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CONNECTIONS Q1 2025 5Chris PoudrierNetwork EngineerWITH SECV14 yearsDUTIES:Support existing network infrastructure, add new equipment when needed, and help in the design/implementation of new technologies%u2026like PON for example.BACKGROUND/EDUCATION:Long, long ago I went to Heald Institute of Technology in Hayward, California. It was a focused trade school where I received a two year degree: Associate of Applied Science in Electronics Technology. It%u2019s a fancier way of saying I learned about computers, software programming, and electrical circuits. I worked for a sign business in Oakland California supporting computerized sign making equipment just short of a year before venturing to Pennsylvania. I started working at PenTeleData in the Tech Support Department in 1997 and moved into the Engineering Department about a year and a half later where I supported the core connections to CMTS devices and the CMTS equipment as well. In 2011 I moved to SECV and the rest is history.ACCOMPLISHMENTS:First, our first venture into IP TV. With so many moving parts, configurations, and connections, I had doubts it would ever work as expected. Through perseverance and force of will we stepped through the minefield and came out better than when we started. The second one would be when we moved from a switched network to a routed one. For those that don%u2019t work in networking it doesn%u2019t sound like much overall, but when you are working on the configs it can get VERY detailed and specific. The best thing that happened from making the change is that Scott Page and I were able to learn more parts of the network configurations and how they all fit together that much better. And as a wonderful segway, this fits into the challenges of the job as well. You not only have to support what is in place, but you also need to add new items when necessary, and to top it off you need to keep up with the %u2018latest and greatest%u2019 in the networking world. You can%u2019t expect technology to stay stagnant for years. It is constantly changing and we must change with it or get left behind. The Engineering Department always tries to keep their collective eyes and ears open to what is coming in the future, and what is on its%u2019 way out.PERSONAL INFO:I am a computer nerd by heart. I%u2019ve always had an interest in tinkering or figuring out items by taking them apart, researching the %u2018guts%u2019, and attempting to make them work again. Once I got into electrical items, my interests grew and finally I got a degree in electronics and computers. Aside from that, I like to go bowling when possible, spend time with the grandkids, and take part in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.