Dr Abdussalam Salama PhD
Lecturer in Cyber Security and Computer Networks
Summary
I am a Lecturer in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity with expertise in wired and wireless networks, network security, Software Defined Networks (SDN), SD-WAN, and network cloud solutions. I have experience in Service Access Secure Edge (SASE) solutions. My teaching focuses on enterprise networks, network security, cybersecurity, IoT devices, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) network-to-cloud solutions.
I bring extensive industry experience, including my role as a Senior Systems Engineer at Cisco, where I specialized in SME network-to-cloud solution design, VoIP, Quality of Service (QoS), and IP-MPLS transitions. My research interests include network security, IoT security, and cloud security.
I have managed several research projects, including SASE and SD-WAN Architecture for SMEs and Adaptive and Secure eHealth Applications for Remote Patient Monitoring.
About
I am a Lecturer in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity at Sheffield Hallam University, specializing in wired and wireless networks, network security, Software-Defined Networks (SDN), SD-WAN, cloud solutions, and Zero Trust Access (ZTA). My teaching focuses on enterprise networks, cybersecurity, IoT systems, and network-to-cloud solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and hold multiple industry certifications, including Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), and Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP).
With extensive industry experience, I previously worked as a Senior Systems Engineer at Cisco Systems, where I was responsible for designing and implementing network solutions, delivering technical training, and supporting pre- and post-sales activities. My expertise includes implementing VoIP, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), firewalls, QoS, and IP-MPLS network transitions. Additionally, I have experience in the telecommunications sector, working with mobile operators and ISPs on transitioning networks from TDM to IP-based architectures.
In academia, I teach and conduct research, as well as serve as a Digital Innovation Fellow on a large-scale EU-funded project, supporting local SMEs in their digital transformation. My research focuses on network security, IoT security, cloud security, and enhancing Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) in modern networks.
I hold a PhD in Computer and Communication Networks from Sheffield Hallam University, where my research focused on hybrid network QoS and experience. My academic background also includes an MSc in Telecommunication and Electronic Engineering and a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
In addition to my teaching and research roles, I manage several research projects, including SASE and SD-WAN Architecture for SMEs and Adaptive and Secure eHealth Applications for Remote Patient Monitoring. My work addresses emerging challenges in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and network architecture, providing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Education/Qualifications
- PhD in Computer and Communication Networks | Sheffield Hallam University (2020), Research title ‘Hybrid computer network quality of service and experience: development and evaluation.’
- Master of Science in Telecommunication and Electronic Engineering | Sheffield Hallam University, (2015), MSc Project ‘Evaluate VoIP over new 802.11ac wireless networks considering different MIMO approaches.’
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering | University of Tripoli (2001), BSc Project ‘Enhanced channel coding/ modulation schemes in telecommunication systems.’
Professional Memberships
- Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET).
- Fellow Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Teaching
School of Computing and Digital Technologies
College of Business, Technology and Engineering
Subject area
- Computer Networks and Cybersecurity
- Network Security and Cybersecurity Solutions
- Software Defined Networks (SDN) and SD-WAN
Courses
- MSc Cybersecurity
- MSc Advanced Computer Networks
- MSc Communication Systems and Networks
- BSc Cybersecurity with Forensic
Modules
- Computer Systems and Networks
- Network Security
- Software Defined Networks (SDN) and SD-WAN
- Enterprise Network Projects
- Communication Systems and Computer Networks
- Research Principles and Practice
- Quality of Service (QoS) and Security in Wireless and Sensor Networks
- Voice over IP
Research
Specialist areas of interest
- QoS and Security in wireless and sensor Networks
- Privacy and Security of Autonomous Systems
- Smart IoT and Security
- Cloud computing security
Projects
SASE and SD-WAN Architecture for SMEs:
Designed and implemented secure Service Access Secure Edge (SASE) and SD-WAN solutions for SMEs, focusing on network security, performance optimization, and seamless cloud integration.
SMEs Network-to-Cloud Solutions:
Delivered network-to-cloud solutions for SMEs, integrating Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) and Intrusion Prevention System as a Service (IPSaaS) to ensure robust security and smooth cloud migration.
Adaptive and Secure eHealth Applications:
Developed a secure and adaptive network architecture for IoT-based remote health monitoring, addressing security, scalability, and real-time communication challenges in eHealth systems.
Digital Innovation for Growth:
Served as a Digital Innovation Fellow, providing consultancy to SMEs for digital transformation, focusing on network security, cloud integration, and IoT adoption under a large EU-funded project.
Hybrid Network Quality of Service and Experience:
Developing innovative solutions to improve Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) for wired and wireless networks.
VoIP over 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6.0 Wireless Networks:
Evaluated the performance of Voice over IP (VoIP) over 802.11ax wireless networks, analysing the impact of MU-MIMO configurations on call quality.
Network Transition from TDM to IP/MPLS:
Led a large-scale network transition from TDM to IP/MPLS for a mobile operator and ISP, enhancing network scalability, performance, and Quality of Service (QoS).
Featured research projects
SASE and SD-WAN Architecture for SMEs:
Designed and implemented secure Service Access Secure Edge (SASE) and SD-WAN solutions for SMEs, focusing on network security, performance optimization, and seamless cloud integration.
SMEs Network-to-Cloud Solutions:
Delivered network-to-cloud solutions for SMEs, integrating Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) and Intrusion Prevention System as a Service (IPSaaS) to ensure robust security and smooth cloud migration.
Adaptive and Secure eHealth Applications:
Developed a secure and adaptive network architecture for IoT-based remote health monitoring, addressing security, scalability, and real-time communication challenges in eHealth systems.
Collaborators or sponsors
2020-2023: Digital Innovation for Growth (DIfG)
The Digital Innovation for Growth (DIfG) was a large-scale European-funded project that supported SMEs in the region with their digital transformation. Key projects included cybersecurity solutions, network-to-cloud architectures, Software-Defined Networking (SD-WAN), Zero Trust architecture, and cloud computing solutions, all aimed at enhancing security and optimizing digital infrastructures for SMEs. In addition, I collaborated with Rotherham Foundation Trust - NHS for eHealth application.
Publications
Journal articles
Salama, A., & Saatchi, R. (2019). Evaluation of Wirelessly Transmitted Video Quality Using a Modular Fuzzy Logic System. Technologies, 7 (3), 67. http://doi.org/10.3390/technologies7030067
Salama, A., & Saatchi, R. (2018). Probabilistic classification of quality of service in wireless computer networks. ICT Express. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.icte.2018.09.001
Salama, A., Saatchi, R., & Burke, D. (2018). Fuzzy Logic and Regression Approaches for Adaptive Sampling of Multimedia Traffic in Wireless Computer Networks. Technologies, 6(1) (24), 1-17. http://doi.org/10.3390/technologies6010024
Salama, A., Saatchi, R., & Burke, D. (2018). Fuzzy logic and Regression Approaches for Adaptive Sampling of Multimedia Traffic in Wireless Computer Networks. Technologies, 6 (1). http://doi.org/10.3390/technologies6010024
Salama, A., Saatchi, R., & Burke, D. (2017). Adaptive sampling for QoS traffic parameters using fuzzy system and regression model. International Journal of Mathematical Models and Methods in Applied Sciences, 11, 212-220. https://www.naun.org/main/NAUN/ijmmas/2017/a582001-abx.pdf
Conference papers
Saatchi, R., & Abdussalam, S. (2020). Quality of Service in IEEE 802.11ac and 802.11n Wireless Protocols with Applications in Medical Environments. Springer, Cham eBook Packages Engineering, 166 (166), 1345-1358. http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57745-2_111
Salama, A., Saatchi, R., & Burke, D. (2018). Adaptive sampling technique for computer network traffic parameters using a combination of fuzzy system and regression model. Journal of Association of Computing Machinary, 206-211. http://doi.org/10.1109/MCSI.2017.43
Salama, A., Saatchi, R., & Burke, D. (2018). Quality of Service Evaluation and Assessment Methods in Wireless Networks. In The 4th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Disaster Management, Munster, Germany, 2017 - 2017. http://ict-dm2017.ercis.org/
Salama, A., Saatchi, R., & Burke, D. (2017). Adaptive sampling technique using regression modelling and fuzzy inference system for network traffic. In Cudd, P., & de Witte, L. (Eds.) http://www.aaate2017.eu/, Sheffield, UK, 11 September 2017 - 15 September 2017 (pp. 592-599). IOS Press: http://doi.org/10.3233/978-1-61499-798-6-592
Other activities
I am a member of the RIKE (Research Innovation Knowledge Exchange) group and the ERCIF (Early Career Research and Innovation Fellowship), where I actively contribute to research initiatives, peer reviewing, and collaborative efforts with colleagues within the School to enhance research outcomes. My role also involves partnering with industry stakeholders to foster innovation and ensure the real-world impact and practical application of our research.
Postgraduate supervision
I supervise postgraduate students in the areas of network security, cloud computing, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), SD-WAN, Zero Trust architecture, SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), and IoT security. My research supervision focuses on applied and theoretical aspects of network security, cloud security, and network performance optimization, particularly for enterprise networks and SMEs.
Notable current and past doctoral researchers under my supervision have worked on topics such as network QoS, secure network-to-cloud solutions, SASE architectures, and eHealth applications. These projects have contributed to advancements in secure and scalable network designs, focusing on practical implementations in the real world.