Networking Interview Questions – Networking interview questions for freshers typically focus on the basic concepts and principles of computer networks. You’ll likely be asked about topics such as the OSI and TCP/IP models, including the function of each layer, and common networking devices like routers, switches, and hubs. interview questions for networking freshers may cover protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, TCP, IP, and DNS, as well as how data is transmitted across networks using packet switching.

Freshers should be familiar with the differences between LAN, WAN, and MAN, IP addressing (IPv4 and IPv6), subnetting, and basic troubleshooting techniques. You may also be asked about network security concepts, such as firewalls, encryption, and VPNs. Understanding how networks are set up, how devices communicate, and basic command-line tools like ping and traceroute can also be helpful in answering interview questions.

Here the most important  Networking Interview Questions for fresher with Answers .

Basic Networking Interview Questions

1. What is a Network?
   A network is a group of two or more connected devices that share data and resources. It can be wired or wireless.

2. What is a Protocol?
   A protocol is a set of rules that define how data is transmitted over a network. Examples include TCP, IP, and HTTP.

3. What is an IP Address?
   An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device on a network. It helps in locating and communicating with other devices.

4. What is the OSI Model?
   The OSI Model is a conceptual framework with 7 layers that standardize network functions. Layers include Physical, Data Link, Network, etc.

5. What is TCP/IP?
   TCP/IP is a protocol suite used for internet communication. TCP handles data delivery, while IP manages addressing and routing.

Intermediate Networking Interview Questions

6. What are the layers of the OSI Model?
   Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application – from bottom to top.

7. Difference between TCP and UDP?
   TCP is connection-oriented and reliable; UDP is connectionless and faster but less reliable.

8. What is a MAC Address?
   A MAC address is a unique hardware identifier for a network interface card. It operates at the Data Link Layer.

9. What is DNS?
   DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names into IP addresses. It acts like a phonebook for the internet.

10. What is DHCP?
    DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.

Common Technical Questions

11. What is Subnetting?
    Subnetting divides a large network into smaller, manageable sub-networks. It helps improve performance and security.

12. What is a Gateway?
    A gateway connects different networks and acts as a translator between protocols.

13. What is a Router?
    A router directs data packets between different networks, using IP addresses.

14. What is a Switch?
    A switch connects devices within the same network and forwards data to the correct destination using MAC addresses.

15. What is a Hub?
    A hub is a basic device that broadcasts data to all connected devices, regardless of destination.

Practical Scenarios for computer networks interview questions

16. What is NAT?
    NAT (Network Address Translation) maps private IPs to public IPs, allowing multiple devices to share one public address.

17. What is Ping?
    Ping is a command used to test connectivity between two devices. It uses ICMP protocol.

18. What is Traceroute?
    Traceroute shows the path packets take from source to destination, useful for network diagnostics.

19. What is ARP?
    ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) maps IP addresses to MAC addresses within a local network.

20. What is the difference between LAN and WAN?
    LAN is a local network within a limited area; WAN covers a larger geographical area like the internet.

Advanced Concepts

21. What is a VLAN?
    VLAN (Virtual LAN) segments a network logically, even if devices are not physically together.

22. What is Port Forwarding?
    Port forwarding redirects traffic from one port/IP to another, often used for remote access.

23. What is a Firewall?
    A firewall controls network traffic, blocking unauthorized access based on rules.

24. What is Load Balancing?
    Load balancing distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers to ensure performance.

25. What is a Proxy Server?
    A proxy acts as an intermediary between the client and internet, often for filtering or caching.

Network Tools & Troubleshooting

26. What does the ipconfig command do?
    It displays IP configuration details in Windows systems.

27. What is netstat used for?
    Netstat shows current network connections, routing tables, and listening ports.

28. What is the use of nslookup?
    It queries DNS to get domain name or IP address mapping.

29. What is a loopback address?
    127.0.0.1 is the loopback address used to test network stack on a local device.

30. How do you release and renew an IP address?
    Use ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew commands in CMD.

Security & Administration

31. What is a DMZ in networking?
    DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is a subnetwork that adds an extra layer of security between internal and external networks.

32. What is port number 80 used for?
    Port 80 is used for HTTP traffic, the standard web communication protocol.

33. What is a VPN?
    VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure connection over the internet to a private network.

34. What is a packet?
    A packet is a small chunk of data transmitted over a network.

35. What is a default gateway?
    The default gateway is the router IP where all unrecognized traffic is forwarded.

Behavioral Questions for Freshers

36. Why do you want a career in networking?
    I enjoy solving problems, and networking combines both hardware and software skills.

37. Have you set up a network before?
    Yes, I’ve configured basic LANs with routers, switches, and IP settings.

38. What is your favorite network troubleshooting tool?
    Ping and Traceroute, as they help identify connectivity and path issues quickly.

39. How do you stay updated on networking trends?
    I follow blogs like Cisco, NetworkChuck on YouTube, and Reddit forums.

40. Are you comfortable working with hardware?
    Yes, I have hands-on experience with routers, switches, and cabling setups.

Scenario-Based Questions

41. A user can’t access the internet – how would you troubleshoot?
    Check physical cables, IP settings, gateway, and use ping/traceroute.

42. What if two computers have the same IP?
    An IP conflict occurs, and I’d reassign one to avoid communication issues.

43. What happens when you enter a URL in a browser?
    DNS resolves it to an IP, browser sends a request to server, and server responds with a webpage.

44. How do you secure a wireless network?
    Use WPA3 encryption, strong passwords, and disable WPS.

45. What’s the difference between static and dynamic IP?
    Static IP is manually set and fixed, dynamic is assigned by DHCP.

Extra Questions

46. What is the function of the Transport Layer?
    It ensures reliable data transfer between hosts via protocols like TCP and UDP.

47. What is a broadcast address?
    It sends data to all devices in a network. Example: 192.168.1.255 in a subnet.

48. What is a collision domain?
    A network area where packet collisions can occur, reduced by switches.

49. What is a broadcast domain?
    A segment where broadcast traffic is shared. Routers separate broadcast domains.

50. What is latency?
    Latency is the delay in data transmission between source and destination.

Bonus Networking Interview Questions

✅ What is a broadcast domain?
A broadcast domain includes all devices that receive broadcast frames.
Routers separate broadcast domains.
Switches don’t by default.

✅ What is a collision domain?
A collision domain is where data packets can collide.
Switches reduce collisions.
Hubs extend them.