Great!
Since your list contains over 100 computer networking interview questions, I'll
provide concise, clear, and interview-speak-ready answers in batches, topic-wise. Let’s
start with the General Network Concepts section.
✅ General Network Concepts
1. What is a Link?
A link is a communication pathway that transfers data from one device to another in a
network. It can be wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi).
2. What is a Node?
A node is any device in a network that can send, receive, or forward information, such as
computers, routers, or printers.
3. What is a Gateway? Is there any difference between a Gateway and a Router?
A gateway is a device that connects different networks using different protocols. A
router connects multiple networks too, but within the same protocol family. A gateway is
more versatile than a router.
4. What is a Network?
A network is a collection of interconnected devices that can communicate and share
resources, like the internet, file systems, or printers.
5. What is a Node and Link?
A node is a connection point (like a computer or switch), and a link is the physical or
logical path that connects two nodes.
6. What are Routers?
Routers are networking devices that determine the best path for forwarding data
packets between networks.
7. What is the Difference Between Domain and Workgroup?
A domain is a centralized network where user accounts and policies are managed
centrally (usually by a server), while a workgroup is a peer-to-peer network with no
central control.
8. What is Point-to-Point Link?
A point-to-point link connects exactly two nodes directly without any intermediary
device.
9. What is the Main Job of ARP?
The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) maps IP addresses to MAC addresses within a
local network.
Would you like me to continue with the Network Layers & Models section next? Or
would you prefer I generate a downloadable PDF version as we go?
You said:
continue
ChatGPT said:
Great! Let’s continue with the next section:
✅ Network Layers & Models
1. What are the layers of the OSI reference model?
The OSI model has 7 layers:
1. Physical
2. Data Link
3. Network
4. Transport
5. Session
6. Presentation
7. Application
2. What is OSI and what role does it play in computer networks?
OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) is a conceptual framework that standardizes the
functions of a telecommunication or computing system into seven distinct layers, helping
vendors and developers ensure system compatibility and interoperability.
3. What is the job of the Network Layer under the OSI reference model?
The Network Layer handles routing, addressing, and delivery of data packets between
devices across different networks (e.g., using IP protocol).
4. How many layers are there under TCP/IP?
The TCP/IP model has 4 layers:
1. Link (or Network Interface)
2. Internet
3. Transport
4. Application
5. What is the TCP/IP model? What are its layers?
The TCP/IP model is a real-world protocol suite for communication over the internet. Its
layers are:
● Link Layer
● Internet Layer
● Transport Layer
● Application Layer
6. What is the difference between the TCP/IP model and the OSI model?
● OSI has 7 layers, TCP/IP has 4 layers.
● OSI is theoretical; TCP/IP is practical and widely used.
● OSI separates Presentation and Session layers; TCP/IP combines them into the
Application layer.
7. Define the 7 different layers of the OSI Reference Model.
1. Physical – Transmits raw bitstreams over the physical medium.
2. Data Link – Handles node-to-node data transfer, error detection, and MAC
addressing.
3. Network – Manages routing and IP addressing.
4. Transport – Ensures reliable transmission using TCP or UDP.
5. Session – Manages sessions and controls dialog between applications.
6. Presentation – Translates data formats, handles encryption and compression.
7. Application – Provides services like email, file transfer, web browsing.
8. Describe the TCP/IP Reference Model.
It’s a 4-layer model:
● Link Layer: Physical connection between hosts.
● Internet Layer: IP addressing and routing.
● Transport Layer: End-to-end communication (TCP/UDP).
● Application Layer: User interface and application protocols like HTTP, FTP.
9. Define the 4 different layers of the TCP/IP Reference Model.
Same as above:
1. Link Layer
2. Internet Layer
3. Transport Layer
4. Application Layer
10. What is the equivalent layer or layers of the TCP/IP Application layer in terms of
the OSI model?
TCP/IP’s Application layer corresponds to OSI’s Application, Presentation, and Session
layers.
11. What is the role of the Data Link Layer in the OSI model?
It provides node-to-node delivery, error detection/correction, and framing, using MAC
addresses.
12. Explain the concept of Flow Control in networking.
Flow control ensures that the sender does not overwhelm the receiver by sending too
much data at once. Protocols like TCP use mechanisms like sliding window for flow
control.
Let me know if I should proceed with Network Topology & Architecture next.
You said:
continue
ChatGPT said:
Perfect! Let’s move on to the next section:
✅ Network Topology & Architecture
1. Describe Network Topology.
Network topology is the physical or logical arrangement of devices and cables in a
network. It defines how nodes are connected and how data flows between them.
2. What is Network Topology?
It’s the structure/layout of how computers and other devices are connected in a network.
Examples include bus, star, ring, mesh, and hybrid.
3. What is VPN?
VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows secure access to a private network over the
internet by encrypting the data and masking the user’s IP address.
4. Describe Star Topology.
In star topology, all nodes are connected to a central hub or switch. It’s easy to install
and manage, but if the central hub fails, the whole network goes down.
5. What is Hybrid Network?
A hybrid network combines two or more different topologies, such as star + mesh or ring
+ bus, to leverage the strengths of each.
6. What is Mesh Topology?
In mesh topology, every device is connected to every other device. It provides high
redundancy and fault tolerance.
7. What is the Advantage of Mesh Topology?
● High reliability and redundancy.
● If one connection fails, others can take over.
8. What is the Disadvantage of Star Topology?
If the central hub or switch fails, the entire network becomes inoperative.
9. What are the Advantages of Distributed Processing?
● Load is shared across multiple machines.
● Increases fault tolerance.
● Faster processing through parallelism.
● Improved scalability and availability.
10. What are the Disadvantages of Implementing a Ring Topology?
● A break in the ring can disrupt the entire network.
● Troubleshooting and adding/removing devices is difficult.
● Data has to pass through multiple nodes to reach the destination.
11. What is the Backbone Network?
A backbone network is a central conduit designed to transfer data at high speeds
between multiple sub-networks. It connects different LANs and subnets.
12. How Does a Network Topology Affect Your Decision in Setting Up a Network?
Topology impacts cost, performance, fault tolerance, scalability, and ease of
maintenance. For example, star is easier to manage, while mesh is more reliable.
13. What is Bus Topology?
All devices are connected to a single central cable (the bus). It’s simple and
cost-effective but suffers from collisions and is difficult to troubleshoot.
14. What are the Characteristics of a Hybrid Network?
● Combines features of two or more topologies.
● Flexible and scalable.
● Offers redundancy and reliability.
● Complex setup and management.
Shall I move forward with the Protocols & IP Addressing section?
You said:
continue
ChatGPT said:
Great! Let’s proceed with the Protocols & IP Addressing section:
✅ Protocols & IP Addressing
1. What is RIP?
RIP (Routing Information Protocol) is a distance-vector routing protocol that uses hop
count as a metric to determine the best path between routers. It’s simple but not suitable
for large networks.
2. What is the Main Purpose of OSPF?
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a link-state routing protocol that finds the shortest
path using Dijkstra’s algorithm. It's faster and more scalable than RIP.
3. What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names (like [Link]) into IP
addresses so that browsers can load internet resources.
4. What is DHCP?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses and
other network configurations to devices on a network.
5. What is TCP/IP?
TCP/IP is a suite of communication protocols used to connect network devices on the
internet. It stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
6. What is the FTP Protocol?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used to transfer files between a client and a server over a
network.
7. What is the SMTP Protocol?
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is used to send emails from a client to a server or
between servers.
8. What is ICMP?
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) is used for sending error messages and
network diagnostics like with the ping command.
9. What is Ping?
Ping is a utility that uses ICMP to test the reachability of a host on a network and
measures round-trip time.
10. What is ARP?
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) maps IP addresses to MAC addresses in a local
network.
11. What are the Different Types of Networks?
● LAN (Local Area Network)
● WAN (Wide Area Network)
● MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
● PAN (Personal Area Network)
● CAN (Campus Area Network)
● VPN (Virtual Private Network)
12. What are Private IP Addresses?
Private IPs are reserved IP ranges used within private networks, not routable on the
internet.
13. What is a Private IP Address?
A private IP address is an IP address used for internal networking (e.g., 192.168.x.x).
These are defined by RFC 1918.
14. What is the Difference Between MAC Address and IP Address?
● MAC Address: Physical, hardware-level identifier assigned to a device's NIC.
● IP Address: Logical address used for device identification and communication
over a network.
15. What is the MAC Address and How is it Related to NIC?
MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to the Network
Interface Card (NIC) of a device.
16. How Can You Identify the IP Class of a Given IP Address?
Check the first octet:
● Class A: 1–126
● Class B: 128–191
● Class C: 192–223
● Class D: 224–239 (Multicast)
● Class E: 240–255 (Experimental)
17. What are Some Examples of Private Network Addresses?
● Class A: [Link] – [Link]
● Class B: [Link] – [Link]
● Class C: [Link] – [Link]
18. What are the Different Network Protocols Supported by Windows RRAS Services?
Protocols include:
● TCP/IP
● PPTP
● L2TP
● PPP
● IPX (legacy)
● NAT
● VPN tunneling protocols
19. What are Unicasting, Anycasting, Multicasting, and Broadcasting?
● Unicasting: One sender to one receiver.
● Broadcasting: One sender to all devices on a network.
● Multicasting: One sender to multiple specific receivers.
● Anycasting: One sender to the nearest receiver in a group.
20. What is the Purpose of Cables Being Shielded and Having Twisted Pairs?
Shielding and twisting reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk,
improving signal quality and transmission.
21. What is the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6?
● IPv4: 32-bit address (e.g., [Link]), supports ~4.3 billion addresses.
● IPv6: 128-bit address (e.g., [Link]), supports a virtually unlimited number of
addresses.
22. What is the Purpose of NAT in IP Addressing?
NAT (Network Address Translation) allows multiple devices in a private network to share
a single public IP address for internet access.
Shall I go ahead with the Security section next?
You said:
yes
ChatGPT said:
Great! Let’s now move forward with the Security section:
✅ Security
1. What are Different Ways of Securing a Computer Network?
● Firewalls
● Encryption
● Strong passwords
● Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
● Antivirus/anti-malware
● Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
● Network segmentation
● Regular software updates and patches
2. What is the Importance of Implementing a Fault Tolerance System? Are There
Limitations?
Importance: Ensures system continues to function during hardware/software failure.
Limitations: Increases cost, complexity, and maintenance overhead.
3. What is the Importance of Encryption on a Network?
Encryption ensures data privacy by converting readable data into unreadable format,
protecting it from unauthorized access during transmission.
4. What are Firewalls?
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing
traffic based on predefined security rules.
5. What is DoS (Denial of Service)?
A DoS attack aims to make a network or service unavailable by overwhelming it with
excessive traffic or requests.
6. What are Proxy Servers and How Do They Protect Computer Networks?
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between users and the internet, filtering requests,
hiding IP addresses, and enforcing content restrictions for security and privacy.
7. What is the Importance of Authentication?
Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting access to
resources, ensuring only authorized access.
8. One Way of Securing a Network is Through the Use of Passwords. What Can Be
Considered as Good Passwords?
● At least 12 characters
● Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
● No dictionary words or personal info
● Use of passphrases (e.g., “Red$FoxJump#2025”)
● Changed regularly
9. What are the Different Factors That Affect the Security of a Network?
● Weak passwords
● Outdated software
● Open ports
● Lack of encryption
● User negligence/social engineering
● Poor network configuration
10. What is the Role of IEEE in Computer Networking?
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) sets networking standards like
IEEE 802.3 for Ethernet and 802.11 for Wi-Fi to ensure interoperability and innovation.
11. What is a DDoS Attack?
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) is an attack where multiple systems flood a target
(like a server or network) to make it unavailable to users.
12. Explain the Differences Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption.
● Symmetric Encryption: Uses a single key for encryption and decryption (e.g.,
AES).
● Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a pair of keys – public for encryption and private for
decryption (e.g., RSA).
Shall we continue with the Devices & Hardware section next?
You said:
yes
ChatGPT said:
Awesome! Let’s move on to the Devices & Hardware section:
✅ Devices & Hardware
1. What is NIC?
NIC (Network Interface Card) is a hardware component that allows a computer or device
to connect to a network, either via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
2. What is the Maximum Length Allowed for a UTP Cable?
For Ethernet (Cat5e/Cat6), the maximum length of UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable is
100 meters (about 328 feet).
3. What is the Standard Color Sequence of a Straight-Through Cable?
For T568B standard:
1. White-Orange
2. Orange
3. White-Green
4. Blue
5. White-Blue
6. Green
7. White-Brown
8. Brown
4. What is the Difference Between a Hub and a Switch?
● Hub: Broadcasts data to all ports; no intelligence.
● Switch: Forwards data only to the destination port using MAC address learning.
5. What is the Maximum Segment Length of a 100Base-FX Network?
100Base-FX (Fast Ethernet over fiber) supports up to 2 kilometers (2000 meters).
6. What is the Proper Termination Rate for UTP Cables?
UTP cables should be properly terminated using RJ-45 connectors and follow the
T568A or T568B wiring standards to prevent signal loss.
7. What Happens When You Use Cables Longer Than the Prescribed Length?
Signal degradation, increased latency, packet loss, and communication errors due to
electrical interference and attenuation.
8. What is the Number of Network IDs in a Class C Network?
A Class C network has 2²¹ = 2,097,152 possible network IDs (from [Link] to
[Link]).
9. What is Multiplexing in Networking?
Multiplexing is a technique that combines multiple signals over a single communication
channel to improve efficiency. Common types:
● TDM (Time Division Multiplexing)
● FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing)
10. What is the Network ID of a Class A, B, and C Network?
● Class A: First 8 bits (e.g., [Link])
● Class B: First 16 bits (e.g., [Link])
● Class C: First 24 bits (e.g., [Link])
11. What is a Router and How Does It Differ from a Switch?
● Router: Connects different networks, assigns IP addresses, uses IP for routing.
● Switch: Connects devices within the same network, uses MAC addresses for
packet forwarding.
12. What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a hardware or software system that monitors and filters incoming and
outgoing network traffic based on security rules to block unauthorized access.
Ready to continue with the Networking Configuration & Commands section?
You said:
continue
ChatGPT said:
Let’s continue with the Networking Configuration & Commands section:
✅ Networking Configuration & Commands
1. What is ipconfig?
ipconfig is a Windows command-line utility that displays and manages the IP address
configuration of a system. You can use it to view your IP, renew a DHCP lease, or flush
the DNS cache.
2. What is the Difference Between a Straight-Through and Crossover Cable?
● Straight-Through: Used to connect different devices (e.g., PC to switch/router).
● Crossover: Used to connect similar devices (e.g., PC to PC or switch to switch).
3. What is netstat?
netstat is a command-line tool that displays network connections, routing tables,
interface statistics, and port usage.
4. What is tracert?
tracert (in Windows) is used to trace the path data takes to reach a destination. It
shows all routers (hops) between source and destination.
5. How Can You Manage a Network Using a Router?
Routers can be managed using:
● Web interface (browser-based GUI)
● Command-line interfaces (CLI via SSH/telnet)
● Remote management tools (e.g., SNMP, cloud dashboards)
They allow you to configure IP settings, firewall rules, NAT, routing tables, DHCP,
etc.
6. What is the Difference Between ipconfig and ifconfig?
● ipconfig: Used in Windows to view/manage network configuration.
● ifconfig: Used in Linux/macOS to configure and view network interfaces.
7. How Are IP Addresses Arranged and Displayed?
IP addresses are shown in dotted decimal format (e.g., [Link]) for IPv4. They consist
of network ID + host ID based on subnetting.
8. What is the Function of the OSI Session Layer?
The Session Layer manages, establishes, and terminates communication sessions
between applications. It handles session control and synchronization.
9. What is the Difference Between TCP and UDP?
● TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Reliable, connection-oriented, ensures
delivery (e.g., HTTP, FTP).
● UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Fast, connectionless, no guarantee of delivery
(e.g., DNS, video streaming).
10. What is the Difference Between a Client/Server Model and a Peer-to-Peer Model?
● Client/Server: Centralized model; clients request services, server provides (e.g.,
web servers).
● Peer-to-Peer (P2P): Decentralized; each node can act as both client and server
(e.g., file-sharing apps).
Next up is the Advanced Networking section. Want me to continue?
You said:
yes
ChatGPT said:
Excellent! Here's the Advanced Networking section:
✅ Advanced Networking
1. What is the RSA Algorithm?
RSA is an asymmetric encryption algorithm that uses a public key for encryption and a
private key for decryption. It’s widely used for secure data transmission.
2. What is the Difference Between CSMA/CD and CSMA/CA?
● CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection): Used in
wired networks (like Ethernet); detects collisions after they occur and resends
data.
● CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance): Used in
wireless networks; avoids collisions by using acknowledgments and time gaps
before sending.
3. What are Gateways?
Gateways are devices that connect different networks, especially networks that use
different protocols (e.g., LAN to Internet). They operate at all OSI layers.
4. What is the Difference Between a Gateway and Router?
● Router: Connects similar networks using the same protocols (e.g., IP to IP).
● Gateway: Connects dissimilar networks and translates protocols (e.g., IP to
Bluetooth or VoIP).
5. What is IP Addressing? What is an IPv4 Address?
IP addressing assigns a unique address to every device on a network.
● IPv4 address: 32-bit address written in dotted decimal format (e.g., [Link]).
6. What is the Criteria to Check Network Reliability?
● Uptime percentage
● Packet loss rate
● Latency (ping time)
● Redundancy mechanisms
● Failover support
● Fault tolerance
7. What is Subnetting and Why is it Important?
Subnetting divides a network into smaller subnetworks, improving efficiency, security,
and management. It helps conserve IP addresses and control broadcast domains.
8. How Does Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Aid in Network Administration?
DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses and configures network parameters, reducing
manual errors, simplifying management, and allowing devices to connect seamlessly.
9. What is the Difference Between IP Address and MAC Address?
● IP Address: Logical, changes with network, used for routing.
● MAC Address: Physical, fixed on NIC, used for local communication in LAN.
10. What is a Subnet Mask?
A subnet mask separates the network portion and host portion of an IP address.
Example: [Link] (for Class C network).
11. What is NAT (Network Address Translation)?
NAT allows multiple devices on a local network to access the internet using a single
public IP address by translating private IPs to a public one.
12. What is the Function of the OSI Session Layer?
(Already answered earlier, but to recap:)
It establishes, manages, and terminates communication sessions between applications.
13. What are Proxy Servers and How Do They Protect Computer Networks?
Proxy servers act as intermediaries between users and the internet. They hide user IPs,
filter traffic, restrict access, and can cache data for faster performance.
14. What is the Concept of a Subnet Mask and How is it Used in IP Addressing?
A subnet mask defines which part of the IP address represents the network and which
part the host. It enables subnetting, dividing networks efficiently.
15. What is BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)?
BGP is a routing protocol used to exchange routing information between different
autonomous systems on the internet. It’s crucial for maintaining large-scale routing
tables.
Want me to wrap it up with the Miscellaneous section next?
You said:
yes
ChatGPT said:
Awesome! Let’s complete the final section — Miscellaneous:
✅ Miscellaneous
1. What is the Purpose of the OSI Physical Layer?
The Physical Layer transmits raw bits over a physical medium (like cables or radio
waves). It defines hardware elements: cables, cards, voltages, and pinouts.
2. What is the Main Job of ARP?
(Repeated from before, but summarized again)
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) maps IP addresses to MAC addresses within a local
area network.
3. What is DNS Forwarder?
A DNS forwarder is a server configured to forward DNS queries to an external DNS
server (usually an ISP’s or public DNS server) if it can't resolve the query locally.
4. What is the Difference Between ipconfig and ifconfig?
● ipconfig: Windows command for viewing and managing IP config.
● ifconfig: Unix/Linux command for managing network interfaces.
5. What is a Congested Switch?
A congested switch is a switch experiencing traffic overload, resulting in packet delays,
drops, or network slowdown due to lack of processing capacity.
6. What is the Importance of VLANs in Networking?
VLANs (Virtual LANs) allow network segmentation within a switch, improving security,
performance, and traffic management by logically separating networks without physical
changes.
7. What is the Role of IEEE in Computer Networking?
(Also repeated earlier)
IEEE defines networking standards, including:
● 802.3 – Ethernet
● 802.11 – Wi-Fi
It ensures interoperability across devices and vendors.
8. What are the Different Factors That Affect the Performance of a Network?
● Bandwidth availability
● Latency and jitter
● Packet loss
● Hardware quality (NICs, routers, cables)
● Network congestion
● Signal interference (especially wireless)
● Protocol overhead
