Here are 50 commonly asked networking and network infrastructure questions for interviews and written exams in the field of IT and computer science:
Network Fundamentals:
- What is a computer network, and why is it essential in the field of IT?
- Describe the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model and its seven layers.
- What is the difference between a hub, switch, and router in networking?
- Explain the concept of network protocols and give examples of commonly used ones.
- What is the purpose of the IP address, and how does it work?
Network Topologies:
- Define different network topologies, such as star, bus, ring, and mesh.
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each network topology.
- Describe a hybrid network topology and its benefits.
Network Devices:
- What is a firewall, and how does it enhance network security?
- Define a gateway and its role in connecting different networks.
- Explain the function of a proxy server and when it is used.
- Describe a load balancer and its significance in network infrastructure.
Network Security:
- What are common network security threats, and how can they be mitigated?
- Explain the principles of the CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) triad in network security.
- What is encryption, and how does it protect data in transit and at rest?
- Describe the concept of a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in network security.
Subnetting and IP Addressing:
- How do you subnet an IP address, and why is subnetting important?
- What is a subnet mask, and how is it used to create subnets?
- Calculate the number of hosts in a subnet given a specific subnet mask.
Routing and Switching:
- What is the purpose of routing in a network, and how do routers work?
- Explain the differences between static and dynamic routing.
- How does VLAN (Virtual LAN) segmentation enhance network efficiency and security?
- What is the role of ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) in networking?
Wireless Networking:
- Define Wi-Fi and explain the components of a wireless network.
- What are the challenges of securing wireless networks, and how can they be addressed?
- Explain the concepts of SSID (Service Set Identifier) and BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier).
Internet and Web Technologies:
- How does the Domain Name System (DNS) work, and what is its purpose?
- Describe the functions of HTTP and HTTPS in web communication.
- Explain the differences between a website, web server, and web browser.
Network Management:
- What is SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), and how is it used for network monitoring?
- Describe the concept of network segmentation and its benefits for management.
- How do you troubleshoot network issues, and what tools are commonly used?
Quality of Service (QoS):
- Define QoS and explain how it is implemented to ensure network performance.
- What is traffic shaping and its role in QoS management?
Cloud Networking:
- Explain the concept of cloud computing and its impact on network infrastructure.
- What is a virtual private cloud (VPC), and how does it work?
IPv6:
- Why is IPv6 adoption necessary, and what are the differences between IPv4 and IPv6?
- Describe the IPv6 address format and its advantages.
Network Monitoring and Analysis:
- What is packet sniffing, and how is it used for network analysis?
- Explain the purpose of Wireshark and other network monitoring tools.
IoT (Internet of Things):
- Define IoT and its role in the modern network landscape.
- How does IoT security differ from traditional network security?
Software-Defined Networking (SDN):
- Explain the concept of SDN and its benefits for network management.
- What is an SDN controller, and how does it control network resources?
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):
- Describe the function of a VPN, and how does it ensure secure data transmission?
- What is the difference between a site-to-site VPN and a remote access VPN?
Distributed Systems:
- Explain the principles of distributed systems and their importance in modern networks.
- What are common challenges in designing and managing distributed systems?
Network Troubleshooting:
- How do you diagnose network connectivity issues, and what are common solutions?
- Describe the process of root cause analysis in network troubleshooting.
These networking and network infrastructure questions cover a wide range of topics and are commonly used to assess a candidate’s knowledge and expertise in the field of IT and computer science.