My interest in networking originated with the ARPAnet, which led me to
Computer Science at the Univ. of Utah, given its key role in the original
ARPAnet as Node #4! Through my M.S. research and later work in Campus
Networking I became accomplished in network design, implementation, and
troubleshooting, from low level hardware and signals on a wire, to the use of
protocol analyzers and SNMP monitoring and anlysis.
Designed and implemented a network transparent communication system for a
production distributed information retrieval system for the CIA. This was part
of my Computer Science M.S. research in networking and distributed systems, and
was in use for 10 years. 1984-1986
Immersed in data networking hardware, software and design for 7 years at Univ. of
Utah, Campus Networking. Played a key role in the first university-wide
data network in the late 1980s, initially built on a legacy broadband video system and
later replaced with FDDI via air blown optical fiber. My work included design,
installation, testing, troubleshooting, and repair, from low level issues such
as investigating broadband problems with a spectrum analyzer, or Ethernet
problems with an oscilloscope, up through extensive use of protocol analyzers
and SNMP monitoring and analysis tools. Physical layers included FDDI and other
fiber optics, DS1/DS3, and all forms of Ethernet from the original "yellow hose"
through 10BaseT, linked through repeaters, bridges, switches, and routers
(primarily cisco). Protocols included TCP/IP, AppleTalk, Novell IPX, and DECNet.
1988-1995
As a consultant and later an employee of RAHD Oncology Products, I was often
engaged in the design of special network setups. For example, in 1994, a
demonstration of remote radiation treatment planning between Salt Lake City and
both Los Angelos and San Francisco convention centers, via T1 lines. And, in
1999, the setup of a distributed software development environment via newly
available high speed cable modem home network access. I also would provide
remote network troubleshooting assistance for clients, such as remotely
diagnosing a speed problem for a client in New York across three hospitals
linked via ATM. 1993-2006
With my ongoing work for remote clients, networking continues to be a
fundamental part of my life. 2003-current