Cisco Network Engineer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Cisco interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Competency
1. Can you discuss some of the terminologies commonly used in networking?
How to Answer
As a networking engineer, you should be intimately familiar with the various components of a computer network. This is a qualifying question the interviewer will use to determine your level of knowledge of this technology. It also provides them with an example of your communication style. The best way to respond to this type of question is using non-technical, common language. Assume you're speaking to someone who does not have a technical background.
Answer Example
"Some of the key terms you need to know when discussing networking include:
Network - A system of computers and related technology connected together to communicate and share information.
Protocol - The instructions or guidelines used to establish communication between devices on a network.
Link - The physical connection between the devices in a network.
Node - Each independent device on the network.
Gateway - A device used to control the traffic between two independent networks.
Router - A device that acts as a switch and processes network traffic using routing protocols.
Unicasting - Sending information from one device to another specific device.
Multicasting - Sending information from one device to multiple devices on the network.
Broadcasting - Sending information to all devices on the network."
COmpetency
2. What is a private IP address, and when would you use this?
How to Answer
As the Cisco network engineer interview progresses, the questions will become more complex and in-depth. This indicates that the interviewer is gaining confidence in your capabilities and is willing to explore your knowledge in more detail. Regardless of the complexity of the technical or operational questions you are asked, continue to keep your answers succinct. The Cisco interviewer will ask follow-up questions if they need more information or if the topic is critical to the organization's operations.
Answer Example
"Private IP addresses are used to identify user nodes on internal networks, also known as intranets. These maintain the anonymity of the users to anyone outside of Cisco. When users need to transmit data across the Internet, their addresses are translated into public IP addresses using NAT protocols. I use private IP addresses to keep internal user addresses secure. I also sometimes use them when I need to duplicate IP addresses on separate networks which do not see each other except when connected over the Internet."
Competency
3. What is a UTP cable, and what is the maximum length allowed for one of these?
How to Answer
During a Cisco network engineer interview, most of the questions will be technical or operational. These can range from basic questions to complex ones. Since there is no standard manual for interviewing network engineers, you will be asked different types of technical questions throughout the interview. Make sure to keep your answers consistent and simple. The Cisco interviewer will ask you a follow-up question if they need additional information or want to explore the topic in more detail.
Answer Example
"Unshielded twisted pair cable, also known as a UTP, is the most basic cable used in a network topology. It consists of pairs of wires inside of an outer jacket usually made of plastic. A single segment of the UTP cable can be as long as 100 meters. Network engineers overcome this limitation by using network switching devices such as repeaters, switches, and hubs."
Competency
4. Are you familiar with anonymous FTP, and can you provide the use case for it?
How to Answer
Interviewers will ask you about different technologies used in networking. Some of these questions address the technologies Cisco currently uses or is considering while others may be general questions to explore your knowledge. When responding to technical questions, keep your answers thorough but brief. Also, be prepared for follow-up questions which the Cisco interviewer will use to explore the topic in more detail.
Answer Example
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Competency
5. Can you describe Network Address Translation or NAT and the function it provides?
How to Answer
The field of networking involves a great number of different protocols used to transmit data between computer nodes. Each protocol has a specific purpose. Used properly, the protocols ensure that the data arrives at the intended destination as quickly as possible, and intact, and without being corrupted or intercepted. You should review common network protocols before the Cisco interview. Preparing for questions like these cuts down on the number of curveballs you may otherwise be unprepared to answer.
Answer Example
"Network Address Translation, or NAT, is a protocol that enables several computers on a single network to share one connection to the internet. NAT works to collect internet requests from individual nodes through a device such as a router and send them to the internet. NAT converts the private IP address from each node into a public IP address so that the internet will know where to respond with the user's information. NAT routes the information to the individual user through their private IP address."
Competency
6. What is a point-to-point link, and when would you use this?
How to Answer
The Cisco interviewer will ask you this type of question to determine your knowledge of Network Technology and how it is used. During an interview for a network engineer's job at Cisco, you'll be asked a wide range of technical questions similar to this one. This helps the interviewer understand the depth of your knowledge in this field.
Answer Example
"A point-to-point link is a direct network connection between two nodes on the network. It is usually established using a single cable in a NIC card in each node or computer. I would use a point-to-point link for a small home network or establish a secure connection between two nodes within the larger network."
Competency
7. Can you describe what a subnet mask is and how you will use it in your job as a Cisco network engineer?
How to Answer
This is an example of a technical question. Technical questions typically ask you about terms, technologies, processes, or procedures used in the networking industry. The Cisco interviewer may ask you to define the term or to ask about its role. They may also ask you to compare and contrast two similar terms. When responding to a technical question, keep your answer succinct and speak in common terms as much as you can. Do not assume that the interviewer has a technical background.
Answer Example
"A subnet mask is similar to an IP address. However, it is combined with the IP address to identify two characteristics of the node. These include the extended network address and the host address. The purpose of a subnet mask is to define the node's address so traffic can be routed to the node more efficiently. The subnet mask consists of 32 bits."
Competency
8. What are Ipconfig and Ifconfig, and how do they differ from each other?
How to Answer
This is a common technical question that asks you to define some terms and then discuss how they differ. When answering technical questions, keep your answers direct and brief. Also, be prepared for a follow-up question that the Cisco interviewer may use to explore the topic in more detail.
Answer Example
"Ipconfig stands for Internet Protocol Configuration. It is a command used on Microsoft Windows to view and configure a network interface. Ipconfig displays all TCP/IP network summary information available on the network. It also helps to modify the DHCP protocol and DNS setting. Ifconfig stands for Interface Configuration. It is similar to Ipconfig but is used on Linux, Mac, and UNIX operating systems from the CLI or Command Line Interface. It allows you to see the IP addresses of all the network interfaces."
Competency
9. What is a VPN? Are there different types of VPNs?
How to Answer
This is a two-part question. During an interview, it is important that you listen to the entire question before you begin to answer. Missing part of a question, or failing to provide an accurate answer because you did not hear the question through might be the difference between getting the job and not getting the job. A good practice is to pause for two seconds after the interviewer has stopped speaking before you start to answer their question. Active listening will prevent you from the bad habit of waiting to speak.
Answer Example
"VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and establishes a network which can be accessed remotely, but only by authorized users. VPNs are more secure and less expensive when compared to wide-area or WAN networks. VPNs enable secure transactions and confidential data to be transferred between multiple locations and keep proprietary information secure against potential intrusions. There are three types of VPNs, including Access, Intranet, and Extranet, the differences being the way users connect to the company's network using VPN. Access provides connectivity to Cisco's mobile users and telecommuters. Intranet connects remote offices using a shared infrastructure, similar to a private network. Finally, extranet enables Cisco's suppliers, customers, and partners access to the company network using dedicated connections."
Competency
10. What is the function of data encapsulation in transmitting information across the network?
How to Answer
If you researched Cisco thoroughly, you already know that they use all these three types of networks within the company. Before you attend an interview, the best way to research an organization is to view their website and speak to former and current Cisco employees in the department you will be working in. The more you know going into the interview, the better you will perform. This also allows you to answer questions relative to their situation so that they begin to see you as part of their organization and able to solve the challenges they are facing.
Answer Example
"The terms Internet, Intranet, and Extranet are used to define how users access applications and other resources using a network. While they all use similar TCP/IP technology, the access to internal and external users differs in each type of network. On the internet, anyone using the web from any location has access to the resources. An intranet limits access to resources to authorized Cisco users. On an extranet, authorized external users are allowed access to use Cisco's network applications. Most organizations use each of these types of networks."
Competency
11. What is a NIC?
How to Answer
During an interview for a network engineering position at Cisco, you will be asked about the various hardware and software components of a network. Some of these will be very basic questions, while others may be more complex and detailed. This is an example of a simple one. Interviewers can ask these questions at any time during the interview. The best way to be prepared for these types of questions is to review the components of a network just before the interview so that they are fresh in your mind.
Answer Example
"A NIC is a Network Interface Card. It is sometimes known as a network adapter or ethernet card. It is a device installed in a computer that enables the computer to be connected to a network. Each NIC has a unique media access control, or MAC address, which helps identify the computer on a network."
Competency
12. Is the IP address 127.0.0.1 a Class A IP?
How to Answer
This is an example of a follow-up question. Interviewers at Cisco will use follow-up questions to dig deeper into a topic or ensure that you're consistent in your answers throughout the interview. If the follow-up question immediately follows a question about the same topic, they are exploring the topic in more detail. If it comes later in the interview, they are testing if you are consistent with your answers. In either case, keeping your answers brief, to the point, and truthful will ensure that you are providing the information they need and doing it consistently throughout the interview.
Answer Example
"No, the IP address 127.0.0.1 is reserved for localhost connections. This IP address is used to troubleshoot the network and identify any hardware or connection issues. When trying to diagnose and resolve a network connectivity issue, the first step is to ping the server and check if it responds. You do this by typing 127.0.0.1 into your web browser. If there is no response from the server, then there may be several root causes for the problem. This may include that the network is down, a cable has become disconnected, or the network card has a problem. If you can ping this server successfully, it means that the hardware is in good shape and working properly."
COmpetency
13. What are the IP classes that make up an IP address?
How to Answer
A key skill every qualified network engineer should possess is to break down complex concepts into understandable terms. A Cisco interviewer may ask you a question like this in order to test your ability to clearly communicate a potentially complex or technical answer. They may not be interested in your specific answer to this question but rather how you go about formulating it. As with most questions, keep your answers direct and to the point, and be prepared for a follow-up question that the interviewer may use to explore the topic in more detail.
Answer Example
"An IP address has four sets or octets of numbers each with a value up to 255. These are known as IP classes. There are three types of IP classes. Each is based on the first octet of IP addresses and is classified as A, B or C. For example, If the first octet begins with 0 bit, then it is of type Class A. Class A has a range up to 127.x.x.x. If it starts with bits 10, it belongs to Class B and ranges from 128.x to 191.x. Finally, the IP class belongs to Class C if the octet starts with bits 110 and has a range from 192.x to 223.x."
COmpetency
14. How does a Domain differ from a Workgroup?
How to Answer
While both workgroups and domains are essentially computers connected through a network, each has different applications and functions. Demonstrate your qualifications for this role at Cisco by talking about the difference between the two, being sure to avoid technical jargon as you answer.
Answer Example
"All devices or nodes in a network are organized in groups known as Domains or Workgroups. The key differences between these are their size. Workgroups are small networks, such as at home or in small offices. Large groups of computers in business or commercial environments are known as Domains. All the computers in a workgroup are considered peers, but each computer is either limited in control of another, or has no control of another computer. Network devices in a domain can access each other based on rules defined by network administrators. Users or nodes in a domain usually share resources like databases and output devices, whereas workgroup users maintain their own databases but may share output devices. Other differences involve security features including access and authentication, and the ability to manage all of the computers from a central location, all of which are features of a domain."
Competency
15. Can you describe what a DNS is and the services it provides?
How to Answer
This is a technical question meant to test your competency in this field. It also provides them an example of your communication skills. When you answer the question, make sure you first define the term, then describe the service it provides in common language. This will demonstrate your ability to work with individuals from other parts of Cisco's organization who may not have a technical background.
Answer Example
"A Domain Name Server, or DNS, acts as a network's phone book. Organization-specific and public IP addresses and their hostnames are stored in the DNS. When a user enters a web address or URL, the DNS translates it into a corresponding machine language IP address. The user is then routed to the appropriate IP address, and the information or website is presented to them. There is a Central Registry where all the domain names are stored and updated periodically. All Internet service providers and host companies usually interact with the central registry to get the updated DNS details. In addition, private IP addresses for internal use by an organization are stored in a registry on the organization's DNS server."
Competency
16. What is the function of a Firewall in a network environment?
How to Answer
A firewall is a standard piece of technology that is present in virtually every corporate network. As a networking engineer, you should be thoroughly familiar with this technology and describe its use. In addition, based on your research before the interview, you may know the type of firewalls Cisco uses and provide an answer related to these.
Answer Example
"A Firewall is a network security system that protects computer networks from malicious or unauthorized access. It can also be configured to allow limited access to specific users. A firewall consists of a hardware device or software program or a combination of these. All the data that encounters the firewall are scanned against specified security criteria. Data packets meeting the criteria are allowed through the network, and those that don't meet the criteria are blocked. Firewalls can be configured and updated as Cisco's needs evolve and help to provide control over the network's access and security features."
Competency
17. What are HTTP and HTTPS, and what port do each of these protocols use?
How to Answer
Since virtually everyone is familiar with the internet, they probably have seen terms like HTTP before. However, many don't know what these terms stand for or how they are used on a network. Some network engineers may be so familiar with these terms that they are surprised when somebody asks this type of question. Understand that you may be interviewing with somebody within Cisco who does not have a technical background. Make sure you keep your answers brief and to the point, and use common, non-technical language. If the Cisco interviewer wants to get more technical, they will ask a follow-up question.
Answer Example
"HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, and it is responsible for presenting web content to users. Web pages use this to transmit their content and allow the display and navigation of HyperText. It uses TCP port 80. HTTPS is a Secure HTTP and is used for secure communication over a network. HTTPS provides authentication of websites that prevents unwanted attacks by encrypting the communication. It verifies if the requested server connection is valid with the help of an SSL certificate. HTTPS uses TCP port 443."
Competency
18. Can you explain the TCP/IP Model?
How to Answer
Network components and protocols are typically composed of several different layers. Each of these layers defines how the device or protocol moves the data across the network. It is important that you know the layers a device is broken into, how they interact with each other, and each layer's function. When defining these layers, start either at the bottom or the top and then move up or down, one layer at a time. It is also important to discuss how each layer relates to the adjacent one. Since Cisco is the dominant provider of network equipment, you will need to demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of network technologies throughout the interview. This is an example of the type of questions you can expect.
Answer Example
"The most widely used network protocol is TCP/IP. This stands for Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol. TCP/IP specifies how data should be packaged, transmitted, and routed between devices across the network. This protocol has four layers:
Application Layer - This is the top layer in the TCP/IP model. It includes processes used to transmit data to their destinations. There are different application layer protocols including HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and SNMP.
Transport Layer - It receives the data from the application layer and manages the transmission of the data. TCP and UDP are common transport layer protocols.
Network Layer - This layer sends data across the network in packets. Packets contain the source & destination IP addresses and the data being transmitted.
Network Interface Layer - It is the lowest layer of the TCP/IP model. It transfers the packets between different nodes on the network."
Competency
19. What are TCP and UDP, and how do they differ from one another?
How to Answer
One of the key elements of a computer network is the protocols it uses. There are a variety of different protocols for the different functions and layers of a network. As you are probably aware, protocols include the instructions a device or segment of the network uses to move data. As a network engineer, you should be familiar with each protocol, recognize its acronym, know its full name, provide a brief description of what it does, and discuss which part of the network it applies to.
Answer Example
"TCP and UDP are network protocols built on the top of the internet protocol or IP.
TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol, and UDP stands for Universal Datagram Protocol. Both are used to send bits of data or packets over the internet to an IP address. The difference between TCP and UDP is that TCP is slower but more reliable than UDP. In both protocols, transmission occurs sequentially. However, UDP does not maintain the same sequence when it reaches the destination. Also, while TCP tracks the data sent to ensure no data loss during data transmission, UDP does not."
Competency
20. Can you describe the differences between a hub, switch, and router?
How to Answer
Knowing the various components within a network is a fundamental skill for any network engineer qualified to work at Cisco. The best way to respond to this type of question is to provide a general description of the devices and then discuss each device's unique features and functions. You should also compare and contrast them, noting their benefits.
Answer Example
"A hub, switch, and router are network devices used to move data around the network. They are all a type of switch, but with different features and functions. The hub is the least expensive, intelligent, and complicated of the three. It broadcasts all data to every node but may cause serious security and reliability issues. A switch works similar to hubs but more efficiently. It creates dynamic connections, only communicating to designated nodes. The router is the smartest and most complicated out of these three devices. It is like a little computer dedicated for routing network traffic to specific nodes or devices."
COmpetency
21. Can you describe the OSI reference model, its layers, and their purpose?
How to Answer
As the interview progresses, the technical questions will become more complex and difficult. This indicates that the Cisco interviewer is gaining confidence in your capabilities and is willing to challenge you more. Therefore, continue to respond to technical questions directly and succinctly and anticipate follow-up questions from the interviewer.
Answer Example
"OSI stands for Open System Interconnection. It is a reference model that defines how applications communicate with each other over a network. There are seven layers in the model, and each has a specific function. These are:
Physical - How data is transmitted and received through a network medium. Ethernet is an example of this.
Data Link - Defines the error-free transfer of data between network nodes using encoding and decoding.
Network - This layer chooses the physical path that should be taken by the data based on how the network is performing.
Transport - Keeps the messages in sequence, without any loss or replication, resending the data if necessary.
Session - Establishes a session or connection between the processes used by each node, then terminates it.
Presentation - Also known as the syntax layer, formats the data and presents it to the application layer.
Application - Mediates between the users and the applications, providing services such as email and file access."
Competency
22. Please explain the important characteristics of computer networking.
How to Answer
This is a general question the Cisco interviewer will ask early in the interview to begin the conversation, learn more about your qualifications, and collect some information from you they can use later in the interview. This type of question allows you to start to move the interview in a direction you are comfortable with.
Answer Example
"Some of the key characteristics of networking are:
Topology - This defines how the devices are arranged in the network, either physically or logically.
Protocol - The instructions or guidelines used to establish communication between devices on a network.
Medium - This is the transmission equipment used to move information across the network, consisting of either copper or fiber optic cables, or air, in the case of wireless communications via radio waves."
COmpetency
23. What are the different ways data is moved across networks?
How to Answer
Knowing how data moves across the network is critical to any network engineer. This will demonstrate your qualifications for this role, your expertise in setting up and managing networks, and your understanding of which transmission types are best suited for the networks you manage. If the Cisco interviewer asks follow-up questions about this topic, it indicates that they have a specific interest in this or may be experiencing problems in this area.
Answer Example
"There are three ways data is transferred through networks which are: simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex. Data transferred in one direction is called simplex like for sending information to a printer or another output device. Half-duplex transmissions can send data in both directions between two devices, but not at the same time. Finally, full-duplex communication occurs in both directions simultaneously. The tradeoffs between these include complexity, performance, and cost, progressing from simplex to full-duplex."
Competency
24. Can you define the various types of internet connections?
How to Answer
An interviewer at Cisco will ask this question to make sure you are familiar with various types of connections used in a network. They also are interested in determining if you're familiar with the types of connections used at Cisco. Therefore, before any interview, you should thoroughly research the organization, its networking practices, and the role you are interviewing for. Information about these topics can be found on the company's website, in the job description, and by speaking with current and former Cisco employees who work in the company's network organization.
Answer Example
"There are three main types of Internet connections. They include:
Broadband Connection - This is a hard-wired, or cabled connection at the user level which extends beyond the local area network, is always on, and requires a login. Examples are cable and satellite networks.
Wi-Fi - A wireless Internet connection with a limited range that connects individual devices or provides a connection to a broadband network.
WiMAX - This is the newest type of internet connection similar to Wi-Fi, but with the features of a broadband connection."
Competency
25. What are the main types of networks, ranked by their sizes?
How to Answer
This is an example of a technical question. Technical questions ask you to define terms, concepts, and processes used in your profession as a network engineer. When responding to technical questions, keep your answers straightforward and to the point. You should also be prepared for a follow-up question if the Cisco interviewer wants to explore the topic in more detail.
Answer Example
"There are several different types of networks. Each is classified based on its size. The size of the network is defined by the geographic area it covers and the number of users or nodes it includes. Ranked by size, they include:
Personal Area Network (PAN): This is the smallest network type, connecting a computer and other dedicated devices such as a printer, tablet, and scanner.
Local Area Network (LAN): This is a private network that connects a small group of computers in the same location.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Similar to a LAN but covering a town or city. This can be a semi-private network where each user is authorized to communicate with the others.
Wide Area Network (WAN): This type of network covers a large area and multiple users, the largest being the internet.
Some specialized types of networks include a Storage Area Network (SAN), Enterprise Private Network (EPN),
And Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)."
Experience
26. What is a common way hackers attempt to shut down an organization's network?
How to Answer
One of the key functions network engineers perform is to ensure that the company's network is kept secure and always available to authorized users. This requires network engineers to be familiar with various threats hackers use to either penetrate the network or shut it down. Interviewers will ask you about your knowledge of these threats to confirm that you know how to either prevent or remediate them. Since these threats are continually evolving, you may also be asked how you maintain your knowledge of these and stay on top of new ways hackers can infiltrate a network.
Answer Example
"One of the more common ways bad actors attempt to shut down a company's network infrastructure is through Denial-of-Service attacks, also known as DoS. These types of attacks occur when hackers flood the network with a high number of requests. These requests overload the servers and prevent them from processing legitimate network traffic from authorized users. The key to remediate Denial-of-Service attacks against Cisco is to quickly identify them and route the traffic they are creating outside of the network. I also employ preventive measures such as firewalls and robust user authentication to prevent DoS attacks from occurring."
Experience
27. What are the different types of network topologies you've worked with, and what are their advantages?
How to Answer
There are several different types of network topologies, each having advantages and disadvantages. Being familiar with these and knowing when they should be used is important when interviewing for a network engineering position at Cisco. During the interview with the organization, you're likely to be asked several of these types of questions. This is because they demonstrate your expertise in this area and your knowledge of network-related topics. Therefore, it is advisable to review networking terminology, processes, and topics before the interview, so these are fresh in your mind.
Answer Example
"I assume by network topology, you mean the physical or logical way in which the devices of a network are arranged. The physical topology describes the location of each device on the network, while the logical topology is how the information flows between the devices. There are four types of topologies: bus, star, ring, and mesh. A bus topology connects all the devices along a single cable. This is the least complicated layout. A star topology contains a central hub that connects to each device. This requires each device to communicate with the hub to send information to another device. This is a more reliable network because the failure of one link won't impact the others. In a ring topology, each device connects to two others. Data flows unidirectionally in this configuration. While it's easy to install and expand, it's vulnerable to a network outage if one link fails. The final topology is the mesh, in which all the devices are connected to each other. This is the most complex configuration, but also the most reliable."
Experience
28. Do you have experience working with Proxy Servers? If so, how do you use them to protect a computer network similar to ours here at Cisco?
How to Answer
Even though you provided your resume to the Cisco interviewer, they may ask you questions about your experience. You should never assume that the interviewer has read your complete resume. Additionally, they may have read the resume but want to investigate your experience in more detail or explore your experience in areas not listed on the resume. Therefore, it is advisable to bring a copy of your resume, which you can reference in the interview. You should also bring additional copies in case the people you are interviewing with have not seen your resume or did not bring it with them to the interview. Don't become frustrated if they ask you questions that are already answered on the resume. Provide an answer to these questions as you would to any others.
Answer Example
"I have worked with proxy servers in my previous positions and consider them invaluable in protecting the data and users in a network. The function of a proxy server is to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the IP addresses of an internal network. It makes the computer network invisible to these users. They do this by masking the IP addresses users need to access Cisco's internal websites and IP resources. Proxy servers also maintain a list of blacklisted websites, so an internal Cisco user is prevented from accessing these and possibly getting infected by viruses or other malicious software."
Scenario Based
29. What is a protocol you would use to send data from one network to another one?
How to Answer
This is a different format of a technical question. Rather than provide you with a term and ask you to define it and describe its use, the Cisco interviewer will ask you about the protocol you would use to perform a specific function on the network. There is no standard format for technical questions the interviewer can ask you. By asking you how you would perform a specific function, they are confirming that you have experience in this area or that you have competent troubleshooting skills.
Answer Example
"When transmitting data between networks, I typically use routing information protocol, or RIP. This is the most efficient way to manage routing data. The protocol broadcasts its routing table to all the other routers on the network. The appropriate router then identifies itself, and the information is transmitted to it. It may take several hops between different routers for the information to reach its ultimate destination."
Scenario Based
30. Can you describe some of the ways you would secure a Cisco computer network?
How to Answer
Interviewers will ask you about different ways you perform your job for two reasons. One is to confirm that you have the skillset and experience to do this work. The second reason is to see if your methodologies are similar to the ones currently used by the Cisco network engineering team. The best way to respond to these is to break down the process into individual steps and explain them in simple terminology.
Answer Example
"There are several ways I can secure a Cisco computer network. It begins with user education and ensuring the users know the importance of keeping their passwords secure and updating them frequently. Next, I install strong authentication software which ensures that only authorized users have access to the network. I also use methodologies including antivirus programs, firewalls, and VPN technology. Together, all of these steps ensure that the network is safe and that the user information and company data will not be compromised."