2/23/22, 9:41 PM Top 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

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Top 30 Network Engineer Interview

Questions
Naukri Content Team | Interview Advice | 06 Feb 2020

1. Beginner network engineer interview questions

2. What do you mean by a network?

3. What is a link?

4. What do you mean by a node?

5. What is a router?

6. Can you define the OSI model?

7. What is the TCP IP model in networking?

8. What do you mean by a point to point link?

9. Can you state the differences between a switch, router, and a hub?

10. What do you mean by a backbone network?

11. Define subnet mask

12. Intermediate Network Engineer Interview Questions

13. What is a DNS?

14. Can you define NAT?

15. Mention the different types of LAN cables used in networking. What do
you mean by a cross cable?

16. What is the use of a proxy server?

17. What do understand by domain and workgroup?

18. What is 127.0.0.1? Looking for a job?

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2/23/22, 9:41 PM Top 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

19. Can you differentiate between the internet, intranet, and extranet?

20. What is active directory?

21. What is FTP and anonymous FTP?

22. What is the difference between ipconfig and ifconfig commands?

23. What do you understand by DHCP?

24. What is Netstat?

25. What is the importance of APIPA in networking?

26. What is SMTP?

27. What do you mean by NIC?

28. How would you define CSMA/ CD?

29. What is the use of a VPN?

30. What is a MAC address?

31. Can you define OSPF?

32. What is a tracert command?

33. Important interview tips

A network engineer is a professional who has the responsibility of handling all

the networking devices such as routers, bridges, servers, LANs and WANs.

As no organization can function without these networking devices, a network

engineer or an NOC engineer is an important position in any firm.

So, if you are preparing for a network engineer interview, here are some
network engineer interview questions that will help you.

These questions are divided into three divisions – beginner, intermediate and
advanced.

Beginner network engineer interview

questions
The network engineer interview questions for beginners are given below:
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2/23/22, 9:41 PM Top 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

What do you mean by a network?

A network can be considered as a set of devices of systems that are connected.

They can communicate and share information. Devices such as computers,

laptops, servers, and printers can be connected through networks like LAN
(Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network).

What is a link?
A connection between two or more devices is called a link. A link defines
different protocols that help a device to connect with another device within a
network.

What do you mean by a node?

A node is a point where two or more devices connect within a network.

A node is where data is received, stored, sent and created within the network.

Nodes can be an endpoint for transmitting data or a redistribution point. Any

device connected to another device inside a network is a node itself.

Common examples of nodes are switches, routers, bridges, and servers, which
may be connected or other devices through the internet.

What is a router?
A router is a physical device that is used for receiving, storing, analyzing and
forwarding data packets to other nodes inside or outside the network.

Routers can connect to devices such as a modem, optic fiber and a cable to
connect and share information between devices.

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Routers contain firmware and software. Firewalls are installed in routers for
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securing the network.

Moreover, routers use forwarding tables and headers for determining the best
path for transferring the data packets.

Can you define the OSI model?

The OSI (Open System Interconnection) is a reference model that has the
necessary protocols and standards for communicating over a network.

The model was made by the International Organization for Standardization

(ISO) in 1984. It consists of seven layers, where each layer has a different
function.

These layers are Physical Layer, Data Link Layer, Network Layer, Transport
Layer, Session Layer, Presentation Layer, and Application Layer.

What is the TCP IP model in

networking?
The TCP IP (Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol) model is a
more precise representation of the OSI model.

The current architecture of the internet is based on the TCP IP model. It was
developed by the Department of Defence's Project Research Agency as a part
of their project for communication within systems and remote machines.

It has 4 layers that have protocols required for communication between

devices of a network. They are as follows:

Application Layer (Process layer)

Transport Layer (Host-to-Host layer)

Internet Layer

Link Layer (Network Access)

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2/23/22, 9:41 PM Top 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

What do you mean by a point to point

link?
A point to point link is a connection between two dedicated networking
devices.

The complete bandwidth of the link is utilized for the transmission of data
between two devices.

There may be multiple connections between devices. Using a PPP link, two
different networks can be connected, where one network will work as the
endpoint for another.

These days PPP links are created using modems and PSTN (Public Switched
Telephone Networks).

An example of a PPP link is a telephone call between two people.

Can you state the differences between

a switch, router, and a hub?
A switch is used for forwarding the data packets in a network. It facilitates
error checking for the data packets and send error-free packets to the destined
ports properly.

A router is a networking device that transfers data packets after analyzing

their contents.

The correct destination, correctness and IP address of the data packets are
checked by the router.

They make use of a routing table for finding out the best path for
transmission.

A hub is a connection point for networking devices. Different segments of a

LAN are connected using a LAN. It also has several ports for communication.
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2/23/22, 9:41 PM Top 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

If a packet arrives at a hub port, it is copied to the other ports so that it is

visible to the other segments of the LAN. But as they are unable to filter data,
it sends the data packets to all the connected devices.

What do you mean by a backbone

network?
A backbone network is a network that has the connectivity infrastructure that
is the main link for the various parts of a network.

It has the capability of supporting networks spread over vast geographical

areas.

It can connect different networks within the same area or building, or

different buildings within an area.

Typically, a backbone network comprises routers, bridges, gateways, and

switches.

Define subnet mask

A subnet mask is a number that specifies the range of IP addresses that are
available in a network.

A subnet mask puts a limit on the number of valid IP addresses. This is the 32-
bit number that is used for masking the IP address.

Subnet mask divides the IP address into a host address and network address.

Two or more systems within the same subnet can communicate with each
other. If a system is connected to a network, its subnet mask can be
determined by accessing the Network Control Panel.

Intermediate Network Engineer Looking for a job?

Interview Questions
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Interview Questions Top 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

The intermediate network engineer/NOC engineer interview questions are

given below:

What is a DNS?
DNS stands for domain name system. Websites are accessed by their domain
names such as google.com and yahoo.com. But these names are not
understood by the computer.

The DNS translates these names into IP addresses so that the browsers can
load them for the users.

DNS converts the hostname of the website into an IP address that is readable
by the computer.

The converting of hostnames into IP addresses is called forward lookup.

Converting or resolving IP addresses into hostnames is called backward
lookup.

Can you define NAT?

NAT stands for Network Address Translation. This is for IP networks that are
using unregistered IP addresses.

NAT enables them to connect to the internet. In this process, a public address
is assigned to a system within a private network.

NAT operates using a router and converts the private addresses into legal
addresses.

It is also used for securing networks by limiting the number of IP addresses a

company can use within a network.

Mention the different types of LAN Looking for a job?

bl di t ki Wh t d
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2/23/22, 9:41 PM Top 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

cables used in networking. What do

you mean by a cross cable?
Some of the common types of LAN cables that are used in networking are CAT
5 and CAT 6. CAT 5 provides 100 Mbps of speed and CAT 6 offers 1 Gbps of
speed.

However, the three major types of network cables are coaxial, fiber optic and
twisted pair.

A cross cable is also called a crossover cable that is used for connecting two
similar devices for communication without the help of a hub or a switch.

What is the use of a proxy server?

Proxy servers are used for securing a network from external users who might
want to intrude into the network. It makes a computer system virtually
invisible to others.

A proxy server has a list of harmful websites so that the main network is
protected.

When it receives a request, it collects the data from the target web server and
processes it. The response is then forwarded to the user.

What do understand by domain and

workgroup?
Domain is a group of computers in a network, which are connected. The
members of a domain consist of users, workstations and database servers.

Devices within the same domain are administered using the same protocols
and rules.

When an active directory is installed, a domain is created. Domains can be

used for administering computers centrally, which is not possible in aLooking for a job?
workgroup.
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A workgroup is a set of connected computers that share resources. Here, all

the computers are peers and they do not have control over one another. All
peers must be on the same LAN and subnet.

What is 127.0.0.1?
The IP address 127.0.0.1 is a reserved address that is used for localhost
connections.

It is a special IPv4 address that is also called a loopback address. It is not a

real IP address but all systems have this address which means “this
computer”.

During any connection issues, the server is pinged to check whether it is

responding with the help of this address. The address is only used by the
computer you are currently working on.

Can you differentiate between the

internet, intranet, and extranet?
The internet is a global network that connects thousands of computers.
Information can be accessed and shared from any location that has access to
the internet.

An intranet is a network that is unique to a firm where data is accessed and

shared among the computers within that network only.

An extranet is a network where only specific members are allowed access.

These may include vendors, customers, suppliers, and other officials who are
associated with a company.

The extranet handles the secure part of the website that is accessed through
IDs and passwords.

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2/23/22, 9:41 PM Top 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

What is active directory?

An active directory provides ways to handle the relationships and identities
within a network. It allows the network administrator to manage domains,
objects, and users in a network.

The admin can create a user group and assign special access privileges to them
for accessing specific directories on the server.

The 3 main components of the active directory structure are

Domain

Trees

Forests

What is FTP and anonymous FTP?

FTP stands for file transfer protocol. This is used by the TCP/IP model for
transferring files from a host system to another host system.

It is used for downloading files from the server to a computer and transferring
web pages very efficiently.

Anonymous FTP is a method of providing access to certain public servers.

Users who have been granted access to these servers do not need
identification, instead, they can just log in as guests.

Advanced network engineer

interview questions
Below is a list of Network Engineer Interview Questions that are of advanced
level.

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What is the difference between
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2/23/22, 9:41 PM Top 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

ipconfig and ifconfig commands?

The ipconfig command stands for Internet protocol configuration that is
used for configuring networking devices on Windows machines.

All the TCP/IP network summary data can be displayed through this
command using the command line.

It is also used for refreshing the settings of Dynamic Host Configuration

Protocol (DHCP) and Domain Name System (DNS).

The ifconfig stands for interface configuration. The command is used for
configuring and managing the network interface parameters on the TCP/IP
network.

The network interface IP addresses can be viewed with the help of this
command. The command is used on MAC, LINUX and Unix operating
systems.

What do you understand by DHCP?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol assigns
IP addresses and network configuration parameters to devices within a
network.

It helps the devices to communicate with each other and reduces the problems
caused due to the allocation of IP addresses manually.

DHCP allocates addresses from its pool of IP addresses to network devices.

The protocol initially checks whether the next available address is assigned to
a device. If not, it allocates a device to this IP address.

What is Netstat?
Netstat stands for network statistics. It is a network utility of the command
line. Looking for a job?

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This command is used for displaying information about the TCP/IP settings,
incoming and outgoing connections, network protocol statistics and routing
tables.

The command is used on Windows and Unix operating systems. Netstat is

useful for determining the network traffic and problems in the network.

On a Windows system, the command netstat can be entered in the command

line. You will see a list of all active network connections.

What is the importance of APIPA in

networking?
APIPA stands for Automatic Private IP Addressing. This is an important
feature of Windows systems that allow the device to assign an IP address to
itself when there is no DHCP.

This IP address has a range of 169.254.0.1 through 169.254.255.254. Any

client system can use this APIPA address until the DHCP server is available.

This facility is commonly used for small organizations having about 25 clients.

What is SMTP?
SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. This protocol is used for
delivering emails over a network from one system to another.

It is a part of the TCP/IP application layer protocol that uses a method called
“store and forward”.

This is used for sending emails across the networks with the help of a Mail
Transfer Agent.

SMPTP can send messages to one or more clients within or outside the
network. These messages can include text, voice, images or graphics.
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2/23/22, 9:41 PM Top 30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

What do you mean by NIC?

NIC stands for Network Interface Card, also called an Ethernet card or a
network adapter.

This is a hardware component that is essential for connecting the computer to

a network.

NIC is a card that is installed in a system for connecting to the internet. This is
important for wireless, wired and LAN communication.

It has a unique MAC address that will help in identifying the computer within
a network.

How would you define CSMA/ CD?

CSMA/ CD stands for Carrier-sense multiple access Collision Detection. This
protocol defines the way two devices interact when a data collision occurs.

The protocol has rules of how long the devices in a network must wait when a
collision happens.

It analyses if the communication channel is busy or not, and controls the

transmission accordingly.

If it detects a collision, the transmission of the station is stopped. It then sends

a jam signal and waits for some time before transmitting again.

What is the use of a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network that can be considered as a private
Wide Area Network.

This network protects anonymity while surfing the internet and accessing
certain websites that might be potentially dangerous.
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It is used in corporate environments where a computer may be connected to a
remote server.

Traffic on a VPN is sent by creating an encrypted connection over the internet

called a tunnel. This provides unauthorized access and eavesdropping over the
network.

What is a MAC address?

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is used for uniquely identifying a
device on a network.

Also called the physical address or ethernet address, MAC addresses are 48-
bit numbers that are present in the NIC of the devices.

This is an address given by the manufacturer of the device. The MAC sub-layer
of the data link layer makes use of the MAC addresses.

They are 12-digit hexadecimal numbers, where the first 6 digits identify the
manufacturer.

Can you define OSPF?

OSPF stands for Open Shortest Path First. This is a link-state routing protocol
that is used for identifying the best path for transferring data packets.

This protocol is useful as it makes use of the network bandwidth efficiently.

What is a tracert command?

The tracert command is used for displaying information about the path taken
by a data packet to reach the destination network from the router.

The total number of hops taken by the packet during the transmission is also

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displayed.

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Important interview tips

Research about the company

Do your homework in advance. Research about the objective, scope, and

status of the organization.

Connect with people working with the organization to get detailed insights.
You can also visit Ambitionbox.com to read what the employees have to say
about the organization.

Reach on time

Reaching on time for your interview leaves a good first impression and
displays work ethics and discipline. You can also use this time to make
yourself comfortable with the environment.

Ask the right question

Ask relevant and important questions when you get a chance. List down 3-5
relevant questions that will give you more clarity.

Do not ask questions about salary, leave policy, etc. Focus on knowing more
about the job profile and your scope if you get hired.

Related: Questions to ask in an interview

Brush-up your basics

Before going for the interview, make sure that you brush up your basics about
the field and are well-versed with the basic terms.

Read up about the new technologies that may affect the network engineering
scenario to answer better.

Focus on staying organized

Dress appropriately and wear something that is formal yet makes youLooking for a job?
comfortable. Avoid wearing anything that may make you look unkempt.
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Carry all your documents in a binder or file to keep documents organized and
easy to find when asked for.

Suggested readings:

Basic Interview Questions and Answers

Interview Preparation Tips

All the Best!!

Interview Advice

Naukri Content Team Read More

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