Computer networks power everything from sending emails to streaming movies, and understanding how they work is crucial for many tech jobs. Whether you're applying for a role in IT, software development, or tech support, you're likely to face computer networks interview questions during the hiring process.
But don’t worry—you don’t need to be a networking guru. What you do need is a strong grasp of the basics. This guide breaks down the core computer networking concepts that can help you handle interviews with clarity and confidence.
Before jumping into technical terms, it helps to understand why interviewers ask network-related questions. Even if your job doesn’t involve configuring routers or troubleshooting switches, understanding networks shows you can:
Communicate effectively with IT and infrastructure teams
Diagnose basic connectivity issues
Understand how your code or tools behave in real-world environments
That’s why computer networks interview questions are so common—even for freshers.
Here are the essential concepts you should review before any tech interview:
A computer network is a group of interconnected devices that share data and resources. Networks can be wired or wireless and vary in scale, from a small Local Area Network (LAN) in your home to the vast Wide Area Network (WAN) we call the internet.
What to say in an interview:
"A computer network allows devices to communicate and share information. The most common types are LAN, WAN, and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network).”
These two identifiers are commonly misunderstood:
IP Address: A dynamic, logical address assigned to a device on a network.
MAC Address: A permanent, physical address assigned to the device’s network interface.
Interviewers may ask:
"Can you explain the difference between an IP and a MAC address?"
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model has seven layers:
Physical – cables, switches, hardware
Data Link – MAC addresses, Ethernet
Network – IP addressing and routing
Transport – TCP/UDP, reliable data transfer
Session – connections between applications
Presentation – encryption, formatting
Application – end-user interaction (e.g., browsers, email)
Even if you don’t remember every detail, knowing the order and purpose of each layer helps you answer layered computer networks interview questions like:
"Which OSI layer handles routing?"
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is reliable and ensures ordered delivery of packets. Used for things like emails and file transfers.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is faster but less reliable. Ideal for real-time apps like video streaming or gaming.
Sample question:
"Which protocol would you use for live video streaming and why?"
This is a favorite scenario-based question. Break it down like this:
Browser checks cache or sends a DNS request to resolve the domain name to an IP address.
A TCP connection is established.
The request is sent to the server.
The server sends a response (usually HTML), which the browser renders.
Pro Tip: Mention components like DNS, IP, HTTP, and TCP to show your understanding.
DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names into IP addresses.
Instead of typing 142.250.182.206, you type google.com, and DNS handles the rest. It’s critical for usability and connectivity.
You might be asked:
"What is DNS, and why is it important?"
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices when they join a network. Without it, users would need to configure settings manually.
Common interview follow-up:
"What happens if the DHCP server goes down?"
Answer: Devices won’t receive IPs, leading to connectivity issues.
A classic computer networks interview question involves distinguishing between these devices:
Switch: Sends data to specific devices using MAC addresses
Router: Connects different networks (like your home network to the internet)
Hub: Broadcasts data to all devices (rarely used now)
Question example:
"What is the function of a router in a home network?"
Interviewers may test whether you can troubleshoot network issues using basic tools:
ping – Checks if a system is reachable
ipconfig / ifconfig – Displays current network configuration
tracert / traceroute – Shows the path a packet takes
nslookup – Queries DNS
netstat – Shows active connections
Use case scenario:
"How would you diagnose a website not loading?"
Subnetting divides large networks into smaller ones. You don’t need to calculate subnet masks, but understand the purpose:
Enhances network performance
Improves security
Reduces congestion
Tip: Be ready to explain subnetting with a real-world analogy like neighborhoods in a city.
Practice answering out loud. The more you say it, the more natural it feels.
Don’t panic if you don’t know something. Say, “I’m not sure, but I believe…” to show willingness to learn.
Focus on clarity. Use simple examples to explain concepts—interviewers appreciate it.
Use mock interviews. Platforms like Talent Titan let you simulate tech interviews focused on areas like computer networks interview questions.
Understanding computer network basics is essential for standing out in interviews. Even if networking isn’t your core skill, questions on IPs, DNS, routing, and protocols are incredibly common. By focusing on these fundamental concepts, you'll be able to answer computer networks interview questions confidently and clearly.
Remember: the goal isn't to sound like a network engineer—it's to demonstrate that you understand the ecosystem in which modern systems operate.
Want a downloadable cheat sheet or sample questions PDF? Let me know, and I’ll send one your way.