feb 2018

Director

Xpresnet Ltd.
  • Co-Founding Director.
  • Helped to established a strong customer base of residential home owners and commercial businesses
  • Helped with day-to-day business operations such as marketing, sales, recruitment and support.
  • Developed a WiFi Hotspot (captive portal) product for the hospitality sector.
  • Assisted in the design and support of a residential wireless broadband service reaching 400 customers.
  • Involved in the negotiations during the acquisition of Xpresnet by my current employer Ajisko LTD. t/a Integrated Media Solutions.
Dec 2012 - Oct 2013

Technical Engineer

KBO Ltd.

  • Lead support desk Engineer for rural broadband product.
  • Responsible for deploying and supporting new VoIP product.
  • Installing and configuring networking hardware including Mikrotik, TP-Link and Grandstream
Sept 2011 - Dec 2012

Education

National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Master of Engineering (ME)
Electronic Engineering (Renewable Energy Systems)
2010 - 2011

University of Limerick

Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng Hons)
Electronic & Computer Engineering
2004 - 2008

Skills

Programming Languages & Tools
  • python, django, docker
  • redis, sentry, AWS, Heroku, Digital Ocean
  • Linux; Ubuntu, Debian, Centos
  • Agile Development & Scrum, CI/CD
  • TCP/IP, BGP, MPLS, OSPF, VPLS, NAT, Firewall, SNMP
  • IPTV, VoIP
  • Mikrotik, Cisco, Ruckus, HP, Dell, Philips and TP Link Hardware
  • Enterprise WLAN, Captive portal (revenue generating), bandwidth optimisation
  • Virtualisation; KVM and container-based, Proxmox, networks, storage, and HA clusters
  • Management, mentoring, reporting, leadership.

Certifications

  • MTCINE - MikroTik Certified Inter-networking Engineer
  • MTCNA - MikroTik Certified Network Associate
  • MTCRE - MikroTik Certified Routing Engineer

Interests

I enjoy and partake in all types of sport including Hurling, Soccer, Golf and Surfing.

I also enjoy reading and travelling

I started writing a blog recently in an effort to give something back to the community. To date I had really only contributerd up votes and stars :)

The blog is available at https://blog.techmill.io