MockQuestions

Network Engineer Mock Interview

30 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Network Engineer interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

30 Network Engineer Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   Can you discuss some of the terminologies commonly used in networking?

How to Answer

As a networking engineer, you should be intimately familiar with the various components of a computer network. This is a qualifying question the interviewer will use to determine your level of knowledge of this technology. It also provides them with an example of your communication style. The best way to respond to this type of question is using simple language that is not too laden with jargon. Assume you're speaking to someone who does not have a technical background.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"Some of the key terms you need to know when discussing networking include:

Network - A system of computers and related technology connected together to communicate and share information.
Protocol - The instructions or guidelines used to establish communication between devices on a network.
Link - The physical connection between the devices in a network.
Node - Each independent device on the network.
Gateway - A device used to control the traffic between two independent networks.
Router - A device that acts as a switch and processes network traffic using routing protocols.
Unicasting - Sending information from one device to another specific device.
Multicasting - Sending information from one device to multiple devices on the network.
Broadcasting - Sending information to all devices on the network."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

2.   What is a protocol you would use to send data from one network to another one?

How to Answer

This is a different format of a technical question. Rather than provide you with a term and ask you to define it and describe its use, the interviewer asks you about the protocol you would use to perform a specific function on the network. There is no standard format for technical questions the interviewer will ask you. By asking you how you would perform a specific function, they are confirming that you have experience in this area and have done this in one of your past positions.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"When transmitting data between networks, I typically use routing information protocol, or RIP. This is the most efficient way to manage routing data. The protocol broadcasts its routing table to all the other routers on the network. The appropriate router then identifies itself, and the information is transmitted to it. It may take several hops between different routers for the information to reach its ultimate destination."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

3.   What is a private IP address, and when would you use this?

How to Answer

As a network engineer interview progresses, the questions will become more complex and in-depth. This indicates that the interviewer is gaining confidence in your capabilities and is willing to explore your background in more detail. Regardless of the complexity of the technical or operational questions you are asked, continue to keep your answers succinct. The interviewer will ask follow-up questions if they need more information or if the topic is critical to the organization's operations.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"Private IP addresses are used to identify user nodes on internal networks, also known as intranets. These maintain the anonymity of the users to anyone outside of the organization. When users need to transmit data across the Internet, their addresses are translated into public IP addresses using NAT protocols. I use private IP addresses to keep internal user addresses secure. I also sometimes use them when I need to duplicate IP addresses on separate networks which do not see each other except when connected over the Internet."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

4.   What is a UTP cable, and what is the maximum length allowed for one of these?

How to Answer

During a network engineer interview, most of the questions will be technical or operational. These can range from very simple and basic questions to very complex ones. Since there is no standard manual for interviewing network engineers, you will be asked different types of technical questions throughout the interview. Make sure to keep your answers consistent and simple. The interviewer will ask you a follow-up question if they need additional information or want to explore the topic in more detail.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"Unshielded twisted pair cable, also known as a UTP, is the most basic cable used in a network topology. It consists of pairs of wires inside of an outer jacket usually made of plastic. A single segment of the UTP cable can be as long as 100 meters. Network engineers overcome this limitation by using network switching devices such as repeaters, switches, and hubs."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

5.   Can you describe Network Address Translation or NAT and the function it provides?

How to Answer

The field of networking involves a great number of different protocols used to transmit data between computer nodes. Each protocol has a specific purpose. Used properly, the protocols ensure that the data arrives at the intended destination as quickly as possible, and intact, and without being corrupted or intercepted. You should review common network protocols before an interview. Preparing for questions like these cuts down on the amount of curve balls you may otherwise be unprepared to answer.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"Network Address Translation, or NAT, is a protocol that enables several computers on a single network to share one connection to the internet. NAT works to collect internet requests from individual nodes through a device such as a router and send them to the internet. NAT converts the private IP address from each node into a public IP address so that the internet will know where to respond with the user's information. NAT routes the information to the individual user through their private IP address."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

6.   What is a point-to-point link, and when would you use this?

How to Answer

An interviewer will ask you this type of question to determine your knowledge of Network Technology and how it is used. During an interview for a network engineer's job, you'll be asked a wide range of technical questions similar to this one. This helps the interviewer understand the depth of your knowledge in this field.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"A point-to-point link is a direct network connection between two nodes on the network. It is usually established using a single cable in a NIC card in each node or computer. I would use a point-to-point link for a small home network or establish a secure connection between two nodes within the larger network."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

7.   Can you describe what a subnet mask is and how it is used in your job as a network engineer?

How to Answer

This is an example of a technical question. Technical questions typically ask you about terms, technologies, processes, or procedures used in the networking industry. The interviewer may ask you to define the term or to ask about its role. They may also ask you to compare and contrast two similar terms. When responding to a technical question, keep your answer succinct and speak in common terms as much as you can. Do not assume that the interviewer has a technical background.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"A subnet mask is similar to an IP address. However, it is combined with the IP address to identify two characteristics of the node. These include the extended network address and the host address. The purpose of a subnet mask is to define the node's address so traffic can be routed to the node more efficiently. The subnet mask consists of 32 bits."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

8.   What are Ipconfig and Ifconfig, and how do they differ from each other?

How to Answer

This is a common technical question that asks you to define some terms and then discuss how they differ. When answering technical questions, keep your answers to the point. Also, be prepared for a follow-up question which the interviewer will use to explore the topic in more detail.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"Ipconfig stands for Internet Protocol Configuration. It is a command used on Microsoft Windows to view and configure a network interface. Ipconfig displays all TCP/IP network summary information available on the network. It also helps to modify the DHCP protocol and DNS setting. Ifconfig stands for Interface Configuration. It is similar to Ipconfig but is used on Linux, Mac, and UNIX operating systems from the CLI or Command Line Interface. It allows you to see the IP addresses of all the network interfaces."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

9.   What is a VPN? Are there different types of VPNs?

How to Answer

This is a two-part question. During an interview, it is vitally important that you listen to the entire question before answering. Since the first part of this question is relatively easy, you may begin to answer it before the interviewer has finished asking it. Failing to answer the question because you missed part of the question could be the misstep that decides the interview. A good practice is to pause for two seconds after the interviewer has stopped speaking before you start to answer their question.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and establishes a network which can be accessed remotely, but only by authorized users. VPNs are more secure and less expensive when compared to wide-area or WAN networks. VPNs enable secure transactions and confidential data to be transferred between multiple locations and keep proprietary information secure against potential intrusions. There are three types of VPNs, including Access, Intranet, and Extranet, the differences being the way users connect to the company's network using VPN. Access provides connectivity to mobile users and telecommuters. Intranet connects remote offices using a shared infrastructure, similar to a private network. Finally, extranet enables suppliers, customers, and partners access to the company network using dedicated connections."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

10.   What is the function of data encapsulation in transmitting information across the network?

How to Answer

If you researched the organization thoroughly, you already know that they use all these three types of networks within the company. The more you know going into the interview, the better you will perform. This also allows you to answer questions relevant to their own processes, and your answer should demonstrate that you are a good fit because you understand the technical aspects as they relate to the organization.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"The terms Internet, Intranet, and Extranet are used to define how users access applications and other resources using a network. While they all use similar TCP/IP technology, the access to internal and external users differs in each type of network. On the internet, anyone using the web from any location has access to the resources. An intranet limits access to resources to authorized users, usually in the same organization. On an extranet, authorized external users are allowed access to use the network applications of the organization. Most organizations use each of these types of networks."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

11.   What is a NIC?

How to Answer

During an interview for a network engineering position, you will be asked about the various hardware and software components of a network. Some of these will be very basic questions, while others may be more complex and detailed. This is an example of a simple one. Interviewers can ask these questions at any time during the interview. The best way to be prepared for these types of questions is to review the components of a network just before the interview so that they are fresh in your mind.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"A NIC is a Network Interface Card. It is sometimes known as a network adapter or ethernet card. It is a device installed in a computer that enables the computer to be connected to a network. Each NIC has a unique media access control, or MAC address, which helps identify the computer on a network."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

12.   Is the IP address 127.0.0.1 a Class A IP?

How to Answer

This is an example of a follow-up question. Interviewers use follow-up questions to dig deeper into a topic or ensure that you're consistent in your answers throughout the interview. If the follow-up question immediately follows a question about the same topic, they are exploring the topic in more detail. If it comes later in the interview, they are testing if you are consistent with your answers. In either case, keep your answers to the point and honest. this will not only inspire confidence from the interviewer, but will demonstrate your competency.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"No, the IP address 127.0.0.1 is reserved for localhost connections. This IP address is used to troubleshoot the network and identify any hardware or connection issues. When trying to diagnose and resolve a network connectivity issue, the first step is to ping the server and check if it responds. You do this by typing 127.0.0.1 into your web browser. If there is no response from the server, then there may be several root causes for the problem. It may be that the network is down, or a cable has become disconnected, or the network card has a problem. If you can ping this server successfully it means that the hardware is in good shape and working properly."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

13.   What are the IP classes that make up an IP address?

How to Answer

A key skill every qualified network engineer should possess is to break down complex concepts into simple terms. An interviewer may ask you a question similar to this one to test your ability to do this. They may not be interested in your specific answer to this question but rather how you go about formulating it. As with most questions, keep your answers direct and be prepared for a follow-up question which the interviewer will use to explore the topic in more detail.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"An IP address has four sets or octets of numbers each with a value up to 255. These are known as IP classes. There are three types of IP classes. Each is based on the first octet of IP addresses and is classified as A, B or C. For example, If the first octet begins with 0 bit, then it is of type Class A. Class A has a range up to 127.x.x.x. If it starts with bits 10, it belongs to Class B and ranges from 128.x to 191.x. Finally, the IP class belongs to Class C if the octet starts with bits 110 and has a range from 192.x to 223.x."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

14.   Do you have experience working with Proxy Servers? If so, how do you use them to protect a computer network?

How to Answer

Even though you provided your resume to the interviewer, they may ask you questions about your experience. You should never assume that the interviewer has read your complete resume. Additionally, they may have read the resume but want to investigate your experience in more detail or explore your experience in areas not listed on the resume. Therefore, it is advisable to bring a copy of your resume, which you can reference to in the interview. You should also bring additional copies in case your interviewer has not seen it or did not bring it with them, or if there is a second interviewer. Don't become frustrated if they ask you questions that are already answered on the resume. Provide an answer to these questions as you would to any others.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"I have worked with proxy servers in my previous positions and consider them invaluable in protecting the data and users in a network. The function of a proxy server is to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the IP addresses of an internal network. It makes the computer network invisible to these users. They do this by masking the IP addresses users need to access the organization's internal websites and IP resources. Proxy servers also maintain a list of blacklisted websites, so an internal user is prevented from accessing these and possibly getting infected by viruses or other malicious software."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

15.   How does a Domain differ from a Workgroup?

How to Answer

Some of the terminology used in the network engineering field can be confusing to non-technical users. This is an example of this. While both workgroups and domains are essentially computers connected through a network, each has different applications and functions. Being able to differentiate between these and describe their differences will demonstrate your qualifications for this role.

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

Answer Example

"All devices or nodes in a network are organized in groups known as Domains or Workgroups. The key differences between these are their size. Workgroups are small networks, such as at home or in small offices. Large groups of computers in business or commercial environments are known as Domains. All the computers in a workgroup are considered peers and have access to each other with little or no control from one over the other. Network devices in a domain can access each other based on rules defined by network administrators. Users or nodes in a domain usually share resources like databases and output devices, whereas workgroup users maintain their own databases but may share output devices. Other differences involve security features, including access and authentication, and the ability to manage all of the computers from a central location, all of which are features of a domain."

Written by William Swansen on September 13th, 2021

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