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 are some things we can do to improve connectivity?
  • Question Overview: The network engineer should be able to provide ideas on how to improve your organization's connectivity. They should be able to provide specific details on how they would implement these changes and why they are the best solution for your organization.

    Sample Answer: I would recommend implementing a new wireless network that uses 5G technology. This would improve your connectivity and allow for more devices to connect to the network at once.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Detailed ideas
    • - Specific implementation plan
    • - Good reasons for the changes

  • Question: How do you handle conflicts with your boss?
  • Question Overview: Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, and the applicant should be able to explain how they handle them. Look for an answer that shows that they are able to work well with others and resolve issues in a professional manner.

    Sample Answer: I always try to approach my boss with a solution rather than a problem. I understand that we are all working towards the same goal, and I try to find ways to work together rather than against each other.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to resolve conflicts
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Professionalism

  • Question: What is your opinion on customer service?
  • Question Overview: The network engineer is often the first point of contact for customers. They should be able to provide a solid answer that shows they understand the importance of customer service and how it can impact the business.

    Sample Answer: I believe that customer service is a key component of any business. I've worked with clients who have been very satisfied with my work and those who have not. I always strive to improve my customer service skills and make sure that my clients are happy with the work I do.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong opinions
    • - Experience with customer service
    • - Ability to provide examples

  • Question: What is networking and VPN?
  • Question Overview: This question is a simple one that gauges the applicant's knowledge of networking and VPN. You're looking for a solid understanding of the concepts and terminology.

    Sample Answer: Networking is the process of connecting computers together to share resources. A VPN is a network that uses a public network, such as the Internet, to connect remote sites or users together.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of networking and VPN
    • - Knowledge of networking and VPN
    • - Ability to explain

  • Question: How do you react when in an argument with one of your peers?
  • Question Overview: The applicant's answer to this question will give you insight into their personality and how they handle conflict. You're looking for an answer that shows they are a team player and can work with others to find a solution.

    Sample Answer: I try to remain calm and focus on the issue at hand. I understand that we all have different opinions, and I'm confident that we can find a solution that works for everyone.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Team player
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Positive attitude

  • Question: What is the difference between NAT and PAT?
  • Question Overview: Network Address Translation (NAT) and Port Address Translation (PAT) are two ways to translate IP addresses. NAT is a one-to-one mapping, while PAT is a one-to-many mapping. The applicant should be able to explain the difference between the two and when they would use each.

    Sample Answer: NAT is a one-to-one mapping that allows an organization to use private IP addresses on their network. This is useful when you have a limited number of public IP addresses and need to share them among multiple devices. PAT is a one-to-many mapping that allows an organization to use multiple public IP addresses on their network. This is useful when you have a large number of devices that need access to the Internet.

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

  • Question: How do you handle a difficult peer in the work place?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to describe how they handle conflict and difficult people. You're looking for a confident response that shows the applicant's ability to work with others.

    Sample Answer: I have a strong communication skills and I'm able to work with my peers to resolve issues. I've had to work with difficult people in the past, but I've always been able to work through the issues and come out on top.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confident response
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Experience working with difficult people

  • Question: How do you resolve conflicts in the team?
  • Question Overview: Conflicts are a natural part of any team environment. The applicant should be able to provide an answer that shows they have experience resolving conflicts and working with a team.

    Sample Answer: I am very good at communicating with my team members. I can identify the root cause of the conflict and find a solution that works for everyone.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Strong communication skills
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Experience resolving conflict

  • Question: What is sky wave and ground wave propagation?
  • Question Overview: This question tests the applicant's knowledge of radio frequency propagation. The sky wave and ground wave propagation are two types of radio waves that can travel through the air. The applicant should be able to explain the difference between the two and when they are used.

    Sample Answer: Sky wave propagation is used to transmit over long distances. It is used by broadcast stations and cell towers to send signals over long distances. Ground wave propagation is used to transmit over short distances. It is used by walkie-talkies, baby monitors, and cordless phones.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of sky wave and ground wave
    • - Ability to explain

  • Question: How would you advance the customer care in your role?
  • Question Overview: The applicant should be able to explain how they would improve customer care. They don't have to have a specific plan in place, but they should be able to articulate how they would improve the customer experience.

    Sample Answer: I would implement a ticketing system that would allow customers to submit tickets online and track the progress of their requests. This system would also allow me to track the time it takes to resolve issues and identify areas for improvement.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Customer experience improvement
    • - Specific plan
    • - Ability to communicate