Home | Benjamin

Hi, I am

Benjamin

Computer Technologist

Who am I?

Hello, I am Benjamin. I have had a passion for computers ever since I was tiny. My computing expertise has developed over the years and I have by and large taught myself by watching videos for inspiration, talking to people, having a go and seeing what happens and having very patient parents!! My current interests lie in everything about Networks, Python programming, HTML coding- JavaScript & CSS, installation of CCTV and access control systems. I love it all!

Network Manager, CCTV & Access Control Installer, Programmer and much more!

What I can do

Network Manager

I have experience with a wide range of networking equipment including Ubiquiti, Mikrotik, Aruba and Sophos. I have built a network cabinet containing Ubiquiti UDM Pro, a 24 port gigabit switch with a patch panel connected and made my own custom length CAT6 cables. I am using the Sophos Firewall in bridge mode and leaving the UDM Pro to carry out DHCP. This means that the access points and Unify Camera will still work correctly.

Photo of one of the PTZ camera's I installed

CCTV Installer

I have installed a 7-camera system at home. Each of the cameras is powered by POE (Power Over Ethernet). This means that we only need to run 1 ethernet cable to each camera to power it. I optimise the camera locations using JVSG software. I have been asked to install a 5-camera system by my chemistry teacher. I have done a site visit, prepared a quote and am waiting for the go ahead. The video talks through the proposed installation and shows the coverage and views from each camera. I have experience with many different types of CCTV cameras and NVRs. Including Hikvision, Ubiquiti, Reolink and I am always looking to expand my knowledge.

Access Control Installer

I have experience installing Paxton Net2 plus access control systems. Paxton is a leading company of access control and many large scale businesses use it. I have linked our Reolink CCTV with ANPR and the Paxton access control system to tell me when my family arrive home. I can configure access times and rights to my bedroom! This provides a higher level of security.

My work

CCTV- Ubiquiti & Reolink

To increase security around our house I installed 7 security cameras using my own ethernet cables. I select the type of camera carefully depending on its position. Like this one which is a PTZ camera. This one can move in all axes with auto tracking and is good for a wide area coverage. Bullet cameras are discrete and low cost and dome cameras are vandal proof.

Network Cabinet

I have designed and built my own home network. Overtime I have upgraded and added extra devices to improve the security, reliability and speed and allow me to use certain features away from home like a self-hosted VPN. I have bought second hand devices from eBay and Facebook and earnt money by doing gardenening work for neighbours.

CCTV Site Map

Before installing a CCTV system for a customer, I make a sky view layout of their property which will help me optimise camera locations for best coverage. I make a video to go along with this and talk through the options and is a really visual way for my customer to understand the system.

Laptop Repair/ Recycling

I mended a broken screen on a laptop and the supplier of the new screen gave me £20 to make them a video showing how to install it which they loved. I find it frustrating that people discard computers that they think aren't working but all they need is a simple fix. The environment is important to me and there is a growing mountain of computer waste in the world. My plan is to keep an eye out on Facebook for suitable broken devices and gradually develop my skills to mend them and make videos at the same time to help others do the same to reduce our waste.

Mag Lock Access Control

On my bedroom door I installed Paxton Net 2 plus access control. This means that to enter you need a token/card that is approved to unlock the door.

Network Management Software

I use a mix of two different management software (Ubiquiti and Sophos Control Centre) to make sure that our internet is working correctly, monitor the traffic through our network and block anything potentially malicious. This is all automated.

Wiring Ethernet Cables

I taught myself how to wire ethernet cables- strip back the cable sheath, untwist the 8 wires, align the wires in the correct order, push on the RJ45 connector and crimp into position. I have an ethernet cable tester to make sure that I have wired it correctly,

IT Support Work

3 weeks paid work with my school IT team. I had to be organised, worked carefully and methodically both independently and with the team to install 300 new computers, upgrade RAM, link computers to the school network, manage cables, asset tagging, complete user checks, and recycle waste. I understand the planning and logistics required for the project and learnt the importance of working as a team, communicating progress, and knowing when to ask for help.

Ram and SSD upgrades

Upgrading RAM, changing to SSD and more in laptops and desktop computers.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit

I have experience using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit to install applications, the operating system and add the device to a Active Directory Domain.

Running Fibre Cable

To increase reliability and speed running fibre optic cable under floor boards with heat protection from pipe.

CyberFirst Defenders Training

35 hours training with the National Cyber Security Centre. Working independently and as a team, I attended lectures and worked through test lab scenarios learning about securing devices, identifying network vulnerabilities and preventing attacks.