Computer Networking Quiz (Basic to Advanced)
Basic Knowledge Questions
Q: What's the difference between TCP and UDP?
A: TCP is connection-oriented, reliable, and ensures data is delivered in order. UDP is connectionless, faster,
but does not guarantee delivery or order.
Q: Explain the OSI model and its layers.
A: The OSI model has 7 layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and
Application. Each layer serves a specific networking function.
Q: What is an IP address, and how is it different from a MAC address?
A: An IP address is a logical address used to identify a device on a network, while a MAC address is a
hardware address unique to the network interface card.
Q: What is a subnet mask?
A: A subnet mask separates the IP address into the network and host portions.
Q: What is the use of DNS?
A: DNS translates domain names into IP addresses.
Protocol-Based Questions
Q: How does the TCP three-way handshake work?
A: It involves SYN, SYN-ACK, and ACK packets to establish a reliable connection.
Q: What is the role of ARP?
A: ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) maps IP addresses to MAC addresses.
Q: What is DHCP and how does it work?
A: DHCP assigns IP addresses to devices dynamically on a network.
Q: How does SSL/TLS ensure security?
A: By encrypting data and using certificates to authenticate servers and clients.
Computer Networking Quiz (Basic to Advanced)
Device and Architecture Questions
Q: What's the difference between a router, switch, hub, and modem?
A: Router: connects networks. Switch: connects devices in a LAN. Hub: broadcasts to all devices. Modem:
connects to the internet.
Q: What is a firewall and how does it work?
A: A firewall filters network traffic based on rules to block or allow data.
Q: What is a DMZ, and why is it used?
A: A DMZ is a network area exposed to the internet, used to isolate public services from internal networks.
Q: What's the difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches?
A: Layer 2 switches use MAC addresses for switching; Layer 3 switches can route using IP addresses.
Scenario-Based Questions
Q: You can't access a website. How would you troubleshoot?
A: Check DNS resolution, ping the site, verify IP, check firewall, and network cable.
Q: Two computers on the same network can't ping each other. What might be wrong?
A: Possible issues: incorrect IPs, firewall blocks, cable problems, or switch configuration.
Q: How would you design a network for a small office?
A: Include a router, switch, DHCP, firewall, wireless access point, and IP planning.
Q: How would you secure a wireless network?
A: Use WPA3 encryption, strong passwords, MAC filtering, and disable SSID broadcasting.
Advanced Topics Questions
Q: Explain BGP and its importance in internet routing.
A: BGP is a path-vector protocol used to exchange routing information between autonomous systems on the
internet.
Computer Networking Quiz (Basic to Advanced)
Q: What is NAT, and what are its types?
A: NAT translates private IP addresses to public. Types: Static, Dynamic, and PAT.
Q: How does QoS work in a network?
A: QoS prioritizes critical network traffic to ensure performance.
Q: What's the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
A: IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses; IPv6 uses 128-bit, offering more address space.
Q: How do MPLS networks work?
A: MPLS forwards packets based on labels, not IPs, allowing faster routing.
Tools and Commands Questions
Q: What does the ping command do?
A: Sends ICMP echo requests to test connectivity.
Q: How does traceroute work?
A: It traces the path packets take to a destination by sending packets with incrementing TTL values.
Q: What is netstat used for?
A: Displays network connections, routing tables, and interface statistics.
Q: How do you use Wireshark?
A: To capture and analyze network packets for troubleshooting and monitoring.