Cloud ROUTER Architecture · DE-CIX

Role: Software Architect / Consultant
Year: 2024–2025
Technologies: Apache Kafka, Event-Driven Architecture, PHP, Scrum

Software architect on DE-CIX's Cloud ROUTER: event-driven API layer on Kafka that modernises grown network management without disrupting live operations.

The challenge

Modernise grown network-management architecture for one of the world's largest internet exchange points, without disrupting live operations.

My role

Architecture decisions, technical guidelines and reviews across Cloud ROUTER; designed and introduced an event-driven API layer on Apache Kafka including event model, contracts and versioning.

The outcome

Event-driven integration foundation that decouples new system components from legacy systems while preserving production stability.

Context

DE-CIX is one of the world’s largest internet exchange points. The Cloud ROUTER product enables large carriers and cloud providers to manage their network connections flexibly and programmatically. A fundamental architecture modernisation became necessary after a system migration pushed the existing network management architecture to its limits.

Challenge

Replacing a grown architecture without disrupting live production operations. No event-driven integration layer existed for the new system components, while requirements for stability, consistency and operational reliability remained high throughout.

My Role

Software architect and consultant. Responsible for architecture decisions, technical guidelines and reviews across Cloud ROUTER. Designed and introduced an event-driven API layer based on Apache Kafka, including event model, contracts, versioning strategy and consistency rules. Delivered as part of a Scrum team in close coordination with product management and engineering.

Technologies: Apache Kafka, Event-Driven Architecture, PHP, Scrum

Enterprise Digital Transformation

Independent consultant

AI-based knowledge management system in production, technical governance structure in place, platform roadmap in progress.

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Platform Modernisation in Regulated Public Transit

Technical Advisor & Solution Architect

Decision basis and target architecture delivered. Replacement designed as a controlled, incremental path rather than a single cutover; integration concept retained as a reusable blueprint.

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