Skip to content

Who is Bart Smeding?

Profile Picture

Network and Infrastructure Automation Specialist

Bart Smeding is a seasoned network and infrastructure automation specialist with over 25 years of experience in Microsoft infrastructure and enterprise/datacenter networks, and more than 10 years in infrastructure automation. He has a deep understanding of Ansible, Network Automation (NA), DevOps, Python, CI/CD, and writing Ansible roles. Bart's expertise lies in building robust automation platforms that seamlessly onboard both brownfield and greenfield networks, ensuring smooth integration with existing systems.

Core Competencies

  • Ansible
  • Network / Infrastructure Automation (Primary Focus)
  • DevOps
  • Python (Network Programming)
  • CI/CD
  • Writing Ansible Roles

Profile Summary

As a dedicated professional specializing in network and infrastructure automation, I am passionate about helping companies embrace automation to streamline their operations. My expertise lies in building robust automation platforms, seamlessly onboarding both brownfield and greenfield networks, and delivering comprehensive training to ensure teams can independently utilize and expand these platforms.

Key Projects and Skills

  • Network & Infrastructure Automation: Implementing automation frameworks for complex network environments.
  • Python for Network Automation: Developing custom Python scripts for orchestration and automation.
  • Ansible Automation: Creating playbooks for Cisco IOS, Arista, and Nexus for inventory, configuration, and compliance.
  • Ansible Development: Writing modules, roles, collections, and custom filters to enhance automation.
  • Ansible AWX Tower: Deploying and managing AWX Tower for GUI management and project sync.
  • Network Upgrades: Executing IOS upgrades with Ansible.
  • Dynamic Inventory Management: Integrating Nautobot IPAM with Ansible for dynamic inventory.
  • Nautobot Job Creation: Simplifying site onboarding, image upgrades, and site testing.
  • ChatOps Integration: Adding chat functionality to Network Operations for data gathering and task execution.
  • Linux Infrastructure Automation: Automating tools/services like Debian, BIND DNS, Nginx, Apache, PowerDNS, and load balancers.
  • GitLab CI/CD: Implementing and managing CI/CD pipelines to enhance workflows.

Technical Skills

  • Network Engineering: Project management, wireless, monitoring, capacity planning, subnetting, IPv4/IPv6, routing/switching, security.
  • Network Automation: Architecting and deploying automated solutions to optimize operations.
  • Certifications: Microsoft infra/security, CCNA, CCNP, Ansible, Git, Kubernetes, AWS.
  • Microsoft Infrastructure & Security: Managing and securing Microsoft environments.
  • Storage Solutions: SAN and iSCSI expertise.
  • Virtualization: Hyper-V clusters and VMware proficiency.
  • Scripting & Programming: Advanced in Python, VB, VBA, PHP, ASP, and PowerShell for automation.

I am eager to bring my expertise to new challenges, driving innovation and efficiency through network and infrastructure automation.

Let's connect and explore how I can contribute to your organization's success!