Network Engineer • Linux Expert • RF Enthusiast
I specialize in multi-vendor networking with a strong focus on Cisco Nexus data center platforms and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Since 2012, Linux has been my daily driver, and I use it to support everything from enterprise routing and Wi-Fi to automation and ham radio experimentation.
Architecting and supporting large-scale, mixed-vendor network infrastructures powered by Cisco Nexus, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and modern wireless solutions — with a strong emphasis on reliability, security, and observability.
Who I am, where I’ve been, and how I think about networks.
I’m Matthew Allman, a network engineer who lives at the intersection of routing, switching, security, wireless, and Linux. I spend my time designing architectures, deploying new platforms, and chasing down the kinds of issues that only show up in production at the worst possible moment.
I started using Linux in 2012, and what began as curiosity quickly became my primary operating system. Today I’m deeply fluent with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and related distributions — from installation and hardening to networking stacks, system services, and automation. If it boots a kernel and has a NIC, I’m comfortable working on it.
On the networking side, I’ve done extensive work with Cisco Nexus platforms in the data center as well as Catalyst in campus environments. I also have hands-on experience with Arista, Juniper, HP/Aruba, Palo Alto, and Fortinet, so I’m used to making multi-vendor environments behave like one coherent network instead of a collection of boxes.
I’m a subject matter expert in wireless networking, including Wi-Fi design, optimization, and security. Outside of work, I’m heavily into radio — I hold an FCC General Class Amateur Radio License and enjoy experimenting with RF, antennas, and how signals move through the real world. Whether it’s packets over copper, fiber, or the air, I like understanding exactly how and why they get from point A to point B.
Some of the platforms and problem spaces I work in regularly.
I’ve designed and supported data center networks centered around Cisco Nexus platforms, including 5K, 7K, and 9K families. I’m comfortable with traditional three-tier and modern spine-leaf architectures, multi-chassis link aggregation, and the nuances of NX-OS in production environments.
I design and maintain resilient campus and WAN networks using OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and carefully planned VLAN and VRF segmentation. I focus on clean, deterministic designs that are easy to operate and troubleshoot.
I act as a subject matter expert for wireless networking, from coverage and capacity planning to secure onboarding and roaming behavior. My background in RF and ham radio gives me a solid grounding in how signals behave beyond the datasheet.
I secure edge connectivity with firewalls, VPNs, and segmentation that balances usability with strong security. I’m experienced with Cisco ASA/FTD, Palo Alto, and Fortinet firewalls, along with policy cleanup and modernization.
On the systems side, I build and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers that underpin network services, monitoring, and automation workflows. I lean on scripting and configuration management to keep things consistent and repeatable.
A snapshot of what I do and the certifications behind it.
A few representative examples of the work I’ve done.
Designed and implemented a new data center fabric based on Cisco Nexus spine-leaf architecture. Migrated services from a legacy three-tier environment while improving resiliency, throughput, and operational simplicity.
Built a Linux-based automation stack on Red Hat Enterprise Linux using Ansible and Python to manage configurations across dozens of switches, routers, and firewalls. Reduced manual changes and configuration drift while improving rollback capability.
Led a Wi-Fi redesign for a multi-building campus, analyzing RF conditions, redesigning channel and power plans, and improving roaming. Leveraged my ham radio and RF background to validate and fine-tune on-air performance.
If you’d like to collaborate, compare notes, or talk shop about networks or RF, reach out.
I’m always happy to discuss new projects, complex network designs, wireless challenges, or Linux-centric automation ideas. I enjoy working with teams that value clean design, strong documentation, and continuous improvement.
Email: [email protected]