30 Computer Network Architect Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Computer Network Architect interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. Tell us about a specific time when you had to handle a challenging problem that challenged fairness or ethical issues.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
We live in a litigious society in which organizations may be liable when employees act in an unethical manner. Interviewers will ask you about your approach to fairness and ethics to ensure that you will act appropriately when faced with a delicate situation.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
This type of question is known as a behavioral question. The interviewer will ask about a situation that occurred in one of your previous roles to understand how you would react if something similar were to happen after you are hired. The best way to respond to a situational question is using the STAR framework. You state the Situation, describe the Task you were required to complete, discuss the Actions you took, and talk about the Results you obtained.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my most recent job, I was faced with an ethical dilemma which I had to resolve. I was collaborating with one of my fellow network architects to develop a network topology for a new team the company was onboarding. My colleague produced a document of the topology they used with a previous employer and recommended we copy it. Since the document was labeled confidential and proprietary, I was reluctant to use it. I recommend to my colleague that we use the document as a reference and create our own topology. They agreed, and we designed a network that was both efficient and effective without violating any confidentiality or ethical issues."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Behavioral
2. Tell me about the last time you undertook a project that demanded a lot of initiative.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employers prefer to hire individuals who are willing to take the initiative. Doing this requires a balance between following organizational processes and procedures and knowing when it is appropriate to take action that either lies outside of these or has not been approved by your supervisor. Interviewers expect you to provide an example that shows you're able to exercise sound judgment and take the initiative to move a project forward.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When answering this question, choose an example that aligns with the organization's business practices and demonstrates your willingness to take the initiative. Make sure your answer shows that while you are willing to take the initiative, you also don't knowingly put the company at risk.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"After years of having done this job, I'm comfortable taking the initiative when it is appropriate. I determine if my actions will help move a project forward and comply with any company guidelines I'm expected to follow. An example of this is when the network development team was having an issue with one of the designs we created. Rather than waiting to be consulted, I contacted the team leader to discuss the issue. We collaborated to develop a solution which resolved it, and the team was able to move forward more quickly than if we had waited for a formal review process."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Behavioral
3. Give me an example of when you took a risk to achieve a goal. What was the outcome?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a tricky question. Most organizations prefer that their employees follow the appropriate processes and procedures when doing their jobs. However, some organizations will accept reasonable risks to achieve an objective.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
You should demonstrate why you felt it was appropriate to take the risk and what your actions achieved when answering this question. You may also want to discuss what would have happened if you had not taken action or if the risk you took negatively impacted the company.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"Whenever I decide to step outside of the company guidelines and take a risk, I always balance what would occur if something went wrong against what would happen if I did not take any action. An example of this was when one of our networks was experiencing high latency issues. I knew that a recently developed router would help address this. However, it was not on the company's approved hardware list yet. Nevertheless, I purchased the router from the supplier, installed and configured it. The latency issue was resolved, and we added the router to the approved list of equipment we could use. The risk for this issue was minimal, just the cost of the router and the time spent configuring it. However, the upside was resolving the latency issue and improving the performance of the network quicker than if we had waited for formal approval of the router."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
General
4. What do you anticipate will be some of the future technology developments in the field of computer networking?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While no one can see into the future, as a computer network architect, you should be up to date on both current technologies and what vendors are working on for future releases. These are the reasons that the interviewer will ask you this question.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Your answer should demonstrate that you are aware of the most recent developments in computer networking and have relationships with the key vendors in the industry, which provide you with a preview of future technologies they are developing. Keep your answer brief and to the point, and anticipate a follow-up question since this is essential for most organizations.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"Our industry moves at a rapid pace, and there are new developments in products and technologies almost every day. I work hard to stay current on these recent developments and anticipate what technologies vendors are developing for future releases. Maintaining strong relationships with the vendors helps me to achieve this. Some of the things I see coming down the road include higher speed, more reliable and easier to use wireless technology, the use of microwaves, satellites, and other nontraditional means for transmitting data across large areas and incorporating artificial intelligence into network devices such as routers and switches to intelligently reroute traffic to minimize bottlenecks and decrease latency."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
General
5. How would you rate your presentation skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Virtually every member of an IT organization is called upon at some point during a job to make a presentation. These instances may include presenting an issue or solution to their networking team, management, or individuals from other parts of the organization. The interviewer will use your answers to their questions to better understand your communication skills.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Having good presentation skills and demonstrating this will show the interviewer that you are comfortable speaking to groups and can communicate critical information in an organized and understandable manner. This is why is it is advisable to practice answering questions like these out loud before attending the interview.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"I would rate my interview skills as better than average. I'm often called upon to present to my teammates, supervisors, and other organization members about networking issues and how to resolve them. I am often selected by management to make presentations for our team. This is because I take time to organize the presentation, emphasizing the most important information, presenting it in a manner that is easy to follow, using non-technical, easy-to-understand language. This ensures that the information is communicated effectively. I'm very comfortable standing in front of a group and using tools such as PowerPoint to get a message across."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Operational
6. How do you typically go about estimating network traffic?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Managing and optimizing network traffic is a vital function of a computer network architect. Designing networks that will handle both normal traffic loads and traffic peaks requires an in-depth understanding of how to estimate the organization's current bandwidth needs. Interviewers will ask you about this to confirm that you can architect networks that will meet their organization's needs and are economical to build and operate.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Since this is an operational question, your answer should describe the techniques and practices you use to estimate network traffic. You may want to speak about the specific tools and devices you use to accomplish this. You may even want to provide an example to illustrate your answer.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"Estimating an organization's network traffic is as much an art as it is science. It requires understanding the organization's operations and events or issues which will cause increases or decreases in network traffic. For example, if the organization conducts e-commerce, there may be seasonal spikes in its network traffic requirements. I try to design networks that are optimized for average network traffic but will also accommodate the occasional peaks or spikes. This requires measuring the organization's daily traffic and collaborating with the other business units to understand their projected growth and any events which will spike network traffic."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Operational
7. Have you ever worked with a construction team while designing a network? How do you manage this?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Computer network architects often work on newly constructed data centers and company facilities projects. This can work to their advantage if they're engaged in the initial design considerations for the facility so that the network technology can be optimized during the project's construction phase. Interviewers will ask you how you interact with construction teams to determine if you have experience in this area and what methodologies you use to effectively collaborate with the facility's design and build-out.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When responding to this question, you should describe your experience working with construction teams on specific projects. Make sure these are related to the networking infrastructure and describe how you help the contractors design facilities that incorporate the requirements for the network topology.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"The majority of projects I work on involve retrofitting, improving, or redesigning existing network architectures. However, I have had several occasions to be involved with building a new facility. This provided me the unique opportunity of helping both the architects and the construction teams to optimize the design and buildout of the facility for the networking requirements. The input I provide includes how to best route conduits for network cables, eliminate dead zones and blind spots for wireless technology, and incorporate network connections in specific areas of the facility where they are needed. This is especially important when the facility is a data center and contains a great deal of networking technology."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Operational
8. How do you decide on which hardware to use?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Selecting the appropriate hardware for a computer network topology is critical for the computer network architect's job. Interviewers are likely to ask you several questions about how you do this.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
What they're looking for in your answer is a description of how you maintain your knowledge of current technology, specify several alternatives for each piece of hardware, and select the one that's most appropriate for the design you architected. Since this is an operational question about how you do your job, you should keep your answer brief and to the point and anticipate follow-up questions from the interviewer.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"Deciding on what hardware to use in a computer network topology begins with staying current on the technology available. I make sure to take time to understand the different pieces of hardware developed by our vendors and which will fit into our network designs. Once I've created the basic network layout, I then select pieces of hardware which will ensure the network performs effectively and efficiently and meet the budget requirements for the project. I collaborate with other network architects and project stakeholders to discuss the merits of each option and make the final determination of what equipment we will use. I also rely heavily on the vendor's recommendations and input from their technical staff."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Operational
9. Are you comfortable presenting a network plan to management? Tell me about how you create a successful presentation.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This can either be a standalone question or a follow-up to another question you were asked earlier in the interview. Interviewers will ask follow-up questions to clarify an answer or collect more information about the topic. They sometimes use follow-up questions to correlate your responses to ensure consistency throughout the interview.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Since this question asks about a specific situation, you can use the STAR format to structure your answer. You start by stating the Situation, then describe the Task you were trying to accomplish and the Actions you took. You finish the answer by talking about the results you achieved, which may include lessons learned or things you would do differently. Since presenting a network plan to management and other project stakeholders is a normal part of this job, you should have no trouble answering this question.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am often asked to present computer network architecture plans to both our management team and other project stakeholders. While I struggled with this early in my career, I am now very comfortable presenting the network plans we have developed. I've learned to take time to organize my presentation using tools such as PowerPoint, emphasizing the most important information during a presentation. I try not to get too detailed and use non-technical, easy-to-understand language. I also anticipate and prepare for questions from the audience. I keep my presentations brief and to the point and encourage a dialogue with the audience, which I have found to be the most productive part of the presentation."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Operational
10. When you come across a networking problem where you are unsure of the correct approach, what steps do you take to figure out a solution?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Problem-solving is a crucial skill that interviewers look for when interviewing candidates. During an interview, you'll be asked several questions about how you solve problems.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
The interviewer expects you to walk them through the methodology you use, some of the criteria used to evaluate the solutions, external and internal resources you go to to find an answer, and how you collaborate with other project stakeholders both within and outside the organization. Keep your answer brief and to the point. The interviewer will ask you a follow-up question if they need additional information.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"Whenever I'm faced with a complex networking issue, the first thing I do is try to determine the root cause of the issue based on the symptoms I have observed. I then seek out several solutions using my experience, skills, and knowledge. I also depend on resources such as online forums, FAQ pages, and vendor databases. Additionally, I collaborate with other project stakeholders, leveraging their knowledge and experience as well as their perspective of the issue and its impact on the performance of the network. Using some or all of these techniques usually results in the problem being resolved quickly and effectively."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Operational
11. When you have a lot of work to do, how do you get it all done? Give an example?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is an example of an operational question. Interviewers ask operational questions to determine how you perform the tasks required for this job. You should be able to easily walk the interviewer through the processes, procedures, and techniques you use to do this job based on your previous experience.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
As a computer network architect, you need to budget your time carefully because the job requirements often are greater than the time allotted to complete them. The interviewer is looking for a response that indicates you know how to prioritize the most critical tasks and possibly delegate tasks that can be done by somebody with lesser skills.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"It seems like there are always more tasks to complete than time to do them. I'm able to keep up with my assignments by prioritizing the most important tasks and working on them first. The system I use determines if a task is important and urgent. I focus on the most important and urgent tasks first. Then I turn my attention to items that are still important but less urgent. Once these are complete, I work on urgent tasks which are not that critical. When possible, I delegate tasks to people who either have more time or better skills to complete them."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Operational
12. How would you define success for a computer network architect?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers will ask you about your definition of success to determine how you set goals and measure your progress against them. Competent computer network architects will always have stretch goals that exceed the organization's expectations.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When discussing your goals, make sure they are SMART, meaning that they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Providing an answer that describes you as challenging yourself and being passionate about achieving your goals will impress the interviewer and make it more likely they will offer you the job.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"Every organization I have ever worked for has standards and goals for the computer network architecture team, I go above these and set my own goals. The rationale behind this is that if I achieve my goals, I've exceeded the organization's goals. Even when I fall short, I am still likely to achieve the expected goals. Specific metrics I used to measure success include network uptime, adhering to the company's IT budget, and completing my projects on time. I'm also interested in the level of technology I'm using and if it is keeping up with industry standards."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
13. What is the latest wireless router technology?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
An interviewer will ask you this question to determine how well you maintain your current knowledge of technology associated with a computer network architect's role. The IT industry moves rapidly with changes and new developments occurring daily. Staying up to date on these is a critical requirement for a computer network architect. The interviewer will use this question to confirm that you are aware of recent developments in the field.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Every computer network architect needs to have a strategy to maintain their knowledge and competency in this rapidly changing environment. You should be able to describe the resources you use to accomplish this and how you incorporate continuous learning into your daily schedule.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"The latest technology for routers is called Wi-Fi 6. This faster standard makes the many devices in homes and businesses perform better with fewer errors or outages. While Wi-Fi 6 routers are currently available, Wi-Fi 6-enabled devices are not widely available. These routers use the most recent Wi-Fi standard, 802.11ac, with a maximum transfer speed of 1.3Gbps. 802.11ac supports devices with multi-antenna and MIMO (Multi Input Multi Output) support."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
14. Please define and discuss SMTP protocol.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Computer network architects spend a great deal of time dealing with networking protocols. After several years of working in the industry, these should become second nature, and you should be able to discuss them in great detail. Interviewers expect this and will likely ask you about all the major protocols used across networks and the internet. Since most of these are well known, answering them should be relatively easy. However, it is advised that you research the organization to see if they employ any lesser-known or specific protocols.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Your answer to a question about a protocol should begin with the definition of the protocol, followed by a brief description of its use. Providing examples of how you used this in your previous roles will verify your qualifications and make it more likely you will be offered the job. It is best to use examples that align with the business operations and technologies of the organization with whom you are interviewing.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"SMTP stands for simple mail transfer protocol. It defines the standards used when sending and receiving emails across the internet. Email application developers adhere to this protocol to ensure that their programs can exchange email with similar applications using various platforms and operating systems. Functions such as end-to-end and in store-and-forward are supported within SMTP."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
15. Can you discuss HTTP and HTTPS protocols and describe how they differ from each other?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
One of the computer network industry characteristics is its reliance on many different standards and protocols. This is important because it enables users to exchange data and utilize resources across environments with disparate technologies. Vendors create products and applications which conform to the standards and protocols to ensure that their products can easily be integrated into the networks. As a computer network architect, you should be familiar with the standards and protocols and be able to discuss them during an interview.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When answering a question about a specific standard protocol, you should first define it and then discuss its use. It will help if you have researched the organization to understand which standards and protocols they use. This information should be available in the job posting, the company's website, and through discussions you can have with previous and current network architects employed by the organization.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"HTTP, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, defines the standards on how the information is transmitted across the internet. It ensures that web browsers and web servers can communicate effectively and understand the commands issued by the hardware and software used by networks. This is a 'stateless protocol,' so each command acts independently. HTTP resides in the application layer of the TCP/IP model.
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, also known as Secure HTTP. As designated in the name, this is a secured version of HTTP. HTTPS uses SSL/TLS protocol on top of HTTP to provide additional security by encrypting communications and identifying secure network servers."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
16. What are the key differences between the OSI and the TCP/IP reference models?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is another version of questions about the reference models used by Computer Network architects. Interviewers can ask you about specific topics in several different ways. It is up to you to recognize what they are asking about so that your answer addresses their question.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
One of the critical practices for any interview is to carefully listen to the interviewer's questions before formulating your answer. This will ensure that you answer their question accurately and provide them with the information they seek. A good technique is to wait at least 2 seconds after the interviewer has stopped speaking before you begin to answer the question. This will help you be an attentive listener and make sure that your answer is appropriate.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"There are several fundamental differences between the OSI and TCP/IP reference models. The first is a seven-layer architecture, while the second only has four layers. OSI is well defined with fixed boundaries between the layers. The TCP/IP model is more flexible, with no strict boundaries between each layer. TCP/IP was developed to create more reliability and improve the low reliability of the OSI model. Finally, the OSI model is a vertical layer approach while the TCP/IP model is horizontal."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
17. What is the TCP/IP reference model? Can you describe its layers?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is similar to one you may be asked about the OSI reference model. Computer network architects follow reference models created by industry standards organizations to ensure that the topology they design conforms to standards and effectively transport the information they were designed for. Using reference models simplifies the computer network architect's job by enabling them to use widely accepted standards within the industry. This allows the architects to turn their attention to the appropriate technologies used by each layer to optimize the network.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
As with any question addressing a reference model or an item with several components, your answer should be in the form of a list. Each technology element should be listed and include a brief description of its function. Make sure to keep your answer brief and to the point and anticipate a follow-up question from the interviewer.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"The TCP/IP reference model is a compressed version of the OSI model. It only contains four layers and is based on the two protocols used to transmit data developed by the U.S. government during the 1980s. These are the Transmission Control Protocol or TCP and Internet Protocol, also known as IP. The four layers of the TPC/IP protocol are Applications, Transport, Internet, and Link. The application layer contains standards such as HTTP, SMTP, and DNS. The transport layer consists of TCP and UDP protocols. The internet layer includes IP and ICMP protocols. Link, which is the final layer, has protocols such as DSL, Ethernet, and the 802.11 wireless protocol."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
18. Briefly describe the 7 different layers of the OSI reference model.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As anticipated, the interviewer is asking you a follow-up question to one they asked you previously in the interview. By asking a follow-up question, the interviewer indicates that this topic is important to their operations. They want to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills needed to manage this if offered the job.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When responding to this question, summarize your answer, providing a brief description of each layer and grouping them to illustrate their common features and the contribution each layer makes to the transmission of data across networks. Try to avoid complex language or acronyms the interviewer may not be familiar with. Anticipate and be ready to respond to a follow-up question.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"The first of the seven layers of the OSI reference model, from the user's perspective, are application, presentation, and session, which are the software layers. The next layer is transport, which is the fundamental layer of the OSI model. The final layers, known as the hardware, are network, data link, and physical. These are the layers a computer network architect focuses on. Each layer has a specific function and moves a specific type of data using technologies related to the layer."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
19. What is the OSI reference model?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is an example of a fundamental networking question that every Computer Network architect should be familiar with and able to answer. Not knowing this information could result in the interview being terminated immediately. This is why it's a good idea to review all the common networking terms, technologies, processes, and procedures before the interview. If there's something you're not familiar with or are uncomfortable talking about, you should spend additional time preparing to answer the question. Practicing questions like these and answering them aloud will help you prepare for the interview and be comfortable when asked.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Since this question only asks you to define the OSI model, limit your answer to the definition. You can expand on it a little by talking about the number of layers in the model and its use. Because this topic is extremely important to network architects, you can anticipate being asked one or more follow-up questions.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"The Open System Interconnections or OSI model is a network architecture model based on International Standards Organization standards. It addresses connecting systems that are open for interaction with other systems. The OSI model has seven layers. The model enabled the creation of a new layer if a different abstraction was needed and each layer having a defined function based on internationally standardized protocols."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
20. What are private and special IP addresses, and how are these used?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
By asking the question in this manner, the interviewer assumes that you understand the definition of private and special IP addresses. They expect you to acknowledge this and provide an answer with the details requested by the question. If you are unfamiliar with this terminology, the best strategy is to admit this and then describe how you would locate the information. Even the best computer network architects may not be familiar with every term used in this profession, so acknowledging this is appropriate. The exception to this rule is if the interviewer asks you a fundamental question to which you should know the answer.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
The best way to answer this question is to define private and special IP addresses. This will ensure that you and the interviewer have the same understanding of these terms. Next, provide the answer to the question. You might want to finish by asking the interviewer if this was the information they're looking for.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"Private and special IP addresses are reserved within each IPv4 class for private use. This enables the users to create a network that transmits data specific to their application and is not accessible to other users. This enables them to either conduct research or communicate private information while being confident that nobody else can access the network."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
21. What is an IPv4 address, and can you describe some of the different classes of IPv4?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
You probably already recognize this as a technical question since it asks you to define a specific technology and discuss the different types. Interviewers will continue to ask you technical questions throughout the interview. These will range from elementary, basic questions to more complex ones. The interviewer can ask these in any order at any time during the interview. Typically, they progress from easy questions to more difficult ones. This progression indicates that the interviewer is gaining confidence in your capabilities and is willing to challenge your qualifications.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Continue to answer the technical questions using simple, easy-to-understand language while keeping your answers brief and to the point. This applies to both simple and more complex technical questions. Additionally, you should always be prepared for follow-up questions which the interviewer will use to explore the topic in more detail.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"An IP address is a 32-bit address of each node in the network. An IPv4 address has 4 octets of 8-bit each, with values ranging from 0 to 255. IPv4 classes are defined by the number of hosts they support. There are five types of IPv4 classes based on the first octet of the IP address, classified as Class A, B, C, D, and E.
Class A starts with 0, extends to 127, and is typically used for large networks. B, which begins with 128 and includes octets up to 191is used for medium-sized networks. C, ranging from 192 to 223, covers LANs. D, which is used for multicasting, ranges from 224 to 239. Finally, E, which covers octets 240 to 255, is reserved for researching network technologies."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
22. Can you describe some of the different types of network topologies?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
You may already recognize this as a follow-up to a question which the interviewer asked earlier in the interview. When the interviewer asks a follow-up question, they seek to either clarify your answer, explore the topic in more detail, or ensure your answers are consistent throughout the interview. Keeping your answers brief and to the point will encourage follow-up questions and allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of the topic in more detail.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When asked about different types of specific technologies, you should organize your answer as a list. Name each technology, briefly describe it, and if relevant, provide an example. Following this format will make it easy for the interviewer to understand your answer.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"There are several different types of network topologies. These include:
Bus Topology - This connects a small number of devices using the central link known as the bus. This topology is the most vulnerable because the whole network will fail if the main cable gets damaged.
Star Topology - This topology connects all the nodes to a single central node. It is more robust because a connection can fail without impacting the entire network. However, if the central node fails, the complete network is damaged.
The Ring Topology - Each node is connected to exactly two nodes forming a ring in this configuration. The vulnerability of this topology is that if one of the nodes is damaged, the whole network will be impacted. This is why this topology is rarely used.
Mesh Topology - This connects each node to one or many nodes. It is the most stable topology in that a failure of one link only impacts that node. However, the installation and management of this configuration are complicated.
Tree Topology - This is a combination of the star and bus topologies, in which the star networks are connected to a single bus. The problem with this topology is that the whole network is impacted and could go down if the main bus fails.
Hybrid - This topology is a combination of different topologies to form a new layout, combining their individual strengths."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
23. What is the definition of network topology?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When asking you to define a term relevant to this role, the interviewer is trying to determine your knowledge of the job. They also want to ensure that you describe this the same way their organization does. Researching the organization, which may include having conversations with their current computer network architects, is the best way to ensure that your answers to the interviewer's questions align with the business practices of their networking team.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When responding to a technical question requiring you to define a term, you start by first defining the term, then describe how it is used. You may want to provide an example or two that illustrate your answer. Doing all three of these will convince the interviewer that you're qualified for this position and have the background needed to do the job.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"Network topology is defined as the physical layout of the computer network. It consists of all the nodes on the network, the connections provided by wiring or wireless technology, and the devices used to route traffic, such as routers and switches. If the network is a WAN or extends outside of the organization's physical locations, the topology may also include the internet, clouds, or other third-party communication systems."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
24. What are the functions of nodes and links in a computer network?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As the interview progresses, the interviewer will continue to ask you technical questions about terminology, processes, and procedures used for this job. They use these questions in your responses to determine your qualifications, experience, and skills related to the position. It is recommended that you review common terminology processes and procedures before the interview so they are top of mind, and you can easily respond to these questions.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When responding to a technical question, the format you should use is to first define the term, process, or procedure the interviewer is asking you about. You then answer their question, which in this case is about the functions of these elements of a network. Keep your answer brief and to the point and anticipate a follow-up question from the interviewer.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"Any device used to communicate information across the network is defined as a node. The connections between the nodes, consisting of some type of cable or wireless technology and switches and routing devices used to direct the traffic, are known as links. The nodes allow users to connect, share information and provide access to network devices. The links carry the information across the network, directing it to the correct node in expediting it through intelligent switching and routing. Taken together, nodes and links are the backbone of any Computer Network."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
25. Can you describe the different types of VPNs?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Knowing in-depth information about VPNs is crucial for computer network architects. While most of your work focuses on an organization's internal networks, you need to be skilled at safely and securely interacting with other networks and the internet. The use of VPNs is essential to achieving this. During an interview for a computer network architect's role, you can expect many questions about VPNs and other technologies used to secure the network and an organization's information and resources. These are critical issues organizations must deal with daily.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Your answer to questions about the different types of VPNs should begin by naming each VPM, describing its features, and discussing its benefits. Use this same format for each type of VPM. This will enable the interviewer to easily follow your answer and understand the information you provide.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"Some of the different types of VPNs include:
Access VPN is used to provide connectivity to the organization's network to remote or mobile users. It is a low-cost solution and offers a wide range of safe and secure connectivity over the internet, eliminating the need to build out a proprietary wide area network.
A site-to-site VPN is used by large companies with offices in different locations. This connects the local area network of one office to others in different places. There are two sub-categories of these: internet and extranet VPNs
An intranet VPN connects remote offices in different locations using shared infrastructure with the same accessibility policies as a private wide area network.
An extranet VPN uses shared infrastructure over an intranet, and connects suppliers, customers, partners, and other entities. The extranet VPN connects these groups of users using dedicated connections to ensure the connections are private and secure."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
26. What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network), and why would you recommend implementing one?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer will ask you about specific technologies used to architect and manage a computer network throughout the interview. They expect you to be familiar with a wide range of technologies used in this area. They may also ask you about topics related to networking, such as computer hardware, applications, and security. It is recommended that you review all of these topics before an interview so they will be top of mind.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When responding to questions about technologies, limit your answer to the specific information the interviewer has asked you about. Adding additional information may open up opportunities for the interviewer to further test your knowledge in this area or explore related topics that you may not be familiar with.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"A VPN or virtual private network is a wide area network which resides on the internet. It enables users to create connections to the internet using different waypoints rather than a direct connection from their computer or node. The purpose of a VPN is to mask the user's identity and location to prevent unauthorized access to their node or other security threats such as malware or malicious programs from being loaded onto the user's computer. VPNs may consist of a single waypoint or multiple ones. Advantages of using a VPN include the ability to create wide area networks using the internet, securing an individual's data, enabling secure data to be safely exchanged over the internet, and hiding users' identities."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
27. Please provide me with more details about a local area network or LAN.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
After you provide an answer to an interviewer's questions, they may continue to ask you about the same or related topics. By keeping your answers brief and to the point, you encourage them to do this. Interviewers are most likely to ask you questions about items their organization is struggling with or are challenged by.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Suppose the interviewer continues to ask you about the same topic. In that case, this indicates that it is vital to their organization, and you should expand your answers to detail your experience with this topic. If your knowledge about this subject is limited, admit this, and then indicate how you would locate the information needed to answer the question.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"LANs are most typically used within a single organization to connect individual users or nodes so they can share information and resources. When a LAN spans the entire organization, it is known as an enterprise network. Some organizations create individual LANs for each department or functional area. This helps them better manage the information flow and restrict access to certain information or resources outside the specific department. LANs consist of individual computers, known as nodes, wired or wireless connections, and devices such as switches and routers used to manage the network traffic."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
28. Can you explain the features of the different types of networks?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This can be a standalone question or a follow-up question you were asked earlier in the interview. Interviewers use follow-up questions to clarify an answer or explore a topic in more detail. When the interviewer asks a follow-up question, it indicates that they have a special interest in this topic.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When responding to a follow-up question, continue to keep your answer brief and to the point. Only include information the interviewer has asked you about. After you answer, they will either move on to a new topic or continue exploring this one.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"Each different type of network has its unique features and benefits. Personal networks are simple, easy to maintain, and help users connect the resources they need. Local area networks allow many users to share common resources, data, and information. These enhance communication and productivity within the organization. Wide area networks expand the functionality of local area networks to greater numbers of people across larger geographies. The internet provides users access to information and resources which would be impossible for any single organization to manage."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
29. What are the different classifications for computer networks, and what criteria are used to determine these?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
During an interview for a Computer Network architecture role, you will be asked many technical questions. Interviewers use technical questions to determine your expertise in this area, knowledge of typical subjects, and experience. Your answers to these questions will determine your qualifications for this job.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
When responding to technical questions, you should keep your answers brief and to the point. You can start by defining the term and then describe how it is used. You may also want to provide an example to illustrate your answer.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical Example
"Networks are typically classified by the size of the network, the number of users it accommodates, and the area over which it is distributed. The main types of computer networks include:
Personal networks, which are typically less than 10 meters, have a single user and connect several devices.
Local area networks, which are between 10 and 100 meters, have multiple users and connect each user's computers and other devices to exchange information and share resources.
Wide area networks consist of many different local area networks spanning areas as large as entire countries and provide access to data, other users, and computing resources across the network.
The internet is a global network of computers, websites, and other resources shared by users who have the appropriate permission to access the data and resources."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Technical
30. Which do you prefer, wireless or hard-wired network connections?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is similar to asking you which of your children is your favorite. While both of these technologies have their merits, each needs to be used appropriately to be effective in a computer network architecture. The interviewer knows this and expects you to provide an answer which describes the benefits of each type of network connection and give examples of when they are appropriate in the design.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Because this is a technical question, you should keep your answer brief and to the point. The interviewer will ask you additional questions if they need more information or to explore the topic in more detail.
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"I really have no preference between wireless and hard-wired network connections. Both are viable technologies when used appropriately and can result in a network topology that performs effectively and efficiently. Often, I architect networks that contain both of these technologies. I use hardwire cabling when the location of the computer equipment is known, and the transmissions between the servers, routers, and other pieces of equipment need to be secure and reliable. Wireless technology provides the option to communicate with many devices simultaneously and accommodates users who bring their own devices or move around the facility frequently."
Written by William Swansen on December 14th, 2021