Basic Networking Interview Questions and Answers

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Basic Networking Interview Questions and Answers

In this article, we offer you the knowledge of the Top 30 Basic Networking Interview Questions And Answers that can help you better understand and be prepared for the interview that you are signing up for.

Moreover, we have mentioned a reputed training ground at the end of the article, which can be the best option for many beginner students in the domain. What are we waiting for? Let’s get straight to the topic!

What is Basic Networking?

Basic networking is the process of connecting devices to share data and resources efficiently. It enables communication between computers, servers, and other hardware within a network. This foundation supports internet access, file sharing, and collaboration.

The Top 30 Basic Networking Interview Questions and Answers mentioned in this article will change your pov of how hard interview questions could be. Let’s get forward!

Top 30 Basic Networking Interview Questions and Answers

Basic Networking Fundamentals

  1. What is a network?

An interconnected set of devices that can interact and share resources is called a network.

2. What is the difference between LAN, MAN, and WAN?

WAN (Wide Area Network) extends over vast geographic regions like nations or continents; MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) covers a larger area like a city; and LAN (Local Area Network) covers a smaller area like a building or campus.

3. What is the OSI Model? Can you describe its layers?

A conceptual framework for outlining a networking system’s operations is the OSI Model. Following are the layers of the OSI Model:

  1. Physical Layer: Uses a physical medium to transmit a raw bit stream.
  2. Data Link Layer: Enables dependable data transmission over a physical connection.
  3. Network Layer: Manages packet addressing and routing across networks.
  4. Transport Layer: Guarantees dependable data delivery from beginning to end.
  5. Session Layer: Allows apps to create, maintain, and end sessions.
  6. Presentation Layer: Compresses, encrypts, and translates data.
  7. Application Layer: Gives user applications access to network services.

4. What are the differences between TCP and UDP?

UDP is connectionless, unreliable, and speedier than TCP, which is connection-oriented, dependable, and slower.

5. What is a MAC address, and how is it different from an IP address?

A network interface’s MAC address is a special identification given to it for network communication. Furthermore, an IP address is a logical address used for network communication, whereas a MAC address is a physical hardware address.

6. What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv6 offers a substantially bigger address space than IPv4 since it uses 128-bit addresses instead of 32-bit ones.

7. What is a subnet mask, and why is it used?

A 32-bit value known as a subnet mask is used to specify the network and host parts of an IP address. Following are some of the reasons for the use of a subnet mask:

  1. Network and Host Identification,
  2. Efficient IP Address Allocation,
  3. Improved Network Performance,
  4. Enhanced Security, and
  5. Simplified Network Management.

8. What are private and public IP addresses?

While public IP addresses are utilized for international internet connections, private IP addresses are utilized for internal network communication.

9. What is DNS, and why is it important?

A system called DNS (Domain Name System) converts domain names into IP addresses. Due to the following reasons, DNS is important:

  1. User-Friendly Addressing,
  2. Efficient Network Traffic,
  3. Load Balancing,
  4. Website Security, and
  5. Global Reach.

10. What is DHCP, and how does it work?

A network mechanism called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Mechanism) gives devices IP addresses automatically. In the following ways, DHCP works:

  1. DHCP Discovery,
  2. DHCP Offer,
  3. DHCP Request,
  4. DHCP ACK, and
  5. IP Address Lease.

Basic Networking Devices

11. What is the function of a router?

Following are some of the functions related to the router:

  1. Packet Forwarding,
  2. Routing,
  3. Network Address Translation (NAT),
  4. Security, and
  5. Quality of Service (QoS).

12. What is the difference between a switch and a hub?

While a hub broadcasts data packets to all connected devices, a switch intelligently sends data packets to designated destinations.

13. What is a firewall, and why is it used?

A type of security device that keeps an eye on and regulates both inbound and outbound network traffic is a firewall. In the following ways, firewalls are used:

  1. Packet Filtering,
  2. Intrusion Detection,
  3. Network Segmentation,
  4. Application Control, and
  5. Encryption.

14. What are Access Points, and how do they differ from a router?

Devices known as access points enable wireless devices to join wired networks. Additionally, routers link several networks and direct data across them, whereas access points convert wired networks to wireless networks.

15. What is the function of a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

In the following ways, the Network Interface Card works:

  1. Physical Connection,
  2. Data Transmission,
  3. Media Access Control (MAC) Address,
  4. Network Driver, and
  5. Network Protocols.

Basic Network Protocols and Tools

16. What is ICMP, and how is it used in networking?

Error messages and diagnostic data are sent between network devices via ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol). In the following ways, ICMP is used in networking:

  1. Ping,
  2. Error Reporting,
  3. Network Diagnosis,
  4. Security Monitoring, and
  5. Network Management.

17. What is ARP, and how does it work?

IP addresses are mapped to MAC addresses via a network mechanism called ARP (Address Resolution Mechanism). In the following steps, ARP works:

  1. ARP Request,
  2. ARP Response,
  3. ARP Cache Update,
  4. Packet Transmission, and
  5. ARP Cache Aging.

18. What are HTTP and HTTPS, and what is the difference?

While HTTPS is a secure variant of HTTP that encrypts data to preserve security and privacy, HTTP is a protocol for data transit over the internet.

19. What is FTP, and how is it used?

A network protocol called FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used to move files between computers connected to a network. In the following ways, FTP is used:

  1. File Transfer,
  2. Remote File Access,
  3. Web Development,
  4. Data Backup, and
  5. Software Distribution.

20. What is SNMP, and why is it important?

A protocol called SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is used to keep an eye on and control network devices. Moreover, SNMP is necessary due to the following reasons:

  1. Network Monitoring,
  2. Fault Management,
  3. Configuration Management,
  4. Performance Management, and
  5. Security Management.

21. What is NAT, and how does it work?

Multiple devices can share a single internet connection by using NAT (Network Address Translation), a technique that maps multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP address. In the following ways, NAT works:

  1. IP Address Mapping,
  2. Port Number Assignment,
  3. Packet Translation,
  4. Packet Forwarding,
  5. Reverse Translation, and
  6. Packet Delivery.

22. What is a VPN, and why is it used?

A technology known as a virtual private network, or VPN, establishes a safe, encrypted link across a public network. Moreover, VPN is used for the following reasons:

  1. Secure Remote Access,
  2. Anonymity and Privacy,
  3. Bypass Censorship,
  4. Secure Public Wi-Fi, and
  5. Geo-Spoofing.

23. What is the purpose of ping, and how does it work?

Ping is a network diagnostic tool used to evaluate network latency and check if a host is reachable. Moreover, ping is used in the following ways:

  1. ICMP Echo Request,
  2. Packet Transmission,
  3. ICMP Echo Reply,
  4. Round-Trip-Time (RTT) Calculation and-
  5. Result Analysis.

Basic Networking Troubleshooting

24. How do you troubleshoot a network issue?

In the following steps, the network issue gets solved:

  1. Identify the Problem,
  2. Gather Information,
  3. Isolate the Problem,
  4. Check Physical Connections,
  5. Verify Network Settings,
  6. Test Network Devices,
  7. Check Internet Service Provider (ISP),
  8. Consult Network Documentation, and
  9. Seek Expert Assistance:

25. What tools can you use to diagnose network problems?

One can use the following tools to diagnose network problems:

  1. Ping,
  2. Traceroute,
  3. Wireshark,
  4. Network Scanners, and
  5. Network Monitoring Tools.

26. What is traceroute, and when would you use it?

Traceroute is a network diagnostic tool that measures latency and identifies each hop along a packet’s journey from source to destination. You can use traceroute in the following situations:

  1. Network Troubleshooting,
  2. Route Verification,
  3. Network Security Analysis,
  4. Network Performance Monitoring, and
  5. Network Configuration Verification.

27. What are some common causes of network latency?

The following are some common causes of network latency:

  1. Network Congestion,
  2. Physical Layer Issues,
  3. Routing Issues,
  4. Server Load, and
  5. Software Issues.

28. How would you resolve an IP conflict on a network?

In the following steps, one can resolve an IP Conflict on a network:

  1. Identify the Conflicting IP Address,
  2. Assign Unique IP Addresses,
  3. Check DHCP Server Configuration,
  4. Restart Network Devices,
  5. Release and Renew IP Addresses,
  6. Check Network Cables,
  7. Consult Network Documentation, and
  8. Seek Expert Assistance.

Basic Security and Best Practices

29. What is the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?

Asymmetric encryption employs a pair of keys (public and private) for encryption and decryption, whereas symmetric encryption uses a single key for both processes.

30. What are common network security threats, and how do you prevent them?

Some of the common network security threats are – Malware, Phishing Attacks, Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks, Man-in-the-Middle Attacks, and Unauthorized Access. In the following ways, one can prevent such security threats from happening:

  1. Strong Passwords,
  2. Firewall,
  3. Network Security Software,
  4. Secure Wi-Fi Networks, and
  5. Regular Security Audits.

Conclusion

Now that you have read about the Top 30 Basic Networking Interview Questions and Answers, you might be prepared a bit for giving interviews. However, those who have just begun to search for a dedicated training program for networking skills can get in contact with Craw Security.

That’s because Craw Security is offering the Basic Networking Course in Singapore with the support of professionals offering the training with the latest networking tools. Moreover, you can ask for online sessions to learn the skills remotely.

After the completion of the Basic Networking Course in Singapore offered by Craw Security, students will receive a certificate validating their honed knowledge & skills during the sessions. What are you waiting for? Contact, Now!

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