Top Network Engineer Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Network Engineer interview by going through these most asked Network Engineer interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: How will you connect the socket and session?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the applicant has a basic understanding of how a socket and session are connected. The answer should be detailed and include the specific protocols that are used.

    Sample Answer: I will use TCP to establish a connection between the client and server. Once the connection is established, I will use HTTP to send data between the two.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Detailed answer
    • - Protocols used
    • - Understanding of session and socket

  • Question: What is an access list?
  • Question Overview: An access list is a security measure that allows or denies network traffic based on the source or destination IP address. The applicant should be able to explain how they would use an access list to protect your network from unauthorized access.

    Sample Answer: An access list is a security measure that allows or denies network traffic based on the source or destination IP address. I would use an access list to restrict traffic from a specific IP address or range of IP addresses.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of access lists
    • - Use case
    • - Experience with this technology

  • Question: What is the OSI model?
  • Question Overview: The OSI model is a network design model that is used to help network engineers understand how different layers of the network interact with each other. The applicant should be able to explain the model and how it is used in their work.

    Sample Answer: The OSI model is a layered network design model that helps network engineers understand how different layers of the network interact with each other. It's used to help with troubleshooting and designing new networks.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the OSI model
    • - How it is used
    • - How it can be applied

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to provide a clear answer to this question. You want to make sure that they have a plan for their career and that they're not just looking for a job.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to be a senior network engineer at a large organization. I'm looking for a company that will allow me to grow my skills and take on more responsibility.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career path
    • - Goals
    • - Ambition

  • Question: How will you describe the network model?
  • Question Overview: The network engineer should be able to describe the network model in a way that makes sense to you. They should be able to explain their design decisions and why they made them.

    Sample Answer: The network model I created for this company is a hybrid cloud solution. It uses a mix of on-premises and cloud-based resources to support their needs. I chose this model because it allows them to scale up or down as needed without having to invest in additional hardware.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Clear explanation
    • - Good understanding of design
    • - Good understanding of technology

  • Question: How will you differentiate between a hub and a switch?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to differentiate between a hub and a switch and explain why they are different. This question is designed to gauge their technical knowledge and understanding of the network.

    Sample Answer: A hub is a device that connects multiple devices together in a network. A switch is a device that connects multiple devices together in a network and can filter the data that is sent between them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Technical knowledge
    • - Understanding of network devices
    • - Ability to explain

  • Question: What was your best job and why?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should provide a detailed answer that highlights their most positive work experience. They should also be able to explain why they enjoyed it so much.

    Sample Answer: My best job was at a small business where I was the only network engineer. I was able to work closely with the CEO and COO to create a network that met their needs and was cost-effective.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Detailed explanation
    • - Positive experience
    • - Enjoyable job

  • Question: What are some of your past projects?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to provide a list of projects they have worked on and the type of work they did. Look for projects that are relevant to your organization and that highlight their skills.

    Sample Answer: I've worked on several network projects, including the implementation of a new network topology, the replacement of a core router and the creation of a disaster recovery plan.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Relevant projects
    • - Skills highlighted
    • - Experience with the technology

  • Question: What is BGP?
  • Question Overview: BGP is a routing protocol that is used to exchange routing information between networks. The applicant should be able to explain the basics of BGP and how it works.

    Sample Answer: BGP is a routing protocol that allows networks to exchange routing information. It's used in large networks where there are multiple connections between different organizations.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Basic understanding
    • - Ability to explain
    • - Experience with BGP

  • Question: Why do you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: This is a simple question that gives you a chance to gauge the applicant's enthusiasm for your organization. They should be able to give you a few reasons why they want to work for you specifically.

    Sample Answer: I've been following your company for a while now and have been impressed with the way you've grown. I'm excited to be part of a team that is helping to shape the future of the industry.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specific reasons
    • - Enthusiasm
    • - Experience with your company

  • Question: What were the challenges you faced in your final year project?
  • Question Overview: The final year project is a common requirement for many computer science and engineering programs. The applicant should be able to discuss the challenges they faced and how they overcame them.

    Sample Answer: The biggest challenge I faced was the time constraint. I had to design and implement the network in a short amount of time, which meant I had to work quickly. I used a virtual lab to test my designs before deploying them into the production network.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Challenges
    • - Solutions
    • - Results

  • Question: What layer of the OSI model does ICMP operate on?
  • Question Overview: The OSI model is a common networking model that describes how data is transmitted over a network. The applicant should be able to identify the correct layer and describe the purpose of ICMP.

    Sample Answer: ICMP operates on the network layer of the OSI model. It is responsible for error reporting and network diagnostics.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Correct layer
    • - Understanding of ICMP
    • - Description of purpose

  • Question: What are the differences between public and private cloud?
  • Question Overview: Cloud computing is a hot topic in the technology industry. The applicant should be able to explain the differences between public and private cloud and which one is more suitable for your organization.

    Sample Answer: Public cloud services are designed for organizations that need to scale quickly. They are also ideal for companies that don't want to invest in hardware and software. Private cloud solutions are better for organizations that want to maintain control over their data and have a higher level of security.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Clear explanation
    • - Knowledge of cloud computing
    • - Ability to choose

  • Question: Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult person at work.
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to provide an example of a time they had to deal with a difficult person at work. They should also be able to explain how they handled the situation and what they learned from it.

    Sample Answer: I had to deal with a difficult client who was very demanding. I was able to work with him by listening to his concerns and addressing them in a timely manner. I learned that sometimes you have to give in a little bit in order to get what you want.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Ability to deal with difficult people
    • - Lessons learned

  • Question: How will your skills and experience help you with this job?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to explain how their skills and experience will help them succeed in this position. They should be able to relate their past experience to your organization's needs.

    Sample Answer: I have five years of experience working in a DevOps team. I worked hand in hand with the developers to ensure that they have access to a network that supported what their applications needed to perform.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specific examples
    • - Demonstrated skills
    • - Experience with your industry

  • Question: Q: What is the frequency band allocated to Telecom Operators in India?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to quickly and accurately answer this question. The frequency band allocated to Telecom Operators in India is 890-915 MHz.

    Sample Answer: The frequency band allocated to Telecom Operators in India is 890-915 MHz.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Accurate answer
    • - Speed of answer
    • - Understanding of the question

  • Question: How would you find the heavier ball among eight balls?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that tests the applicant's problem-solving skills. You're looking for an answer that demonstrates their ability to break down a problem into its component parts and then solve it.

    Sample Answer: I would first identify which ball is the heaviest and then use a scale to weigh each ball. I would then compare the weight of the heavier ball to the other balls to determine which one is heavier.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Breakdown of the problem
    • - Solution
    • - Ability to explain

  • Question: What is your expected salary?
  • Question Overview: This is a straightforward question that the applicant should be prepared to answer. You're not looking for a specific number, but rather the applicant's salary expectations.

    Sample Answer: I'm looking for a salary of $80,000 to $90,000, which is in line with what I've been making in my current role.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Salary expectation
    • - Reason for the number

  • Question: What are the benefits of deploying SDN?
  • Question Overview: Software-defined networking (SDN) is a hot topic in the industry, and it's one that you should be familiar with. The applicant should be able to explain how SDN can help your organization and how they would implement it.

    Sample Answer: SDN allows you to create a network that is flexible and scalable. It gives you the ability to quickly add or remove resources as needed. I would recommend implementing SDN in your network.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of SDN
    • - Experience with SDN
    • - Ability to explain

  • Question: How do you make your weaknesses into strengths?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the applicant responds to challenges. They should be able to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one. This is a great opportunity to see how they handle failure and what they do to improve themselves.

    Sample Answer: I have a tendency to work too hard and burn myself out. I've learned that it's important to take breaks and recharge my batteries. I schedule time for myself each week where I can do something fun and relaxing.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Positive attitude
    • - Ability to learn from mistakes
    • - Improvement plan