Short Bio: Ghulam earned a master’s degree in information technology from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. During his studies, he focused on Computer Networks, specializing in Software-Defined Networking (SDN), gaining experience in SDN controller architectures, network simulations, and performance evaluation. Over the past two years, he has worked as a Senior Network Engineer in the telecom sector. His work involved managing network configuration and monitoring, as well as actively contributing to the development of SONiC NOS open-source features, including enhancing routing functionalities and implementing new capabilities. He conducted extensive work on network telemetry, rigorously testing routing features and analysing performance data to ensure system reliability. This role allowed him to develop a strong foundation in networking technologies, gain significant expertise in working with network devices, open-source software, and telemetry systems, and engage directly with clients to deliver training on network configuration and troubleshooting.

Research Topic: Next generation high‐speed optical networks for metro access

Project Summary: This project is focused on designing and deploying coherent optical transceivers and advanced control/management planes for disaggregated, vendor-neutral metro optical networks to meet growing connectivity demands. It combines machine learning, telecom engineering, and software-defined control to enable cost-efficient, high-capacity network operation with automated configuration, monitoring, and optimization.​

Host Institution:	School of Advanced Studies Sant’Anna (SSSA) The Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, and Photonics Institute (TeCIP) https://www.santannapisa.it/en/institute/tecip
Supervisors:	Prof Nicola Sambo
Secondments planned:	Nokia Germany (Munich)
PhD Enrolment Institution:	School of Advanced Studies Sant’Anna (SSSA)
Industrial Mentor:	Dr Antonio Napoli