Beginning as part of my physics R&D, computer programming grew into my full-time activity, and computers and computer networking have been the focus of my career since 1980. In 1994 I established NetHeaven, the first commercial ISP in the greater Albany area, and I have been principal network and server administrator throughout NetHeaven's operation.
What I look for in consulting are the more difficult problems and complex issues that call for years of experience. These generally fall into a few main areas:Security is listed first because it has long been first among my networking interests. Securing a network without interfering with its usefulness involves many issues, some obvious and some not. I can help with things like security appraisals and planning, firewall selection and configuration, logfile and network monitoring, event evaluation, and, if you're unfortunate enough to need it, intrusion recovery.
- Network security
- Internet security
- Internal network (intranet) security
- Server security
- Multi-site networks (intranets)
- Network architectures
- Custom VPNs
- Internet connection assistance
- Second opinions
While experience with local networks (LANs) is common and relatively easy to acquire, experience with multi-site networks is less common and involves different issues. ISPs like NetHeaven face those same issues when building our own multi-site networks. I can apply that experience to guide you through planning, creation, and operation of your network, helping with things like selection of network vendor and equipment, equipment configuration, network management, outage recovery, and backup strategies.
Company networks are often Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs are often presented as a product sold by network providers, but for smaller companies it is generally more economical and flexible to run their own VPN, with different sites having different kinds of internet connections. I can help with things like picking the right VPN technology for your network, getting your VPN running, and keeping it running and secure.
If you are not building a multi-site network but are just seeking a broadband connection for a single site, you may face a variety of options. I can help you make the choice that's best for you.
While I do not actually build networks (except VPNs) for clients, I work with people who do. I can work with your existing network consultant or in-house network administrator. If you don't have a network person, you will need one, and I can help you find one.
My computer experience is almost all with server-class systems running various versions of the UNIX operating system, especially Linux in recent years. I have little experience with Windows or Macs and do no consulting on Windows/Mac systems or networks, except for network security aspects, so don't ask me for help with Windows.
My preferred method for being contacted is by email to stpeters @ NetHeaven.com.