Comprehensive Interview Questions & Troubleshooting Guide
Q1: What is the difference between a switch and a router?
Switch: Works at Layer 2 (Data Link), connects devices in the same LAN, uses MAC
addresses.
Router: Works at Layer 3 (Network), connects different networks, uses IP addresses, and
supports routing protocols.
Q2: Explain the OSI Model.
7 Layers: Physical → Data Link → Network → Transport → Session → Presentation →
Application.
Helps to understand networking and troubleshoot layer by layer.
Q3: What is a VLAN and why is it used?
VLAN (Virtual LAN) logically separates networks within the same switch.
Improves security and reduces broadcast traffic.
Q4: Explain Subnetting.
Subnetting divides a network into smaller sub-networks to improve efficiency and security.
Example: [Link]/24 can be split into two /25 subnets.
Q5: Explain the difference between TCP and UDP.
TCP: Connection-oriented, reliable, error checking, e.g. HTTP, FTP.
UDP: Connectionless, faster, less overhead, e.g. DNS, VoIP.
Q6: What is the difference between 2G, 3G, and 4G?
2G: Voice + SMS.
3G: Voice + Data up to few Mbps.
4G: High-speed data, VoLTE, internet-based services.
Q7: What are common KPIs in RAN?
Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR), Handover Success Rate, Throughput.
Q8: What is a handover in mobile networks?
Handover is the process of transferring an active call/data session from one cell to another.
Types: Hard HO (break before make), Soft HO (make before break).
Q9: What is BSC, RNC, and eNodeB?
BSC: Base Station Controller (2G).
RNC: Radio Network Controller (3G).
eNodeB: Base station in LTE (4G).
Q10: What is Active Directory?
A Microsoft service for managing users, groups, devices, and policies in a Windows domain
network.
Q11: What is DNS and how does it work?
DNS (Domain Name System) resolves domain names (like [Link]) into IP addresses.
Q12: What is a firewall?
A firewall monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic based on security rules.
Scenario 1: A user cannot access the internet, but can ping the local gateway.
1. Check DNS settings.
2. Try pinging a public IP (e.g. [Link]).
3. If ping works → DNS issue.
4. If not → router/ISP issue.
Scenario 2: VLAN 10 users cannot communicate with VLAN 20.
1. Check switch port configuration (Access vs Trunk).
2. Verify VLANs exist.
3. Configure inter-VLAN routing.
Scenario 3: One BTS site is down.
1. Check alarms (power, transmission, hardware).
2. Restart node if needed.
3. Escalate to field team if hardware issue.
Scenario 4: A user’s PC cannot join the domain.
1. Ping the domain controller.
2. Verify DNS settings.
3. Ensure permissions.
4. Try rejoining the domain.
Scenario 5: 3G to 4G handover not working.
1. Check neighbor configuration.
2. Verify HO parameters.
3. Analyze KPI counters.
4. Coordinate with RF team.
Scenario 6: High CPU utilization on a router.
1. Check running processes.
2. Verify configuration loops.
3. Optimize routing protocols.
4. Upgrade hardware if needed.
Scenario 7: User complains of slow network performance.
1. Check device resource usage.
2. Run speed test.
3. Verify switch/router performance.
4. Check for congestion or faulty cables.
