10 Cisco Interview Questions and Answers in 2023
1. How would you design a network architecture for a large-scale enterprise using Cisco products?
When designing a network architecture for a large-scale enterprise using Cisco products, there are several key components to consider.
First, the network should be designed with scalability in mind. This means that the network should be able to easily expand and contract as the needs of the enterprise change. To achieve this, the network should be built using a hierarchical design, with core, distribution, and access layers. The core layer should be made up of high-performance, highly-available routers and switches, such as the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series. The distribution layer should be made up of routers and switches that provide policy-based routing and access control, such as the Cisco ASR 9000 Series. The access layer should be made up of switches that provide access to end users, such as the Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series.
Second, the network should be designed with security in mind. This means that the network should be designed to protect the enterprise from malicious attacks and unauthorized access. To achieve this, the network should be segmented into multiple virtual LANs (VLANs) and each VLAN should be protected by a firewall, such as the Cisco ASA 5500 Series. Additionally, the network should be protected by an intrusion prevention system (IPS), such as the Cisco IPS 4200 Series.
Third, the network should be designed with high availability in mind. This means that the network should be designed to ensure that the enterprise is always connected and that services are always available. To achieve this, the network should be designed with redundant components, such as redundant routers and switches, and should use technologies such as link aggregation and virtual routing and forwarding (VRF). Additionally, the network should be designed to use technologies such as Cisco's Intelligent WAN (IWAN) to ensure that the network is always available, even in the event of a link failure.
Finally, the network should be designed with manageability in mind. This means that the network should be designed to be easy to manage and maintain. To achieve this, the network should be designed to use technologies such as Cisco's Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) to automate network management tasks. Additionally, the network should be designed to use technologies such as Cisco's Prime Infrastructure to provide a single pane of glass for network management.
By taking these considerations into account, a large-scale enterprise can be designed using Cisco products that is both scalable, secure, highly available, and manageable.
2. Describe the process of troubleshooting a network issue using Cisco products.
The process of troubleshooting a network issue using Cisco products begins with gathering information about the issue. This includes gathering information about the network topology, the devices involved, and the symptoms of the issue.
Once the information is gathered, the next step is to identify the root cause of the issue. This can be done by analyzing the network topology, running diagnostic tests, and using Cisco tools such as Cisco IOS commands, Cisco Network Assistant, and Cisco Prime Infrastructure.
Once the root cause of the issue is identified, the next step is to develop a plan to resolve the issue. This plan should include steps to isolate the issue, identify the affected devices, and determine the best course of action to resolve the issue.
Once the plan is developed, the next step is to implement the plan. This includes configuring the affected devices, running tests to verify the issue is resolved, and documenting the changes made.
Finally, the last step is to monitor the network to ensure the issue does not reoccur. This includes running periodic tests, monitoring the network for any changes, and troubleshooting any new issues that may arise.
3. What experience do you have with developing applications for Cisco products?
I have extensive experience developing applications for Cisco products. I have been working with Cisco products for over 5 years, and have developed a variety of applications for them. I have experience developing applications for Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls, as well as for Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) and Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (UCCX). I have also developed applications for Cisco Webex, Cisco Meraki, and Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).
I have experience developing applications using a variety of programming languages, including Java, Python, and JavaScript. I am also familiar with the Cisco Application Programming Interface (API) and have used it to develop applications for Cisco products. I have also worked with Cisco's Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) and Cisco's Network Programmability Platform (NPP) to develop applications for Cisco products.
I am also familiar with the Cisco DevNet platform and have used it to develop applications for Cisco products. I have also used Cisco's Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) to develop applications for Cisco products.
Overall, I have a great deal of experience developing applications for Cisco products and am confident that I can help your organization develop applications for Cisco products.
4. How would you go about creating a secure network using Cisco products?
Creating a secure network using Cisco products requires a comprehensive approach that includes multiple layers of security.
First, I would start by implementing a firewall to protect the network from external threats. Cisco offers a variety of firewall solutions, such as the Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) and the Firepower Threat Defense (FTD). Both of these solutions provide robust protection against malicious traffic, as well as the ability to configure access control lists (ACLs) to further restrict access to the network.
Next, I would deploy an intrusion prevention system (IPS) to detect and block malicious traffic. Cisco offers the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and the Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) solutions, both of which provide comprehensive protection against malicious traffic.
Third, I would deploy a secure router to protect the network from internal threats. Cisco offers a variety of secure routers, such as the Cisco IOS Security Router and the Cisco IOS XR Security Router. These routers provide robust protection against malicious traffic, as well as the ability to configure access control lists (ACLs) to further restrict access to the network.
Finally, I would deploy a secure switch to protect the network from internal threats. Cisco offers a variety of secure switches, such as the Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series Switches and the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches. These switches provide robust protection against malicious traffic, as well as the ability to configure access control lists (ACLs) to further restrict access to the network.
By implementing these security measures, I would be able to create a secure network using Cisco products.
5. What challenges have you faced when developing applications for Cisco products?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced when developing applications for Cisco products is the complexity of the products. Cisco products are highly sophisticated and require a deep understanding of the underlying technology and protocols. This can be difficult to grasp, especially for those who are new to the Cisco product line. Additionally, the sheer number of products and features available can be overwhelming.
Another challenge I have faced is the need to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and protocols. Cisco products are constantly evolving and new features are being added all the time. As a developer, it is important to stay on top of these changes and ensure that the applications I develop are compatible with the latest versions of the products.
Finally, I have also faced the challenge of ensuring that the applications I develop are secure and reliable. Cisco products are used in a wide variety of environments and must be able to withstand the rigors of these environments. As a developer, it is my responsibility to ensure that the applications I develop are secure and reliable.
6. How would you go about integrating Cisco products with other third-party applications?
When integrating Cisco products with third-party applications, the first step is to understand the requirements of the integration. This includes understanding the architecture of the third-party application, the data that needs to be exchanged, and the security requirements. Once the requirements are understood, the next step is to determine the best way to integrate the two systems. This could involve using APIs, web services, or other integration methods.
Once the integration method is determined, the next step is to develop the integration. This could involve writing custom code to connect the two systems, or using existing integration tools such as Cisco's Application Integration Engine (AIE). The code should be tested thoroughly to ensure that it meets the requirements and is secure.
Finally, the integration should be deployed and monitored. This includes ensuring that the integration is running smoothly and that any errors are addressed quickly. It is also important to monitor the performance of the integration to ensure that it is meeting the requirements.
Overall, integrating Cisco products with third-party applications requires a thorough understanding of the requirements, careful development, and ongoing monitoring.
7. Describe your experience with developing and deploying Cisco products in a production environment.
I have extensive experience developing and deploying Cisco products in a production environment. I have worked on a variety of projects, ranging from small-scale deployments to large-scale enterprise-level deployments.
I have experience with Cisco's IOS, NX-OS, and IOS-XR operating systems, as well as their associated hardware platforms. I have also worked with Cisco's Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and Software Defined Networking (SDN) technologies.
I have experience with the full lifecycle of product development, from design and development to testing and deployment. I have worked with a variety of tools and technologies, including Python, Ansible, and Chef. I have also worked with various network monitoring and management tools, such as SolarWinds and Splunk.
I have experience troubleshooting and resolving issues in production environments, as well as developing and deploying new features and functionality. I have also worked with customers to ensure their satisfaction with the products and services I have developed and deployed.
8. What experience do you have with developing and deploying Cisco products in a cloud environment?
I have extensive experience developing and deploying Cisco products in a cloud environment. I have worked on projects involving the deployment of Cisco products such as Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Cisco Unified Contact Center Express, Cisco Webex Teams, and Cisco Webex Meetings. I have also worked on projects involving the deployment of Cisco products such as Cisco Identity Services Engine, Cisco Firepower, and Cisco Stealthwatch.
I have experience with the development of cloud-based applications and services using technologies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. I have also worked on projects involving the integration of Cisco products with cloud-based services such as Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana, and Google Home.
I have experience with the deployment of Cisco products in a hybrid cloud environment, where the Cisco products are deployed in both on-premises and cloud environments. I have also worked on projects involving the deployment of Cisco products in a multi-cloud environment, where the Cisco products are deployed in multiple cloud environments.
I have experience with the automation of the deployment of Cisco products in a cloud environment using technologies such as Ansible, Chef, and Puppet. I have also worked on projects involving the automation of the deployment of Cisco products in a hybrid cloud environment using technologies such as Terraform and CloudFormation.
Overall, I have extensive experience developing and deploying Cisco products in a cloud environment. I am confident that I can help your organization achieve its goals with the deployment of Cisco products in a cloud environment.
9. How would you go about creating a secure network using Cisco products?
Creating a secure network using Cisco products requires a comprehensive approach that includes multiple layers of security.
First, I would start by implementing a firewall to protect the network from external threats. Cisco offers a variety of firewall solutions, such as the Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) and the Firepower Threat Defense (FTD). Both of these solutions provide robust protection against malicious traffic, as well as the ability to configure access control lists (ACLs) to further restrict access to the network.
Next, I would deploy an intrusion prevention system (IPS) to detect and block malicious traffic. Cisco offers the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) which provides advanced threat protection and can be configured to detect and block malicious traffic.
Third, I would deploy a secure router to protect the network from internal threats. Cisco offers a variety of secure routers, such as the Cisco IOS Security Router and the Cisco IOS XR Security Router. These routers provide advanced security features, such as access control lists (ACLs) and stateful packet inspection (SPI), to protect the network from malicious traffic.
Finally, I would deploy a secure switch to protect the network from internal threats. Cisco offers a variety of secure switches, such as the Catalyst 9000 Series and the Nexus 9000 Series. These switches provide advanced security features, such as port security and MAC address filtering, to protect the network from malicious traffic.
By implementing these security measures, I would be able to create a secure network using Cisco products.
10. Describe your experience with developing and deploying Cisco products in a virtualized environment.
I have extensive experience developing and deploying Cisco products in a virtualized environment. I have worked with a variety of virtualization technologies, including VMware, Hyper-V, and KVM. I have experience setting up and configuring virtual machines, as well as deploying and managing Cisco products in a virtualized environment.
I have experience with the Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) and Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI). I have also worked with Cisco's virtualized network functions (VNFs) and virtualized security functions (VSFs). I have experience with the Cisco Nexus product line, including the Nexus 1000V, Nexus 3000, and Nexus 9000.
I have experience with the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and Cisco Application Virtual Switch (AVS). I have also worked with Cisco's Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and Cisco's Virtual Network Functions (VNFs).
I have experience with the Cisco IOS XR operating system and Cisco IOS XE operating system. I have also worked with Cisco's Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) and Cisco's Network Services Manager (NSM).
I have experience with the Cisco Prime Infrastructure (CPI) and Cisco Prime Network Services Controller (PNSC). I have also worked with Cisco's Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) and Cisco's Network Services Manager (NSM).
I have experience with the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) and Cisco Application Virtual Switch (AVS). I have also worked with Cisco's Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and Cisco's Virtual Network Functions (VNFs).
Overall, I have a deep understanding of virtualization technologies and Cisco products, and I am confident in my ability to develop and deploy Cisco products in a virtualized environment.