Frequently Asked Questions For Succeeding In Cisco Interviews

For both inexperienced and seasoned applicants, Cisco interviews are highly sought-after occasions. You must possess a solid understanding of networking principles, computer intelligence, and analytical abilities to ace these interviews. Moreover, having Cisco certifications can attest to your proficiency and provide access to new professional opportunities. Gaining a competitive advantage and enhancing your confidence can be achieved by being aware of the hiring procedure and becoming acquainted with frequently asked interview questions.

Concerning Cisco

With a presence in 115 countries worldwide, Cisco is a prominent supplier of IT and computer networking products and services. According to Fortune's ranking of the 100 Best Companies to Work for, Cisco, which was founded in 1984, has continuously ranked among the best organizations to work for. 

Cisco serves a wide range of customers, including small and medium-sized businesses, service providers, and corporations. The company is headquartered in San Jose. Prioritizing employee success, the organization aims to provide creative solutions that meet the objectives of its clients.

Cisco Hiring Procedure

Three rounds usually comprise the Cisco interview process:

1. Take an online assessment 

2. Rounds of Technical Interviews 

3. Interview with HR

 The online exam consists of both technical and aptitude questions that evaluate candidates' knowledge of a variety of subjects, including computer networking, probability, data structures, and algorithms. Candidates' understanding of computer basics, such as data structures, algorithms, operating systems, and networking, is tested further during technical interview rounds. During HR interviews, candidates' behavioral competencies and compatibility with Cisco's goals and values are evaluated.

Interview Questions for Cisco

For Beginners 

1. What is a firewall?

Answer Guidance: A firewall is a network security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet, to prevent unauthorized access while allowing legitimate communication. 

2. In networking terms, what is a link? 

Answer Guidance: In networking, a link refers to the communication pathway or physical connection between two network devices, allowing them to exchange data. This can be wired, such as through Ethernet cables, or wireless, such as through Wi-Fi or cellular connections. 

3. What is Cisco's TCP session timeout by default?

Answer Guidance: Cisco's default TCP session timeout varies depending on the specific device and configuration. However, it typically ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour. 

4. Describe what a diskless workstation is.

Answer Guidance: A diskless workstation is a computer system that operates without a local hard disk drive (HDD) for storage. Instead of storing data and operating system files locally, it relies on network-based storage or booting from a network server. This setup is often used in environments where centralized management and data security are priorities. 

5. Explain the meaning of routing. 

Answer Guidance: Routing is the process of directing network traffic between multiple interconnected networks based on destination addresses. It involves determining the most efficient path for data packets to reach their intended destination across interconnected routers and networks. 

6. Explain the various memory kinds found in Cisco routers.

Answer Guidance: Cisco routers typically include different types of memory, including: - RAM (Random Access Memory): Used for temporary storage of running configurations, routing tables, and operational data. - ROM (Read-Only Memory): Contains the router's bootstrap program and basic operating system software. - Flash Memory: Used for storing the router's operating system image, configuration files, and other persistent data. - NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM): Stores the router's startup configuration, which is retained even when the router is powered off. 

For Candidates with Experience:

1. How does one create a TCP connection? 

Answer Guidance: A TCP connection is established through a three-way handshake process. It involves the following steps: - The client sends a SYN (synchronize) packet to the server. - The server responds with a SYN-ACK (synchronize-acknowledge) packet. - The client sends an ACK (acknowledge) packet, and the connection is established.

2. What is LAN switching that is cut-through? 

Answer Guidance: Cut-through LAN switching is a type of switching method where a switch forwards frames as soon as it receives the destination MAC address, without waiting for the entire frame to be received. This results in lower latency compared to store-and-forward switching but provides less error checking.

3. Explain what software testing recovery testing entails. 

Answer Guidance: Recovery testing involves testing the system's ability to recover from failures or abnormal conditions gracefully. It focuses on verifying that the system can recover data integrity and continue functioning after unexpected events, such as hardware failures, software crashes, or network outages.

4. Describe context switching and what causes it. 

Answer Guidance:  Context switching is the process of saving the current state of a process or thread and switching to another process or thread for execution. It is caused by events such as multitasking, where the operating system switches between multiple tasks to provide the illusion of parallel execution on a single-core processor. 

5. List the OSI model's seven layers. 

Answer Guidance:  The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model consists of the following seven layers: 

 1. Physical Layer 

 2. Data Link Layer 

 3. Network Layer 

 4. Transport Layer 

 5. Session Layer 

 6. Presentation Layer 

 7. Application Layer

Questions for an objective interview: 

1. Determine the protocol for IP routing. 

Answer Guidance:  The protocol for IP routing is typically Internet Protocol (IP), which is responsible for addressing and routing packets across networks. 

2. Identify the traits of IGRP.

Answer Guidance: IGRP (Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) is a distance-vector routing protocol developed by Cisco. Its traits include support for classful routing, metrics based on bandwidth and delay, and limited scalability. 

3. Link the functions of the OSI layers. 

Answer Guidance: Each OSI layer performs specific functions, including: - Physical Layer: Handles the physical transmission of data. - Data Link Layer: Manages access to the physical medium and error detection/correction. - Network Layer: Handles addressing, routing, and packet forwarding. - Transport Layer: Provides end-to-end communication and error recovery. - Session Layer: Manages session establishment, maintenance, and termination. - Presentation Layer: Handles data formatting, encryption, and decryption. - Application Layer: Provides interfaces for user applications and network services. 

4. Distinguish between full- and half-duplex systems.

Answer Guidance: In a full-duplex system, communication can occur in both directions simultaneously, allowing for independent transmission and reception. In contrast, a half-duplex system can only transmit or receive data at any given time, not simultaneously.

Questions for an HR interview:

1. What makes you wish to work at Cisco?

2. Talk about your advantages and disadvantages. 

3. Tell about a networking obstacle you encountered and the way you overcame it.

4. What qualifications qualify you as a network engineer? 

5. How do you arrange your to-do list? 

6. What makes you leave your position as it is? 

7. In ten years, where do you picture yourself?

Interview Tips for Cisco Preparation 

 ● Consolidate your knowledge of the principles of computer science and networking. 

 ● Update and study your résumé to get ready for inquiries based on it.

 ● Get acquainted with frequently requested interview questions.

 ● When responding to questions during a behavioral interview, follow the STAR technique. 

 ● Practice solving different coding tasks to develop your coding abilities. 

Cisco Employment

In the fields of engineering, sales and marketing, corporate services, professional services, and operations and support, Cisco provides a variety of job options. Cisco offers lots of chances for professional advancement, regardless of your interests in sales, business development, cybersecurity, or software engineering.

Developing Your Networking Skills

Network design and security expertise, as well as certification, are prerequisites for success in positions like network architect. The extensive curriculum of Simplilearn's Advanced Executive Program in Cybersecurity is intended to give IT professionals the tools they need to develop their careers in networking. It is possible to improve your chances of passing Cisco interviews and set yourself up for a fulfilling career in networking and IT by paying attention to these pointers and being acquainted with frequently asked interview questions.

Wrapping Up!

Preparing for a Cisco interview requires a combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of Cisco's products and services. By familiarizing yourself with the company's hiring process, practicing common interview questions, and staying up-to-date on industry trends, you can increase your chances of success and land your dream job at Cisco. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, a career at Cisco offers endless opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact.