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About Chirag - Network Engineer & Automation Expert

Hi, I’m Chirag 👋

Senior Network Engineer | Automation Advocate | AI/ML Explorer | Home Lab Enthusiast

With 20 years of hands-on experience designing and implementing enterprise network and system architectures, I’ve learned one fundamental truth: configurations that work in the real world are worth more than theoretical perfection.

I’m a by-the-book engineer who follows best practices—until they don’t work. That’s when the real problem-solving begins. Recently, I’ve been exploring how AI, LLMs, and Machine Learning can revolutionize network automation and troubleshooting—and the possibilities are fascinating.

This blog is where I share those hard-won solutions, automation workflows, practical configurations, and my journey into the world of AI-powered networking.

My Expertise

🌐 Enterprise Networking

Multi-vendor network design and implementation

  • Advanced routing protocols: BGP, OSPF, ISIS, EIGRP
  • MPLS, EVPN, and VXLAN architectures
  • Cisco, Juniper, and Palo Alto platforms
  • Network security and firewall configurations
  • SD-WAN and modern network architectures

🤖 Network Automation

Eliminating repetitive tasks through intelligent automation

  • Python scripting with Netmiko, NAPALM, Nornir
  • Ansible playbooks for network configuration management
  • REST APIs and NETCONF/RESTCONF integration
  • CI/CD pipelines for network changes
  • Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices

🧠 AI & Machine Learning (Learning Journey)

Exploring the intersection of AI and network engineering

  • Large Language Models (LLMs) for network documentation and troubleshooting
  • AI-assisted configuration generation and validation
  • Machine Learning for network anomaly detection
  • ChatGPT and AI tools for automation workflow optimization
  • Predictive analytics for network performance
  • Natural Language Processing for log analysis

Note: I’m actively learning and experimenting with AI/ML applications in networking. Follow my Daily Discoveries to see what I’m learning in real-time!

🔬 Home Lab & Testing

Building production-like environments for learning and validation

  • Virtual network labs with EVE-NG and GNS3
  • Containerlab for modern network testing
  • Docker and Kubernetes for application deployment
  • Multi-vendor device integration
  • Cost-effective lab architectures

🐧 Linux & DevOps

System optimization and workflow automation

  • Ubuntu, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux administration
  • Shell scripting (Bash, ZSH) and terminal customization
  • Vim/NeoVIM for efficient configuration editing
  • TMUX for session management
  • Git workflows and version control

📊 Documentation & Knowledge Management

Keeping complex systems organized and accessible

  • Technical documentation with Markdown
  • Network diagrams and topology mapping
  • Knowledge base creation with Obsidian
  • Runbooks and troubleshooting guides

What You’ll Find Here

This blog is your resource for:

✅ Production-Ready Configurations - Tested solutions that work in real environments
✅ Automation Scripts - Time-saving Python and Ansible code you can use immediately
✅ Troubleshooting Guides - Step-by-step solutions to common (and uncommon) problems
✅ Home Lab Tutorials - Build your own testing environment without breaking the bank
✅ Daily Discoveries - My ongoing learning journey in networking, automation, AI, and ML
✅ Best Practices - Industry-standard approaches with practical modifications

My Approach

Start with Standards

I believe in following established best practices and vendor recommendations. They exist for good reasons and work in most scenarios.

Adapt When Needed

Real-world constraints—budget limitations, legacy systems, unique requirements—often demand creative solutions. That’s where customization comes in.

Automate Everything

If you’re doing it more than twice, automate it. Your time is valuable, and automation reduces errors while increasing consistency.

Share Knowledge

The networking community thrives on shared knowledge. Every problem I solve and document might save someone else hours of troubleshooting.

Who This Blog Is For

You’ll benefit from this content if you’re:

  • 🎯 Network Engineers seeking practical solutions and automation techniques
  • 🎯 System Administrators managing network infrastructure
  • 🎯 Home Lab Enthusiasts building learning environments
  • 🎯 IT Students preparing for real-world networking challenges
  • 🎯 DevOps Engineers bridging the gap between networks and automation
  • 🎯 Career Changers entering the network engineering field

Technologies I Work With

Networking Platforms:
Cisco IOS/IOS-XE/NX-OS • Juniper Junos • Palo Alto PAN-OS • Arista EOS • MikroTik RouterOS

Automation & Scripting:
Python • Ansible • Terraform • Bash • PowerShell

AI & Machine Learning (Learning):
ChatGPT/LLMs • TensorFlow • PyTorch • Scikit-learn • Pandas • NumPy

Protocols & Technologies:
BGP • OSPF • MPLS • EVPN • VXLAN • SD-WAN • IPsec VPN • QoS

Tools & Platforms:
Git • Docker • Kubernetes • Containerlab • EVE-NG • GNS3 • Wireshark

Operating Systems:
Ubuntu • AlmaLinux • Rocky Linux • Debian • CentOS

Let’s Connect

I’m always interested in connecting with fellow network engineers, automation enthusiasts, and home lab builders.

📬 Get Updates

Subscribe to receive notifications about new articles, automation scripts, and home lab projects.

💬 Social Media

☕ Support My Work

If you find my content valuable, consider buying me a coffee. Your support helps me dedicate more time to creating quality content.

🤝 Sponsorship Opportunities

I welcome partnerships with companies and services that align with the mission of practical, accessible network engineering education. Get in touch to discuss collaboration.

Certifications & Background

Experience:
20+ years in network and system architecture design, implementation, and troubleshooting across enterprise, service provider, and data center environments.

Specializations:
Multi-vendor networking • Network automation • Home lab design • Linux system administration • Technical documentation

Content Philosophy

Quality Over Quantity

I’d rather publish one thoroughly tested, well-documented solution than ten half-baked tutorials.

Practical Over Theoretical

Every article includes real configurations, actual commands, and tested procedures. Theory is important, but implementation is what matters.

Honest About Failures

Not everything works the first time. I share what didn’t work and why, so you can avoid the same pitfalls.

Community-Driven

Your questions, comments, and feedback shape the content I create. This is a conversation, not a lecture.

Recent Focus Areas

Currently exploring and documenting:

  • 🧠 AI/LLM applications in network automation, troubleshooting, and documentation generation
  • 🤖 Machine Learning for network anomaly detection and predictive maintenance
  • 🐳 Containerized network labs with Containerlab and Docker
  • ⚡ AI-powered automation frameworks beyond traditional scripting
  • 🔐 Zero Trust networking architectures and implementations
  • 📊 Network observability with AI-enhanced telemetry and analytics
  • 💬 Natural Language Processing for log analysis and incident response

Building networks. Writing code. Sharing knowledge. One configuration at a time.

Chirag
Network Engineer • Automation Advocate • Home Lab Enthusiast