Interviewer: "Tell me about your experience with Routing and Switching.
"
Over the past five years as a network engineer, I’ve gained good hands-on experience in
routing and switching. I’ve worked extensively with Cisco devices, configuring and
troubleshooting routers and switches to optimize network performance. I'm good in
configuring and optimizing routing protocols like OSPF and BGP, which are crucial for
efficient and reliable data flow within and between networks.
For example, in my role, I am responsible for optimizing network performance between our
headquarters and a remote branch office. To achieve this, I implemented OSPF, configuring it
with commands such as:
router ospf 10
network [Link] [Link] area 0
network [Link] [Link] area 0
This effectively optimized routing between the two sites, reducing latency and improving
overall network performance.
Furthermore, I have extensive experience with switching technologies, including VLANs and
STP. I've implemented VLANs to segment the network and enhance security, using
commands such as:
vlan 10
name Sales
exit
vlan 20
name Marketing
exit
interface FastEthernet0/1
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
exit
This segmentation improved network security by isolating different departments and
preventing unauthorized access. I also implemented STP to prevent loops in the network and
ensure reliable data delivery."
I have a strong understanding of network protocols and architectures, and I am proficient in
using network monitoring and analysis tools to identify and resolve network issues. I am also
a quick learner and eager to adapt to new technologies and challenges."
Firewall rule -determines whether to allow or deny traffic based on a matching
combination of source address, destination address, and service.
What kind of firewall rules?
For example, can create rules to allow only specific application traffic, such as HTTPS on
port 443, while blocking unnecessary or suspicious traffic. I’ve also implemented rules for
network segmentation, such as restricting access between VLANs or subnets, ensuring that
sensitive areas of the network are accessible only to authorized users.
How is UPS related to firewall?
Firewall – monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. It acts
as a barrier between the computer and the internet, allowing only authorized
traffic to pass through
UPS
- uninterrupted power supply that stores energy and uses it when the main
power source is of
- UPS safeguards network security by preventing unexpected shutdowns or
disruptions due to power failure.
Fortigate upgrade step by step.
Go to System -> Firmware -> Select the 'Browse' button to locate the firmware image file.
Do we have the 8 version in Fortigate? Is it already release?
Nope, what I remember the latest one is 7.6 if I’m not mistaken.
Enhancements like generative AI features, zero-trust network access (ZTNA), secure SD-WAN, and
improved digital experience monitoring.
How do you manage firewalls? Is there any centralized server?
"In my experience, managing firewalls involves configuring, monitoring, and maintaining
rules and policies to ensure network security and optimize performance. I typically use
centralized management platforms for enterprise-grade setups to streamline this process.
For example, in environments with FortiGate firewalls, I’ve utilized FortiManager, which
acts as a centralized server to manage multiple firewalls. It allows me to deploy consistent
policies across devices, push firmware updates, and monitor network activity in real-time.
This approach significantly reduces manual effort and ensures that policies remain
standardized.
Can you explain Cisco AAA configuration?
Cisco AAA, which stands for Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting
Authentication: confirms the identities of users accessing the network and determines
whether the users are authorized.
Authorization: determines which specific network resources the user has
permission to access
Accounting: records all the operations of a user during the network service process,
including who, when, and what has been performed.
- 2 most commonly used RADIUS and TACACS+
RADIUS -. It primarily relies on passwords for authentication
-uses UDP (User Datagram Protocol), which is faster but less reliable than TCP. UDP is
suitable for real-time applications but may result in data loss.
TACACS+ - It supports various authentication methods, including token-based and
certificate-based authentication, providing greater flexibility and security
-uses TCP
Router #conf t
#aaa new-model
#radius-server host [Link] key cisco
#aaa authentication login AAA group radius
#login vty 0 4
#login authentication AAA
#exit
What is device management and what is a network management?
Device management - process of overseeing and maintaining devices to ensure that devices
are secure, up-to-date, and compliant with organizational policies.
Network Management - monitoring traffic flow, troubleshooting connectivity issues,
managing bandwidth to ensure it operates smoothly.
Syslog
- a protocol that use to send event data logs to a central location for storage.
- Syslog allows users to monitor and manage system logs, track events and errors, and
provide information about system performance
- Uses UDP port 514
