90+ L2 Network Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

The best link of OMP route depends on the specific needs and requirements of the network.

• Internet may be a better option for cost-effectiveness and flexibility, but MPLS may offer better reliability and security.

• Consider factors such as bandwidth, latency, traffic volume, and application requirements.

• Evaluate the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

• For example, if the network requires low latency and high reliability, MPLS may be the better choice.

• On the oth...read more

BGP is used for routing between different autonomous systems, while IBGP is used for routing within the same autonomous system.

• BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) is an exterior gateway protocol used for routing between different autonomous systems.

• IBGP (Internal Border Gateway Protocol) is used for routing within the same autonomous system.

• BGP is used to exchange routing information between different autonomous systems (ASes) on the internet.

• IBGP is used to distribute routing info...read more

Policy is a set of rules or guidelines that dictate how a network should be managed and used.

• Identify the purpose of the policy

• Define the scope of the policy

• Determine the target audience

• Create the policy document

• Communicate the policy to all stakeholders

• Enforce the policy and regularly review and update it

A switch expands the number of ports on a network, a router directs traffic, and a modem provides internet access.

• Switches learn MAC addresses to direct traffic efficiently

• Routers manage traffic between devices on a network

• Modems connect a network to the internet

• Some ISPs provide hybrid modem/router devices

TLOC in Viptela SDWAN stands for Transport Locator and is used to identify the physical or virtual location of a device in the network.

• TLOC is a unique identifier assigned to each device in the SDWAN network.

• It helps in determining the optimal path for traffic routing.

• TLOCs can be based on various parameters such as interface, IP address, or VPN.

• They are used to define the connectivity between different sites in the network.

• TLOCs enable efficient traffic steering and load bal...read more

BGP and OSPF are both routing protocols, but BGP is used for inter-domain routing while OSPF is used for intra-domain routing.

• BGP is important in respect of OSPF because it allows for communication between different autonomous systems (AS)

• BGP is used to exchange routing information between different AS, while OSPF is used within a single AS

• BGP is used to determine the best path for traffic to take between different AS, while OSPF is used to determine the best path within a si...read more

OSPF is a routing protocol used in IP networks to distribute IP routing information.

• OSPF stands for Open Shortest Path First

• It is a link-state routing protocol

• OSPF packets include Hello, Database Description, Link State Request, Link State Update, and Link State Acknowledgement

• Hello packets are used to establish and maintain neighbor relationships

• Database Description packets are used to exchange information about the contents of the link-state database

• Link State Request packe...read more

The basic steps of network troubleshooting involve identifying the problem, gathering information, isolating the issue, testing solutions, and implementing fixes.

• Identify the problem by gathering information from the user or monitoring tools

• Isolate the issue by checking connectivity, configurations, and logs

• Test potential solutions by implementing changes or using diagnostic tools

• Implement fixes by applying changes to the network devices or configurations

• Verify the resolution...read more

Use pre-staged image and fast transfer methods to achieve IOS upgrade within 10 minutes.

• Pre-stage the image on the device before the upgrade window

• Use fast transfer methods like TFTP or FTP to transfer the image quickly

• Ensure all necessary configurations are saved and backed up before the upgrade

• Have a rollback plan in case of any issues during the upgrade

STP stands for Spanning Tree Protocol. Port Fast is a feature in STP that allows a port to bypass the listening and learning states.

• STP is a protocol used to prevent loops in a network by blocking redundant paths

• It works by electing a root bridge and calculating the shortest path to it

• Port Fast is a feature that allows a port to immediately transition to forwarding state, bypassing the listening and learning states

• It is used on ports that are not connected to other switches t...read more

BGP and OSPF have distinct states that manage their routing processes and neighbor relationships.

• BGP has 6 states: Idle, Connect, Active, OpenSent, OpenConfirm, Established.

• OSPF has 5 states: Down, Init, Two-Way, ExStart, Exchange, Loading, Full.

• In BGP, the Established state indicates a successful session with neighbors.

• In OSPF, the Full state means that the router has exchanged all routing information with its neighbors.

Switch, router, and modem are networking devices used to connect devices and facilitate communication over a network.

• Switch: Connects devices within a local area network (LAN) and forwards data packets between them. Example: Cisco Catalyst switch.

• Router: Connects multiple networks together and routes data packets between them. Example: Cisco ISR router.

• Modem: Converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines (DSL modem) or vice ve...read more

Yes, I have experience with monitoring tools.

• I have experience with tools such as SolarWinds, Nagios, and PRTG.

• I am familiar with setting up alerts and notifications based on specific thresholds.

• I have used monitoring tools to troubleshoot network issues and identify performance bottlenecks.

• I am comfortable creating custom dashboards and reports to provide visibility into network health.

• I have experience with both on-premise and cloud-based monitoring solutions.

BGP, OSPF, VLAN, trunking, router integration, and troubleshooting processes are key aspects of network engineering.

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

• OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a routing protocol used within a single autonomous system.

• VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is used to segment a network into multiple logical networks.

• Trunking is the process of carrying multiple VLANs over a single netwo...read more

Explanation of OSPF, STP types and VLAN creation.

• OSPF is a link-state routing protocol that uses Dijkstra's algorithm to calculate the shortest path.

• STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) prevents loops in a network by blocking redundant paths.

• STP types include PVST (Per-VLAN Spanning Tree), RPVST+ (Rapid PVST+), and MSTP (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol).

• VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) are created to segment a network into smaller broadcast domains and improve network performance....read more

To add two ISP links in one OSPF router, we need to create two virtual links.

• Create two virtual links with the respective ISP router IDs

• Assign the virtual links to the OSPF process

• Configure the virtual links with the appropriate IP addresses and subnet masks

• Ensure that the virtual links are enabled

• Verify the OSPF neighborship with the ISP routers

BGP is a standardized exterior gateway protocol used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems on the internet.

• BGP is classified as a path vector protocol, which maintains the path information that gets updated dynamically as the network topology changes.

• It operates over TCP (port 179) to ensure reliable transmission of routing information.

• BGP uses attributes like AS-path, next-hop, and local preference to make routing decisions.

• Example: If AS1 wants to send ...read more

MPLS is a high-performance networking protocol that directs data from one node to another based on short path labels.

• MPLS operates between Layer 2 (Data Link) and Layer 3 (Network) of the OSI model.

• It uses labels to make data forwarding decisions, improving speed and efficiency.

• MPLS supports multiple protocols, including IP, ATM, and Frame Relay.

• It enables traffic engineering, allowing for optimized bandwidth usage and reduced congestion.

• Example: MPLS can prioritize voice tra...read more

Routers operate at Layer 3 of the OSI model and make decisions based on IP addresses, while switches operate at Layer 2 and make decisions based on MAC addresses.

• Routers operate at Layer 3 of the OSI model, while switches operate at Layer 2.

• Routers make decisions based on IP addresses, while switches make decisions based on MAC addresses.

• Routers connect different networks together, while switches connect devices within the same network.

• Routers use routing tables to determine ...read more

STP stands for Spanning Tree Protocol. It is a network protocol that prevents loops in a network topology.

• STP is used to prevent network loops by creating a logical tree structure of the network.

• It works by selecting a root bridge and disabling redundant paths to prevent loops.

• STP uses Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) to communicate with other switches and determine the best path to the root bridge.

• STP has several variants, including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and ...read more

VKAN stack and OSPF L2 L1 switch router are networking protocols covered in CCNA course.

• VKAN stack is a proprietary protocol used for virtualization in data centers.

• OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a routing protocol used for efficient communication between routers.

• L2 and L1 refer to the layers in the OSI model, with L2 being the data link layer and L1 being the physical layer.

• Switches and routers are networking devices used for forwarding data packets.

• CCNA (Cisco Certified...read more

I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, use time management techniques, and communicate effectively with team members.

• Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance

• Use time management techniques such as creating to-do lists and setting deadlines

• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure tasks are completed efficiently

• Stay organized and focused to avoid feeling overwhelmed by multiple tasks

LAN stands for Local Area Network, which connects devices within a limited area. WAN stands for Wide Area Network, which connects devices over a large geographical area.

• LAN is typically used in homes, schools, or small businesses.

• LAN has high data transfer speeds and low latency.

• Examples of LAN technologies include Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

• WAN connects devices across cities, countries, or continents.

• WAN has slower data transfer speeds compared to LAN due to longer distances.

• Example...read more

OSPF DR and BDR are routers elected to manage communication within a multi-access network.

• DR stands for Designated Router and BDR stands for Backup Designated Router.

• They are elected by OSPF routers on a multi-access network to manage communication.

• DR and BDR are responsible for maintaining the topology database and forwarding updates to other routers.

• They reduce the amount of OSPF traffic on the network by acting as a central point of contact.

• If the DR fails, the BDR takes o...read more

I have extensive knowledge of Fortinet firewalls, including configuration, management, and troubleshooting.

• Familiar with FortiGate firewall models and their features, such as VPN, IPS, and application control.

• Experience in configuring security policies and NAT rules to control traffic flow.

• Proficient in using FortiManager for centralized management of multiple FortiGate devices.

• Knowledge of FortiAnalyzer for logging and reporting to monitor network security events.

• Hands-on ex...read more

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

• Routing helps in directing network traffic efficiently

• It determines the best path for data packets to travel from source to destination

• Routing protocols like OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP are used to exchange routing information

• Routing tables are used to store information about network paths

• Dynamic routing adjusts to network changes automatically

A network is a collection of interconnected devices and systems that allow for the sharing of resources and information.

• A network is made up of nodes, such as computers, servers, routers, and switches.

• These nodes are connected through various communication channels, such as wired or wireless connections.

• Networks enable the transmission of data, voice, and video between connected devices.

• Networks can be local (LAN) or wide area (WAN), depending on the geographical scope.

• Exampl...read more