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Basics of Computer Networking – Important Questions and Answers

Basics of Computer Networking – Interview Questions and Answers

Basics of Computer Networking - Interview Question

1. What is a computer network?
Ans : A computer network is a system of connected devices that are able to communicate with each other and share resources. It allows computers to collaborate, transfer data, and access shared information - such as files, emails, and printers - from one device to another.
2. What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN?
Ans : A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network confined to a small geographic area, like a home or office, offering high speeds and low costs, while a WAN (Wide Area Network) connects networks over large, remote areas, such as across countries or continents, but with slower speeds, higher costs, and more complex maintenance.
3. What is the OSI Model, and why is it important?
Ans : The OSI Model (Open Systems Interconnection Model) is a framework that explains how data travels through a network in 7 layers — from the physical hardware to the applications we use. Each layer has a specific job, like sending signals, routing data, or displaying information to the user. It’s important because it standardizes network communication, helps troubleshoot problems, and makes it easier to understand how networks work.
4. Name the common network topologies.
Ans : The common network topologies are bus, star, ring, mesh, tree, and hybrid.
  1. Bus: All devices are connected to a single, central cable called the bus.
  2. Star: All devices are connected to a central hub or switch.
  3. Ring: Devices are connected in a closed loop, with each device connected to two others.
  4. Mesh: Every device is connected to every other device in the network.
  5. Tree: A hybrid of bus and star topologies, where a central "root" node connects to other nodes, which in turn connect to more nodes, forming a hierarchy.
  6. Hybrid: A combination of two or more different topologies, such as a star-bus or star-ring.
5. What is an IP address?
Ans : An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier assigned to each device on a network. It is used to locate and communicate with devices over the internet or a local network, just like a home address is used to send and receive mail.
6. What is an MAC address?
Ans : A MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a unique hardware identifier given to a device’s network interface card (NIC). It helps identify the device on a local network and is used for data transfer within the same network. It’s like a permanent serial number for your device’s network hardware.
7. What is the main function of the Physical Layer?
Ans : The main function of the Physical Layer is to transmit raw data (bits) over a physical medium such as cables, wires, or radio signals. It deals with the hardware parts of networking, like connectors, voltage levels, and data transmission rates.
8. What are the primary responsibilities of the Data Link Layer?
Ans : The primary responsibilities of the Data Link Layer are to provide error detection, flow control, and reliable data transfer between two directly connected devices. It also uses MAC addresses to identify devices on the same network and ensures that data frames are sent and received correctly.
9. What is the key role of a Router?
Ans : The key role of a router is to connect different networks and direct data between them. It decides the best path for data to travel from one device to another, making sure information reaches the correct destination on the internet or another network.
10. What is the key role of Network Layer?
Ans : The key role of the Network Layer is to move data between different networks. It decides the best route for data to travel and uses IP addresses to send information from the source device to the correct destination device.
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11. What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
Ans : The difference between TCP and UDP is that TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) provides a reliable connection by checking that all data is received correctly and in order, while UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is faster but does not guarantee delivery or order.
12. Name three common Application Layer protocols and their functions.
Ans : Three common Application Layer protocols are HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), and DNS (Domain Name System). HTTP is used for web browsing, SMTP sends emails between servers, and DNS translates domain names into IP addresses.
13. What is the fundamental difference between a Switch and a Router?
Ans :
Router
Switch
1. Router connects different networks and sends data between them. 1. Switch connects devices within the same network and transfers data between them.
2. Router works at the Network Layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model. 2. Switch works at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.
3. Router uses IP addresses to find the best path for data. 3. Switch uses MAC addresses to send data to the right device.
4. Router handles data packets. 4. Switch handles data frames.
5. Router connects multiple networks (like LAN to the Internet). 5. Switch operates within a single network (LAN).
14. Name three common Application Layer protocols and their functions.
Ans : Subnetting is the process of dividing a single computer network into multiple smaller, more manageable networks called subnets. This is important because it improves network performance by reducing traffic, enhances security by isolating traffic between segments, and allows for more efficient use of IP addresses, which is especially crucial for IPv4 networks.
15. How does the TCP 3-way handshake work ?
Ans : The TCP 3-way handshake establishes a connection between a client and a server through three steps: the client sends a SYN packet, the server responds with a SYN-ACK packet, and the client replies with an ACK packet. This process ensures both sides are ready and synchronized to exchange data before any information is transmitted.
16. What is a Firewall and how does it work ?
Ans : A Firewall is a security device or software that protects a network by monitoring and controlling data traffic. It works by checking incoming and outgoing data and allowing or blocking it based on security rules. This helps prevent unauthorized access, hacking, and malicious attacks on the network.
17. Explain Software-Defined Networking (SDN) simply.
Ans : Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a modern way to manage networks using software instead of hardware. It separates the control part (which decides where data goes) from the hardware part (which forwards the data). This makes the network easier to manage, faster to change, and more flexible for different needs.
18. What is Quality of Service (QoS) ?
Ans : Quality of Service (QoS) is a network feature that manages and prioritizes data traffic to make sure important applications work well, even when the network is busy. It gives high-priority to data like video calls or voice calls, so they don’t get delayed by less important traffic like file downloads.
19. Why is QoS important for video conferencing?
Ans : QoS is important for video conferencing because it gives priority to video and audio traffic, making calls clear and smooth. It reduces delays, prevents choppy sound or frozen video, and ensures enough bandwidth, so the call doesn’t get interrupted even if the network is busy.
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