How to Answer: What are private and special IP addresses, and how are these used?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Computer Network Architect job interview.
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