7/25/22, 9:38 PM Basic Networking Interview Questions with Answers

Basic Networking Interview Questions with Answers

This article lists the most frequently asked basic networking interview questions with detailed answers. This collection will help you face your networking
interview more confidently.

What is a mesh topology, and how is it different from other topologies?

Unlike other topologies that describe how devices are physically and logically connected in the network, a mesh topology describes how many
connections each device has. There are two types of mesh topology; fully meshed topology and partially meshed topology.
What is the difference between a fully meshed topology and a partially meshed topology?
In a fully meshed topology, each node must have a direct connection with other nodes of the network. Unlike a fully meshed topology, in a partially
meshed topology, each node doesn't need to have a direct connection with all other nodes.
What is the main advantage of Bus topology?
The main advantage of Bus topology is the cost. This topology uses the lowest resources among the other available topologies. A coaxial cable, some
connectors, and terminators are sufficient to build this topology.

What are the main disadvantages of Bus topology?

The main disadvantage of Bus topology is scalability, troubleshooting, and length. A single break in the main cable is enough to bring the entire network
down. To add worse, any loose terminator will also do the same job. Finding a loose terminator or break-in cable is the toughest task.
Is ring topology still used in LAN networks?
No, the ring topology is no longer used in the LAN network.
Which topology is used in modern LAN networks?
Star topology
In which topology do all nodes have a direct connection to every other node on the network?
In a mesh topology, all nodes have a direct connection with each node in the network.
Which network topology uses terminators?
Bus topology uses terminators to absorb the signals at the end of the cable.
Where do we use Straight-through UTP cable?
The straight-through cable is used to connect the following: -

Hub / Switch to System

Hub / Switch to Router
Hub / Switch to Server

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7/25/22, 9:38 PM Basic Networking Interview Questions with Answers

What is a NIC?
NIC stands for Network Interface Card. NIC is a device that connects the computer with the network.
What is the use of a switch in a computer network?
In a computer network, a switch is used to connect multiple computers. For example, an 8 ports switch allows us to connect 8 computers in a single
network.
Why do we do the networking?
We do the networking to share the information, resources, and applications.
What is a layer?
A layer is a logical partition of the PDU (protocol data unit) process. Each layer defines a specific functionality. It also defines the devices and protocols
which involve in that functionality.
What is an operating system?
An operating system is the main software program on the computer. When we turn on a computer, this is the first program that starts. Once started, it
controls all system resources.
How many bits are there in 1 byte?
There are 8 bits in 1 byte.
What is an IP address?
An IP address is the numeric identity of a node in the network.
What does an SLB switch do?
An SLB (Server load balancer) switch distributes traffic between multiple servers. It divides requests, destined for the server, among all the servers that are
attached to it.
Which computer is considered as a server computer in a network?
The computer that provides shared resources to the network is considered a server computer.
On Windows, what term is used for a peer-to-peer network?
On Windows, the terms Workgroup and HomeGroup are used to define the peer-to-peer network.
How many computers can we add to a workgroup?

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7/25/22, 9:38 PM Basic Networking Interview Questions with Answers
Theoretically, we can add as many computers as we want to a workgroup. But practically, we should never add more than ten computers to a workgroup
network.
What are the differences between a hub and switch?
Hub is a Layer1 device. When it receives signals on one port, it amplifies them and sends out from all remaining ports. It works in layer 1. It can’t detect
the collision.
A switch is a Layer2 device. When it receives signals on any of its ports, just like the Hub it also amplifies them, but it does not send them out from all
remaining ports as a Hub does. It converts the signals into frames and reads the source and destination addresses from the frames. Based on the
destination address, it sends a frame only from the ports which are associated with the destination address of the frame.
What is the IETF?
The IETF stands for Internet Engineering Task Force. It is an organization that defines protocols that drive the Internet. The official website of IETF is
www.ietf.org.
What is the Round Trip Time?
Round Trip Time is the duration of time that a signal takes to reach its destination and returns to the sender with an acknowledgment.
What is the difference between a Static IP address and a Dynamic IP address?
A Static IP address is assigned manually. Once assigned, it does not change unless it is changed manually again.
A Dynamic IP address is assigned by a service usually DHCP. It can change at any time.
What is the SNMP?
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is a network management protocol. It is used for collecting information about services and devices in the
network. Collected information further can be used for reporting and troubleshooting the network.
What is a VPN?
VPN is a technology that allows remote users to connect and access network resources securely over the Internet. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.
What is the difference between Firewall and Antivirus?
A Firewall filters the incoming network traffic. It is used to secure the system from unauthorized access.
An Antivirus scans the stored data and installed applications. It is used to secure the system from malware, virus, spyware, adware, etc.
What is the Encryption?
Encryption is the process of converting data in a secure form. Once Encrypted, it can't be read by other devices except for the intended receiver.
What is the Decryption?
Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back to its original state. In this process, first, keys are obtained from the device that encrypted
data. Later, these keys are used to decrypt the data. Keys contain information about how data is encrypted.
What is the purpose of a loopback address?
A loopback address is a special address on an IP network. It is used for troubleshooting. For example, by sending a ping packet to this address we can
confirm whether the IP protocol is functional or not. Packets sent to this address are returned to the sender by the IP protocol. Therefore, if we get the
reply of ping packets then the IP protocol is working fine otherwise there is an issue in the configuration.
What IP address is used for loopback address?
In IPv4, the entire 127.0.0.0 IP range is reserved for loopback addresses. We can use any address from the range 127.0.0.0 to 127.255.255.255. However,
mostly 127.0.0.1 is used for this purpose. In IPv6, only a single address is reserved for the loopback testing and that is :1.
What is the hybrid topology?
A topology that contains more than one topology is considered a hybrid topology. A star-bus topology that includes both start topology and bus
topology is the perfect example of the hybrid topology.
What are the main advantages of a wireless network?
Scalability, mobility, and flexibility are the main advantages of the wireless network. In addition to these, a wireless network is the cheapest.
What are the main disadvantages of a wireless network?
The main disadvantages of the wireless network are speed and security. Signal interference, blockage, and interception make it slow and less secure than
a wired network.
Which is the most popular international cable standard?
TIA/EIA-568-B
What is the attenuation?
The attenuation defines the progressive weakening of a signal as it travels over a cable or other medium. The longer the distance a signal travels, the
weaker the signal gets.
Which cable is used to connect a workstation with the backbone cable in bus topology?
In a bus topology, Thinnet (RG58) cable is used to connect the workstation with the backbone cable.
What is the thickness of the Thinnet cable?
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The thickness of the Thinnet cable is 0.25 inches.
What is the thickness of the Thicknet cable?
The thickness of the Thinnet cable is 0.5 inches.
That's all for this article. If you like this article, please do not forget to share it from your favorite social platform.

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