Vindhya Chenumalla
“Everybody is using the Internet, but I wanted to know how it actually works.” And now? She’s helping make it work for everyone else.
Who is NL-ix?
Behind the world of the Internet, behind the world of fibers, protocols, peers, and terabytes, are actual people making it all work. But who are these people? In other words: Who is NL-ix?
Today: 🤝 Vindhya Chenumalla, Network Engineer
I'm Vindhya, originally from India, who moved to the Netherlands three years ago with my partner. Outside of work, you'll often find me in the kitchen, which I see as a creative hub where I experiment with various dishes, ingredients, and techniques. Cooking is more than just preparing meals for me—it's a passion that requires patience and creativity. I also love dancing and spending time in nature, which inspires me in my day-to-day activities.
My journey with technology began during my bachelor's degree in electronics and communication engineering. That's when I first became intrigued by networking and its protocols. Everybody is using the Internet, but I wanted to know how it actually works—what are the protocols, how exactly are we communicating with each other in everyday life? This curiosity sparked my desire to become a network engineer.
I also noticed that while many women were pursuing careers in HR and business, fewer were venturing into network engineering—going to datacenters or troubleshooting network issues. I wanted to do something unique, which further motivated me to pursue this field.
After graduating, I began my IT career at a large organization in India. When I relocated to the Netherlands, NL-ix reached out to me after seeing my profile. I was immediately drawn to the technology they were using and the services they provided. Everyone has different skill sets, but they need to find the perfect place to showcase them. For me, that place was clearly NL-ix.
Despite being the only woman in my team and the youngest when I joined at just 26, I've never once been treated differently.
I joined NL-ix as a network engineer in 2023. My team is responsible for ensuring the seamless operations of the entire NL-ix network. We handle everything from network monitoring and provisioning services to offering technical support and improving network performance.
Being a network engineer means wearing multiple hats. You need to understand complex configurations, troubleshoot issues efficiently, and implement effective solutions. When I first joined, I had some apprehension about being the only woman and the youngest person on the team, but those fears quickly vanished. From day one, my colleagues welcomed me with genuine respect and professionalism. They've been incredibly generous with sharing their knowledge and encouraging me to push beyond my comfort zone.
"Everybody is using the Internet, but I wanted to know how it actually works"
Vindhya Chenumalla
My journey at NL-ix has been one of continuous growth. I started with basic maintenance tasks and small operational activities, which gave me valuable insights into how everything works. As I gained more experience, I took on more complex responsibilities like configuring network devices, directly helping customers, and troubleshooting challenging issues. The transition from handling routine tasks to managing complex provisioning has been incredibly rewarding and was exactly what I was looking for in my career.
What fascinates me most about NL-ix is its future-oriented mindset. The company started small but has grown into a major Internet Exchange and interconnection service provider. There's a constant drive for innovation here—my colleagues are always looking for ways to implement new solutions and stay on top of technical advancements.
If I had to describe NL-ix in one word, it would be "approachable." We're deeply committed to making our customers happy with the services we provide, and that commitment builds both trust and growth. I'm excited about continuing to develop my skills and growing with NL-ix in the years ahead—there's no limit to what we can achieve together.
