Siavosh Haghighi Movahed

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Siavosh Haghighi Movahed MSc, BSc

Senior Lecturer in Computer Systems and Networks, Course leader for MSc Advanced Computer Networks


Summary

I am an experienced educator and industry professional specialising in computer networking and network security. I teach a wide range of subjects, including Switching, Routing, Network Design, Network Security, and Network Troubleshooting, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

I am a certified expert-level Cisco Networking Academy instructor with extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing IT solutions for enterprise networks. I am passionate about innovative ways of learning and teaching computer networking in higher education.

About

Working in industry for more than a decade both as a senior network engineer and a network manager in mission-critical networks has given me the ability to draw on previous experiences to design innovative practical teaching and learning environments.

Teaching for me is more than a profession. It is a source of joy and inspiration. I am passionate about pushing the boundaries of how computer networking is taught in higher education. This dedication to innovation in teaching has earned me multiple awards, including the Sheffield Hallam University Inspirational Teaching Award (ITA) and several other college and school awards.

As the course leader for the MSc Advanced Computer Networks, I focus on developing new content and resources that combine solid technical knowledge with practical applications. I ensure the curriculum stays current with industry needs and emerging trends. My goal is to inspire the next generation of networking professionals and equip them with the confidence and expertise to excel in the ever-evolving world of computer networking and security. I received the Course Award for the MSc Advanced Computer Networks for delivering an exceptional learning experience to students throughout their studies.

I am the curriculum lead of Cisco Networking Academy at Sheffield Hallam University and a certified expert-level Cisco Networking Academy instructor with over 15 years’ experience in developing, utilising, and adapting teaching materials based on Cisco industry-recognised certifications in networking and security. I continually develop new modules for all levels of computer networks and cybersecurity courses.

I am also the organiser of the “Adventures in Networking” event at Sheffield Hallam University, which serves as a bridge between academic learning and real-world industry practices. Through hands-on sessions led by industry experts in network programmability, routing, switching, and security, the event equips students with practical skills and insights directly applicable to the workplace.

My research interests include Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN), and AI-driven networking. I focus on how these emerging technologies can enhance network automation, security, and efficiency.

I actively supervise final-year undergraduate and master’s projects.

Routing & Switching, Network Troubleshooting, Computer Networks, Network Design, Network Security, Virtualization, Teaching and Learning Innovations

Teaching

School of Computing and Digital Technologies

College of Business, Technology and Engineering

Cisco Modeling Lab (CML)
Innovations in Learning and Teaching Computer Networking

Cyber Security and Computer Networks

MSc Advanced Computer Networks
BSc Computer Networks
BSc Cyber Security
BSc Cyber Security with Forensics

Enterprise network Project
Network Automation and Programmability
Network Security
Enterprise networks
Computer Systems and Architecture

Research

Research Interests:

  • High-Performance Switching
  • Edge Computing and IoT Networking
  • Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
  • Network automation and programmability
  • Intent-Based Networking (IBN)
  • AI Driven Networking
  • Sustainability in Networking
  • Network Security
  • Internet of Things (IoT)

Current Projects:

  1. The evolution of Campus Networking: SD-Access Fabric Design Consideration for Wired and Wireless Access, 2024
  2. Enhancing enterprise network security: SASE Architecture with the integration of SD-WAN and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), May 2024

Publications

Journal articles

Bass, M., & Haghighi Movahed, S. (2018). To what extent can 'bring your own device' be an enabler to widening participation in higher education for the socially disadvantaged? Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practices, 6 (1), 3-11. http://doi.org/10.14297/jpaap.v6i1.321

Conference papers

Bagheri, M., & Haghighi Movahed, S. (2017). The Effect of the Internet of Things (IoT) on Education Business Model. 2016 12th International Conference on Signal-Image Technology & Internet-Based Systems (SITIS), 435-441. http://doi.org/10.1109/SITIS.2016.74

Bagheri, M., & Haghighi Movahed, S. (2016). An investigation into finding the most influential factors in developing a Personalized Learning Environment for Higher Education. In Shoniregun, C.A., & Akmayeva, G.A. (Eds.) Ireland International Conference on Education (IICE-2016), (pp. 90-95). Dublin: Infonomics Society: http://www.iicedu.org/IICE-2016-October/IICE-2016-Proceedings.pdf

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