Networking Interview Questions

It is always a good idea to prepare for your job interview beforehand. Interview is one of the important factors that helps you get a job. Are you applying for a computer course entrance exams, the technical aptitude test for interview or even in personal Interview, networking interview questions form part of a range of ability testing scenarios. If yes, then you are at the right place. Here are some of the most popular questions and their answers you can expect to encounter during a networking interview!

15 Networking Interview Questions

Here’s a curated list of the ,most common networking interview questions to help you prepare beforehand:

1. What is a Network?

Generally connected through a physical transmission medium, a network is nothing but a set of devices connected to each other. The internet is the most common example of a network.

2. What is a Node?

The point of connection, be it a computer or any other device is called a node. 

3. What do you understand about Network Topology? Mention its different types.

There are several ways in which the devices and layouts of a network can be connected to each other. This arrangement is called a network topology. 

• Bus Topology: each node is connected to a single cable. This cable is also referred to as a central cable or bus.

• Ring Topology: Each node is connected to at least two nodes.

• Star Topology: Every node is connected to one single device. This device is otherwise termed as a central device.

• Tree Topology: This can be said to be a mixture of both star and bus network topology wherein a single bus connects all the star networks.

• Mesh Topology: Here, all nodes are typically connected to each other. However, this type of a topology can also be partially connected.

• Hybrid Typology: This combines two or more network topologies into one and creates a new one.

4. Explain the point-to-point link.

A direct connection in a network between two computers is otherwise known as a point to point link.

5. Explain HTTP and HTTPS.

HyperText Transfer Protocol or HTTP allows for the display of web content.
HTTP Secure facilitates encrypted communication over a computer network. 

6. Define the OSI Reference Model and name its layers.

An Open System Interconnection [OSI] is a reference model that refers to the manner how applications can communicate with each other in a networking system. Its layers are:

• Physical Layer
• Network Layer
• Data Link Layer
• Transport Layer 
• Presentation Layer
• Session Layer
• Application layer

7. Explain Hub, Switch and Router.

Hub: It is the most basic device for connection that contains multiple ports.
Switch: Mainly used for forwarding packets in a network.
Router: The smartest device of all, it is located at the gateway and forwards data packets

8. Point out the distinctions between Domain and Workgroup.

Domain	Workgroup
Rules of authentication are set by Centralised authentication servers	Rule of authentication varies by computer to computer and user by user
One server computer grants permission to other computers in terms of access and security	All computers have the same configurations and settings; No permission is required
All computer devices and user accounts are registered in a central database	Separate database for each computer
Modifications in one computer affect all connected computers	Modifications made in one computer are limited to that computer
Maximum number of connections is unlimited	The maximum number of connections is 20.

9. What do you understand by VPN?

A Virtual Private Network or VPN allows for a secure connection to be established across a network, generally the Internet.

10. How are networks classified?

Network types can be classified and divided based on the area of distribution of the network.

11. What is an IPv4 address?

An IPv4 address is a 32-bit dynamic address of a node in the network

12. What are Private IP addresses?

There are specific IPs for each class that are used specifically for private use only. This IP address should not be used for devices on the Internet as they are non-routable.

13. What is the SMTP protocol?

SMTP, also known as the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is used to set the rule for communication between servers. This further helps the software to transmit emails over the internet. It also supports both End-to-End and Store-and-Forward methods.

14. What is a Domain Name System?

Domain Name System is considered the devices/services directory of the Internet.

15. What is a Subnet?

A subnet is a network inside a network achieved by subnetting, which helps divide a network into subnets.

More Networking Interview Questions

The list doesn’t end here! Apart from the above mentioned questions,  we have collated a list of some more networking interview questions below:

• Explain NIC
• Explain the differences between the Internet, Intranet and Extranet.
• List the characteristics of an effective network.
• Briefly define DNS.
• Explain the basic functions of a Firewall?
• Encryption and Decryption. Identify the difference.
• Give the meaning of Data Encapsulation
• What is an Encoder and a Decoder?
• List the elements of protocols.
• What is an IP address?
• What is Bandwidth?
• What is the function of a router?
• What is a MAC address?
• What is ANSI?
• Elucidate the basic differences between TCP and UDP.
• Give a brief overview of DHCP.
• How is a Static IP different from a Dynamic IP?
• What is DNS?
• What is the expanded form of FTP?
• What is PAN, LAN, MAN, and WAN? Are there any differences?
• What is a cookie?

FAQs

Having in-depth knowledge over networking and security issues as well as communication skills and creative thinking keeps you in good standing while tackling networking interview questions. Apart from this, you also require a resume that highlights your achievements well! If you have any doubts, consult the experts at Leverage Edu who will assist in crafting an impeccable resume. Thus helping you take a step towards a rewarding career!