Let's Work Together

I typically respond within 24 hours, often much sooner. For urgent matters, WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach me — I check it throughout the day. Email is best for detailed project briefs where you need to attach documents.

Yes, absolutely. I work with clients across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. I'm flexible with time zones and happy to schedule calls during your business hours. All communication happens remotely via WhatsApp, Zoom, Teams, or email — whichever you prefer.

I communicate fluently in English and Urdu. All technical documentation, proposals, reports, and client communications are delivered in professional English.

I sign NDAs whenever required and treat all client infrastructure details, credentials, and configurations with strict confidentiality. Your business data is never shared with third parties. I follow the principle of least privilege when accessing client systems — only what's needed to complete the work.

I'm based in Pakistan (PKT, UTC+5) and typically work Sunday to Thursday. However, I'm flexible and can adjust my schedule for client calls in different time zones including UK, US, and Australian business hours. Urgent support requests are handled outside standard hours when needed.

My process has four clear stages: Discovery — I learn about your current infrastructure, pain points, and goals via a call or detailed brief. Planning — I produce a written proposal with scope, timeline, milestones, and pricing. Implementation — I execute the work with regular progress updates and testing at each stage. Handover — I deliver full documentation, configuration files, and a walkthrough so your team understands what was built.

It depends on the scope. A straightforward task like configuring a VPN or setting up a Windows Server role typically takes 1–3 days. Mid-sized projects such as a full network design or Azure cloud migration generally take 1–3 weeks. Large enterprise infrastructure builds can span 4–8 weeks. I always provide a realistic timeline in the proposal before work begins.

Yes. I offer monthly retainer packages for ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and helpdesk support. For one-off projects I also provide a short warranty period after handover during which I'll fix any issues at no charge. Long-term support agreements include agreed SLAs and priority response times.

Every project includes comprehensive documentation: network diagrams, IP address schemes, device configuration backups, step-by-step runbooks, and change logs. For cloud projects I document all resource groups, naming conventions, and architecture decisions. Good documentation ensures your team can maintain the infrastructure long after the project ends.

I adapt to your preferred tools. Most clients use WhatsApp or email for daily updates. For larger teams I'm comfortable working within Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Jira. I send regular status updates at agreed intervals and flag any blockers immediately so timelines stay on track.

Absolutely. I can design the entire network from the ground up — IP addressing plan, VLAN segmentation, routing topology, firewall policy, VPN for remote access, and switch stack configuration. I'll also provide hardware recommendations and bill-of-materials if required. All designs follow Cisco best practices and are built to scale.

Yes, this is one of my most frequently requested services. I follow Microsoft's Cloud Adoption Framework — starting with an assessment of your existing environment, then designing the Azure landing zone, and executing the migration with minimal downtime. This includes lift-and-shift of VMs, Active Directory integration via Azure AD Connect, and configuring hybrid connectivity.

Yes. I configure and harden Cisco ASA and Fortinet FortiGate firewalls — setting up security zones, ACLs, NAT policies, IPS/IDS rules, and application control. I also implement Layer 2 security measures like port security, DHCP snooping, and Dynamic ARP Inspection on switches, and set up Site-to-Site and Remote Access VPNs.

Yes. I design and deploy Active Directory Domain Services from scratch or restructure an existing AD environment. This includes OU hierarchy design, delegation of control, group policy objects for security baselines and software deployment, DNS and DHCP integration, and fine-grained password policies. I can also set up AD replication across multiple sites.

Yes. I handle email migrations to Exchange Online / Microsoft 365 from on-premises Exchange, Google Workspace, cPanel hosting, or other providers. The migration includes DNS cutover, MX record updates, mailbox data transfer, distribution group setup, and post-migration testing. Users experience minimal disruption and zero data loss.

Yes. I set up and manage Hyper-V host servers and virtual machine infrastructure, including VM creation, network virtual switch configuration, live migration, snapshots, and backup via Windows Server Backup or third-party solutions. I also work with VMware Workstation for lab and testing environments.

Both, depending on the project. For well-defined scopes I prefer fixed-price quotes so you know exactly what you're paying before work starts. For ongoing support, consultancy, or open-ended engagements I charge an agreed hourly or daily rate. All pricing is transparent — no hidden fees.

I accept international bank transfers (SWIFT/IBAN), PayPal, Wise (TransferWise), and Payoneer. For new clients, I typically request a 50% deposit before starting work with the remainder due on completion. Payment terms are always agreed upfront and stated clearly in the project proposal.

Yes. For ongoing retainer agreements or large multi-phase projects I offer preferential rates. Clients who refer other businesses also receive a discount on their next invoice. Get in touch and describe your needs — I'll put together a proposal that's fair for both sides.

Every project includes a post-handover warranty period during which I fix any issues related to my work at no charge. If the deliverables don't match the agreed scope, I revise them until they do. I haven't had a client request a refund to date — I'm committed to delivering quality and won't close a project until you're satisfied.

I work with the full Cisco IOS and IOS-XE product line — ISR routers (900, 1900, 2900, 4000 series), Catalyst switches (2960, 3560, 3750, 9000 series), and Cisco ASA firewalls. I'm comfortable with both CLI-based configuration and CCP/ASDM GUIs. I also use EVE-NG and Packet Tracer for lab testing before deploying to production.

My core Azure expertise covers: Virtual Machines (IaaS), Virtual Networks and NSGs, Azure Active Directory and Entra ID, Azure VPN Gateway, Azure Bastion, ExpressRoute, Azure Monitor and Log Analytics, Azure Backup and Site Recovery, and Microsoft 365 / Exchange Online. I'm currently working toward the AZ-104 Azure Administrator certification to further deepen this expertise.

I support Windows Server 2012 R2 through to Windows Server 2022, including both Desktop Experience and Server Core deployments. For most new projects I recommend Windows Server 2022 for its improved security baseline and Azure integration. I can also assist with upgrade paths from older server versions.

Yes. Remote troubleshooting is a core part of my work. For network issues I use Wireshark, ping/traceroute analysis, and syslog review. For server issues I use Remote Desktop, PowerShell remoting, or tools like TeamViewer. If you grant me remote access to your device or cloud portal, I can typically diagnose and resolve issues within a single session.

Yes. I apply principles from the CIS (Center for Internet Security) benchmarks for Windows Server and network devices, Microsoft's Security Baseline for M365 and Windows, and Cisco's SAFE framework for network security design. For clients with specific compliance needs (ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.) I design configurations aligned to those requirements.

Yes. I write PowerShell scripts for bulk user management in Active Directory and Microsoft 365, automated reporting, scheduled maintenance tasks, Azure resource provisioning, and network device configuration via SSH. Automation reduces human error and saves your team hours of manual work every week.

I currently hold Cisco CCNA 200-301, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900, CompTIA A+ 220-1101/1102, and three additional vendor certifications. I'm actively studying for CCNP Enterprise and AZ-104 Azure Administrator to deepen my enterprise networking and cloud expertise. You can view all certifications with verification links on my Certifications page.

Yes, I'm open to both freelance project work and full-time remote positions. If your organisation needs a dedicated Network or Cloud Engineer on a permanent or contract basis, I'd love to hear about the opportunity. Feel free to reach out with the role details and I'll let you know if it's a good fit.

WhatsApp at +92 311 935 8005 is fastest for quick questions — I typically reply within a few hours. For longer briefs, proposals, or anything that requires attachments, email at itexpert@navedalam.com is better. For a scheduled consultation call, mention your preferred time and I'll confirm availability.

Due to confidentiality agreements, I can't publicly share specific client infrastructure details or configurations. However, I can walk you through anonymised case studies during a consultation call — describing the challenge, the solution I designed, and the outcome achieved. I can also provide references from past clients on request.

For smaller tasks I can often start within 24–48 hours of agreement. For larger projects that require detailed planning, onboarding typically takes 3–5 business days after signing off on the proposal. If you have an urgent deadline, mention it upfront — I'll let you know honestly whether I can accommodate it rather than over-promising.

Always. I never recommend a solution without first understanding the existing environment. The discovery phase includes reviewing current network diagrams (or creating them if none exist), inventorying devices and services, identifying bottlenecks or security gaps, and understanding your business requirements and budget. Only then do I propose a solution.

Yes, always. Network and server changes are first validated in a lab environment using EVE-NG, GNS3, Packet Tracer, or Hyper-V test VMs before touching production systems. For cloud changes I use separate test subscriptions or non-production resource groups. A detailed change plan with rollback steps is prepared before any production maintenance window.

Every change comes with a rollback plan prepared in advance. If an unexpected issue arises, I communicate immediately, execute the rollback to restore service, and then investigate the root cause before attempting again. I document every incident clearly. In years of working on production systems, I've maintained a clean record by planning thoroughly before touching anything.

I can provide a detailed bill of materials with model numbers, specifications, and recommended vendors so you can procure the right hardware. If you need direct vendor coordination or assistance evaluating quotes, I can assist with that too. For cloud projects there's no hardware involved — everything is provisioned digitally.

Yes. I assist with enterprise Wi-Fi deployments including access point placement planning, SSID segmentation per VLAN, WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise with RADIUS authentication, and guest network isolation. While my primary focus is on wired infrastructure and cloud, I regularly incorporate wireless design into broader network projects.

Yes, this is a common request. I configure IPsec Site-to-Site VPN tunnels between office routers or firewalls (Cisco, FortiGate, and others) to securely connect branch offices over the internet. I also configure Azure VPN Gateway for hybrid connectivity between on-premises networks and Azure VNets. All tunnels use strong encryption standards (AES-256, SHA-256).

Yes. Windows Server Print and File Services are part of my skill set. I set up shared printers with permission-based access, deploy them via Group Policy, and configure DFS (Distributed File System) namespaces and replication for redundant file shares. I also handle NTFS and Share-level permissions to ensure users access only what they're authorised to.

Yes. I design and implement backup strategies following the 3-2-1 rule (3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite). For on-premises I configure Windows Server Backup or third-party solutions. For Azure environments I use Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery for VM replication and failover. I also help define RPO and RTO targets aligned with your business requirements.

I work with businesses of all sizes — from solo founders setting up their first cloud environment to mid-size companies with 200+ users and multi-site networks. SMBs are actually a large part of my client base because they often need enterprise-grade infrastructure but don't have a full-time IT team. I scale my solutions and pricing to fit your size and budget.

Yes. Every engagement starts with a written proposal outlining scope, deliverables, timeline, and pricing. Upon agreement I issue a formal invoice. For larger projects I provide a service agreement detailing responsibilities, payment schedule, IP ownership, and confidentiality terms. Proper paperwork protects both parties.

No. The initial discovery call (up to 30–45 minutes) is completely free. This call helps me understand your requirements so I can put together an accurate proposal. You're under no obligation to proceed — if the fit isn't right I'll tell you honestly. Paid engagement begins only after you approve a written proposal.

Retainer packages are customised to your needs but typically include: a set number of support hours per month, proactive monitoring and health checks, patch management and firmware updates, priority response for incidents, and a monthly report summarising changes and system status. Unused hours don't roll over but I'm flexible during busy months.

Yes. I deploy and configure Azure AD Connect to synchronise on-premises AD identities to Azure Active Directory (Entra ID), enabling hybrid identity and Single Sign-On across cloud and on-premises resources. I configure Password Hash Sync or Pass-Through Authentication depending on your requirements, and set up Seamless SSO and device join policies.

I design networks with proper segmentation using VLANs and inter-VLAN routing policies to isolate traffic by function — servers, workstations, guests, IoT, management. For Zero Trust I implement Conditional Access policies in Azure AD that evaluate device compliance, user risk, and location before granting access to resources — regardless of whether the user is inside or outside the network perimeter.

Yes. For on-premises environments I configure syslog collection, SNMP monitoring, and interface utilisation alerts on routers and switches. For Azure I set up Azure Monitor, Log Analytics workspaces, and alert rules that notify you via email or SMS when thresholds are breached. Dashboards can be built in Azure Monitor or Microsoft Sentinel for security event correlation.

I implement Remote Access VPN solutions (Cisco AnyConnect, FortiClient SSL VPN, or Azure P2S VPN) so employees securely tunnel into the corporate network. Combined with Azure AD Conditional Access and MFA, this ensures only authorised, compliant devices can connect. For RDP access I enforce Azure Bastion or RD Gateway to avoid exposing RDP directly to the internet.

I have foundational knowledge of SD-WAN concepts and have worked with Cisco IWAN and basic Meraki configurations. For clients evaluating SD-WAN I can assess whether the investment is justified versus traditional WAN with MPLS or broadband failover, and help design the transition plan. My primary strength is in traditional enterprise routing and switching combined with Azure networking.

Yes, this is a common support request. I diagnose and resolve DHCP scope exhaustion, rogue DHCP servers, duplicate IP conflicts, and misconfigured DHCP relay agents. I redesign address schemes when a network has outgrown its original IP plan — including proper subnetting, VLAN-per-subnet design, and DHCP server consolidation onto Windows Server or Cisco IOS.

I use draw.io (diagrams.net) and Microsoft Visio for network topology diagrams — physical, logical, and layer diagrams. For IP address management documentation I use Excel or structured markdown. Configuration documentation is written in Word or PDF format with version-controlled change logs. All documentation is delivered in editable formats so your team can maintain it going forward.