Abdul Malik Khan

lMelbourne --lAbdul.malik.khan@gmail.com--lCitizen: Australian--lWorking With Children Check

Brief bio-data

PhD Faculty of Information & Technology Monash University, Hold M.S (Master of Science degree) from Electrical Engineering and B.E (Bachelor of Engineering) in Electronics & Communications

Brief work experience

Since 2004, I have been actively engaged in teaching at Monash University. During this time, I have instructed both undergraduate and postgraduate courses within the Faculty of IT. My focus lies within the Computer Networks, Cyber Security & Systems domain, where my teaching and research pursuits are predominantly centered on high speed networks, cyber security, information security, network security, and related areas.

My expertise extends to the design of high-speed computer networks, simulation of enterprise networks, fiber optic communication networks, and the analysis of cryptographic algorithms and protocols. Additionally, I am deeply involved in cyber security implementation, architectural concepts, and proof of concepts. Within the realm of research, I harbor a keen interest in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, particularly in lattice-based cryptography, user authentication, privacy-preserving protocols, cryptographic hash functions, and digital signatures.

Over the span of a decade, I have accumulated substantial research experience through various client-funded projects, particularly in the fields of radio wave communication and enterprise network design and deployment. My academic background is rooted in literacy concerns, theoretical frameworks, and instructional methodologies.

In terms of teaching and research, my expertise encompasses a broad spectrum, including IT forensics, intrusion detection and prevention systems, WLAN and mobile security, enterprise network security solutions, wireless sensor networks, high-speed data communications, cloud computing, VM consolidation, distributed mobile computing, parallel and distributed computing, and grid computing.

Proficiency:

§  Proficient in Unix and Linux operating systems administration and adept at shell scripting. Skilled in computer network administration.

§  Familiarity with high-speed network technologies such as Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, FDDI, and ATM. Well-versed in network protocols and services including TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, WINS, RAS, IPX/SPX, SSH, and VPNs at both Layer 2 and Layer 3 levels.

§  Extensive experience with various TCP and UDP stack implementations such as HSTCP, Scalable TCP, FAST TCP, BIC & CuBIC TCP, UDP lite, RB UDP, TSUNAMI, UDT, as well as others like XCP, SCTP, and GRID-FTP.

§  Knowledgeable in computational and service-oriented grids, including InstantGrid, Gridservices, Webservices, HPC Portals, Home Grids, and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks, with expertise in installing and configuring small computer grids using Globus toolkit or similar middleware.

§  Proficiency in routing protocols such as RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, MPLS, VLANS configurations, Fiber channel, Ether channel, VTP, STP, LANE Emulations, Cisco IOS, Radius, TACACS+ protocol, IP Addressing, IP Subnet design, serial WAN links, and PPP link design. Skilled in modeling DSL (ADSL/SDSL), ISDN, T1, and E1 links for enterprise communication networks.

§  Experience utilizing network simulation tools like OPNET Modeler, OPNET SPGuru, and network analysis tools like HP OpenView-NNM, CiscoWorks, MRTG, and ManageWise. Proficient in network management configuration including SNMP, RMON, Syslog, CDP, NTP, Web Hosting, High-end Server management, and Internet services.

§  Development skills encompass knowledge in Proxy servers, firewalls, Cisco Access list configurations, with expertise in Ethernet protocols including Wireless LANs, ADSL, VPNs, and Pair gain High-Data-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL).

§  Broad-based communications network background in technologies such as Wireless LANs, ATM, IP, MPLS, and Frame Relay, with strong technical and oral/written communication skills to produce functional specifications, interact with vendors, and interface with clients.

 

Proficient and experienced in utilizing the following system administration and network tools

§  Possessing extensive knowledge of Unix operating systems, including servers from IBM and Sun Solaris, as well as various Linux distributions such as Redhat, Fedora, CentOS, and Ubuntu. Proficient in installing and managing Unix and Windows OS servers, along with deploying Linux OS for workstations. Skilled in server and workstation administration.

§  Experienced system administrator adept at configuring user profiles, system profiles, and group profiles, including the creation and management of user accounts with multifactor authentication setup.

§  Proficient in analyzing, identifying, resolving, and logging network, client PC, and server-related hardware and software issues.

§  Familiarity with shell scripting languages, HTML, and JavaScript, particularly in Linux-based environments such as Bash and Python.

§  Responsible for creating and maintaining comprehensive network and OS system user manuals, as well as updating logs regularly.

§  Proficient in establishing IP subnets for individual departments and implementing Access Control Lists (ACLs) for LANs to ensure departmental segregation and security.

§  Ensuring organizational data and network infrastructure security through VPN setup via TACACS Access server.

§  Performing secure backups of user and server data at different intervals and promptly restoring service in case of disruptions.

§  Maintaining critical application equipment, ensuring security, uptime, and applying necessary patch and improvement updates.

§  Keeping staff informed about system updates and modifications.

§  Proficient in OPNET modeling tools, capable of defining and documenting simulation requirements and designing multiprocessor CPU architectures. Skilled in modeling application processing tasks representative of networked system environments.

§  Familiar with advanced communications theory, software engineering, and programming languages such as C/C++.

§  Possessing a general understanding of enterprise network management and supporting software like CiscoWorks and HP OpenView.

§  Capable of accurately designing, simulating, and analyzing complex technology environments, including indoor and outdoor scenarios, dense urban landscapes, and open areas with multiple services like voice, data, wireless VoIP, or Personal Broadband. Involved in the development of radio wave propagation models for the Gulf region based on ITU-R recommendations.

§  Well-versed and experienced in utilizing tools such as OPNET Modeler 14.0, HP OpenView, CiscoWorks, and ATDI ISC Telecom radio modeling tool.

§  Proficient in programming languages including Bash, Perl scripting, Java, Visual C++, Forth, and MATLAB

 

 

Skills Profile

§   Possessing extensive experience in networking, including the installation and management of Cisco Network devices such as Cisco 6509 and 4003 catalyst switches, Cisco 4000 series and 290X series routers and switches, as well as Cisco 2509 Access servers. Proficient in managing High-end Unix SP2 and Linux enterprise servers, and other LAN network resources.

§   Played a key role in designing and developing LANs, WLANs, VPNs, and WAN links for external clients such as Saudi Fisheries Co., SCECO, and Saudi Telecom Co., and was involved as a project member in establishing the enterprise data network for the University of Petroleum and Minerals.

§   Experienced in developing IT strategies for data networks, including hardware and software specifications. Proficient in drawing up specifications for state-of-the-art LAN hardware, including routers, switches, servers, Storage Area Networks (SANs), and backup power systems, tailored to specific requirements.

§   Proficient in using HP OpenView, CiscoWorks, and Network Associate Sniffer tool for network management. Skilled in utilizing HP Network Node Manager to capture network topology and traffic trace for network modeling and simulation studies, assessing various scenarios such as topology changes, introduction of new applications, and traffic scaling.

§   Developed network simulation models for the Enterprise Saudi Aramco Network using OPNET Modeler and SPGuru data network modeling & simulation tools, covering various aspects such as IP/QoS, LANE, IP/Multicast, PNNI, different routing models, MPLS, Wireless LAN, VoIP, VLANS, and Video Conferencing.

§   Proficient in documenting and validating new technologies for implementation on LANs, as well as conducting capacity planning, performance tuning, and infrastructure improvements.

§   Acted as the primary point of contact and liaison with IT vendors, reviewing vendor products, coordinating vendor interviews and presentations, and facilitating vendor interactions.

§   Provided IT consultancy services to project clients, preparing technical specifications for project proposals in response to Request for Proposals (RFPs), assessing proposals, reviewing solutions, and negotiating technical requirements with vendors to establish contract proposals.

§   Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current and emerging computer/network systems technologies, architectures, and products.

§   A dedicated professional with self-confidence, possessing an excellent academic record, and thriving on the challenge of solving computer-related problems. Self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision while also being an effective team member.

 

 

Network Projects

§  Produced a project report detailing the evaluation and proposed network upgrade for KSA Fisheries Company in collaboration with KSA Business Machines (IBM representative). This involved network design, installation, and commissioning.

§  Compiled a project report on the Meteorological and Air Quality Base Management System, focusing on the calibration and installation of sensors for measuring meteorological data such as wind speed, direction, humidity, temperature, and pressure. The report also covered the implementation of a data acquisition system for on-site data collection, including test results and sensor calibration.

§  Presented a GARTNER Report on ATM, Cisco routers, and PIX Firewall for the ARAMCO Enterprise network.

§  Prepared a project report for the GARTNER research group on the installation, cost, facilities, and evaluation of different technologies for VSAT and microwave links.

§  Generated a project report for the GARTNER research group regarding Wireless Technology and services for Aramco.

§  Conducted a project report comparing the research networks Grange NET and AAR Net.

§  Compiled a project report for work packages Storage & Interoperability SI-8 and SI7 for the DART e-Research Project.

 

 

M

ONASH UNIVERSITY - Melbourne, Australia

Faculty of Information & Technology

Research Project DART, Lead Investigator, 2007 to 2008

I have been engaged in the development of Dataset Acquisition, Accessibility, and Annotation e-Research Technologies (DART), a proof-of-concept initiative supported by the Department of Education, Science, and Training (DEST) aimed at fostering collaborative research in Australia. The project encompasses five main technical domains: Data Collection and Monitoring, Storage and Interoperability, Content and Rights, Annotation and Assessment, and Discovery and Access. Within this framework, I served as the lead investigator for SI8 Storage and Interoperability, focusing on ensuring high-speed, secure, and reliable data transfer between repositories.

Additionally, I played a role in the proposal writing process for work packages SI8 and SI7 for ARCHER (Australian Research Enabling Environment), which represents the second phase of the project. ARCHER, also funded by DEST, aims to transition the proof-of-concept outcomes of DART into a production-ready environment.

Selected Accomplishments:

´    SI8 Storage and Interoperability - The SI-8 Work Package Description involved ensuring high-speed, secure, and dependable data transfer between repositories. This was achieved through the implementation and testing of the FAST TCP stack for secure data replication across the network to DART Partners. The project also focused on optimizing transfer mechanisms, including data storage transfers and encryption methods. The deliverables included establishing high-speed links between high-performance data centers, ensuring secure and robust connectivity with emphasis on availability, security, response time, and throughput. Various data transfer tests were conducted using different dataset patterns, and simulated network models were developed for performance evaluation and documentation purposes.

Research Project Automatic fruit inspection and classification in real time, Lead Investigator, 2006 to 2009

I served as the lead investigator on the project titled "Automatic Fruit Inspection and Classification in Real Time." The primary focus of this research endeavor was to develop modeling and segmentation techniques to extract blemishes from images and image sequences, laying the foundation for various computational tasks in computer vision, such as fruit segmentation, identification, and classification. The study delved into exploring modeling methods and introducing novel algorithms in this domain. Advanced computer vision algorithms were investigated for real-time fruit inspection and classification, leading to the introduction of a new system architecture leveraging these techniques. The implementation of these new methods enhanced the performance and capabilities of existing industrial fruit sorters by improving inspection and classification accuracy, particularly in assessing fruit size, shape, and skin blemishes.

On the computer vision front, methods involving shape, surface, and texture reconstruction from multiple viewpoints were explored. In terms of pattern recognition, various neural network approaches were employed, including radial-basis functions and support vector machines (SVMs). SVM, in particular, emerged as a promising classification method, offering robustness and simplification abilities by minimizing expected test errors. This method incorporated diverse attributes, parameters, color models, and features, ensuring transformation invariance and real-time applicability for fruit classification. This research collaboration was supported by Color Vision Systems (CVS), an industry partner, and received funding from the Australian Research Council's (ARC) Discovery Projects funding scheme (project LP0560847). The fruit image data provided by the company's research facility was utilized, and a test bed was established at the CVS research center, allowing for modifications, calibration, and experimentation as deemed necessary.

 

Industry and client funded project Experience

N

ETWORK ENGINEER, RESEARCH INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS AND MONASH UNIVERSITY

I have experience as both a network engineer and lead investigator. During this time, I have led and executed several client-funded projects, all of which have been focused on applied research. Below are some examples of these projects.

Melbourne, Monash University, Lead Investigator, 2005 to 2010 & Network Engineer, 1994 to 2003

For a span of nine years, I served as a research engineer at RI, University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia. During this tenure, I held roles as a lead investigator and project manager, overseeing the execution of numerous client-funded projects, all of which were focused on applied research. Below are some examples of these projects.

Projects

Description of Research Project

Client Name

Client funded Applied research Projects in Australia

1

DART - Dataset acquisition accessibility & annotation e-Research technology

Australian Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training - DEST

2

Automatic Fruit classification in real time - Investigate computer vision algorithms suitable for application in automatic fruit sorters.

The project was conducted in collaboration with the Industry Partner, Color Vision Systems, Pty Ltd & Funded by Australian Research Council Linkage grant

Client funded Computer Network Projects

3

Consultation & Technical Services by Communications Technology Section

SAMA (Monetary Agency)

4

Consultation & Technical Services by Computer Technology Section

SAMA (Monetary Agency)

5

Network Firewall Technologies Research

Aramco

6

Computer Network Simulation Study

Aramco

7

Consultations and Studies in Information Technology

SCECO

8

STC (project management manual enhancement)

SCECO

9

Computer usage for Investigation and District Attorney

Investigation and District Attorney-Eastern Province

10

Radio wave Propagation Measurements of a Microwave Link between GCC Telecommunication Bureau Office and KFUPM

Telecommunications Bureau, GCC

11

Development of Speech Database (For OrienTel Project)

Lucent Technologies International Inc.

12

Enterprise Network Modeling, Simulation and Performance Evaluation study- Dammam Area

SCECO

13

Research Institute LAN upgrade - Internal Project

Aramco

14

Campus LAN/WAN Network backbone Upgrade Project.

Aramco

15

National IT Plan Project

Ministry of Higher Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

16

Saudi Aramco Enterprise Network Simulation Study - I

Aramco

17

Radio wave Propagation study for the Gulf Region

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Telecommunications Bureau, Bahrain

18

Wellbore Instability - Khafji Reservoir, Oil Field project

Aramco

19

Computer Network Simulation Study - Phase-II

Aramco