Cisco is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells networking equipment, telecommunications equipment, and other high-tech products and services. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California, and was founded in 1984 by Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner.
Cisco is best known for its networking hardware, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, which enable data communication and information sharing between devices and across networks. The company also provides software solutions for network management, security, collaboration, and cloud computing.
Cisco’s products and services are used by businesses, governments, and individuals all over the world. The company has a strong presence in the enterprise market, providing networking and communication solutions to organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large corporations. Cisco also offers training and certification programs for IT professionals who work with its products and technologies.
Cisco Interview Process
The interview process at Cisco typically involves several stages, including:
Application: Candidates can apply for job openings at Cisco through the company’s careers website or through job boards such as LinkedIn or Indeed.
Screening: The first step in the interview process is typically a screening interview, which can be conducted over the phone or through a video call. The purpose of the screening interview is to assess the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and interest in the position.
Technical Interview: Depending on the role, candidates may be asked to participate in one or more technical interviews to assess their technical skills and knowledge. These interviews may involve coding exercises, problem-solving exercises, or other technical assessments.
Behavioral Interview: Cisco also conducts behavioral interviews to evaluate a candidate’s interpersonal and communication skills, as well as their ability to work in a team and handle difficult situations.
Managerial Interview: In some cases, candidates may be asked to interview with the hiring manager to discuss their experience, qualifications, and fit for the role.
Onsite Interview: If the candidate passes the previous stages, they may be invited for an onsite interview, which can involve meeting with several members of the team, taking a tour of the office, and potentially completing additional technical assessments.
Offer: If the candidate successfully completes the interview process, they may receive a job offer from Cisco.
Overall, the interview process at Cisco is designed to evaluate a candidate’s technical skills, as well as their fit for the company’s culture and values. The specific interview process may vary depending on the role and the location of the position.
Cisco HR Interview Question and Answers
Here are some common HR interview questions and sample answers that may be asked during the Cisco interview process:
- Tell me about yourself.
A: My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Profession]. I graduated from [Your School] with a degree in [Your Field]. I have [Number of Years] years of experience in [Your Field], and I am excited about the opportunity to join Cisco.
2. What do you know about Cisco?
Cisco is a multinational technology company that specializes in networking hardware and software solutions. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in San Jose, California. Cisco provides a wide range of products and services, including routers, switches, firewalls, and cloud computing solutions.
3. Why do you want to work at Cisco?
I am interested in working at Cisco because it is a leading technology company that is known for its innovative products and solutions. I am also impressed by Cisco’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility and I believe that working for a company with those values aligns with my personal beliefs.
4. What are your strengths?
Some of my strengths include [Your Strengths]. I am a quick learner, detail-oriented, and have strong problem-solving skills. I also enjoy working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.
5. What are your weaknesses?
One weakness I have is [Your Weakness], but I am working on improving in that area by [Your Plan to Improve].
6. Can you describe a difficult work situation you faced and how you overcame it?
One difficult work situation I faced was [Your Difficult Situation]. To overcome it, I [Your Solution to Overcome]. This experience taught me the importance of [Your Lesson Learned].
7. How do you prioritize your work?
I prioritize my work by [Your Prioritization Method]. I also regularly communicate with my team and managers to ensure that we are aligned on priorities and deadlines.
8. What motivates you?
I am motivated by [Your Motivation Factors], such as [Examples of Motivation Factors]. I am also driven by a desire to continuously learn and improve my skills.
9. What are your long-term career goals?
My long-term career goal is to [Your Career Goal], and I believe that working at Cisco will help me achieve that goal by providing opportunities to learn and grow in my profession.
Cisco Technical interview question and answer for freshers
1. What is subnetting?
Subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller subnetworks, or subnets. This allows for more efficient use of IP addresses and can help to improve network performance and security.
2. What is TCP/IP?
A: TCP/IP is a set of protocols used for transmitting data over the internet or other computer networks. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is responsible for ensuring that data is transmitted reliably, while IP (Internet Protocol) is responsible for routing the data to its destination.
3. What is a router?
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It operates at the network layer of the OSI model and uses IP addresses to determine the best path for data transmission.
4. What is a switch?
A switch is a networking device that connects devices together within a local area network (LAN). It operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to forward data packets between devices.
5. What is VLAN?
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a technique used to divide a single physical network into multiple logical networks. This can improve network performance and security by allowing traffic to be isolated between different groups of users or devices.
6. What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) is a system used to translate human-readable domain names, such as www.cisco.com, into IP addresses that computers can understand. This allows users to access websites and other resources on the internet without needing to remember numerical IP addresses.
7. Define Network Congestion?
Network congestion refers to a situation where the volume of data being transmitted through a network exceeds its capacity to handle it. In other words, when there is more traffic on a network than it can handle, the data packets experience delays, losses, and increased latency, causing degradation in the quality of service. Network congestion can occur due to various factors, such as high demand, network equipment failures, routing errors, or inadequate bandwidth. It can lead to slower download and upload speeds, dropped calls, video buffering, and other performance issues. To prevent network congestion, network administrators use various techniques, such as traffic shaping, packet prioritization, and quality of service (QoS) mechanisms.
8. Define an IP address?
An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a numerical label assigned to every device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. It serves as a unique identifier for a device on the network, allowing it to send and receive data over the internet or other networks. An IP address consists of a series of numbers separated by dots, and it comes in two versions: IPv4 and IPv6.
IPv4 addresses are 32-bit numbers expressed in dotted decimal notation, such as 192.168.0.1. IPv6 addresses, on the other hand, are 128-bit numbers expressed in hexadecimal notation, such as 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
An IP address is essential for internet communication, as it allows devices to locate and communicate with each other over the network. It can be assigned statically (manually configured) or dynamically (automatically assigned by a DHCP server) to a device, depending on the network configuration.
8. What are the different types of cables that are used in routing?
There are several types of cables that are commonly used in networking for routing and transferring data between devices. Here are some of the most commonly used cable types:
Twisted Pair Cable: This is the most common type of cable used in networking. It consists of two or more pairs of wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference. Twisted pair cable is used for Ethernet connections, and it comes in two categories: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP).
Coaxial Cable: This type of cable is made up of a copper conductor surrounded by a layer of insulation, a metallic shield, and a protective outer jacket. Coaxial cable is commonly used for cable TV and high-speed internet connections.
Fiber Optic Cable: This cable uses light to transmit data instead of electrical signals. It is made up of a thin glass or plastic fiber that is surrounded by a protective outer jacket. Fiber optic cable is commonly used for high-speed internet connections and long-distance communication.
HDMI Cable: This cable is used to transmit high-definition video and audio signals between devices, such as a computer and a monitor or a TV.
USB Cable: This cable is used to connect peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and external hard drives, to a computer.
Power Cords: These cables are used to provide power to networking equipment, such as routers, switches, and modems.
The choice of cable depends on the type of device, the distance between the devices, and the speed of the connection required.
9. Can you explain the OSI model and how it relates to networking?
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a theoretical framework used to describe the functions of a network. It consists of seven layers, each representing a different aspect of network communication.
The physical layer deals with the physical transmission of data, while the data link layer focuses on the reliable transfer of data between nodes. The network layer is responsible for routing data packets across multiple networks, and the transport layer ensures reliable transfer of data between end-to-end applications.
The session layer manages communication sessions between applications, while the presentation layer handles data formatting and encryption. Finally, the application layer interacts with the user and the software application.
The OSI model provides a common language and understanding for networking concepts and functions. It is often used to guide network design and troubleshooting, and it is an essential concept in the study of computer networking.
10. Can you explain the difference between a hub, switch, and router?
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices in a network and forwards data between them without any analysis or filtering. A switch is an advanced networking device that analyzes and filters data packets as they are forwarded to their destination, improving network performance and security. A router is a device that forwards data packets between networks based on IP addresses, providing connectivity between different networks and controlling the flow of data between them.
11. How does TCP differ from UDP?
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a connection-oriented protocol that provides reliable and ordered delivery of data over the internet. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a connectionless protocol that provides fast and lightweight transmission of data, but without reliability guarantees. TCP performs error checking, flow control, and congestion control, while UDP does not.
12. Can you explain the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is a 32-bit addressing scheme used to identify devices on a network, while IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is a 128-bit addressing scheme designed to replace IPv4. IPv4 provides around 4.3 billion unique addresses, while IPv6 can provide trillions of addresses. IPv6 also offers additional features such as better security, simplified network configuration, and improved performance.
13. How does Quality of Service (QoS) work, and why is it important?
Quality of Service (QoS) is a networking technique used to prioritize traffic and ensure that critical applications receive sufficient bandwidth and low latency. QoS works by classifying traffic into different categories based on priority, then applying policies to ensure that higher-priority traffic is given preferential treatment. QoS is important because it helps ensure that important applications, such as voice and video, are not negatively impacted by other less critical applications.
14. Can you explain the concept of VLANs and how they are used in networking?
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical grouping of network devices based on function, department, or application, regardless of their physical location. VLANs allow network administrators to segment their network and isolate traffic, improving security and network performance. Devices in a VLAN can communicate with each other as if they were on the same physical network, even if they are located on different physical networks. VLANs are commonly used in large enterprise networks to manage and optimize network traffic.
15. Can you explain the differences between access control lists (ACLs) and firewalls?
Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Firewalls are both network security features used to control access to network resources, but they operate at different layers of the network stack. ACLs are used to control access to network devices or resources based on rules defined by the administrator. Firewalls are used to control access to the network itself, filtering traffic based on source, destination, port, and protocol. Firewalls can be hardware or software-based and are typically more sophisticated than ACLs, providing more comprehensive security features.
16. Can you explain how Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) works, and what it is used for?
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a network protocol used to prevent loops in a network topology by selectively blocking some of the redundant links while keeping the network connectivity intact. STP works by electing a root bridge in the network, then calculating the shortest path from each switch to the root bridge. If a switch detects a redundant path, STP will block the redundant path to prevent network loops. STP is used to ensure network stability and avoid broadcast storms caused by network loops.
17. Can you explain the concept of routing protocols and how they work?
Routing protocols are used by routers to determine the best path for forwarding network traffic to its destination. They exchange information with other routers to build a routing table that contains the best path to reach each destination network. There are two main types of routing protocols: distance vector and link state. Distance vector protocols use a simple algorithm based on the number of hops, while link state protocols use more complex algorithms that consider the entire network topology.
18. Can you explain the difference between a static and dynamic routing protocol?
Static routing and dynamic routing are two methods of routing network traffic. Static routing requires the network administrator to manually configure routing tables on the routers, while dynamic routing protocols allow routers to exchange information and automatically calculate the best path for network traffic. Static routing is useful for small networks with a few routers and a simple topology, while dynamic routing is more suitable for large and complex networks where network topology changes frequently.
19. Can you explain the difference between TCP and IP?
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol) are two protocols used in computer networking. IP handles the addressing, routing, and fragmentation of data packets, while TCP provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between devices. In other words, IP is responsible for the basic transport of data packets across the network, while TCP provides additional functionality to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of data packets.
20. Can you explain how DNS works, and how it translates domain names to IP addresses?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names into IP addresses. When a user enters a domain name in a web browser, the browser sends a request to the DNS resolver, which then sends a request to the authoritative DNS server for that domain. The authoritative DNS server responds with the IP address associated with the domain name, which is then sent back to the browser. This process is repeated for every domain name that needs to be translated to an IP address.
21. Can you explain the difference between NAT and PAT?
NAT (Network Address Translation) and PAT (Port Address Translation) are both methods of translating private IP addresses to public IP addresses.
NAT translates a single private IP address to a single public IP address, while PAT translates multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP address, using different ports to identify each private IP address.
In other words, NAT allows multiple devices to share a single public IP address, while PAT allows multiple devices to share a single public IP address and port combination.
22. Can you explain how MPLS works, and how it is used in networking?
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a technique used in computer networking to improve the speed and efficiency of data transfer. It works by assigning labels to packets of data, allowing routers to quickly and easily direct the packets through a network. This allows for faster and more reliable communication between devices on the network. MPLS is commonly used by internet service providers to create virtual private networks (VPNs) for their customers, as well as for traffic engineering and quality of service (QoS) management.
23. Can you explain the concept of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and how they work?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that allows users to securely connect to a private network over the internet. It creates an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and the VPN server, masking the user’s IP address and routing their internet traffic through the server. This provides privacy and security, making it difficult for hackers or governments to intercept or monitor the user’s online activity. VPNs are commonly used by remote workers to access company resources, by travelers to access geo-restricted content, and by people concerned about their online privacy.
24. Can you explain the difference between SSL and TLS?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols used to secure data in transit over the internet. SSL is an older protocol that has been largely replaced by TLS, which is more secure and provides better encryption. While both protocols use similar cryptographic algorithms and provide secure communication channels between clients and servers, TLS has more advanced features and is backwards-compatible with SSL. TLS is commonly used to secure HTTPS connections for websites, email, and other online communication.
25. Can you explain how load balancing works, and why it is important in networking?
Load balancing is a technique used in computer networking to distribute workloads across multiple servers or network resources. It improves reliability, scalability, and performance by ensuring that no single server or resource is overwhelmed with traffic or requests. Load balancers monitor the traffic flow and allocate requests to the most appropriate resource based on factors such as availability, capacity, and response time. Load balancing is important in networking because it helps to prevent downtime, improve user experience, and optimize resource utilization, resulting in a more efficient and effective network infrastructure.
26. Can you explain the difference between a layer 2 and layer 3 switch?
A Layer 2 switch operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model and uses MAC (Media Access Control) addresses to forward network traffic within a LAN (Local Area Network). A Layer 3 switch operates at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and uses IP addresses to route traffic between different networks or subnets. While Layer 2 switches are simpler and faster, Layer 3 switches offer more advanced features and are essential for large and complex networks where routing is required.
27. Can you explain the difference between multicast and unicast traffic?
Unicast traffic is sent from one source to one destination, while multicast traffic is sent from one source to multiple destinations. Unicast is typically used for one-to-one communication, while multicast is used for one-to-many communication, such as streaming media or distributing updates. Multicast traffic is more efficient than sending multiple unicast streams, as it reduces network congestion and conserves bandwidth. However, multicast can be more complex to set up and manage, and may require specialized network infrastructure and protocols.
28. Can you explain the OSI model and how it relates to networking?
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework used to describe the functions of a network. It is divided into seven layers, each representing a specific set of functions and protocols, from physical transmission of data at the bottom to application-level protocols at the top. The OSI model helps network engineers and developers to understand and design network architectures, as well as to identify and troubleshoot problems. It is a useful tool for standardizing network communication and interoperability between different devices and systems.
29. How would you troubleshoot a network connectivity issue?
To troubleshoot a network connectivity issue, I would start by checking the physical connections and cables to ensure they are properly plugged in and not damaged. Next, I would check the device’s network settings to make sure they are configured correctly. Then, I would use diagnostic tools such as ping or traceroute to test the network connection and identify any issues. If necessary, I would reset the network devices or contact the ISP or network administrator for further assistance.
30. Can you explain how Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) works, and what it is used for?
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a protocol used in computer networks to prevent loops in network topology. STP works by selecting a single path through the network, called the “spanning tree,” and blocking redundant paths to prevent loops. This ensures that there’s only one active path between any two bumps in the network, precluding broadcast storms and other issues.STP is used in Ethernet networks to ensure that there is a single active path between switches, preventing loops and improving network reliability.
Conclusion
The Cisco interview questions and answers provided here will guide you to prepare for your upcoming interview and face the questions confidently. In order to add further weight age to your capsule, you can take up a Cisco instrument or course.
Alternatively, you may go through resources on various other Networking and Hardware concepts to grow your knowledge. Preparing for the Cisco interview questions and answers in this composition will surely help you stand out as a strong implicit seeker for the job.
