Quick Answer:
For an L2 interview, you should be able to explain TCP/TLS, UDP, DHCP, RTP, and SRTP
in terms of their function, use cases, packet behavior, and troubleshooting
commands. Interviewers expect you to show both conceptual clarity and practical
troubleshooting knowledge.
IP Networking Protocols – L2 Interview Guide
1. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
• Layer: Transport (Layer 4).
• Features:
o Connection-oriented (3-way handshake: SYN → SYN-ACK → ACK).
o Reliable delivery with acknowledgments and retransmissions.
o Flow control via window size.
• Use Cases: Web traffic (HTTP/HTTPS), email (SMTP, IMAP), file transfers.
• Troubleshooting:
o netstat → check TCP sessions.
o Wireshark → look for SYN retries, retransmissions.
• Interview Tip: Explain difference between control plane (handshake) and data
plane (payload transfer).
2. TLS (Transport Layer Security)
• Layer: Above TCP (Layer 7 security).
• Features:
o Provides encryption, authentication, integrity.
o Uses certificates for identity verification.
o Handshake negotiates cipher suites.
• Use Cases: HTTPS, secure VoIP signaling (SIP over TLS).
• Troubleshooting:
o Check certificate validity (openssl s_client).
o Verify port 443 connectivity.
• Interview Tip: Be ready to explain difference between SSL and TLS (TLS is
modern, SSL deprecated).
3. UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
• Layer: Transport (Layer 4).
• Features:
o Connectionless, no handshake.
o Faster, but no reliability (no ACKs).
o Lightweight header.
• Use Cases: DNS, VoIP (RTP), streaming.
• Troubleshooting:
o Wireshark → check packet loss/jitter.
o iperf → test UDP throughput.
• Interview Tip: Contrast with TCP — UDP trades reliability for speed.
4. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
• Layer: Application (Layer 7).
• Process:
o DORA → Discover → Offer → Request → Acknowledge.
• Functions: Assigns IP, subnet mask, gateway, DNS.
• Use Cases: Automatic IP assignment in LANs.
• Troubleshooting:
o ipconfig /renew (Windows).
o debug dhcp detail (Cisco).
o Wireshark → check DHCP packets.
• Interview Tip: Mention Option 150 (TFTP server for IP phones).
5. RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol)
• Layer: Application (runs over UDP).
• Features:
o Carries real-time audio/video streams.
o Includes sequence numbers and timestamps for synchronization.
• Use Cases: VoIP, video conferencing.
• Troubleshooting:
o Wireshark → RTP stream analysis (jitter, packet loss).
o MOS (Mean Opinion Score) for call quality.
• Interview Tip: Explain one-way audio issues (firewall/NAT blocking RTP).
6. SRTP (Secure RTP)
• Layer: Application (extension of RTP).
• Features:
o Adds encryption (AES), message authentication, and integrity.
o Protects against replay attacks.
• Use Cases: Secure VoIP calls.
• Troubleshooting:
o Check SIP/SDP negotiation for SRTP keys.
o Ensure endpoints support same cipher.
• Interview Tip: Differentiate between signaling security (TLS) and media
security (SRTP).
Comparison Table
Protocol Layer Reliability Security Common Use
TCP L4 Reliable, ACKs None Web, Email
TLS L7 Relies on TCP Encryption, Auth HTTPS, SIP-TLS
Protocol Layer Reliability Security Common Use
UDP L4 Unreliable None DNS, RTP
DHCP L7 Reliable (server-client) None IP assignment
RTP L7 Sequence/timestamps None VoIP, Video
SRTP L7 Sequence/timestamps AES encryption Secure VoIP
Interview Strategy
• Start with OSI layer → show you know where protocol fits.
• Explain function → reliability, security, speed.
• Give examples → VoIP, HTTPS, DHCP Option 150.
• Mention troubleshooting tools → Wireshark, netstat, debug commands.
In short:
• TCP/TLS → reliable + secure transport.
• UDP → fast, lightweight, used for real-time apps.
• DHCP → automatic IP assignment.
• RTP/SRTP → media transport, with SRTP adding encryption.
Sources:
Krishnendu, would you like me to export this into a Word/PDF interview prep guide
with packet flow diagrams (TCP handshake, DHCP DORA, RTP/SRTP flow) so you can
revise visually before interviews?