Interview-Proof Your Knowledge: Computer Networks Questions Recruiters Love
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- Jaro Education
- 31, May 2025
- 4:00 pm
Computer networks are the backbone of today’s technology-driven world. From communication to data exchange, everything is routed through computer systems. So, when you are applying for positions in IT and cybersecurity, having a clear idea of computer networking is crucial as it gives you an edge over others.
So, to help you prepare better, this blog provides a list of computer networks interview questions and their answers. It will help you get all the commonly asked questions at your fingertips and improve your chances of success
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Basic Networking Interview Questions
A candidate pursuing any networking role at the entry level should expect the following basic networking interview questions. The understanding of fundamental computer networking depends on these interview questions.
- What is a computer network?
The system that joins different computers along with devices to exchange information and share resources defines a computer network. The devices connect through physical cables or wireless connections.
- What is an IP Address?
Every device connected to a network receives its distinct physical address through an IP address. Network devices can find and pinpoint their location using an IP address through the network.
- What is the OSI Model?
Open Systems Interconnection provides network troubleshooting through its model, which includes seven layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application. The model serves dual purposes of interpreting while resolving network problems with data transmission.
- Mention the core difference between IPv4 and IPv6.
The major difference between IPv4 and IPv6 is that IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, whereas IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses. The newer IP address system, i.e., IPv6, delivers more possibilities for unique address assignment than its previous version, IPv4.
- Define Subnet Mask.
A subnet mask divides an IP address into two parts. Here, the first portion represents the network, and the second part shows the host numbers.
- What is a MAC Address?
Every device on the local network receives its unique identification through the physical address known as MAC (Media Access Control).
- What is DNS?
Through DNS (Domain Name System), users can transform domain names into computer-understandable IP addresses.
- Give the definition of DHCP.
A network management system named DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically gives IP addresses to devices connecting to a network.
- Differentiate among a Hub, Switch, and Router.
Data from hubs reaches all network devices while switching forward data to particular devices and routers to unite different network systems.
- What is a Firewall?
The network security system, called a firewall, regulates all network traffic by checking both incoming and outgoing connections according to pre-set security protocols.
Intermediate Networking Interview Questions
This section contains more elaborate computer networks interview questions about network protocols, configurations, and several intermediate topics relevant to network administrators’ and engineers’ work.
- What is NAT?
The network protocol NAT (Network Address Translation) modifies IP addresses found in packet headers for multiple devices that need to work with a single public IP address.
- What is a VLAN?
The network management tool called VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) creates functional partitions between network groups, which enhances system stability while improving security performance.
- What is ARP?
The local network relies on ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) protocols to establish IP address and MAC address relationships.
- Give the definition of Port Forwarding.
Through port forwarding, network traffic can be redirected from one address and port number to another for private network service accessibility from external internet sources.
- Define a VPN.
A VPN service known as Virtual Private Network enables users to construct an encrypted connection across public networks to access private networks remotely.
- Describe how TCP communication differs from UDP transmission.
The Transmission Control Protocol provides reliable connection-based data delivery with guaranteed correct message sequence. The delivery performance of UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is fast, though it does not provide a connection-oriented feature and does not ensure order or delivery success.
- What is a Socket?
Network devices establish communication through the software structure known as a socket. The software structure functions as a communication channel between two network devices during client-server operations.
- What is Bandwidth and Latency?
Bandwidth stands for the largest amount of information that passes during one period, and latency describes the time delay between sending and receiving data packets.
- What is the objective of a Proxy Server?
A proxy server connects client devices to internet access by functioning as an intermediary that offers both security measures and anonymity features and caching functionalities.
- What is DNS Spoofing?
Attackers perform DNS spoofing by giving fake DNS response messages that trick users into visiting counterfeit online locations.
Advanced Networking Interview Questions
Advanced network-related interview questions match the assessment requirements of candidates who seek senior roles in the fields of network engineering and network architecture. Advanced job candidates need a profound understanding of sophisticated network configurations in combination with specialized protocols.
- What is BGP?
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) operates as the network routing protocol that establishes information exchange routes between independent internet networks.
- What is OSPF?
OSPF stands as a link-state routing protocol dedicated to use inside autonomous systems to establish optimal network paths from network topology data.
- What is MPLS?
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) functions as a data-carrying method by applying labels to create speedy forwarding decisions that boost data transfer speed.
- What is QoS?
The network management practice known as QoS (Quality of Service) prioritizes traffic through resource allocation to increase the priority of important data, such as VoIP and video.
- Give the definition of Load Balancer.
A load balancer spreads network traffic between different servers to prevent each server from overloading, which enhances system performance and system availability.
- What is SNMP?
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) functions as the standard communication method to monitor network devices through management activities.
- Differentiate Between IDS and IPS.
IDS functions as an Intrusion Detection System for identifying malicious activity, yet the IPS operates as an Intrusion Prevention System to actively block these threats.
- What do you mean by a DMZ in Networking?
A DMZ functions as a subnetwork that splits internal networks from external networks to extend security measures.
- Define the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).
STP achieves network loop prevention through its capability to determine the shortest possible data paths in a network topology.
- Explain the Role of DNSSEC.
The DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) enhances DNS security by enabling genuine and untampered DNS responses.
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Networking Interview Questions for Experienced Professionals
The following computer networks interview questions examine the candidate’s abilities to solve practical networking problems based on their extensive professional experience.
- Which technique do you use to manage network-related problems?
The process of troubleshooting requires testing network connections and reviewing settings while using diagnostic tools that consist of Ping, Traceroute, and Wireshark.
- Define a Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS).
The Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) functions as a VPN solution that permits different distant sites to join a common LAN network.
- Explain your experience with firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS).
The combination of firewalls with IDS functions safeguards network systems through traffic filtering, while IDS tracks network behavior for potential threats.
- What is a VLAN trunk?
A VLAN trunk is a network link between two switches that carries multiple VLANs. The physical connection of two switches through the VLAN trunk enables the simultaneous transfer of multiple VLANs over one layer.
- How do you manage network security in a large organization?
The protection of network security consists of multiple strategies that include splitting networks while implementing firewalls and VPNs, together with regular security assessments to enable vulnerability detection.
- Which networking tools do you employ for monitoring activities?
For network monitoring and analysis, organizations commonly utilize Wireshark, SolarWinds, Nagios, and Zabbix.
- How do you handle network redundancy?
Network redundancy is managed by implementing proper backup systems that include duplicate equipment and alternative paths to ensure continued operations.
- What is QoS, and why is it important?
QoS establishes application priorities that preserve the high performance of voice and video, among other essential applications, even when network congestion occurs.
- What is a subnetting strategy?
A network obtains improved performance and security through subnetting because it splits the network into smaller domains that reduce broadcast activity.
- How do you configure routing protocols like OSPF or BGP?
The process of setting up routing protocols like OSPF and BGP involves several key steps: choosing the right protocol, enabling it, and configuring interfaces and neighbor relationships. Additionally, for OSPF, you will need to define router IDs, areas, and network parameters, and for BGP, the focus will be on establishing peer relationships and configuring route policies.
Network Engineer Interview Questions
When attending network engineer interviews, you must prove your expertise in protocols and their configuration, along with troubleshooting. Here are some computer network interview questions for a network engineer:
- What are the key responsibilities of a network engineer?
Network engineers are responsible for designing and implementing network infrastructure and maintaining the network to ensure superior performance along with security measures.
- What would be the necessary configuration on a router to achieve maximum availability?
The protocol duo HSRP and VRRP would be the necessary configuration on routers to achieve maximum availability by giving alternate routes when primary routes experience failures.
- Explain the concept of link aggregation.
Link aggregation creates a solitary logical link from multiple network connections to boost bandwidth capabilities and establish a backup system.
- Which network automation tools make it more manageable?
Network configurations become more manageable through automation systems that include Ansible and Puppet because these solutions eliminate mistakes and achieve uniformity throughout expansive networks.
- What is your strategy to manage a network-based DDoS attack?
Executive security strategies for DDoS protection include rate-limiting functions together with traffic filters and protection services from Cloudflare or AWS Shield.
- What are your thoughts on SDN (Software Defined Networking)?
SDN is an excellent approach to network security as it allows organizations to secure flexible network management, which provides easier network programming control and simpler administration.
- Explain the difference between statically and dynamically routed networks.
The routing method employs static configuration for manual route implementation, but dynamic routing operates through protocols such as OSPF or BGP to automatically manage network changes.
- Do you have any experience with wireless networking?
Explain your experience working with wireless networking in brief. If you were part of any project, mention it in detail.
- What’s the importance of network documentation?
Network documentation stands essential for both problem resolution and scalability expansion along with regulatory compliance because it displays the complete network setup comprehensively.
- What methodologies do you use for network performance management and network congestion prevention?
Network trouble can be prevented and managed through QoS implementation, together with active load balancing, traffic shaping, and continuous monitoring of network traffic.
Build a Career in Networking with Jaro Education
Jaro Education teams up with famous educational institutions to provide networking and cybersecurity programs targeted at industry needs. The curriculum includes:
- Hands-on training with real-world tools
- Virtual labs for practical experience
- Mentorship by industry leaders
- Globally recognized certifications
The right program helps technical experts develop their networking abilities while learning the computer networks interview questions that fit their career goals.
Conclusion
Mastery of the computer network interview questions and answers includes a strong grasp of the theoretical concepts and practical applications. Therefore, by reviewing the most asked questions, you will be able to build a strong foundation and get the needed confidence to tackle the technical interview with ease. So, whether you are a fresher or an experienced professional, staying updated with key networking topics is essential for career growth in this domain.
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