20+ Network Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

Nexus series is designed for data center networking while Catalyst series is designed for enterprise networking.

• Nexus series is optimized for high-performance data center environments.

• Catalyst series is more commonly used in enterprise networks.

• Nexus switches have features like Virtual Device Contexts (VDCs) and FabricPath.

• Catalyst switches have features like Power over Ethernet (PoE) and StackWise.

• Nexus switches are typically more expensive than Catalyst switches.

The number of links that can be bundled in a port channel depends on the specific network equipment and configuration.

• The maximum number of links that can be bundled in a port channel varies depending on the network device and software.

• Commonly, network devices support bundling anywhere from 2 to 8 links in a port channel.

• Some high-end switches or routers may support even more links in a port channel, such as 16 or 32.

• It is important to consult the specific documentation of t...read more

I have used tools like SolarWinds, Nagios, and Wireshark for monitoring network performance and security.

• SolarWinds

• Nagios

• Wireshark

Change management is the process of planning, implementing, and monitoring changes in a structured way to minimize negative impacts and ensure successful outcomes.

• Change management involves identifying the need for change, assessing the impact, planning the change, implementing it, and monitoring its effects.

• It is important to communicate with stakeholders throughout the process to ensure buy-in and minimize resistance.

• Change management often involves creating a detailed chan...read more

Bypassing ISE authentication involves exploiting vulnerabilities or using unauthorized methods to gain access.

• Exploiting vulnerabilities in the ISE system

• Using unauthorized credentials or access methods

• Spoofing MAC addresses or IP addresses

• Intercepting and modifying network traffic

• Using brute force attacks to guess passwords

Overview of OSPF, BGP, STP, VTP, HSRP, VRRP, wireless, packet flow

• OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a routing protocol used to find the best path for data packets in a network

• BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is used to exchange routing information between different autonomous systems

• STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) prevents loops in Ethernet networks by blocking redundant paths

• VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) manages VLAN configurations across a network

• HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol...read more

VPC stands for Virtual Private Cloud, a virtual network dedicated to a user's account within a cloud environment.

• VPC allows users to create isolated sections of the cloud where they can launch resources like virtual machines, databases, and storage.

• Users can define their own IP address range, subnets, route tables, and network gateways within a VPC.

• VPC provides security by allowing users to control inbound and outbound traffic to resources within the virtual network.

• Examples ...read more

HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol) and GLBP (Gateway Load Balancing Protocol) are protocols used in networking for providing redundancy and load balancing.

• HSRP is a Cisco proprietary protocol used for providing high availability by allowing two or more routers to work together in a group, with one router acting as the active router and the others as standby routers.

• GLBP is also a Cisco proprietary protocol that allows multiple routers to share the load of routing traffic, pro...read more

Creating a VPC in Nexus involves configuring VLANs, VRFs, and interfaces.

• Configure VLANs for the VPC

• Configure VRFs for the VPC

• Configure interfaces for the VPC

• Verify the VPC configuration

International roaming allows a mobile device to connect to a foreign network and use its services.

• The user's home network must have a roaming agreement with the foreign network.

• The user's device must be compatible with the foreign network's technology.

• The user may incur additional charges for using the foreign network's services.

• International roaming can be enabled or disabled on the user's device settings.

Stacking is a networking technique where multiple switches are interconnected to increase bandwidth and redundancy.

• Stacking involves connecting multiple switches together to operate as a single unit

• It allows for easier management and configuration of multiple switches

• Stacking can improve network performance by increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy

• Examples of stacking protocols include Cisco StackWise, Juniper Virtual Chassis, and HP Intelligent Resilient Framework (IR...read more

IP address class refers to the range of IP addresses available in a network. RAM and ROM are types of computer memory with different functions.

• IP address class determines the range of IP addresses available in a network.

• There are five IP address classes: A, B, C, D, and E.

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory used for temporary storage of data and program instructions.

• ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile memory that stores permanent instructions and data that cannot...read more

ISE authentication refers to the Identity Services Engine authentication method used for network access control.

• ISE authentication is a method used for network access control

• It provides secure access to network resources based on user identity

• Examples include 802.1X authentication, MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB), and web authentication

SDWAN stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. It is used to simplify the management and operation of a WAN by decoupling the networking hardware from its control mechanism.

• Improves network performance by utilizing multiple connection types (MPLS, broadband, LTE) and dynamically routing traffic based on application needs

• Enhances security by encrypting traffic and providing centralized visibility and control over network traffic

• Reduces costs by optimizing bandwidth usage...read more

OMP stands for Overlay Management Protocol in SD-WAN, used for communication between the SD-WAN edge devices and the SD-WAN controller.

• OMP is responsible for exchanging control and management information between the SD-WAN edge devices and the centralized SD-WAN controller.

• It helps in establishing and maintaining the overlay network tunnels in SD-WAN.

• OMP is used to convey routing, policy, and configuration information between the edge devices and the controller.

• It plays a cru...read more

A network of networks is a collection of interconnected networks that are connected together to form a larger network.

• A network of networks is also known as an internet.

• It allows for communication and data exchange between different networks.

• Examples include the internet, which is a collection of interconnected networks around the world.

• Another example is a corporate network that connects multiple branch offices together.

• Networks of networks can be connected using various tec...read more

Networking is the practice of connecting computers and other devices to share resources and information.

• Networking involves connecting devices together to share resources such as files, printers, and internet access.

• It allows for communication between devices through protocols like TCP/IP.

• Networks can be wired or wireless, with examples including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

• Networking also includes setting up security measures like firewalls and encryption to protect data....read more

Routing is the process of selecting the best path for network traffic to reach its destination.

• Routing involves determining the optimal path for data packets to travel from the source to the destination.

• Routers use routing tables to make decisions on how to forward packets based on destination IP addresses.

• Routing protocols like OSPF and BGP help routers communicate and exchange routing information.

• Dynamic routing allows routers to adapt to network changes by updating routing...read more