Architecture is described in general terms only. VLAN lists, addressing, and switch names stay internal.
What I own
The broadcast core: a Nexus spine/leaf core with Catalyst access switches. Gateways run HSRP, and each VLAN has an IGMP snooping querier so multicast (Dante, video) goes where it’s asked for and nowhere else.
Making it knowable
- Built a port-level master list mapping every leaf port to its VLAN, address, rack, and switch model. When something drops, the first question is “what’s plugged in where,” and now there’s one answer.
- Moved the Cisco switches from cloud-managed mode to standalone CLI, so configuration and troubleshooting don’t depend on a cloud dashboard.
- Pair this with NetAuto, which saves timestamped show-command output from every switch.
Planning for growth
I wrote and presented purchasing recommendations covering switching, utility and syslog servers, and support contracts for the broadcast center’s growth.
Site networks
I also led the design for a smaller remote site: network switches, a firewall, and a cellular gateway for internet access. The bigger site build is written up in Building a cathedral broadcast network overnight.