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-   -   Interview question about logging in to remote servers (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-newbie-8/interview-question-about-logging-in-to-remote-servers-4175447117/)

N sreeram 01-25-2013 12:12 AM

Interview question about logging in to remote servers
 
Hi I am sreeram,

recently i have faced one interview question i.e,

Question:YOU ARE UNABLE TO LOGIN THE REMOTE SERVER,
tell me the trouble shooting steps u need to take to resolve that problem?

acid_kewpie 01-25-2013 02:13 AM

Not a networking specific issue. Moved to Linux - Newbie and please use useful and informative thread titles in the future, I've updated yours to make it meaningful. And a please / thank you would often help your cause too.

btmiller 01-25-2013 05:48 AM

The answer really depends on how you're trying to login, what kind of server you have, etc. Assuming the network connection to the remote server is OK and the credentials you are using to try to login are correct, perhaps it has light out management hardware such as IPMI that you can use to troubleshoot it. If the box is down and there's no such hardware, you'll need to go visit it yourself or use the "remote hands" service if it's in a colocation facility.

theNbomr 01-25-2013 08:47 AM

Work from what you have and what you know is working.
If your local login client (probably ssh client) is known to work, then try to establish that the remote host is reachable (ping). If not, then establish whether the local host networking is functional. Ping local hosts within the local subnet. Progressively establish whether there is connectivity beyond fundamental networking units such as local firewalls, switches and routers. Establish whether the remote host is identifiable by name or if not, by IP (possible DNS problem). Once you can reach the remote host with a ping, run the login client with some debugging info enabled (if available; use -vv switch if ssh) to determine whether there is a problem between the client and server software, or whether the server software is actually running/listening. If credentials are required, establish that the UID and password/keys are correct.

The interviewer is assessing whether your knowledge of the fundamentals of networking and associated software and tools is sound, as well as assessing your ability to apply sound troubleshooting methods. Mention tools by name, and be organized and methodical in your approach and your description.

--- rod.

TB0ne 01-25-2013 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theNbomr (Post 4877377)
The interviewer is assessing whether your knowledge of the fundamentals of networking and associated software and tools is sound, as well as assessing your ability to apply sound troubleshooting methods. Mention tools by name, and be organized and methodical in your approach and your description.

Couldn't agree more.

There is no 'right' or 'wrong' answer to this...your troubleshooting skills were being tested.

shivaa 01-25-2013 11:33 AM

And what did you reply...?

As already said, without specifying any particular scenario, interviewer was simply testing that how capable you're to cope with day to day issues.

Systems administration is a field where you encounter many such problems, and you've to solve them in minimum possible time. Therefore every organization needs a person who has good troubleshooting and analytical skills.

In your case, you could have started with points like...
- Your machine is out of network
- Remote machine is out of network,
- Machines are in network, but connecting network may be down
- Remote login services like ssh, telnet etc. are not running or blocked
- Firewall issue
- You're able to invoke remote login commands from your machine, but getting some error. (Every error points to some specific situations, so they're very helpful, and you could have explained that)
- And many more explainations...

In my personal experience, whenever you've been asked a question which has no definite answer(s), just assume some scenario and start explaining. It will help you.


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