Hi, I’m Daniel,

a passionate 43 year old homelab enthusiast and Software-Defined Networking Architect based in Germany. With a strong focus on VMware technologies, I enjoy exploring the boundaries of virtualization and building innovative solutions in my home lab. This blog is my space to share insights, tips, and projects from my journey in the world of software-defined infrastructure. Alongside being a homelabber, I’m also a proud vExpert (including NSX) and VCIX NV. My skills are backed by certifications like CCNP Security, CCNP Enterprise, and Checkpoint CCSA R81 and many more.

Whether it’s diving deep into network architecture, mastering virtualization, or tackling the challenges of software-defined networking, I’m here to share my knowledge and (try to) inspire others. Feel free to explore, get inspired, and join the conversation!

Work

I have been working in the IT industry since 1999. I started with an ITSE apprenticeship at Deutsche Telekom, where I was employed until the end of 2020. During my time there, I gained experience as a .NET software developer and worked for many years in the field of IT infrastructure. I then moved to a consulting firm, where I worked until March 2022. From April 2022 to July 2026, I was part of the team at evoila in Mainz, where I worked as a cloud architect. My work focused on the planning and implementation of complex networks as well as NSX and VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) solutions. Starting in August 2026, I will take on a new challenge at a major German company.I have been working in the IT industry since 1999. I started with an ITSE apprenticeship at Deutsche Telekom, where I was employed until the end of 2020. During my time there, I gained experience as a .NET software developer and worked for many years in the field of IT infrastructure. I then moved to a consulting firm, where I worked until March 2022. From April 2022 to July 2026, I was part of the team at evoila in Mainz, where I worked as a cloud architect. My work focused on the planning and implementation of complex networks as well as NSX and VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) solutions. Starting in August 2026, I will take on a new challenge at a major German company.

Homelab

My homelab is all about maximizing performance within a very limited space while keeping things quiet and energy-efficient. Admittedly, my network setup is a bit overengineered in places, and it could certainly be simplified—but where’s the fun in that? Most of my network hardware comes from MikroTik, and my servers are primarily Intel NUCs or, more recently, Minisforum MS-01 workstations. The lab is constantly under construction and will probably never be “finished,” but one principle always remains: small, quiet, and powerful.

{code} Community talk

Certs

I have earned several certifications that demonstrate my expertise in the areas of virtualization and networking. These include the “VMware Certified Implementation Expert” (VCIX) certification in network virtualization (NV) and the “Double VCP” certification for data centers and network virtualization. I am also a “VMware Certified Master Specialist – SD-WAN” and hold the “Cisco Certified Network Professional” (CCNP) certification. In 2025, I received the “Broadcom Knight” certification for NSX and vSphere. In 2026, I earned the Broadcom Knight for Operations and Networking. This is currently the highest partner certification that can be achieved at Broadcom. Since I will no longer be working for any partner starting in 2026, I will no longer be allowed to call myself a Broadcom Knight as of August. These certifications reflect my practical experience and expertise in technologies such as ESXi, NSX, SD-WAN, and enterprise networks.

Credly Portal